Films and TV

In 2004 the rather enjoyable 'Quand la mer monte' (When the sea rises) was filmed in the region, featuring many local sights including Carnival Giants. One of the extras was Cassel's very own human Giant (in more ways than one) Jean-Marie!

In 2008 'Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis' (Welcome among the Ch'tis) was controversially filmed around Bergues and the fact that it became a massive hit only added insult to many of the Flemish locals. Let me explain.

The French region whose inhabitants and dialect are referred to as Ch'ti, is situated in Picardie around the cities of Lille, Douai, Lens and Bethune. Unfortunately the makers of the film ignored this important fact and decided to make the film in French Flanders. Imagine a film about the Welsh being filmed in Hereford and you will begin to get the picture.

The success of the film has led to 'Ch'ti tourism' where thousands of French come to visit the 'Ch'ti', only to find the 'Flemish'. There are of course plenty of businesses in and around Bergues who have decided to profit from this nonsense, opening 'Ch'ti' related cafes and shops. The Flemish refer to this unwanted phenomenon as the 'Ch'ti Storm', and have even produced their own ironic stickers and posters in response 'Welkom bij de Vlamingen' (Welcome among the Flemish!) being the most common one.