Things to do in  Nord-Pas de Calais

La Madeleine, located in the heart of Paris, is a striking neoclassical Catholic church that was designed as a tribute to Napoleon’s army and its victories. With its impressive grand columns and Greek temple–style design, it’s a big draw for architecture lovers, history buffs, and photographers alike. Parisians attend regular services here, as well as weddings, high-profile funerals, and concerts.

The site of some of the bloodiest fighting in World War I’s Somme Offensive, the small French village of Pozières is haunted by the tremendous loss of life experienced here in 1916 and 1918, particularly by Australian troops. Today, the village has been rebuilt and is home to a number of monuments and memorials, including the Pozières Memorial and British Cemetery.

With a collection spanning the centuries, the Palais des Beaux-Arts has something for everyone. Inside, you’ll find works from some of Europe’s most celebrated artists, including Raphael, Bosch, Goya, Monet, and many others.

Among history buffs, the historic French town of Vimy—located just southwest of Lille—is a popular day trip destination from Paris. This World War I battle site and its Canadian National Vimy Memorial honors the more than 10,000 Canadian soldiers who were killed and wounded during the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Vieux-Lille—the city’s Old Town—is its most historic quarter, with notable Flemish-style architecture and major landmarks. The area, located just north of the city center, dates back centuries. Come for the history, architecture, and its gourmet food and drink offerings.

Lille Town Hall is known for its quintessential red-brick Flemish architecture. But the municipal building’s real draw is its soaring 104-meter (341-foot) Belfry. A typical feature of Northern France and Belgium—so much so, they were granted UNESCO World Heritage protection—belfries once alerted citizens to imminent dangers or gatherings. Today, the structure offers panoramic views of the city.

The Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery is one of France’s largest military cemeteries and a major World War I landmark. The final resting place of some 70,000 Commonwealth troops (more than half of whom are unidentified), it has a particularly moving connection for Canadians: Canada’s Unknown Soldier was first buried here before later being repatriated.

The Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery is the final resting place for Australian, British, and Commonwealth troops who lost their lives during the catastrophic Battle of Fromelles on July 19, 1916. Dedicated in 2010 following the discovery and exhumation of mass graves, it was the first new World War I cemetery in northern France for 50 years.

Discover the hidden treasures of Dunkirk (Dunkerque), a historic community in northern France. Many people know of the city's role in the Second World War, but beyond its wartime significance, this destination has plenty of surprises. From museums to art galleries and beaches, Dunkirk has become a popular family-friendly summer destination in France.

The Hospice Comtesse Museum is the city museum of Lille, housed in an old hospital founded by Jeanne, Countess of Flanders, in the 13th century. You’ll find paintings, tapestries, wood sculptures, and porcelain, and rooms furnished to reflect convent life in centuries past.

Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral in Lille is a Roman Catholic church that took almost 150 years to complete. The building is known for its modern stained glass panels and impressive organ.

Charles de Gaulle is one of the most celebrated Frenchmen of the past few centuries—and Lille’s Birthplace of Charles de Gaulle (Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle) offers a glimpse into the early years of the French general and statesman. Visit his birthplace-turned-museum to see family keepsakes, documents, and other mementos.

Also known as the Ablain Saint-Nazaire French Military Cemetery, Notre Dame de Lorette is the world’s largest French military cemetery. Located in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, the 60-acre (25-hectare site contains the remains of more than 40,000 soldiers and is a poignant reminder of the Great War’s devastation.

A haunting testament to the destructive nature of war, the 16th-century Ablain-St-Nazaire Church—a Gothic masterpiece designed by architect Jacques Le Caron—was destroyed during heavy fighting in 1914. Today, the landmark has been purposefully left in ruins. It stands as a memorial and reminder of World War I’s devastation.

The flagship seaside resort of France’s Opal Coast, Boulogne-sur-Mer has cultural attractions, sandy beaches, and a traditional fishing port. The second most-visited destination in Nord Pas-de-Calais after Lille, this charming coastal city is also the gateway to the hiking and biking trails of Caps et Marais d’Opale Regional Natural Park.