- “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” (2008): This French comedy film is set in the region and tells the story of a postal worker who is transferred from sunny Provence to the cold and rainy Nord Pas-de-Calais. It humorously portrays the cultural differences between the two regions.
- “La Vie en Rose” (2007): Although primarily focused on the life of famous French singer Edith Piaf, this biographical film also showcases scenes set in her hometown of Norm Pas-de-Calais, offering a glimpse into the region’s landscapes and history.
- “Dunkirk” (2017): Directed by Christopher Nolan, this World War II film is set in and around the historic city of Dunkirk in Nord Pas-de-Calais. It dramatizes the intense evacuation of Allied soldiers during the Battle of Dunkirk.
- “Welcome” (2009): This French drama film tells the story of a swimming teacher who helps a young Kurdish refugee swim across the English Channel. It is set in Calais, a city located in Nord Pas-de-Calais that has been a major point of departure for migrants trying to reach England.
- “Angel-A” (2005): Directed by Luc Besson, this romantic fantasy film is set in both Paris and Dunkirk. It tells the story of an unusual encounter between a troubled man and a mysterious woman, exploring themes of self-redemption and love.
- “Au bonheur des dames” by Émile Zola: This classic French novel is part of Zola’s Rougon-Macquart series and is set in the fictional department store “Au Bonheur des Dames” located in Paris, but many scenes take place in the Nord department of Nord Pas-de-Calais.
- “La Vie devant soi” by Romain Gary: While primarily set in the Belleville neighbourhood of Paris, this powerful novel explores the relationship between a young Arab orphan and an aging Jewish woman. The story also weaves in the history and culture of Paris’ working-class immigrant communities, including scenes set in Nord Pas-de-Calais.
- “Suite française” by Irène Némirovsky: This posthumously published novel depicts life in France during the early years of World War II. The story takes place in numerous locations, including the Nord Pas-de-Calais region, exploring the experiences of different characters as they navigate the chaos of war.
- “Les Éveillés” by Gérard de Cortanze: Set in Calais, this novel tells the story of three individuals from different backgrounds who encounter each other in a local hospital. Through their interactions, the book explores themes of love, friendship, and the challenges faced by migrants in the region.
- “Histoire d’O” by Pauline Réage: This erotic novel, set primarily in Paris, also includes scenes set in the village of Montreuil-sur-Mer in Nord Pas-de-Calais. It follows the tale of a young woman exploring her own sexual desires and entering into a world of BDSM.
- “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert: While most of the story takes place in the fictional town of Yonville in Normandy, Emma Bovary briefly travels to Honfleur, a coastal town in Nord Pas-de-Calais, during her search for fulfillment and excitement.
- “Un secret” by Philippe Grimbert: Although the majority of this autobiographical novel is set in Paris, it also explores the author’s family history in Lille, the largest city in Nord Pas-de-Calais. The book uncovers a dark family secret and delves into themes of identity and memory.
- “Les Enfants du Verseau” by François Edouard Salim: Set in the town of Arques, this coming-of-age novel tells the story of three boys who form a deep bond during their childhood in the 1970s. As they grow up, they face the challenges of adulthood, including love, loss, and the changing dynamics of their friendship.
- “Malone meurt” by Samuel Beckett: This existentialist novel from the Trilogy of Molloy, Malone Dies, and The Unnamable is set in an unknown location but contains references to Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, both in Nord Pas-de-Calais. It delves into themes of identity, language, and the human condition.
- “Le Sommeil du monstre” by Enki Bilal: This graphic novel series, set in a dystopian future, features elements of science fiction, politics, and social commentary. Some of the action takes place in Nord Pas-de-Calais, particularly in the city of Lens, as the characters navigate a world on the edge of collapse.
WANDERLIST: Nord Pas-de-Calais in books and on film
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