Northern France

Just a few miles from the channel island of Alderney lies the coast of Northern France. The French are not usually very kind about this area of the country, seeing it primarily as a drop off point for 'booze cruises' and tourists visiting to pick up cheap deals on food and drink in the massive supermarches along the coastline. Granted it is perhaps not the most picturesque of French regions but it does offer some attractions of its own.

The main regions of Northern France are Picardy, Flanders and Artois, all of which are interesting historically. Flanders is very similar to the Netherlands and Belgium and signs will often be written in both French and Flemish. More beer is consumed here than wine, setting it apart from the rest of France.

Lille is the capital city of Northern France and unfortunately, like much of the rest of northern france conjures up the image of industrialisation, post-industrial depression and coal mining districts. It is a good area to see World War I monuments and many of the trenches are still intact. However, the city is determined to move forward and there is a new metro system, a great live music scene and impressive opera house in the city. The cobbled streets of the restored old quarter are also lovely.

Calais is very busy port in Northern France and is only 40km from Dover, UK. It welcomes over 9 million British travelers every year. Until 1558 Calais was under English control and its position on the coast means that it has taken quite a bit of damage over the years.