CULTURE AND HERITAGE

A border land rich in abundant resources, torn between the Holy Roman Empire and France, Nord-Pas de Calais was until 1945 a land of invasions.

Conditions which formed an industrious and hard-working people, proud of its power and strength but open to all trade and the best of all cultures.

A pride marked by its Belfries, giant spires of stone and brick confronting the powerful of this world, dominating the towns, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

A spirit of resistance which is still expressed on the ramparts of every fortified town and port, in the thirteen citadels in Vauban’s Square Field, in the fortified churches in Thiérache and as far as the immense First World War battlefields and in the giant blockhouses of the Second World War.

And a diversity bursting in Flemish and Picardy censes (censes: farms), austere but rich Westhoek hallekerques (hallekerques: massive 4-nave churches) and on the immense paved squares lined with buildings where colourful Flemish Renaissance meets the French rigour of the “Beau Siècle”.

Today thirty fine arts museums bear witness to the wealth of regional styles with their famous collections and works by no less famous local artists: Rubens, Matisse, Carpeaux, Pignon, Mathieu, De Marle ...A hundred others recount the life, wars, festivals, and work of the actual communities where they are based.

Places of memory hosting one hundred and fifty industrial and craft businesses open to the public recounting the Working History of the region, which is being written from day to day.

Discover our museums

The belfries

Site and monuments

Wartime memories

Company visits