Nord is a department in the north-east of France, located on the English Channel and home to historic town of Dunkirk, made famous by the evacuation of Allied troops during the war. There are numerous historic towns and villages in the region that many visitors often drive past after arriving in the region on one of the cross-channel ferries. Lille is one the oldest towns in France, and is home to a fine collection of museums while there are also two large nature parks for those who prefer the outdoors.
The town of Lille is full of examples of fine historic architecture, including a number of large squares and palaces. Many of the most beautiful buildings in Lille are relatively modern, dating from around the 19th century onwards, because of the devastation caused to the region during the two World Wars. There is a large fine arts museum, second only in size to the Louvre in Paris, and a fascinating museum dedicated to France's wartime president Charles de Gaulle who was born in Lille in 1890. Children will enjoy exploring the Citadel Park and the city zoo, while visitors in the winter can enjoy the Christmas Market and Winter Fair. You can buy gifts, enjoy a warming mug of mulled wine or take a ride on the 50 metre high Big Wheel. Even if you are visiting Lille in the summer months, there are still plenty of outdoor markets for shopaholics, including the Braderie, Europe's largest flea market, and weekly outdoor markets dedicated to flowers and fresh produce.
The Nord area is home to two of France's Regional Nature Parks. The Scarpe-Escaut Park, named after the two rivers that cross the area, is home to a large forest, full of walking and biking trails and an equestrian centre for an unusual way to see the sights. The spa town of Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux is located here, so you can enjoy a session in the thermal baths after a long day on your feet. The Avesnois Park is home to the Mormal forest and the Val-Joly Lake, which hosts a number of water sports activities and events. There is a visitor’s centre within the park at Maroilles Abbey, where you can find detailed information about the activities on offer and who will also organise guided tours of the region on bicycle or horseback.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Nord? Then below is a selection of gites in Nord and villas in Nord that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
