Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is located in Northern France and borders Belgium. Before becoming a permanent part of France, this region belonged to the Southern Netherlands and the influence of the Dutch language is still apparent. This region includes the historical provinces of Flanders and Artois. Two minority languages are still in use in the area. These are "French Flemish" and the Picard Language

The city of Lille is the capital of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Visit the old part of the city, or "vieux Lille" and admire the boutiques on Rue de la Monnaie. See the historic architecture in the main square or Place du Général-de-Gaulle. Another important city in Nord-Pas-de-Calais is Calais. It is located at the narrowest point of the English Channel, the Straits of Dover, and is a major entry point for tourists from the UK. Visit the old town centre and see Auguste Rodin's famous statue "The Burghers of Calais", located outside the Flemish Renaissance-style Town Hall. West of Calais is the beautiful Côte d'Opale coastline.

The province of Picardy stretches all the way from the Ile de France to the coastline. Three great rivers, including the Somme River, run through this region and provide 4,500kms of inland waterways. This, together with the coastline, means that lovers of water sports will find much to amuse them on a Picardy villa vacation. There is course, fly and sea fishing, eel fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating, as well as bird and seal watching. Towns like Amiens, Compiègne, Laon, Beauvais and Saint-Quentin have picturesque old town centres containing historic architectural treasures, gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques, museums and galleries.

The city of Chantilly is the place for horse lovers, with its famous race course, the Museum of the Living Horse and the stables at the Chateau de Chantilly. It is easy to find riding schools throughout the Picardy region and the natural landscape provides many ideal opportunities to explore the region on horseback. Chantilly is also famous for its porcelain, lace and cream. Take the time to visit the Musée Condé and see famous original art works, such as Raphaël's "Three Graces".

The game of golf has a long tradition in Picardy and there are twenty-one courses to choose from, offering facilities that cater for all levels of proficiency. Try the challenging Belle Dune golf course, located in the Marquenterre Nature Park, or enjoy the elegant Chateau club house and water features at Golf de Nampont-Saint-Martin. If you have children with you on your Picardy villa holiday, this region offers a number of theme parks and attractions, such as the Cirque Jules Verne, Park Astérix (based on the Asterix and Obélix cartoons), Parc de la Mer de Sable and the pre-historic exhibition park, Samara.

Escaping to a villa in Nord-Pas-de-Calais or Picardy will give you a great opportunity to sample the fabulous regional cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, try the chocolate tuiles from Beauvais , the macaroons and marrons glacés from Amiens, the Prestiges de Chantilly or some real Chantilly cream. Nord-Pas-de Calais and Picardy are both known for their smoked and potted meats dishes, as well as fish and eel. Try the tasty leek tarts and the fluffy pancakes. A meal wouldn't be complete with out tasting one of the many pâtés or regional cheeses, such as Maroilles, and a glass of the locally made cider.

Festivals and Events in Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy
Amiens - Amiens Cathedral Light Show (December-January)
Amiens and various other towns in the region- Jazz Festival (March)
Amiens - The Amiens Réderie Street Markets (April)
Amiens - International Film Festival - (November)
Amiens - Christmas Market in the town centre (Late November-December)
Compiègne to Roubaix - Paris-Roubaix Road Bicycling Race - UCI ProTour 1 day race (April)
Dunkirk - The Carnival of Dunkirk (January February)
Lille - Marché de Wazemmes Markets (Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday morning)
Lille - La Braderie Street Fair (September)
Picardy - Festival of the Cathedrals- concerts held at each of the cathedrals, venue changing each night (September)
Wazemmes - Chalice Sound System Reggae Concerts (once per month)