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!

La Coupole:

Location: 4kms S of St Omer, accessed from Junction 3 of A26, following signs to La Coupole on D211.
General Info:  Tel No: 0(3) 21 12 27 27.  Website.
Description: This large interactive museum was the planned launch site of the V2 rocket in WW2, housed in a concrete dome 5 metres thick which survived all Allied attempts to destroy it. La Coupole is mainly devoted to the history of the site but there are other excellent exhibitions including ‘Life in northern France under German rule’ and the ‘Conquest of Space’. There is the opportunity to watch many different slide shows/films – which can be watched in conjunction with an English commentary on free audio headset systems.
Our recommendations: The first part is underground and is cold - make sure you wear something warm. Some of the film clips are marked as un-suitable for young children.  To coincide with the 60^th anniversary of D Day there is a special exhibition entitled ‘Deportation and Genocide’ which is on until April 2008.
For the children: Will appeal more to older children, particularly when it ties in with studies at school, although there is plenty to entertain the family for at least half a day. 

     - 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.