Discovering Pas-de-Calais (Department 62)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Pas-de-Calais is located in the Hauts-de-France region in northern France, directly opposite the English coastline across the Strait of Dover. It is one of France's most accessible departments for UK residents, with the Channel Tunnel, ferry ports and excellent motorway links making travel between Britain and France remarkably easy.
Often overlooked by those heading further south, Pas-de-Calais offers an appealing mix of historic towns, beautiful sandy beaches, rolling countryside, vibrant market towns and affordable property. It appeals to retirees seeking good value, families wanting space, entrepreneurs looking for excellent transport connections, and second-home owners who want a French base that's easy to reach from the UK.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Hauts-de-France |
Historic name | Artois (southern areas) and parts of French Flanders |
Department number | 62 |
Department capital (Prefecture) | Arras |
Largest towns | Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Arras, Lens, Liévin, Béthune, Saint-Omer |
Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
Area | Around 6,700 km² |
Climate | Oceanic with mild summers, cool winters and regular rainfall |
Best suited for | Families, retirees, commuters, entrepreneurs, second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, especially outside larger towns |
English-speaking community | Well established, particularly around the coast |
Lifestyle summary | Friendly, practical, affordable and well connected |
Why Choose Pas-de-Calais?
Many people first discover Pas-de-Calais because it is the closest part of France to Britain. However, many choose to stay because it offers a comfortable lifestyle without the higher property prices found elsewhere.
Lifestyle
Life tends to be practical, relaxed and community focused. The department combines working towns with peaceful villages, allowing residents to enjoy French daily life while remaining close to the UK.
Community
Thanks to its proximity to England, Pas-de-Calais has welcomed British residents for many years. While English is commonly understood in tourist areas, learning French will greatly enhance everyday life and help build local friendships.
Scenery
The landscapes are surprisingly varied:
Long sandy beaches
Dramatic cliffs along the Opal Coast
Rolling farmland
Woodland
Marshes and wetlands
Historic villages
Canal networks
The Côte d'Opale (Opal Coast) is one of northern France's most beautiful stretches of coastline.
Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the department's greatest strengths.
Residents benefit from:
Eurotunnel
Ferry services
High-speed rail
Excellent motorway network
Easy access to Belgium
Direct routes into Paris
For many UK residents, it is possible to leave home in southern England and arrive in Pas-de-Calais within a few hours.
Food
The cuisine reflects both French and Flemish traditions.
Expect:
Fresh seafood
Excellent cheeses
Traditional stews
Local beers
Artisan bakeries
Weekly farmers' markets
Culture
History plays an important role here.
Highlights include:
Medieval architecture
World War memorials
UNESCO mining heritage
Cathedrals
Art museums
Local festivals
Property
Property remains relatively affordable compared with many parts of France.
Buyers can find:
Village cottages
Farmhouses
Townhouses
Coastal apartments
Family homes
Renovation projects
Pace of Life
While larger towns remain busy, much of the countryside offers a slower rhythm. Markets, cafés and local events provide opportunities to become part of community life.
Pas-de-Calais Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Comments |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordable housing, excellent healthcare and easy UK access. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good schools, outdoor space and family-friendly towns. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of the easiest French departments to reach from Britain. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Strong logistics, transport links and growing business opportunities. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Reliable broadband in most towns and good transport connections. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Beaches, cycling, walking and nature reserves. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Several lively towns but fewer large-city amenities than Lille. |
Popular Places to Live
Arras
Description
A beautiful historic city famous for its Flemish-style squares and excellent quality of life.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Attractive architecture
Excellent shopping
Fast rail connections
Good healthcare
Things to consider
Higher property prices than rural areas.
Calais
Description
A busy port city undergoing significant regeneration.
Ideal for
Commuters
Business owners
Frequent UK travellers
Advantages
Eurotunnel
Ferry services
Employment opportunities
Things to consider
Busy commercial environment.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Description
France's largest fishing port with a charming old town and coastal lifestyle.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
Seafood lovers
Advantages
Beautiful coastline
Historic centre
Excellent restaurants
Things to consider
Can become busier during summer.
Saint-Omer
Description
A historic market town surrounded by marshland and canals.
Ideal for
Nature lovers
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Attractive town centre
Good local services
Peaceful setting
Things to consider
Car useful for exploring nearby villages.
Béthune
Description
A lively market town with strong local services.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Advantages
Affordable housing
Good schools
Active town centre
Things to consider
More urban than rural.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Description
One of northern France's most prestigious seaside resorts.
Ideal for
Second-home owners
Retirees
Advantages
Beautiful beaches
Golf
Excellent restaurants
Things to consider
Property prices are among the highest in the department.
Wimereux
Description
An elegant seaside town known for Belle Époque architecture.
Ideal for
Coastal living
Holiday homes
Advantages
Attractive promenade
Relaxed atmosphere
Coastal walks
Things to consider
Popular during holiday periods.
Cost of Living
Compared with much of France, Pas-de-Calais offers good value.
Property affordability
Housing is generally more affordable than many coastal or southern departments. Rural villages often provide excellent opportunities for buyers seeking character properties or renovation projects.
Shopping
Supermarkets are plentiful, while weekly markets offer fresh local produce. Everyday shopping costs are broadly in line with the French national average.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher during the cooler winter months. Well-insulated homes are worth considering if buying an older property.
Eating out
From village cafés to seafood restaurants, dining out is generally reasonably priced, especially away from the main tourist areas.
General value for money
For many people moving from the UK, Pas-de-Calais offers excellent overall value, particularly regarding housing, transport and local produce.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is comprehensive across the department.
Main hospitals
Major hospitals can be found in:
Arras
Calais
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Lens
Béthune
Saint-Omer
These provide emergency care, surgery and specialist services.
Healthcare availability
Most towns have GPs, dentists and health centres, although finding a regular doctor can sometimes take time, as in many parts of France.
Access to specialists
Larger towns offer a wide range of specialists, while Lille provides additional regional healthcare facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available and often provide advice for minor illnesses without needing a GP appointment.
General healthcare considerations
Once registered within the French healthcare system, residents generally enjoy excellent standards of care. Comprehensive health insurance or a top-up policy (mutuelle) is recommended.
Education
Families have access to a broad education system.
Schools
Both state and private schools are available throughout the department.
Colleges
Further education is available through vocational colleges and sixth-form institutions.
International options
International schools are limited within Pas-de-Calais itself, although options exist in nearby Lille.
Language schools
French language classes are available through adult education centres, associations and private tutors.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearby airports include:
Lille Airport
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Brussels Airport
Regional airports provide additional European connections.
Rail
High-speed TGV services connect Arras and Calais with Paris and beyond.
Eurostar services via nearby stations provide easy access to London.
Roads
Excellent motorway connections include:
A16
A26
A1
These provide quick travel across northern France and into Belgium.
Public transport
Bus networks operate throughout the department, with good services in larger towns.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. Although public transport is good in urban areas, a car makes rural living significantly easier.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Arras | Wednesday & Saturday |
Calais | Wednesday & Saturday |
Boulogne-sur-Mer | Wednesday & Saturday |
Saint-Omer | Saturday |
Béthune | Monday |
Lens | Tuesday & Friday |
Le Touquet | Thursday & Saturday |
Montreuil-sur-Mer | Saturday |
Local Food & Drink
Pas-de-Calais is known for hearty northern French cuisine.
Specialities include:
Welsh (cheese-based regional dish)
Carbonnade Flamande
Potjevleesch
Fresh mussels
North Sea fish
Boulogne seafood
Maroilles cheese
Endives
Chicory coffee
Flemish beers
Artisan cider
Gaufres (waffles)
Things to Do
Historic sites
Arras Grand Place
Vimy Ridge Memorial
Wellington Quarry
Medieval Montreuil-sur-Mer
Nausicaá National Sea Centre
Outdoor activities
Coastal walking
Cycling
Sailing
Golf
Horse riding
Fishing
Museums
Louvre-Lens
Mining museums
Maritime museums
Local history museums
Festivals
Throughout the year you'll find:
Seafood festivals
Music events
Christmas markets
Local food fairs
Carnival celebrations
Nature
Highlights include:
Cap Blanc-Nez
Cap Gris-Nez
Regional nature parks
Marshes around Saint-Omer
Coastal bird reserves
Family attractions
Families enjoy:
Nausicaá Aquarium
Beaches
Parks
Adventure centres
Historic attractions
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is the language of everyday life. While English is common around Calais and tourist areas, learning French will make integration much easier.
Rural living
Village life is welcoming but quieter. Some services may require travelling to larger towns.
Internet
Broadband and fibre continue to expand, with excellent coverage in most urban areas and improving services in rural locations.
Seasonal tourism
Coastal towns become busier during summer holidays but remain far less crowded than many southern resorts.
Climate
Expect cooler temperatures than southern France, with more rainfall and stronger coastal winds. Summers are generally comfortable rather than excessively hot.
Community life
Markets, sports clubs, cultural associations and local festivals provide excellent opportunities to meet people and become involved in your local community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.rance's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
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Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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