Hauts de France
Looking for a vacation destination that perfectly combines culture, nature and culinary delights? Les Hauts de France are waiting for you!
Located in the north of France, this region includes the départements Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais and Somme. It boasts a remarkable historical and architectural heritage, a diverse and well-preserved landscape, and gastronomic delights that will delight your taste buds. Whether you're passionate about towns steeped in art and history, coastal walks or country hikes, the Hauts-de-France region is sure to please.
This guide gives you an overview of the region's must-see towns and tourist sites. You'll discover such highlights as the dynamic capital Lille, 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.
What's more, the region offers a wide range of leisure activities, including cycling, sailing, golf, cinema 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, capital of the Hauts-de-France region and France's fourth-largest city in terms of population, boasts an impressive architectural heritage blending French and Flemish influences. Discover the Grand-Place, framed by the Vieille Bourse, the Chamber of Commerce belfry and the Opera; the Place du Théâtre, with the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France's most prestigious museums; Vieux-Lille, with its cobbled streets, colorful houses and charming boutiques; Vauban's citadel, a 17th-century jewel; and the Church of Saint-Maurice, a magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic. Lille also seduces with its dynamism and festive atmosphere, hosting major events such as the Grande Braderie, Europe's largest flea market, and renowned festivals in the fields of comics, European cinema and music.
The Opal Coast and its cliffs
The Côte d'Opale, which stretches along 120 kilometers of France's northwest coastline, from the Belgian border to the Bay of the Somme, is famous for its varied landscapes: fine sandy beaches, 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 and cultural activities. The region is also a haven for flora and fauna, particularly in the Caps et Marais d'Opale regional nature park, home to over 200 species of birds.
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, France's largest, is a 13th-century masterpiece of Gothic sculpture and wooden stalls, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beauvais Cathedral, Europe's tallest, is famous for its monumental choir and complex astronomical clock, despite a history of unfinished construction and collapses.
Louvre-Lens, a regional branch of the famous Paris museum
The Louvre-Lens, 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 presents over 200 works from Antiquity to the 19th century in the Galerie du Temps, organizes temporary exhibitions in the Pavillon de Verre and offers a behind-the-scenes look at art conservation in its Centre de conservation. Surrounded by a 20-hectare landscaped park, Louvre-Lens is an invitation to discover and relax.
Charming towns and villages in Hauts de France
The Hauts-de-France region is brimming with picturesque towns and villages, offering a fascinating insight into the region's heritage, culture and art of living. Discover below four emblematic destinations that will enchant you with their beauty and authenticity.
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.
The Place des Héros, surrounded by 17th-century arcaded and gabled houses, is a must-see. These buildings house shops and cafés, giving the square a lively atmosphere. The central belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a breathtaking view of the city. Don't miss the town hall, a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic style, which houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts with works by Rubens, Corot and Rodin. Arras is also famous for its historic underground passages, accessible via guided tours.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage: the pearl of the Opal Coast
A renowned seaside resort on the Côte d'Opale, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage's history of close ties with Paris has made it a favorite holiday destination since the early 20th century.
Its Anglo-Norman-style villas, casino, convention center and lighthouse bear witness to its golden age. Its sandy beach offers a wide range of water sports, while the surrounding national forest is perfect for nature walks. The Parc Astérix theme park, inspired by the adventures of the famous Gaul, is also nearby.
Gerbéviller and its gardens
Located in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Gerbéviller, the "city of flowers", is renowned 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 de Condé.
The château, home to the Condé museum, is brimming with prestigious works of art. The gardens, designed by Le Nôtre and Le Brun, offer magnificent perspectives with parterres, waterfalls and canals. The Grandes Ecuries, the largest in Europe, house the Living Museum of the Horse and offer equestrian shows. Chantilly is also famous for its whipped cream and its racecourse, the scene of famous races.
Activities and leisure: make the most of your visit
The Hauts-de-France region offers a wide range of leisure activities to suit all ages and interests. Whether you're passionate about nature, culture, gastronomy 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
Covering almost 125,000 hectares in the south of the Nord département, the Avesnois Regional Nature Park is distinguished by its bocage landscapes, dense forests and winding waterways. This jewel of biodiversity is home to over 200 species of birds, and offers a multitude of hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails, providing a unique immersion in the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Don't miss a visit to the Val-Joly lake, ideal for water sports, the Mormal forest, the largest forest in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, or the Château de l'Abbaye de Maroilles, home to the Maison du Parc.
Brewery tours and discovery of craft beer
Emblematic of the Hauts-de-France region, craft beer is celebrated in over 100 breweries. The region is renowned for the quality, diversity and originality of its beers, testifying to the know-how and creativity of local brewers.
Explore the breweries, delve into the secrets of their production, taste their creations and leave with unique taste memories. Among the not-to-be-missed are Brasserie Saint-Germain and its famous Page 24 beer, Brasserie Cambier offering organic and local beers, Brasserie Historique de l'Abbaye du Cateau, brewer of Vivat beer, and Brasserie L'Intemporelle, known for its rich, hoppy beers.
Festivals and cultural events not to be missed
The Hauts-de-France region vibrates to the rhythm of numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Whether you're a fan of music, cinema, comics or theater, the region is sure to excite you. Don't miss the Nuits Secrètes in Aulnoye-Aymeries, the Festival de la Côte d'Opale, the Roubaix Comics Festival, or the Fédération des Festivals d'Humour (FFH), which brings the region to life with humor and conviviality.
Family activities: theme parks and interactive museums
Ideal for families, the Hauts-de-France region offers a wide variety of theme parks and interactive museums, promising entertainment, wonder, learning and moments of sharing. Among the destinations to discover, Parc d'Isle welcomes you with its animal park and nature reserve, Fleury offers attractions for all, Parc Bagatelle combines thrills and shows, while 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 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 sites such as Lille, the Château de Chantilly, the Louvre-Lens museum and the magnificent Côte d'Opale. But that's not all: charming towns and villages such as Arras, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Gerbéviller and Chantilly also await you.
The region also invites you to enjoy its many leisure activities: hiking through breathtaking landscapes, tasting craft beers, taking part in lively festivals or spending fun-filled days at its theme 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 such must-see cities as Lille, Amiens, Arras, Beauvais, Laon and Chantilly. These destinations are distinguished by their rich historical, cultural and architectural heritage, featuring exceptional monuments such as Amiens' Notre-Dame cathedral, Lille's belfry, Chantilly castle and the Anneau de la Mémoire.
What are the region's most outstanding historical, cultural and natural sites?
Île-de-France is brimming with sites of great historical, cultural and natural value. Not to be missed are the Eiffel Tower, Paris's landmark with a breathtaking view of the city; the Château de Versailles, a testament to royal splendor; the Louvre Museum, home to major works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo; Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture; and the French Vexin Regional Nature Park, a showcase 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.
