Nord Pas-de-Calais

Nord-Pas-de-Calais is the closest region in France to Britain. A region of contrasting landscapes: forests, gentle meadows, rolling hills dotted with windmills, a varied coastline, wide-open spaces of unspoilt countryside, waterways for river cruising, and much more. It is a region proud of its traditions where fairs, fêtes and festivals are so much a part of daily life. Steeped in history, Nord Pas de Calais has a rich heritage with sites dating from Roman times to the World Wars. Famous for its gastronomy, Nord-Pas-de-Calais offers mouth watering regional specialties. In 2012, Nord Pas de Calais has some of wonderful surprises in store, with cultural and sporting events : the opening of the Louvre Museum in Lens, Lille's new stadium, the old mining areas are expected to be awarded Unesco World Heritage status and, following Lille's 2004 ranking as European City of Culture, the mobile Pompidou Centre and the Festival Fantastic 2012.