Centre Travel

15th- century castle ruins with medieval gardens, a 15th century church and the home of the famous French author Georges Bernanos Remains of the Feudal Chateau in Fressin 9 Rue de la Lombarderie Fressin T:   00 23 (0)3 21 88 56 11 E:   assoc.patrimonie.fressin@wanadoo.fr W:  www.chateaufressin.fr

Fringed by a 15km beach of fine sand which stretches from Dunkerque to Bray Dunes de Flandre is an ideal place to come for a holiday or a weekend break. Dunkerque is also a city of tradition and culture marked by centuries of maritime history French, English and British cultures meet here to visit the museums and take in the architectural heritage. Dunkerque Tourist Office Rue de l'Amiral Romach Dunkerque Tel;   00 33 (0)3 28 66 79 21 Email;   ot-dunkerque.fr Web:   www.ot-dunkerque.fr

Housed in a former Chartreux  convent, the museum exhibits paintings and sculptures from the 15th - 20th century, including works by Van Dyck, Delacroix ,Pissaro, Renoir and Sisley.  The Carthusian church, built in neo-classical style in the 18th century, has been restored and houses sculptures by Theophile Bra, Rodin and Houssin. Musee de la Chartreuse 130 rue des Chartreux Douai T:  00 33 (0)3 27 71 38 80 E:   musee@ville-douai.fr W:  www.musenor.com

The Nord pas-de-Calais is famous for its belfries symbolising civil liberties. Climb the 196 steps of the Douai's belfry and listen to the pealing of its 62 bells while you enjoy the view 40m above the ground. You can even try your hand at bell ringing. The tourist office organises daily tours. Douai Tourist Office Tel:   00 33 (0)3 27 88 26 79

With its collections of archaeology, fine arts and local artefacts, the Museum of Cambrai takes you on a rich and varied tour from the classical age to the present day.   Entertaining and original exhibits such as the scaled model of Cambrai are brought to life in a slide show, accompanied by music, sound effects and lights. English audioguides are available. Musee de Cambrai Rue de L'Epee, Cambrai T:  00 33 (0)3 27 82 27 90 Email:   musee.cambrai@wanadoo.fr Web:   www.tourisme-cambresis.fr

Several chateaux and their gardens open to the public by appointment.  We suggest you contact the tourist office in the St Pol to make sure they are open before you go.  The main chateaux are Grand Rullecourt, Barly, Penin, Humeroeuille and St. Pol. St Pol Tourist Office Hotel de Ville, St Pol T:   00 33(0)3 21 04 85 14 E:   maire-de-st-pol-ternoise@wanadoo.fr W:  www.ternois-tourisme.com W:

An audio-guided bus tour that runs daily on the hour.  Guided visit of the old Town every Saturday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Enjoy more, spend less!  Free access to more than 30 places and tourist attractions with the "City pass" Lille Tourist Office Place Rihour T:   00 33(0)3 59 57 94 00 E:   info@lilletourism.com W:  www.lilletourism.com

The museum is situated in a beautiful old villa and showcases the illustrious history of the Edwardian seaside resort of le Touquet. The art gallery includes many pictures by local artists such as Edouard Leveque who painted using the colours of the opal stone, giving name to the Opal Coast. Musee Le Touquet T:   00.33(0)3 21 05 62 62 E:   musee@letouquet.com W: www.musenor.com

The statue of the Six Burghers (unveiled 3 June 1895). Following his victory at Crecy in 1346, Edward 111 of England laid seige to Calais and set up a bridgehead in front of the town.  By August 1347, famine had weakened the inhabitants and they surrendered.  Rodin's statue depicts the six 'bourgeois' who gave themselves up to save their fellow citizens.  Queen Philippa de Hainaut, Edward's French wife, promised them a reprieve but they were evicted from the town, which remained British until 1558 when it was recaptured by Francois de Guise. Calais-Cote d'Opale Tourist Office 12, Boulevard Clemenceau, Calais T:   00 33 (0)3 21 96 62 40 E:   ot@ot-calais.fr W:  www.calais-cotedopale.com

Le Quesnoy, fortified town A major stop-over on the 'Fortified Towns Trail', Le Quesnoy has managed to preserve its town walls, which were fortified in the 17th century by Vauban Le Quesnoy Tourist Office 1 rue du Marechal Joffre Le Quesnoy Tel:   00 33 (0)3 27 20 54 70 Email:   otsi.lequesnoy@wanadoo.fr

The belfry was a gift awarded to the people of Bethune for their loyalty to the Crown. It was originally built of wood in 1346 when it housed the town's bells and a prison cell. The belfry burned down twice  in 1346 and 21664 but was rebuilt both times. It was destroyed by bombing in 1918 leaving only the 16th century part intact. Today Bethune's centrepiece, and its bells still ring out every hour. Maison du tourisme 42/48 rue St. Pry, Bethune T:   00 33 (0)3 21 57 25 47 E:   maisontourisme-bethune@laposte.net W: www.tourisme-artoiscomm.fr

Audioguide Tour inside the Old Town This tour starts in the Chateau Musee courtyard. To reach the various points on the trail, follow the studs with the town's coat of arms, dotted along the pavement. A 17-point trail features the story of the town, its historic landmarks and some of the great figures associated with it. Information/Renting:  Chateau Musee                                        Rue de Bernet. Boulogne T:   00 33 (0)3 21 10 02 20 Email:   chateaumusee@ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr Web:   http://www.ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr

Berck's  muncipal museum is full to the brim of Merovingian treasures, some of which were uncovered from local rivers.  A varied collection of paintings shows Berck's turn-of -the -century fishing industry. Musee du Berck-sur-Mer 60, rue de l'Imperatrice, Berck-sur-Mer T:   00 33 (0)3 21 84 07 80 Email:   musee@berck-sur-mer.com Web:   www.opale-sud.com