Visit North department
Visit North departmentlocated in the Hauts-de-France region, is a land rich in history, culture and culinary traditions. Bordering Belgium and the North Sea, this territory offers a diversity of landscapes, dynamic towns and gastronomic specialties that appeal to visitors to the country.
Must-see sights in the North
The North of France is brimming with tourist attractions that bear witness to its rich past and cultural vitality. Here is a selection of places not to be missed during your visit.
Lille, the capital of Flanders
Lille is a dynamic city which combines historical heritage and modernity. Its downtown area is a true architectural gem, featuring the Grand’Place, the Vieille Bourse, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest museums in France. The cobbled streets of Vieux-Lille invite you to stroll, with their trendy boutiques and typical estaminets.tourisme-en-hautsdefrance.com
Old Lille
The city's historic district, Vieux-Lille features cobbled streets, colorful houses and artisanal stores. It's the perfect place for a scenic walk.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille
Considered one of the greatest museums in France, it houses a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities.
The Lille Belfry
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this belfry offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Dunkerque - Between history and beaches
Located on the North Sea, Dunkerque is a port city with a rich historical past. It is world-famous for theOperation Dynamo of 1940, which marked the Second World War.
What to see in Dunkirk
- The Dunkirk 1940 Museum - Operation Dynamo The story of the famous rescue of over 338,000 Allied soldiers surrounded by German troops.
- The Dunkirk Belfry This listed monument offers a superb view of the sea and port.
- The beach at Malo-les-Bains A popular place to relax, with a wide, sandy beach ideal for a seaside stroll.
- Carnaval de Dunkerque An iconic festive event with colorful parades, singing and a unique atmosphere.
Not to be missed : Enjoy a good mussels and French fries with a local beer in one of the waterfront restaurants.
Valenciennes - City of artists
Nicknamed the «The Athens of the North», Valenciennes has a rich artistic and intellectual tradition. The city is home to numerous museums and cultural sites.
What to see in Valenciennes
- The Museum of Fine Arts The museum boasts a fine collection of Flemish and French paintings, including works by Rubens and Watteau, a native of the town.
- Saint-Géry church A remarkable building with superb stained glass windows and works of art.
- Rhônelle Park A beautiful green space perfect for a quiet stroll.
- Les Remparts de Valenciennes Witnesses to the town's military past.
Not to be missed Visit a craft brewery to discover local beers.
Cambrai - Between history and delicacies
Famous for its nonsense from CambraiThe city also boasts a rich historical heritage.
What to see in Cambrai
- Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Cathedral A magnificent eighteenth-century building.
- Cambrai Museum of Fine Arts The museum displays art collections from Antiquity to the present day.
- Cambrai's underground passages A fascinating network of underground galleries used during the wars.
- La Porte de Paris A vestige of the town's ancient fortifications.
Not to be missed : Taste the nonsense from Cambraithe famous mint candies that are said to have been invented by mistake.
Cassel - The most beautiful village in the North
Perched on a hill, Cassel is a picturesque village with Flemish charm. It was elected «France's Favorite Village» in 2018.
What to see in Cassel
- Mount Cassel At 176 meters above sea level, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of French and Belgian Flanders.
- The Flanders Museum The exhibition features works by Flemish artists from the 16th century to the present day.
- Le Moulin de Cassel A traditional wooden mill still in operation.
- The cobbled streets Perfect for a stroll through this picturesque village.
Not to be missed : Sitting down at a Flemish estaminet to enjoy a Flemish carbonade with a local beer.
Museums in the Nord department
La Piscine Museum in Roubaix
Housed in a former Art Deco swimming pool, this museum features art and textile collections that reflect the region’s rich industrial history.
The Matisse Museum at Cateau-Cambrésis
Dedicated to the famous painter Henri Matisse, a native of the region, this museum exhibits a vast collection of his works.
The Flanders Museum in Kassel
This museum showcases Flemish art from the 16th century to the present day, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of French Flanders.
Valenciennes Museum of Fine Arts
It houses a rich collection of Flemish and French paintings, as well as sculptures, reflecting the region's artistic history.
The Mine Museum at Lewarde
As France's largest mining museum, it offers an immersive experience into the region's mining history, featuring reconstructed underground tunnels.
The Bondues Resistance Museum
This museum traces the history of the Resistance in northern France during World War II.
The Museum of Rural Life in Steenwerck
It presents daily life in the Flemish countryside at the beginning of the XXᵉ century, with reconstructions of scenes from rural life.
The Musée de la Céramique in Desvres
Dedicated to the art of ceramics, it showcases traditional and contemporary pieces that reflect local craftsmanship.
The Hospice Comtesse Museum in Lille
Housed in a former 13th-century hospital, this museum features art collections and artifacts related to the history of Lille.
Dunkirk Port Museum
This museum traces the maritime history of Dunkirk, with exhibits on navigation, fishing, and maritime trade.
The Lace Museum in Caudry
It highlights the expertise of the region's lace makers and the history of machine-made lace.
The Chartreuse Museum in Douai
Housed in a former monastery, it features collections of paintings, sculptures, and works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The Battle of Fromelles Museum
This museum commemorates the 1916 Battle of Fromelles and pays tribute to the soldiers who fell in the battle.
The Brewery Museum in Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel
It traces the history of beer and breweries in the region, with exhibits on brewing techniques.
The Museum of Frontier Life at Godewaersvelde
This museum explores the daily lives of people living in border areas, with exhibits on trade and local traditions.
The Musée des Augustins in Hazebrouck
Housed in a former convent, it features collections of religious art, paintings, and ethnographic objects.
The Museum of the Resistance and Deportation in Bondues
It traces the history of the Resistance in the region during World War II, featuring firsthand accounts and artifacts from that period.
The Museum of Rural Life in Steenwerck
This museum showcases daily life in the rural areas of northern France in the early 20th century, featuring reconstructions of homes and workshops.
The Hospice Comtesse Museum in Lille
Housed in a former 13th-century hospital, this museum features art collections and artifacts related to the history of Lille.
Valenciennes Museum of Fine Arts
It houses a rich collection of Flemish and French paintings, as well as sculptures, reflecting the region's artistic history.
The Mine Museum at Lewarde
As the largest mining museum in France, it offers a deep dive into the region’s mining history
Gastronomy and specialities of the Nord département
Visit North department is a land of culinary traditions, where generosity and conviviality are reflected in every plate. Local gastronomy is a delicious blend of Flemish recipes, local produce and Belgian influences. Here's an overview of the region's must-try dishes and specialties.
Typical northern dishes
The welsh
Originally from Wales but adopted by the North, the welsh is a comforting dish of beer-soaked bread, topped with melted cheddar cheese and sometimes topped with an egg and ham. Served with fries, it's a must at local breweries.
Potjevleesch
A Flemish specialty meaning «little pot of meat,» the potjevleesch is a cold terrine composed of several white meats (chicken, rabbit, pork and veal) in jelly, flavored with herbs and vinegar.
Flemish carbonade
This simmered stew of beef and onions is slow-cooked in a brown ale and gingerbread sauce, giving it a uniquely sweet-savory flavor. It's a comforting dish, often accompanied by French fries.
Waterzoï
Originally from Flanders, the waterzoï is a thick soup based on fish or poultry, with vegetables and a creamy sauce. It is often served with bread to soak up the delicate sauce.
The fricadelle
Emblematic of Northern French fry shops, the fricadelle is a breaded sausage made with minced meat, spices and breadcrumbs. It is often served with French fries and samurai or Andalusian sauce.
Northern cheeses
Visit North department is also a land of cheeses renowned for their character and powerful taste.
Maroilles cheese
It is undoubtedly the most iconic cheese of the North. This soft, washed-rind cheese is made from cow's milk and has a robust flavor that intensifies as it ages. It is often used to make Maroilles tartan essential part of the local cuisine.
La Boulette d'Avesnes
A cone-shaped cheese, it's made from Maroilles paste, mixed with paprika and spices, giving it an orange color and a tangy flavor.
Le Bergues
This cow's milk cheese, originally from Bergues, has a soft paste and a strong taste. It can be eaten on toast or melted into traditional dishes.
Sweet treats from the North
Flemish waffles
These thin, crisp waffles are often filled with vergeoise or vanilla. La maison Meert in Lille is famous for its handmade waffles with butter and Madagascar vanilla.
Sugar pie
Typical of Northern France, this fluffy tart is made with brown or blond vergeoise, giving it an irresistible caramelized flavor.
Lille's babeluttes
These caramel and sugar-based sweets are very popular with gourmets.
Bavay chiques
These traditional sweets are mint confections, handcrafted in the town of Bavay.
Northern beverages
The Nord is a renowned brewing region, influenced by Flemish beer culture.
Northern beers
The North is a hotbed of craft brewerywith famous beers such as :
- La Ch'ti
- La Goudale
- La Jenlain
- Page 24
- La Trois Monts
Northern beers are often long-keeping beersslowly fermented to offer a rich aromatic palette.
Juniper
A traditional Northern brandy, the juniper is made from grains and flavored with juniper berries. It can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
The North, a land to discover
Whether through a Flemish estaminet or a farmers' marketthe gastronomy of North department is an experience in its own right, blending tradition and authenticity. The region’s unique flavors—shaped by Flemish influences and a strong culture of hospitality—make it a must-visit culinary destination in France.
For more information on the culinary specialities of the North, please consult this article on Wikipedia.
FAQ North department
1. Where is the Nord département located?
Visit North department is located in the Hauts-de-Franceon the border with Belgium. It is bordered by the North Sea and includes towns such as Lille, Dunkerque, Valenciennes and Cambrai.
2. What are the main cities in the North?
The most important cities in North department are :
- Lillethe capital of Flanders
- Dunkerqueport city and seaside resort
- Valenciennes, nicknamed «the Athens of the North»
- Cambraifamous for its nonsense and its heritage
- Roubaixknown for its La Piscine museum and its industrial past
3. What are the must-see tourist sites in the North?
Among the most visited sites on the North departmentwe find :
- Old Lille and its Grand’Place
- The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille
- The Dunkirk Belfry
- The Mine Museum at Lewarde
- Mount Cassel and its Flanders Museum
4. What are the culinary specialities of the North?
Visit North department is a land of generous gastronomy with specialties such as :
- Flemish carbonade (stewed beef with beer and gingerbread)
- The welsh (bread, ham and melted cheddar)
- Potjevleesch (white meat terrine in jelly)
- French fries, served with a fricadelle
- Northern cheesesincluding Maroilles and Boulette d'Avesnes
5. What's the climate like in the north?
Visit North department has a oceanic climate with cool winters and mild summers. Rainfall is frequent, but the weather remains pleasant for visiting the region's towns and landscapes.
6. When is the best time to visit the North?
The best time to visit North department is between May and SeptemberIt's also the ideal time of year to enjoy local festivals and events. It's also the ideal season to enjoy local festivals and events.
7. What are the major cultural events in the North?
Visit North department is renowned for its festive events:
- Carnaval de Dunkerque (January to March)
- Braderie de Lille (first weekend in September)
- Fêtes de Gayant in Douai (July)
- Saint Nicholas festivities in December
8. Which departments border the Nord?
Visit North department is surrounded by :
- Pas-de-Calais (62) to the southwest
- Aisne (02) to the southeast
- Belgium north and east
9. Where to swim in the Nord?
Visit Opal Coastalthough most of it is located in the Pas-de-Calaisoffers several beaches accessible from the North departmentincluding :
- Malo-les-Bains (Dunkirk)
- Bray-Duneson the Belgian border
- Leffrinckouckea wild beach ideal for relaxation
10. Getting around in the North
Visit North department is well served by :
- The rail network (TGV and TER connecting Lille to Paris, Brussels and other major cities)
- Freeways A1, A25, A23, for easy access by car
- The Ilevia public transport networkparticularly in the Lille area
