Le Nord

Le Nord : Normandy : Brittany

Car Hire (main collection points only) : Lille Airport : Lille Eurostar Railway Station

The physical scars of World War I and the brutal battles played out on the poppy fields of Picardy may all but have disappeared in this northern most corner of France, but the immaculately kept cemeteries remain as a lasting testament to the cruelty and waste.

Dunkirk, once a great northern sea port, will forever be associated with the evacuation of British and French troops in 1940.

The city itself was virtually destroyed by bombardment in the same year.

The Musee Portuaire is dedicated to this port and its maritime part, from tug boats to lighthouses and beacons.

The town of Amiens, capital of Picardy, was also devastated during both World Wars and precious little of its rich past as a wealthy cloth town remains. However a shining exception is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, a beautiful 13th century cathedral, which is the largest in France, twice the size of the Notre-Dame in Paris. The unique choir stalls are worth a visit alone.

The closest port to England is Calais, with visitors making good use of the hyper markets or Cite Europe shopping centre.

The Eurotunnel provides shuttle services between the Kent coast and Calais, while the Eurostar train service connects Calais and Lille with Ashford (Kent), London, Paris and Brussels.

There are also frequent Hovercraft and Ferry crossings, which are now more competitive than ever due to the convenience of the Channel Tunnel. In fact Calais receives more visitors from Britain now, than from neighbouring Belgium.

The thriving fishing village of Boulogne, which nets 25% of the national catch, is worth a visit for its medieval walled upped town, picturesque cobbled streets and cluster of historic buildings. For example to Chateau Musee, built in 1231, was the first castle to be built without a keep.

Lille is the capital of French Flanders and the forth largest city in France. Set close to the Belgian border, this socialist citadel conveys a welcoming Flemish atmosphere with its youthful population, bars and richly restored Flemish architecture.

Lille is divided in to districts and as you pass through these on your way to the town centre, you will discover many interesting places that will enliven your stay.

Vieux Lille, for example, is the old part of the town. This area has changed with the times and become more modern, however is still packed full of history, the changes not having altered the character of the district.

In this area you can obtain your hire car from Calais Downtown, Calais Ferry Port, Lille Railway Station, Lille Eurostar Station, Lille Airport, Beauvais Airport and Saint Quentin Downtown.