Il Nord Pas de Calais

Il Nord Pas de Calais
France
Magazine: December 2007

Arras, Baroque, beauty and bargains Famous for its elaborate Baroque and Flemish style squares, Arras surprises with the richness of its heritage and its lifestyle. The excursions into the land of Artois are not the only reasons that the tourists are attracted: the local culinary discoveries, the open air market on Saturdays, the shopping sprees and the exhibitions are all excuses for discovering the capital of Artois. From March to April the Boves garden is beautifully atmospheric, a landmark that designed the underground galleries and the chalk caves that functioned as cellars for the XVI and XVII centuries. Every year the towns’ gardeners plant a thematic landscape. Likewise, Arras is famous for its gourmet products, many based on chocolate. As well as the coeurs au chocolat (heart shaped milk chocolates) they also produce coeurs à l’anis, a spicy, aniseed fl avour, heart shaped bread decorated with candied fruit. Enough of sweet delights… let’s not forget l’andouillette of Arras, a hand made tripe sausage. It is served roasted in a broth of white wine and shallots, accompanied by pan-fried apples or creamed potato, lentils, celery, Savoy cabbage or sauerkraut.

The close vicinity of the Atlantic coast means it is impossible to resist the endlessly long sandy beaches and the high cliffs of sand and compact rock. We are on the Côte d’Opale that stretches from Calais to Dunkerque and Berck-sur-Mer. In the early hours of the morning or at sunset you can understand why it is called the Costa d’Opale. The cliffs give the impression that Europe fi nishes suddenly with a dive into the sea. The walls of sand and rock reach 134 mts above the waves and fade away on Wissant beach. Nearby, Le Touquet, famous for its thalassotherapy. Either for a summer tan or a bit of autumn pampering, Le Touquet is one of those special places that is a sight for sore eyes and balm for the soul.