As border zone, Nord was, all along its history, under foreign influences. Nord built up its reputation with textile tradition (drapery, laces) and charcoal mining industry which helped to its economical development.

Departments :
Nord (Lille), Pas-de-Calais (Arras).

Voilà, mon pays, n'en ayant pu mourir,
Pourquoi j'aime encore au risque de souffrir.