The vastly under-rated Pas-de-Calais region is a perfect starting point for any French road trip — as well as a charming holiday destination in itself. With miles of picturesque countryside, historic towns, delicious eateries and striking chalk cliff coastlines, there’s stacks to discover in the area. Accommodation options throughout Pas-de-Calais are wide-ranging, with a plethora of intimate chambres d’hôtes and elegant châteaux catering to a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Pas-de-Calais are gorgeous rural hideaways in old farmhouses or country manors, but some of our favourite spots lie in the heart of the region’s cities or right on the beach.

The gateway to France for most Britons, Calais is well worth exploring in its own right, as well as being a wonderful base for delving into both Normandy and the charming fishing villages of the Côte d’Opale. Climb the belfry of the Town Hall in Calais for panoramic city and coastal views and visit the Cite Internationale de la Dentelles et de la Mode, a working lace factory and museum detailing the city’s history of textile production. Following the windswept dunes and beaches of the Côte d’Opale to the west, you’ll find yourself in a regional nature park ideal for bucolic country rambles. The appealing coastal towns of Wissant and Wimereux, where some of our top seaside hotel picks are located, make for attractive stops. Try water sports, go sailing or enjoy long seaside days of ice cream and sandcastles galore. Venture into Boulogne, France’s busiest fishing port, to stroll through the characterful old town and savour fabulous fresh seafood in the many traditional bistros. There are elegant townhouses in the city centre, too, perfect for a relaxed, romantic stay.

Heading inland, you’ll find beautiful châteaux and tiny barn conversions, great for families or couples looking to unwind amidst large gardens or hit the trails for walking, mountain biking and horse riding adventures. The heritage town of Montreuil will be popular with history buffs whilst culture aficionados will adore Arras — also famed for its Christmas Markets. Once an old mining town, Lens has undergone a huge regeneration over the last few years, fuelled in part by the opening of the Musée du Louvre-Lens. The city is now a focal point for artsy travellers and foodies eager to soak up its cool new vibe.

Boasting plenty to tempt nature lovers or history-minded visitors with an eye for everything from Norman ruins to Second World War monuments, Pas-de-Calais is also a fantastic foodie destination. There’s everything from cosy village bistros with plâts du jour scribbled on chalkboards to indulgent Michelin-starred restaurants in some of the best places to stay in Pas-de-Calais. Hop aboard the ferry or drive through the Eurotunnel to discover the many marvels of northern France’s lovely landscapes and complex history.

The Best Places to Stay in Pas-de-Calais

For city chic

• Grand Place Hotel is a smart spot set in a historic building on one of Arras' most famous squares. Chic, airy rooms fuse slick, city style with plenty of charm. Soak up gorgeous views, enjoy fabulous fare in the excellent Anagram restaurant, and head out to explore the city’s many wonders. With suites and a loft accommodating 4 to 6 people, this is a great place for groups or families.
• Hotel Louvre Lens is a hip boutique property in Lens, with ultra-stylish contemporary rooms in dark, earthy tones. Traditional mining houses have been radically converted to create trendy urban havens, complete with indulgent bathrooms. There's a sauna and a lively cocktail bar onsite -- as well as the acclaimed Galibot brasserie. A seriously sophisticated choice, great for foodies and for visiting the nearby Musée du Louvre-Lens.

For a seaside stay

• Hotel Atlantic is a cool Art Deco property in Wimereux. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood comfortable, contemporary rooms with light, whilst also offering spectacular sea views, and the elegant first-floor restaurant serves sensational seafood. A wonderful seafront hotel overlooking the sandy beach and within easy reach of Wimereux's many sights. Fun for families, couples or groups.
• La Goélette is a chic beachfront B&B with just five rooms in the pretty seaside town of Wimereux. The decor is quirky and grown-up, with lovely antiques, modern pieces and funky artwork. A welcoming choice in a beautiful location, promising a relaxed home-from-home feel.
• Le Spéranza is a laid-back Wimereux hotel, set just a stone's throw from the sea. Rooms have a fresh, contemporary vibe and fun nautical touches. The cellar-based dining room offers great seafood and the location is perfect for exploring the town. Book the self-catering apartment for extra privacy. Small, family-run and charming.

For families

• Le Colombier offers four charming rooms in a pretty country house just one kilometre from Wissant. Stay here for the friendly B&B feel and easy access to beautiful Wissant beach. The family suite features two attractive interconnecting rooms, and there's a big garden for the kids to explore. A lovely base for a family escape to the coast!
• Enclos de L'Evêché promises five elegant rooms in the heart of Boulogne-sur-Mer, offering great value for a stop on the way to or from the ferry. Situated close to the cathedral, this historic townhouse B&B also features a gourmet restaurant with tables spilling onto the terrace, ideal for long family lunches (booked in advance). Book the family suite if travelling with little ones. Perfectly-placed for exploring the town centre.
• Le Clos du Miroir is a fun farmhouse B&B in Courset. The five bedrooms and two gîtes feature bright, modern design and funky pops of colour, as well as collections of children's board games. Set within a large garden and boasting a heated indoor pool, this is a great base for a relaxed family holiday.

For couples

• La Grange de Sophie is a warm and welcoming barn conversion with three quaint bedrooms. Think rustic wooden furnishings, painted panelled walls and a soothing grey-and-white palette. A picturesque rural escape with bicycles to hire, lots of great walks, and big breakfasts served at a communal farmhouse table. Secluded and romantic.
• pieuX is a cosy B&B with four elegant, pared-back rooms in Montreuil. Expect big beds with crisp white linens, generous free-standing baths and a warm palette of greens and yellows. A characterful and comfortable choice for hip couples.
• Le Château de Philiomel is a grand red-brick property nestled amidst beautiful gardens. The four rooms are spacious, there are countless trails for ramblers and cyclists to explore, and the setting is magnificent. The billiards table is a brilliant addition for an afternoon game or two! A charming B&B in an imposing château, ideal for quiet couples and popular for intimate weddings.
• Château de la Marine is a glorious hideaway near Wimereux, with refined interiors in soothing cream tones. A luxurious choice for a getaway à deux, the hotel is well-placed for lazy beach days, golf and long country rambles. Generally a B&B, the property also offers evening meals upon request. Peaceful and grown-up.
• Maison 76 is a boutique B&B set amidst verdant gardens in Montreuil. Think four individually-styled rooms with lots of light, and generous shared spaces -- including an ornate drawing room. Unwind with a good book in the summer house, or take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Breakfasts are delicious, and flavoursome dinners are available upon request. Reserve the luxurious Sarazin Suite for the impressive freestanding tub! A charming couples' pick.

For Foodies

• La Ferme du Vert is a gorgeous family-run farm just 15 minutes from the coast near Boulogne. With attractive rooms in the 19th-century house and cosy self-catering cottages, this is a superb choice for couples, groups or families. Expect a warm welcome and excellent seasonal cuisine. There's artisan cheese being made behind the farm, too -- not to be missed! One for lovers of a classic French country escape, with lots to eat.
• Château de Montreuil has the feel of an English country house, with comfortable rooms facing beautifully landscaped gardens. Relax by the pool, stroll through the lovely grounds and savour top-notch fare at La Table du Château, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant. Perfect for a rural foodie retreat on the edge of historic Montreuil.
• Hotel La Matelote has smart bedrooms furnished in a red-and-gold palette in Boulogne-sur-Mer. The decor gives the hotel a rather masculine feel, but it's also a wonderfully cosy place to stay during the winter months. The big draw is the adjoining Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Tony Lestienne's delectable seafood dishes are served in a fresh and funky setting. A charming family-run choice for gourmet food lovers.
• La Grenouillère is a spectacular hotel with an experimental restaurant, showcasing products sourced from the surrounding fields and rivers. An unusual, pioneering property, the hotel features fourteen luxurious rooms and suites. The suites are set in thatched huts amidst the gardens -- more reminisicent of a tropical island than the Montreuil countryside! Striking minimalism for zen, eco-minded foodies.
• Château de Beaulieu is a 17th-century gem, with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant headed by Chef Marc Meneau. The 18 rooms are elegant and characterful, with large contemporary bathrooms. Feast on walnut-crusted wild sea bass or grilled foie gras with port wine reduction, enjoyed in opulent surroundings. The in-house cookery classes come highly recommended. An indulgent gourmet getaway!

For Great Value

• Auberge d'Inxent features simple bedrooms -- including the option of extra beds for children -- in a traditional inn. Expect wonky wooden beams, vintage furnishings and pretty, vine-covered terraces. The seasonal menu is excellent, including freshly-caught trout from the nearby river! There is also a children's menu. Affordable and laid-back.
• Plumes et Coton is a small, reasonably-priced guesthouse with heaps of character. Set in the hills of Artois, near Arras, stylish rooms feature trendy artwork and spacious bathrooms. Great for local explorations after a big breakfast using produce from the abundant gardens. A gorgeous, owner-run B&B for hip travellers.
• Le Cercle de Malines is a charming lacemaker's house in Calais. Pick this place for its stylish feel and quirky touches -- including a stuffed crocodile. With just four rooms, this is a chic, intimate choice, ideal for exploring the city after a hearty breakfast, or as a reasonably-priced stop before driving south.
• Les Rèveries Nomades is an enchanting farmhouse just five minutes by bicycle from the centre of Arras. Hide away in a converted shepherd's hut or book one of the pretty rooms in the main house. An affordable B&B with family suites as well as a lovely honeymoon package. Rural bliss.
• Le Manoir de Bonningues les Ardres is an elegant Napoleon III manor in a delightful rural setting near Calais. The five bedrooms feature parquet floors, high ceilings, and understated decor. Excellent value for history buffs looking to immerse themselves in the traditions of an old country house.

For an apartment or holiday cottage

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• If you are travelling from the UK, take a ferry, hob aboard the Eurostar or drive through the Eurotunnel to Calais. The journey from London should take just under two hours by train, whilst the Dover-Calais ferry takes 1.5 hours and means that you can arrive with your car and drive on to your destination.
• Alternatively, fly to Paris or Brussels and continue to your hotel in Pas-de-Calais by car or train.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Temperatures are similar to those in the south of England, and the summers are by far the most popular time to visit! Travel between June and September for longer days and warmer weather, averaging at around 19°C.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Arras.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Normandy.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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