Nord-Pas-de-Calais today
The merger of the Pas-de-Calais and Nord departments formed the cornerstone of the new Hauts de France, region, one of the thirteen regions created by the territorial reform of January 1, 2016.
Nord, created on March 4, 1790, encompassed the former French Flanders, Hainaut, and the ecclesiastical principality of Cambresis, its borders defined by the North Sea and Belgium. The northernmost bastion of metropolitan France, its administrative centre is Lille, alongside dynamic urban centres such as Douai, Dunkirk, and Valenciennes.
Pas-de-Calais, also formed on March 4, 1790, from the historical provinces of Calaisis, Boulonnais, Artois, and Ponthieu, is among the most densely populated departments in France. With its diverse network of towns and villages, ranging from the dynamic city of Calais to the former mining enclaves in the north, the Pas-de-Calais region is centred around Arras, its administrative hub, and includes vibrant cities such as Béthune and Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Despite its high population density, the Pas-de-Calais has nevertheless retained a certain rural character, from the rolling hills of Artois to the rugged coastlines of the Boulonnais (Boulogne).
Nord-Pas-de-Calais – Historical and economic facts
Nearly 70% of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is dedicated to agriculture, with cereal crops accounting for 42% of local agricultural production. However, it is the diversity of its speciality crops that truly makes the region famous. Nord-Pas-de-Calais indeed contributes significantly to national production of chicory, endives, peas, and potatoes. Market gardening thrives in key urban centres such as Lille, Dunkirk, and Saint-Omer, while cattle farming and dairy production are expanding with a variety of high-quality cheeses and cured meats. The region also boasts a dynamic fishing and seafood industry, contributing 20% to national production.
Nord-Pas-de-Calais is also a major industrial centre, with a rich history marked by textiles, steel-making, and coal mining. While the closure of the coal mines marked a turning point in the regional economy, the region has successfully diversified and enthusiastically embraced modern infrastructure such as the Channel Tunnel. Since its inauguration in 1994, the Eurostar has connected London to key destinations, such as Lille, Arras, and Paris, as well as to Brussels and Amsterdam via Calais, ushering in a new era of connectivity and opportunity for Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
Tourism in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
With its temperate oceanic climate, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region benefits from mild winters and moderately warm summers, but slightly less sunshine due to its northern latitude.
This stable climate ensures regular rainfall throughout the year, fostering the lush vegetation that characterises the surrounding countryside.
However, the true jewel of Nord-Pas-de-Calais lies in its exceptional coastline. The Côte d’Opale, with its fine sandy and pebble beaches, boasts a vibrant seaside tourism industry. The coastline boasts remarkable sites such as Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez, as well as a 15-kilometre stretch between Dunkirk and the Belgian border, known as the Dunes of Flanders or Côtes des Dunes de Flandre. Extending to the mouth of the Yser River at Nieuport, Belgium, this coastline is renowned for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Nestled in the heart of this splendid coastline, trendy seaside resorts, such as Le Touquet, affectionately nicknamed the “Pearl of the Opal Coast”, offer a blend of elegance and charm that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Area: 6,671,35 km2
Population: 1,465.000 (01/01/2013)
