Nord-Pas-de-Calais travel guide and discussion

👀💗🍵This super cute shop is called Upetit in St. Petersburg, Russia.🍫 🪿🌤️ It's located near the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. ⛄️🍨🪸 They sell food, coffee, and desserts. 🥝🍌🌶️ I love that they also sell Thai food. 🫓🍖🫔 They have a sales team in the shop. You can choose your food, order your coffee, pay, and then take it online. 🍛🫙🍣 It's super convenient, and there's plenty of seating. Kids and teenagers can come and enjoy coffee or work. 🫕🦪🍣 Grab a bite to eat and then go for a walk. 🖥️📸📷 For those who love taking photos, this shop has tons of cute corners and adorable coffee cups to take home with you. 💗👀✨📸🥝⛄️ #GetDiscountsWithoutLuck #TravelPlan #TravelRussia #Russia #SaintPetersburg #TravelLikeADuck🪿 #TravelOnYour Own #Travel #RussiaTravel #RussiaTrip

#worthitomot #Dunkirk #MaloLesBains I took the TER from Lille to Dunkirk (1h10, €14.50, card), then bus 3 to Malo-les-Bains (€1.80, 15 min). The promenade is a wide concrete belt behind a wide sandy beach, free, with 1930s beach huts painted in faded primary colors and a Belle Époque casino at the south end. I walked 2 km north to the Port of Dunkirk breakwater—container cranes, tugboats, and the Musée Portuaire (€6, closed Tue) explaining the 1940 evacuation. The beach itself is windy, grey-green North Sea, 17°C in July; swimming is legal but bracing. A “digue” café sold frites (€5) and a bière de garde (€6). Mistake: I assumed Malo was a cute village—it’s a suburban front attached to an industrial port, so the charm is the 1900s façades, not the sand. Another mistake: skipping the port side; the contrast of art-nouveau huts and 300 m cargo ships is the actual point. Worth it? Yes as a half-day off the Belgium train line—Dunkirk is underrated vs Calais—but not a beach day. Question: does a Belle Époque promenade next to a working steel port beat a pristine dune coast, or is the industry a dealbreaker?

🇫🇷I originally planned to use Lille as a transit point between Paris and Brussels, but I was unexpectedly pleasantly surprised by the city! We drove to Parking Indigo Lille Grand Place, and right outside was a spacious square. The surrounding French red-brick buildings seemed to have a built-in filter, with the old stock exchange and the Lille Chamber of Commerce clock tower standing quietly nearby. It was exceptionally peaceful on Sunday, with few tourists. We strolled into Lille's old town, where narrow streets and cobblestone lanes stretched as far as the eye could see. Cafes and bakeries were open one after another, and there were many locals queuing to buy baguettes. Every corner felt like a scene from a movie. 🗺️ A super easy, no-detour photo-taking route I personally tested! 🚞 Train station/parking lot → Old Stock Exchange → Grand Place/Grace Column → Old Town Notre-Dame Basilica → Astral GLACE ice cream shop → Place aux Oignons → Countess Museum → Canal District stroll → Take photos at the Château de la Cité on a sunny evening 🤳🏻 Near the Lille Notre-Dame Basilica, I was drawn to a small, unassuming shop – the sign read ASTRAL GLACE. Pushing open the door, the air was filled with the aroma of cocoa 🍫. The shelves were lined with ASTRAL CHOCOLAT handmade chocolates, arranged like works of art, each one tempting to linger. Especially the twelve zodiac chocolates; the starry sky packaging was so beautiful, the perfect souvenir. The ice cream display case was a nightmare of choices! The staff were incredibly patient, letting me try several flavors. In the end, I chose the orange blossom roasted almond (pictured in picture 6), and the first bite was a delightful surprise! Sweet and not cloying, with crunchy almond bits to enjoy—so unique and delicious! I also ordered a hot chocolate ☕️ and a Sunrise Waffle 🧇; the contrast of hot and cold instantly brought me immense happiness! There's also a four-piece chocolate gift box (pictured in 8), with chocolate, hazelnuts, almonds, and cranberries. I couldn't stop eating them when I got home that night… The light in Lille before sunset is so gentle, bathing the red brick walls in golden light. The streets are quiet, and the breeze is light. If you ever pass through Lille, or choose to travel between Paris and Lille, you should definitely take your time here. Remember to add the Asta chocolate ice cream to your shopping list. Even just for a piece of chocolate and a cup of ice cream, this city is incredibly worthwhile.

#worthitomot #CoteDOpale #TwoCaps I parked in Wissant (free village lot, 8:30 am), walked the GR120 south 8 km to Cap Blanc-Nez (134 m chalk lookout, English coast visible in clear air), then continued 8 km to Cap Gris-Nez (closest France–England point, 50 m, ferries crossing below). Total 16 km, 4.5 hours, free, no ticket. The cliff path is grassy then chalky; wind 40 km/h stripped my umbrella. Cap Gris-Nez has a small parking lot (€2/hour) and a café; I ate a crêpe (€6.50). Shorter option: drive to each cap’s lot (Cap Blanc-Nez €3/hour, Cap Gris-Nez €2/hour) and do the 3 km Cap Gris-Nez loop + 1 km Blanc-Nez lookout. Mistake: I did the full 16 km in one direction and had to hitch back to Wissant (a fisherman gave me a ride—don’t count on it). Another mistake: no layers—the Opal Coast fog rolled in at noon and the view died. Worth it? Yes, the Two Caps walk is the best Channel cliff day in France north of Normandy, and free if you park in a village. If you’re car-bound, do both cap pullouts and skip the midline. Question: is 16 km of chalk cliff worth more than two 10-minute photo stops, or does the middle section repeat itself?

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A delicious lunch filled with classic Flemish flavors! From os à moelle and moules-frites with Maroilles sauce to beef carbonade, beef tartare, steak with Maroilles sauce, and Basque chicken. 🍴 And of course, we finished with café gourmand and profiteroles—the perfect sweet ending! 🤎 #bethune #frenchcuisine #flemishcuisine #flanders #mussels #lannexe #moulesfrites

#hellohalloween Step away from the ferry port and discover a quiet landmark of resilience and beauty. This isn't just a church; it's a silent witness to centuries of Calais history, perfect for a moment of solitary contemplation. Your Perfect Solo Itinerary: Morning: A Quiet Arrival Start your day by walking from the city center. As you approach, take a moment to admire the exterior—a striking blend of Gothic and Classical styles that tells a story of destruction and stubborn rebuilding through wars. Enter the quiet, cool interior and let the hushed atmosphere wash over you. Midday: Light & Reflection Find a pew and simply sit. Look up at the impressive vaulted ceiling and the soft light filtering through the windows. The church's understated interior is a canvas for your own thoughts. Pay your respects at the memorial to Charles de Gaulle, who was married here, connecting you to a pivotal figure in French history. Afternoon: A City in Miniature After your visit, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Citadel of Calais or the Parc Saint-Pierre. The church's towering presence makes a perfect navigational landmark as you explore Calais at your own, unhurried pace. Solo Traveler Tips: · Check the Schedule: Glance at the opening times online before you go to ensure you can enter and avoid service times if you prefer a silent visit. · Combine Your Visit: It's located near other key sites. A quiet, solo walk along the nearby Rue Royale for a coffee afterwards makes for a perfect, simple extension. · Look for the Scars: Notice the mix of old and new stone—a tangible reminder of the city's turbulent past and enduring spirit. Find a moment of timeless peace in a city of constant motion. #SoloSeeker #CalaisQuietContemplation

We took the ferry from Dover to Calais, and honestly, the crossing itself became part of the trip. There’s something quite nice about leaving the UK behind, heading out into the Channel and knowing that France is just a short journey away. We arrived at Dover and made our way onto the ferry. Once we were on board, we had a look around before finding a comfortable place to sit. There are cafés, places to grab something to eat and plenty of seating, so we could relax during the crossing. We also spent some time outside on the deck. The views back towards the white cliffs of Dover were lovely, especially as the ferry started moving away from the port. Watching the coastline get smaller while the sea opened up around us was one of the nicest parts of the journey. The crossing takes around 90 minutes, depending on the sailing, so it doesn’t feel like a long journey at all. Before we knew it, we were getting close to Calais and could see the French coastline coming into view. For us, taking the ferry was more than just getting from A to B. It made the journey feel like the start of our holiday. We could sit back, have something to eat, enjoy the sea views and spend some time together before arriving in France. If you’re travelling from the UK to France by car, we think the Dover–Calais ferry is a really convenient option. You can take your own car, bring your luggage without worrying about airport restrictions and arrive in France ready to start exploring. #DoverToCalais #DoverFerry #Calais #PAndOFerries #ChannelCrossing #FerryTrip #UKToFrance #FranceTravel #FamilyTravel #RoadTripEurope #EuropeanRoadTrip #TravelReview #TravelMemories #Dover #CalaisFrance #UKTravel #FranceHoliday #ExploreFrance #FamilyHoliday

Berck plage is a french plage and resort, the best place to spend a sunny day in a warm summer day at the beach ⛱️

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.

This cathedral is located in Arras. It has a magnificent ceiling painting that you can admire from the mirror. The cathedral is very peaceful and serene. It is worth to visit when traveling in Arras. #arras #france #cathedral #ceiling #painting #pasdecalais #northoffrance #north #europe #europetrip

Yearly event in the north of France #labanque #video #lightshow #videomapping #projection #bethune #northoffrance #france #night #nightshow #europe