Dramatic white cliffs run along the coast across from England in the Pas-de-Calais department, whose towns and cities are dotted with fascinating museums and historic buildings. Its wartime history is told through intriguing monuments, while green hilly terrain stretches inland from the rear of sandy beaches. While visiting Pas-de-Calais, get a sense of regional flavors including strong cheeses, fish and cauliflower.
Appreciate the art deco and Flemish architecture that typifies central Arras, a city whose exceptional role in World War I is explained in La Carrière Wellington. This museum allows you to delve into the underground tunnels used by soldiers. In the city center, stroll along the cobbled surfaces of the Place des Héros and the Grand Place, admiring the rebuilt 17th-century architecture and learning about their subterranean channels.
For a change of setting, travel north to the coast, where you’ll find Boulogne-sur-Mer. In the city’s Haute Ville district, marvel at the preserved belfry of the Hôtel de Ville, dating back to the 12th century. Snap photos of the dome and delve into the crypt of the impressive Notre Dame de Boulogne and find out about the historic Opal coastline in the Nausicaá National Sea Center.
In the summer, head to the town’s sandy shoreline or travel along the coast for Le Touquet Beach, Berck Beach and Calais Beach. From here, access the Port of Calais and the Eurotunnel, which passes beneath the sea to Dover and London in England. In Calais, see the Église Notre Dame and the Calais Lighthouse.
Pas-de-Calais lies along the northern border of France, overlooking the English Channel and facing Dover in the United Kingdom. From Paris, drive north for 115 miles (185 kilometers) to get here in 2 to 3 hours. On the way, visit towns such as Beauvais, Compiègne and Creil.
