2025 Nord-Pas-de-Calais Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Dunkirk, located in northern France near the Belgian border, is a major port city on the Pas de Calais coast. It's one of France's northernmost cities, just half an hour from Lille and about 2.5 to 3 hours by train from Paris. Dunkirk has a rich history, having been a commercial port and military stronghold since the Middle Ages. However, it is best known for the Dunkirk evacuation (Operation Dynamo) during World War II, when over 330,000 Allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches. This event also served as the backdrop for the film "Dunkirk." ★Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Operation Dynamo - Location: Near the port and beach - Displaying the history of the Dunkirk evacuation, including artifacts, films, and soldiers' stories. 2. Plage de Malo-les-Bains (Beach and Breakwater) - Dunkirk's expansive beach was the actual site of the evacuation. - Today, it's a popular spot for strolling, sunbathing, and sea views. 3. Église Saint-Éloi (Eglise Saint-Éloi) - A Gothic church with a magnificent bell tower offering panoramic views. - The church's interior features exquisite stained glass and sculptures. 4. Dunkirk Harbor (Port de Dunkerque) - France's third-largest commercial port. Take a guided boat tour of the harbor to learn about the region's economic lifeline. 5. Dunkirk Museum of Modern Art (LAAC – Lieu d’Art et Action Contemporaine) - Home to a large collection of 20th-century art, it complements the outdoor sculpture garden. ★Dunkirk Carnival (Carnaval de Dunkerque): Held annually from January to March, it's northern France's most frenetic folk festival, featuring costume parades, traditional music, a night of carnival, and the "Flying Fish Ceremony," where the mayor throws smoked haddock from the window of the town hall. ★Food Recommendations: ·Potjevleesch: A cold meat jelly from the Flemish region, served with fries. ·Moules-frites: Mussels and fries, a classic port city combination. ·Waffles & Beer: Influenced by Belgian culture, locals enjoy desserts and craft beer. ★Restaurant Recommendation: Le Protocole ※Notes: -Best Season: Late spring to early autumn (May to September), with pleasant weather. Recommended Clothing: Bring a windbreaker as coastal winds can be strong. If you plan to attend the carnival, don't forget to wear makeup or a mask! -Perfect Day Trip: Consider visiting Calais or Bruges, Belgium.

Lille is located in the north of France and is a city full of history and culture. It combines French and Flemish styles, with a beautiful old town, the magnificent Grand Place, and many museums such as the Lille Museum of Fine Arts. This museum is the second largest in France, with a collection of more than 60,000 pieces, which is well worth visiting. Lille is also an important transportation hub and university city in northern France, combining modern vitality with ancient charm. The architectural style of the old town is completely different from that of Paris. You can also find many different faces of Lille and cute shops in the alleys, which are well worth exploring!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent This is a Paris cafe where the chocolate was delicious. There are outdoor and indoor seats. In Paris, sitting outside and eating seems to make you feel better for some reason. Eating warm chocolate made me feel good and full of sugar. I recommend you visit when you travel.