A border land rich in abundant resources, torn between the Holy Roman Empire and France, Nord-Pas de Calais was until 1945 a land of invasions. Conditions that formed an industrious and hard-working people, proud of its power and strength but open to all trade and the best of all cultures. A pride marked by its Belfries, giant spires of stone and brick dominating the towns, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
A spirit of resistance which is still expressed on the ramparts of every fortified town and port and in the fortified churches in Thiérache. There are also the immense First World War battlefields and the giant blockhouses of the Second World War.
You will see diversity bursting in Flemish and Picardy farms, austere but rich Westhoek churches and on the immense paved squares lined with buildings where colourful Flemish Renaissance meets the French rigour of the “Beau Siècle”.
Today thirty fine arts museums bear witness to the wealth of regional styles with their famous collections and works by famous local artists: Rubens, Matisse, Carpeaux, Pignon, Mathieu, and De Marle.
Places of memory hosting one hundred and fifty industrial and craft businesses open to the public recounting the Working History of the region.