Pas-de-Calais is a department in France's northernmost region, bordering the Strait of Dover. The departments of Nord and Somme, the English Channel, and the North Sea surround it. The department shares a nominal border with the English county of Kent- the two regions are connected via the Channel Tunnel. Pas-de-Calais is part of the
Hauts-de-France region, and its principal towns include Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Étaples, Artois, Lens, Liévin, Arras and Saint-Omer. Although Pas-de-Calais is one of France's most densely populated departments, it lacks large cities. The largest town in the area is Calais, with a population of around 80,000 people. Other notable towns in the region include Arras, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Lens and Liévin. Most of the population is concentrated along the border with the
Nord department in the mining district. A string of small towns in this area constitutes an urban region with a population of approximately 1.2 million. Additionally, the centre and south of the department are rural but still fairly heavily populated, with many small towns and villages.
Discover Pas de Calais - Houses & Lifestyle in Pas de Calais
Pas-de-Calais is a department in France's northernmost region, bordering the Strait of Dover. The departments of Nord and Somme, the English Channel, and the North Sea surround it. The department shares a nominal border with the English county of Kent- the two regions are connected via the Channel Tunnel. Pas-de-Calais is part of the
Hauts-de-France region, and its principal towns include Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Étaples, Artois, Lens, Liévin, Arras and Saint-Omer. Although Pas-de-Calais is one of France's most densely populated departments, it lacks large cities. The largest town in the area is Calais, with a population of around 80,000 people. Other notable towns in the region include Arras, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Lens and Liévin. Most of the population is concentrated along the border with the
Nord department in the mining district. A string of small towns in this area constitutes an urban region with a population of approximately 1.2 million. Additionally, the centre and south of the department are rural but still fairly heavily populated, with many small towns and villages.
A Legacy of Wars and Coal
Pas-de-Calais (department number 62) is rich in history, and during World War I, it witnessed some of the heaviest fighting. Despite this, the region's population rebounded quickly after both world wars. However, many mining towns in the area have seen dramatic population declines, with some losing up to half their residents. The economy of Pas-de-Calais was long dependent on mining, particularly the coal mines near Lens, where coal was discovered in 1849. Nonetheless, since World War II, the economy has become increasingly diversified, and many mines have closed, resulting in an employment crisis.
Key Information about the Pas-de-Calais (62)
- Main City/Prefecture: Arras
- Nearest Airport: Lille-Lesquin Airport
- Population: Around 1.5 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 6,671 sq. kilometres and 2,576 sq. miles
- Landmark: Vimy Ridge Memorial, commemorating Canadian soldiers who fought in World War I.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2.5 million, attracted by its coastal cliffs, battlefields and cultural heritage.
Property Prices in Pas‑de‑Calais in 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,758
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,481
- Price trends: +9% over the last 12 months, +46% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Pas‑de‑Calais in 2025
- Average House Price in Arras: €2,000 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Boulogne‑sur‑Mer: €2,400 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Béthune: €1,500 per sq. metre
(source:
Le Figaro – October 2025)
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