The famous Cht’i country

The traditions, heritage and knowledge in Nord-Pas de Calais perpetuate an inherited identity of centuries-old thriving customs.
Meet a group of fishermen in Dunkerque or Boulogne, uncover some treasures in the annual Lille ‘braderie’, live again the mining period, drink a pint in a regional tavern and eat musles and French fries in a authentic “Estaminet tavern”.

Enjoy the outstanding panorama between the 2 capes of the “Côte d’Opale”.

As the locals say themselves, “we have the sun inside our heart, if not in the sky”

The Opal Coast, la Côte d’Opale

• With its kilometers of sand, the Opal coast definitely belongs to the French most beautiful beaches : Hardelot dunes, Le Touquet dam, the famous cliffs between the 2 capes ‘Blanc-Nez’ and ‘Gris-Nez’.
• Enjoy the lively resorts and the numerous outdoor activities : windsurf, paddle, kitesurf, kites, horse-riding.
• In Boulogne sur mer, experience the first fishing habour in France and the National Sea Center, the biggest European site on marine knowledge.

Lille and the Flemish countryside

• Bienvenue à Lille ! Warm people, student city, parties, bars…without forgetting a strong history.
• Rated as a “Art & History” city, make a stroll in the “Vieux Lille” : colourful ‘facades’ inspired by the Flemish Renaissance and its lively squares surrounded by typical ‘brasseries’ will greet you at every corner.
• During the 1st September week end takes place the famous “Braderie de Lille”, the biggest European flea-market with its contest of mussels & French fries in front of every restaurant !
• Climb Flanders’ low mountains (Mont des Cats, Mont Cassel, Mont Noir…) and discover an Cistercian abbey here, a typical village there, a warm “estaminet tavern” here, a outstanding Trapist monks beer there, a windmill here, a superb panorama there…

From the mines to the carnivals

• The region has been shaped with the massive exploitation of coal in the 19th century ; now, thanks to its heaps, its miners’ villages, it is a UNESCO World’s heritage region.
  Discover the heart of the mine with a guided visit of the galleries with a former miner!
• The carnivals: from Dunkirk to Cassel and many others. Thousands attend the festival and join in the fun that grips the whole town. The “bandes” consist of a huge procession with everyone singing traditional songs. Unique atmosphere in France!
• Meet the Giants ! From centuries, these huge puppets are held by several people during carnivals, events, fairs…