|
One of the smallest régions, but with the densest population after Ile de France, Nord-Pas-De-Calais is a
largely industrialised and 35% of the popluation work in heavy industry, although much of this industry is
in decline. Historically, the région has been heavily dependent on coal mines, as well as the iron, steel
and metallurgical industries, which employed a high percentage of the work force. Since the mines and many
of the plants closed, unemployment has increased, and remains well above the national average. A concerted
effort is being made to re-employ these workers by attracting new investment to the area. This includes tax
incentives, grants, free enterprise zones, and low-interest loans.
Nord-Pas-De-Calais shares its border with Belgium and so there is a strong Flemish influence. Many people
still speak Flemish and the locals drink more beer than wine, especially noticable during carnivals
or annual fairs. Accessibility to northern European countries is good thanks to excellent rail and
road links. There is great accessibility to the UK, via a number of passenger ports and Eurostar at Lille.
Over 20 million people pass through Calais each year and it's often scoffed at by those who asssociate it
with beer-bellied day-trippers simply stocking up on booze and fags. Most people rush away from the area
as soon as they can, without discovering the spectacular 40 km coastline - the Côte d'Opale - between
Calais to Boulogne.
- Regional information for Nord, Pas-de-Calais
Nord is part of the current Nord-Pas-de-Calais region and is surrounded by the French departments of Pas-de-Calais and Aisne, as well as by Belgium and the North Sea.
- Regional information for Pas-de-Calais
The Nord-Pas de Calais region is the home of the British 'booze cruise', but is much more than a department of hypermarkets.
This windmill-dotted tranche of northern France, sandwiched between Picardy and Belgium, begins just 40km from Dover.
|
