Nord-Pas-de-Calias

Bordering Belgium, and only a tunnel ride across the English Channel to Great Britain, Nord-Pas de Calais acts as a sort of European crossroads. The TGV rail lines running from London, Brussels, and Paris also meet in Lille, making this region the perfect hub for the European traveler.

 

Due to its convenient location, Nord-Pas-de-Calais property is popular with British investors for its relatively quick travel to England. Many purchase vacation homes as they feature some splendid scenery and pretty sandy beaches in some areas as well. Homebuyers can expect to find a mix of farmhouses, rural Longères (brick row housing), and charming brick homes. Many Nord-Pas-de-Calais homes for sale come with a garden or garage, perfect for storing an extra vehicle for in-town use.

 

Although it is so easy to travel out of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, be sure to take in all the natural and historical beauty and art this region has to offer before leaving. The French coast from Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer, known as the Côte d'Opale, is known for its beautiful cliffs and capes. Stroll along the sandy beaches of one of les Deux Caps, Cap Blanc Nez or Cap Gris Nez, and on a clear day, view the white cliffs of Dover in Great Britain. The only bordering province is Picardie, which is located to the south of Nord-Pas-de-Calais property.

 

While in this région, don’t miss the belfries (bell towers) of Belgium and France, which are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, or La Piscine, the Museum of Art and Industry in Roubaix, which is a former art-deco pool turned museum. Also be sure to visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille. It was one of the first museums built in France and established under the instructions of Napoleon I at the beginning of the 19th century as part of the popularization of art. Be sure to try the popular moules-frites (mussels and fries), served with a tasty regional beer and top off your meal with a bit of Jenever before saying farewell to this Crossroads in the North of France.

 

Départements: Nord and Pas-de-Calais.

 

Capital: Lille

 

Regional Culinary Specialties: Moules-frites, Jenever (a juniper-flavored liquor, similar to Gin), and Waterzooï. Also, nearly everything is cooked in a pot.