About
Pas-de-Calais is a department in northern France, part of the Hauts-de-France region. It takes its name from the Strait of Dover, the narrow stretch of the English Channel that separates France from England, and it contains the point where the two countries come closest to each other.
A gateway between France and Britain
The department is home to the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel near Calais, which makes it one of the busiest crossing points between continental Europe and Britain. Many travellers pass through it on their way somewhere else, but it is also a place worth stopping in for its own sake.
What to expect
The main draw is the coastline along the Strait of Dover. Walking or driving along it gives a clear sense of how close the English shore is on a fine day, and of the open, windswept character of this part of France. The landscape here is a mix of seaside, dunes and farmland, and the pace of life is generally unhurried.
- The coast: ideal for a walk or a slow drive, with views across the Channel.
- Calais: the main town near the tunnel entrance, a natural base for exploring the area.
- The surrounding region: the department sits within Hauts-de-France, so inland towns and countryside are within easy reach.
Planning a visit
Pas-de-Calais suits a short trip built around the coast, or a stop between France and Britain for travellers who want more than a motorway. Because the department is so tied to cross-Channel travel, it is well connected, and a visit can easily combine time by the sea with a look at the towns nearby. Check current transport and local details before you go, as these can change.
