North-Calais

The region is the first stop for most UK visitors and is often filled with UK day-trippers stocking up on wine and fine food at the many Calais hypermarkets.

It is the most densely populated region of France, but there are still plenty of opportunities for getting away from the visiting hordes. Head down the coast from Calais to the seaside towns of Le Touquet, Wimereux or Malo-les-Bains.

The region has been the site of many conflicts over succeeding generations, with historical sites ranging from Julius Ceasar's camp in Boulogne-sur-Mer to the ramparts of Denain, from the battle of Agincourt to the citadels of Lille and Arras, from Dunkirk to the many memorials of the Second World War.

The drink of this region is beer, which also features in the local specialities of Carbonade a la flamande, a beef stew cooked in beer, and carp and chicken dishes stewed in beer. Eels are served hot or cold, as are the local tarts - flamiches - made with leeks or cheese.