Hauts de France

This guide offers an overview of the region’s must-see cities and tourist attractions. You’ll discover iconic destinations such as Lille, the region’s dynamic capital; the majestic Château de Chantilly; and the exceptional Baie de Somme Regional Nature Park. You’ll also be charmed by picturesque towns and villages such as Arras, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Saint-Quentin, and Gerberoy.

In addition, the region offers a wide variety of activities and recreational pursuits, such as cycling, sailing, and golf—not to mention movies and music.

So, are you ready to explore Hauts-de-France? Let us guide you!

Must-sees in Hauts de France

Explore the Hauts-de-France and discover a region rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Here are four must-see gems that perfectly illustrate the diversity and richness of this region.

Lille: Capital of Flanders

Lille, the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and France's fourth-largest city by population, offers a heritage an impressive architectural ensemble blending French and Flemish influences. Discover the Grand-Place, flanked by the Old Stock Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce Belfry, and the Opera House; the Place du Théâtre, featuring the Palace of Fine Arts, one of the museums some of the most prestigious in France; Old Lille, with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and charming shops; the Vauban Citadel, a 17th-century gem; and the’church Saint-Maurice, a magnificent example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Lille also charms visitors with its vibrant energy and festive atmosphere, hosting major events such as the Grande Braderie—Europe’s largest flea market—and renowned festivals celebrating comic books, European cinema, and music.

The Opal Coast and its cliffs

The Opal Coast, which stretches 120 kilometers along the northwestern coast of France, from the Belgian border to the Bay of Somme, is famous for its landscapes various: beaches fine sand, dunes, marshes, estuaries, and cliffs. The two capes, Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez, offer spectacular views of the cliffs of Dover and are the closest points to England. Seaside resorts such as Le Touquet, Berck, Wimereux, Audresselles, and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme offer water sports, athletic activities, and cultural experiences. The region is also a haven for flora and fauna, particularly in the Caps et Marais d’Opale Regional Nature Park, a refuge for more than 200 species of birds.

Visit cathedrals the Gothic cathedrals of Amiens and Beauvais

The Hauts-de-France region is home to two of France’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals: Notre-Dame d’Amiens and Saint-Pierre de Beauvais. Amiens Cathedral, the largest in France, is a 13th-century masterpiece known for its Gothic sculptures and wooden choir stalls, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beauvais Cathedral, the tallest in Europe, is famous for its monumental choir and its complex astronomical clock, despite a history marked by unfinished construction and collapses.

The Louvre-Lens, a regional branch of the famous museum Parisfine

The Louvre-Lens, which opened in 2012 in Lens, Pas-de-Calais, is an extension of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris. Designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, this modern museum showcases more than 200 works ranging from antiquity to the 19th century in the Galerie du Temps, hosts temporary exhibitions in the Pavillon de Verre, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at art conservation in its Conservation Center. Surrounded by a 20-hectare landscaped park, the Louvre-Lens invites visitors to explore and relax.

Charming towns and villages in Hauts de France

The Hauts-de-France region is full of picturesque towns and villages that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s heritage, culture, and way of life. Discover four iconic destinations below that will enchant you with their beauty and authentic charm.

Arras and its Place des Héros

Capital of the Pas-de-Calais region, Arras is the third most populous city in the Hauts-de-France region, and boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage inherited from its Flemish past.

Heroes’ Square, surrounded by 17th-century houses with arcades and gabled facades, is a must-see. These buildings house shops and cafés, giving the square a lively atmosphere. The belfry, located in the center and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a breathtaking view of the city. Don’t miss City Hall, a masterpiece of the Flamboyant Gothic style, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts with works by Rubens, Corot, and Rodin. Arras is also famous for its historic underground passages, which can be explored on guided tours.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: the pearl of the Opal Coast

A renowned seaside resort on the Opal Coast, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage charms visitors with its history tied to Paris, which has made it a favored vacation destination since the early 20th century.

Its Anglo-Norman-style villas, casino, convention center, and lighthouse are all testaments to its golden age. Its fine-sand beach offers a variety of water sports, while the surrounding national forest is perfect for nature walks. The Parc Astérix amusement park, inspired by the adventures of the famous Gaul, is also nearby.

Gerbéviller and its gardens

Located in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Gerbéviller—known as the «city of flowers»—is famous for its many gardens and green spaces.

The château, formerly a seigniory and later a marquisate, was partially destroyed in the First World War, but retains some noteworthy features, such as the chapel and the Chinese drawing room. The château's park, listed as a remarkable garden, features a variety of styles (French, English, exotic) and is home to century-old trees, statues, fountains and ponds.

Chantilly and its princely estate

Chantilly, nestled in the heart of the forest of the same name in the Oise department, is famous for its princely estate, the former residence of the Princes of Condé.

The château, home to the Condé Museum, is filled with prestigious works of art. The gardens, designed by Le Nôtre and Le Brun, offer magnificent views with flowerbeds, waterfalls, and canals. The Grand Stables, the largest in Europe, house the Living Museum of the Horse and host equestrian shows. Chantilly is also known for its whipped cream and its racetrack, the site of famous races.

Activities and leisure: make the most of your visit

The Hauts-de-France region offers a wide variety of activities and recreational options suitable for all ages and interests. Whether you’re passionate about nature, culture, or gastronomy Whether you're looking for relaxation or entertainment, this region is sure to meet your expectations.

Here are four suggestions to enhance your stay.

Hiking in the Avesnois Regional Nature Park

Spanning nearly 125,000 hectares in the southern part of the Nord department, the Avesnois Regional Nature Park is distinguished by its bocage landscapes, dense forests, and winding waterways. This gem of biodiversity is home to more than 200 species of birds and offers a multitude of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, providing a unique immersion in the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Be sure to visit Lake Val-Joly, which is perfect for water activities; the Mormal Forest, the largest forested area in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region; and the Château de l’Abbaye de Maroilles, home to the Maison du Parc.

Brewery tours and discovery of craft beer

A symbol of the Hauts-de-France region, craft beer is celebrated there in more than 100 breweries. The region is renowned for the quality, diversity, and originality of its beers, which reflect the expertise and creativity of local brewers.

Explore the breweries, delve into the secrets of their brewing process, taste their creations, and take home unique culinary memories. Among the must-see spots, discover the Brasserie Saint-Germain and its famous Page 24 beer, Brasserie Cambier, which offers organic and local beers; the historic Brasserie de l’Abbaye du Cateau, brewer of Vivat beer; and Brasserie L’Intemporelle, known for its full-bodied, hoppy beers.

Festivals and cultural events not to be missed

The Hauts-de-France region comes alive with numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Whether you’re a fan of music, film, comics, or theater, the region is sure to captivate you. Don’t miss the Nuits Secrètes in Aulnoye-Aymeries, the Côte d’Opale Festival, the Roubaix Comic Book Festival, or the Fédération des Festivals d’Humour (FFH), which brings humor and a warm, friendly atmosphere to the region.

Family Activities: Amusement Parks and Interactive Museums

Ideal for families, the Hauts-de-France region offers a wide variety of amusement parks and interactive museums, promising entertainment, wonder, learning, and memorable moments together. Among the destinations worth exploring, Parc d’Isle welcomes you with its wildlife park and nature reserve; Fleury offers attractions for everyone; Parc Bagatelle combines thrills and shows; and Parc Saint-Joseph Village invites you to travel back in time to the heart of an early 20th-century village.

Hauts de France - Conclusion

Exploring the Hauts-de-France region means to open to a multifaceted region, rich in culture, natural landscapes and gastronomy. This destination is perfect for everyone, whether you're looking for relaxation, cultural enrichment, sports or entertainment.

Get ready to discover iconic destinations such as Lille, the Château de Chantilly, the Louvre-Lens Museum, and the magnificent Opal Coast. But that’s not all—charming towns and villages also await you, such as Arras, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Gerbéviller, and Chantilly.

The region also invites you to enjoy its many activities and recreational opportunities: hiking through breathtaking landscapes, sampling craft beers, attending lively festivals, or spending fun-filled days at its amusement parks.

It's time to plan your trip to Hauts-de-France and marvel at all the region has to offer!

Hauts de France - FAQ

What are the main towns to visit in the Hauts de France and why?

The Hauts-de-France region is home to must-see cities such as Lille, Amiens, Arras, Beauvais, Laon, and Chantilly. These destinations stand out for their rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage, highlighting monuments such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Amiens, the Belfry of Lille, the Château de Chantilly, and the Anneau de la Mémoire.

What are the region's most outstanding historical, cultural and natural sites?

The Île-de-France region is brimming with sites of great historical, cultural, and natural value. Among the must-see attractions are the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris offering a breathtaking view of the city, the Palace of Versailles, a testament to royal splendor; the Louvre Museum, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo; and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a masterpiece of’architecture Gothic architecture, and the French Vexin Regional Nature Park, a treasure trove of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

How can you get around Hauts de France easily and cheaply?

To explore Hauts-de-France easily and without breaking the bank, choose the train, with its dense network of TER and TGV high-speed trains, and reduced fares via the Pass card, which also gives access to local public transport. Carpooling, via platforms such as BlaBlaCar or Karos, offers an economical and ecological alternative.

What gastronomic specialities and local produce can you discover and enjoy in Hauts-de-France?

The Hauts-de-France region boasts a rich and varied gastronomy, with specialties such as maroilles, potjevleesch, sugar pie and craft beer. You'll also find emblematic products such as herring, rabbit, rhubarb, chicory and juniper, not to mention local desserts like filled waffles, honey, mimolette and the famous bêtises de Cambrai. Seafood, seasonal vegetables and beverages such as cider and Champagne enrich this palette of flavors.