Top 5 most beautiful cities in Nord-Pas-de-Calais to visit2026 ranking

Lille has that rare quality of a major city that feels genuinely welcoming. Beneath Flemish facades, inside cozy bars, and across the polished cobblestones of Vieux-Lille, you find a distinct northern generosity. The city excels at hearty eating and unpretentious drinking, turning a gray day into something warm. From the loud Wazemmes market to the quiet Place aux Oignons, every neighborhood here tells a different story.

Neufchâtel-Hardelot is a coastal town in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region. Established as a seaside resort in the early 20th century, it long served as a getaway for affluent Parisians. The town occupies a prime spot on the Opal Coast, tucked between sand dunes, the sea, and dense forest.

A town in two parts

This northern French town is defined by its two distinct characters. While the permanent population hovers around 3,800, the town swells significantly during the peak season. You have the original village of Neufchâtel, centered on agricultural roots, and the more upscale seaside resort area of Hardelot. The most significant local landmark is the château d'Hardelot. Despite the name, it is actually a 19th-century manor built atop the ruins of a former fortress. Fully restored in 2014, it now serves as a symbol of Franco-British relations, commemorating the Entente Cordiale. Visitors can tour the period-accurate furnishings and the surrounding Renaissance and English-style gardens. A unique Elizabethan theater on the grounds hosts cultural events throughout the year. For history enthusiasts, the Cimetière militaire britannique is a somber site where over 11,000 soldiers from the First World War are laid to rest.

Outdoor recreation

Spanning over 2,000 hectares, the landscape around Neufchâtel-Hardelot is known for its ecological variety. The forest is a quiet retreat for walking among maritime pines, beeches, and oaks, where you are likely to spot local birdlife and small mammals. Hikers can head out on several marked trails, including paths at the Mont Saint-Frieux, the dunes d'Ecault, the Hameau, or the Collines. If you prefer to explore from the saddle, several local equestrian centers offer horseback rides, providing a high vantage point to take in the dunes. Think of the coastal terrain like a more rugged, cooler version of the dunes found in the Outer Banks.

A trip to Neufchâtel-Hardelot centers on its three kilometers of coastline. The beaches are popular in the summer for swimming and a variety of water sports, including land sailing, catamaran sailing, kite-surfing, and windsurfing. Low tide is the perfect time to join the locals in shrimp fishing. For the best views of the coast, head to the top of the dunes, which reach heights of 90 meters above sea level.

When to go

Plan your visit for the summer months to take advantage of the best weather for swimming. It is best to avoid the winter season, which is typically long and rainy.

How to get here

Neufchâtel-Hardelot is an easy trip for those traveling from major cities, located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lille or 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris by voiture (car) or train. It is a frequent weekend escape for city dwellers looking for a sea breeze. The nearest major city is Boulogne-sur-Mer, which is a 20-minute drive away.

Boulogne-sur-Mer operates on two levels, defined by the rhythm of the tides. Down at the docks, you get the raw energy of France's largest fishing port. Up on the hill, the fortified old town centers on a castle, a basilica, and medieval ramparts. It is a no-nonsense destination that smells of salt air and fresh fish, offering a stark contrast to the typical resort towns further south.

This fortified town is arguably one of the most charming stops along the Opal Coast in the Pas-de-Calais region. Despite what the name suggests, it is not actually on the sea. Montreuil is a classic northern French village located about nine miles inland. It is a destination with real character, and you can easily spend a full day exploring everything it has to offer.

Walking the village ramparts

Montreuil-sur-Mer has a small population of about 2,000, yet it remains one of the most visited spots in Pas-de-Calais. The town packs a punch with its thousand-year history. From the 10th to the 15th century, its strategic positioning made it the administrative hub for a major maritime port. By the 16th century, the port function faded, and a citadel was built atop the hill. The renowned military engineer Vauban later added his signature fortifications. Today, you can still walk the full length of the ramparts, a path just under two miles long. It is well-maintained and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Picturesque alleys and hidden lanes

The center of Montreuil-sur-Mer is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly. Walking through its narrow streets can feel like stepping back into the Middle Ages. rue d'Hérambault is a standout, lined with local shops and small restaurants that have retained their historic feel. Make sure to explore the venelles, the tiny passages that are sometimes barely three feet wide. rue de la Cavée Saint-Firmin, with its steep incline, is particularly photogenic and has served as a backdrop for various painters, photographers, and film directors. You might recognize it from scenes in Les Misérables. Finally, rue du Clape-en-Bas is a local curiosity known for the clapiers that once covered the sewer openings to dampen odors. Today, the street is home to various artisan workshops and boutiques.

Head over to Place Gambetta to see the village's signature landmarks. The 12th-century abbey church is worth a look. The Hôtel Dieu was founded in the early 13th century by nuns to care for the sick and pilgrims. It functioned as a hospital for centuries, only closing its doors in the 1990s. Today, it houses a hotel and restaurant often frequented for weekend getaways: the Best Western Hôtel Hermitage.

When to go

The best time to visit is during the warmer months, when the weather is pleasant and all tourist attractions are in full swing. Keep in mind that the town hosts a massive flea market in mid-July, which draws hundreds of vendors and thousands of treasure hunters.

The shoulder season is also a great time to visit, especially if you prefer to avoid the crowds.

Getting there

By car, Montreuil-sur-Mer is about a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Lille and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris. It is only about 12 miles from coastal towns like Berck-sur-Mer and Le Touquet. You can also reach the village by train from major French cities, arriving at the small station of Montreuil-sur-Mer.

Sure, Paris doesn't have a beach. But city dwellers have long known that one of the true treasures of the Opal Coast is just a short trip away: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. Developing into a premier seaside resort in the late 19th century, it remains a go-to spot for those seeking sun and nature once the weather turns.

A trip to the Roaring Twenties

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage built its reputation by hosting a steady stream of vacationers and high-society figures throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. This charming resort town sits in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, right at the mouth of the Canche river. Often called the "resort of elegance" or the "pearl of the Opal Coast," it is defined by its beautiful Anglo-Norman architecture. Walking through the streets, you will see rows of retro villas. In fact, twenty buildings are classified as historical monuments for their preserved facades and artistic significance. Most were built during the Roaring Twenties (1920s), giving the town a distinct period feel. The city has organized a historical trail with 31 stops to help you find the most representative sites, including the town hall, the covered market, and the Canche lighthouse. Art lovers should head to the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage, which pays tribute to the painters of the Etaples School.

Between beach, forest, and dunes

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage wouldn't be the same without its seven-mile stretch of fine sand. This ribbon of beach is fully serviced during the summer, drawing a mix of families and athletes. It is a hub for activities like sailing, sand yachting, and kitesurfing. The waterfront is lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars that offer reliable service, similar to a classic beach town vibe on the Jersey Shore.

Nature enthusiasts will want to swap the sand for the forest, which is filled with maritime pines, alders, and poplars. Hundreds of thousands of trees were planted in the heart of these dunes across nearly 2,000 acres back in the 19th century. Today, it is an ideal spot for hiking, horseback riding, or cycling. For a deeper look at the local ecosystem, head to one of the three marked trails in the Parc nature de la Baie de Canches. You get panoramic views of the estuary and can often spot colonies of seals resting on the sandbars. The park is a major draw for birdwatchers, as thousands of migratory birds stop here each year.

When to go

Most visitors aim for June through September to make the most of the beach. Spring and autumn are excellent for a quieter, more relaxed visit, though keep in mind that many hotels and restaurants operate on a seasonal schedule and may be closed outside of the summer months.

How to get there

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is a 2.5-hour drive from Paris via the A16 motorway. You can also take a train from Paris Gare du Nord to the Etaples - Le Touquet station, which also takes about 2.5 hours. Expect to pay 20 to 30 EUR (about $22-33) for a ticket.