Nord Pas de Calais Attractions  This area of France gets rushed past by hordes heading south, but has some gems that can be enjoyed both  for a holiday close to home, as well as day trips to experience French culture rather than having a booze cruise!  Plan a day trip well and there will be time not only to stock up on wine and spirits, but also to visit a local attraction such as Nausicaa or La Coupole and then top the day off with a meal in a French restaurant!

Prés du Hem leisure park

Location: Take the A25 north west out of Lille to Jcn 9, then follow the N365 through Armentieres, heading in the direction of Ypres.  In Armentieres look for the signs for Prés du Hem which is accessed off Avenue Marc Sangnier.
General Info: Access is free although some attractions are charged for.  Open from 1st March- 31st October, with limited opening in low season. Open daily from 3rd June-2nd September.  For more information telephone: 03 20 44 04 60.
Description: Over 120 hectares of country park on the outskirts of the Lille metropolis.  There is a wide variety of interesting activities for children such as a water education centre, a children’s farm, mini-golf and lots of water-based activities such as pedaloes, sailing dinghies, kayaks etc..  
Our recommendations:  For a relatively cheap day out, take a picnic.
For the children: There is a swimming beach for cooling down on hot days.

Note: We haven’t visited here ourselves, although it does come recommended.  We would welcome any feedback.

Our favourite attractions in the Nord / Pas de Calais:
       - Aqualud
       - Bagatelle Amusement Park
       - Blockhaus
       - Cap Blanc-Nez
       - Cap Gris-Nez
       - Chemin de fer - la Somme
       - Cité Souterraine de Naours
       - Dennly's Theme Park
       - Eurolac
       - La Coupole
       - Nausicaa
       - Passion d'Aventure
       - Prés du Hem leisure park
       - Seven Valleys Maze
       - WW1 Sites

     - We are still looking for good ones....so far we have only found booze cruise sites and ferry sites (the latter can be found elsewhere on this site).  If you have any good suggestions, please let us know.