The region of Nord-Pas de Calais is one with a history marked with much conflict and violence. The region saw extensive fighting during the Hundred Years War in the Middle Ages, but was also the site of heavy devastation in both World War I and World War II. In fact, some of the heaviest fighting of both wars took place in this area.

As a result visitors don’t have to venture too far to see reminders of the wars. This includes the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, which is Canada’s largest overseas monument in the world. It was built to honor Canada’s 66,000 causalities from the First World War, and is located at the site of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, near the towns of Vimy and Givenchy-en-Gohelle. The land was granted to Canada in 1922 in recognition of the sacrifice made by Canada during the war. The monument, which includes two 27-meter towers, was built between 1925 and 1936, and was unveiled by King Edward VIII and French President Albert Lebrun.

The town of Dunkirk is often remembered for the World War II battle, where British and French forces made their remarkable evacuation from France to England. The beaches have long since been cleared, but there are several reminders in the town of the “miracle of Dunkirk.” Likewise, the city is home to the Musee Portuaire, which hosts various exhibits chronicling the history of the port, as well as artifacts recovered from the region. The nearby Musee des Beaux-Arts is the city’s fine arts museum, and it boasts a large collection of Flemish, Italian, Belgian and French paintings and sculptures.