The Nord-Pas de Calais region isn't yet considered "truly French," because the weather is similar to ours in the Netherlands and it's also quite flat. But this area does have its advantages: it's close to the sea, steeped in history, abundant fish on the menu, and easy to do in a weekend. So, just give it a try.

This is the second of two surprising tours close to home, both of which can also be used as an approach route, or as part of a tour further south.

The approach route for both routes can be via the highway from Ghent if you want to speed up, but there are also better alternatives via the more scenic N and D roads, which I have included in the original routes.

It's a bit of a mix of Flanders and France, with windmills and canals, but also rugged coastlines and fortified towns. You'll also find traces and reminders of World War II everywhere along these routes.

We start where the previous route ended, in Wissant, and continue along a scenic highway to the turnoff for Cap Gris-Nez (Cape Grey Nose). Indeed, the rocks here are considerably darker, aided by the numerous bunkers that still stand. You can imagine people daring to swim the Channel here. England seems so close. You can visit Fort Cap Gris-Nez, a bunker, and enjoy the view.

We continue on the D940 via Audresselles and Wimereux to Boulogne-sur-Mer. Along the way, you'll pass Pointe aux Oies, definitely worth a stroll along the beach and enjoying the beautiful view. On a clear day, you can see the white Cliffs of Dover.

The next stop is Boulogne-sur-Mer, a large town of nearly 100,000 inhabitants, one of Europe's largest fishing ports, and its history dates back to Roman times. Boulogne boasts a magnificent "Centre nationale de la mer," the national maritime center, where no expense or effort has been spared to introduce you to all facets of ocean life. It's also the largest public aquarium in Europe. You can also enjoy strolling along the city walls, terraces, and monuments.

We drive via Equihen, straight through the countryside to Hardelot-Plage. This town is spacious and boasts many beautiful old houses. Many Parisian chics used to frequent it. As spacious and green as it is now, Hardelot has certainly retained some of its former grandeur. If you don't want to go through this town, stay on the D119.

The route then heads inland. We avoid the new D308 (to the highway) and drive straight through Neufchatel-Hardelot, joining a beautiful, fast D215 over hills, through forests and the village of Samer, and past Desvres. The original route runs from Desvres along the almost perfectly straight D341 to Lumbres, so we're not taking that! We're taking a detour through the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale, much nicer roads with lovely curves and beautiful scenery.

At Drionville, we rejoin the original route, and after about 6 kilometers, turn left towards Lumbres. This takes you through the Aa River Valley, and via Lumbres and Longuenesse, you'll reach St. Omer, a very pleasant town perfect for a stop, a stroll, a taste of culture, and perhaps a meal, as the old cobblestones are packed with restaurants and cafés.

In stark contrast to the tranquility and old stonework of St. Omer is the stark technology of the "d'Helfaut-wizernes" bunker, 3.5 kilometers south of the city. Here, the La Coupole museum explores the early rocket technology of the V1 and V2, which ultimately led to the first moon landing in 1969.

Argues, attached to St. Omer, boasts a ship lift, the "L'ascenseur à bateaux des Fontinettes." This is a magnificent feat of engineering from the 20th century. Instead of having to navigate five locks, ships could overcome a difference in level of over 13 meters in a single pass. This lift operated from 1888 to 1967 and has now been replaced by a large lock built 500 meters further along.

We continue to Kassel, the end point of this route. Just before the top of the hill, you're treated to a fantastic series of bends. There are several campsites and B&Bs nearby where you can stay overnight.