Hauts de France

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, capitale des Hauts-de-France et quatrième ville de France par sa population, offre un heritage architectural impressionnant où se mêlent influences françaises et flamandes. Découvrez la Grand-Place, encadrée par la Vieille Bourse, le beffroi de la Chambre de Commerce et l’Opéra ; la place du Théâtre, avec le palais des Beaux-Arts, l’un des museums les plus prestigieux de France ; le Vieux-Lille, avec ses rues pavées, maisons colorées et boutiques charmantes ; la citadelle de Vauban, joyau du XVIIe siècle ; et l’church Saint-Maurice, magnifique exemple de gothique flamboyant. Lille séduit également par son dynamisme et son ambiance festive, accueillant des événements majeurs comme la grande braderie, le plus grand marché aux puces d’Europe, et des festivals reconnus dans le domaine de la bande dessinée, du cinéma européen et de la musique.

The Opal Coast and its cliffs

La Côte d’Opale, qui s’étire sur 120 kilomètres du littoral nord-ouest de la France, de la frontière belge à la baie de Somme, est célèbre pour ses landscapes variés : beaches de sable fin, dunes, marais, estuaires et falaises. Les deux caps, Blanc-Nez et Gris-Nez, offrent une vue spectaculaire sur les falaises de Douvres et sont les points les plus proches de l’Angleterre. Les stations balnéaires telles que Le Touquet, Berck, Wimereux, Audresselles et Saint-Valery-sur-Somme proposent des activités nautiques, sportives et culturelles. La région est aussi un havre pour la faune et la flore, en particulier dans le parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale, refuge de plus de 200 espèces d’oiseaux.

Visit cathedrals gothiques d’Amiens et de 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.

Le Louvre-Lens, une antenne régionale du célèbre musée Parisien

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

La région des Hauts-de-France regorge d’activités et de loisirs variés, adaptés à tous les âges et à tous les centres d’intérêt. Que vous soyez passionné de nature, de culture, de gastronomy ou en quête de divertissement, cette région saura combler vos attentes.

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 with its 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?

Les Hauts-de-France abritent des villes incontournables telles que Lille, Amiens, Arras, Beauvais, Laon et Chantilly. Ces destinations se distinguent par leur riche patrimoine historique, culturel et architectural, mettant en lumière des monuments exceptionnels comme la cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens, le beffroi de Lille, le château de Chantilly et l’Anneau de la Mémoire.

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

L’Île-de-France regorge de sites d’une grande valeur historique, culturelle et naturelle. Parmi les incontournables, citons la Tour Eiffel, emblème de Paris offrant une vue imprenable sur la ville, le château de Versailles, témoignage de la splendeur royale, le musée du Louvre, abritant des œuvres majeures telles que la Joconde et la Vénus de Milo, la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, chef-d’œuvre de l’architecture gothique, et le parc naturel régional du Vexin français, écrin de biodiversité et de patrimoine culturel.

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.