Nord-Pas de la Calais Region

This area is referred to as The Ardennes and Northern Beaches. It is not a big tourist region for North Americans but it is for French vacationers who visit the beach resorts of the Channels during the summer. This region suffered from damages during its occupation by the Germans in World War I and World War II. It is the port of disembarkation for the ferries, hydrofoils, and Channel Tunnel arrivals from Britain. Attractions in this area are the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Amiens and the town of Laon.

The beach resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage at the Channel is a favorite of French families.

Attractions in the area include The French National Sea Center. This is a science exhibition dedicated to the relationship of man and the sea. Its focus ion public awareness of the need for management of marine resources. The center is in Boulogne sur Mer which is a fishing village.

Calais is the principal ferry crossing point between England and France. The Channel Tunnel is also located near Calais and there is a direct rail link to Paris.

Also on the coast is Dunkirk. It was a major fortress of the German army until its surrender in 1945. Most of the city was destroyed during World War II. Only the harbors at Le Harve and Marseille are larger. There is a ferry connection from Dunkirk to Dover, England.

There are several attractions in Dunkirk which include museums. The Musee Portuaire exhibits images about the history of the port. A large collection of Flemish, Italian, and French paintings and sculptures are exhibited in the Musee des Beaux-Arts.

Although this region is not one that has a lot of tourists from North America, there are interesting sights in this area of historical significance.

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