Pas de Calais

Pas-de-Calais is located at the northernmost point of France, in the Hauts-de-France region, with Arras as its capital. The department is the closest point in France to England (the Strait of Calais-Dover), and the Channel Tunnel passes through it. The region was the site of major battles in both World Wars and contains many war memorials, including the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Its economy combines traditional industry (former coal mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site), the port of Calais, and agriculture. A low cost of living and access to Lille and England are among its features.

Arras, Lens, Béthune, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer

• Université d'Artois - The region's main university, with several campuses across different towns in Pas-de-Calais, offering a wide range of programs at the bachelor's and master's levels.
• Écoles et IUT associés (IUT de Lens, écoles d’ingénieurs, ...) - Technical centers and IUT programs for applied and professional fields.

Safety varies by town and neighborhood. The historic center of Arras and most residential neighborhoods are calm, but in some industrial areas or around stations in larger towns like Calais or Lens, it's advisable to be a bit more cautious after dark.

The TER network and TGV trains connect this department to Lille, Paris, and Belgium. The main towns (Arras, Lens, Béthune, Calais) have urban bus networks, and regional buses and TER trains also operate between towns.