Hauts-de-France
Hauts-de-France is a region in northern France that offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, natural beauty, or cuisine, there’s something for everyone to see and do in this region. Here are some of the top attractions and things to see in Hauts-de-France:
The region was created by a 2014 reform of France’s regional map that merged the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, taking effect on 1 January 2016. The name Hauts-de-France means “Upper France”. The regional capital is Lille, with around 230,000 people and an old centre that keeps a Flemish atmosphere. Hauts-de-France comprises five départements — Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais and Somme — and has a population of around six million, the third most populous of France’s regions; only Île-de-France, to its south, is more densely populated.
- Historical Sites:
- Château de Chantilly: This magnificent chateau houses an impressive art collection, beautiful gardens, and the Musée Condé.
- Amiens Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Gothic cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures.
- Vimy Ridge: Visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, a significant World War I site commemorating Canadian soldiers.
- Battlefields and Memorials:
- Somme Battlefields: Explore the sites of some of the most significant battles of World War I, including Thiepval Memorial and Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.
- Museum of the Great War (Musée de la Grande Guerre): Located in Meaux, this museum offers a comprehensive look at World War I.
- Museums and Art Galleries:
- Louvre-Lens: An extension of the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, it features a diverse collection of art and rotating exhibitions.
- La Piscine – Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent: Located in Roubaix, this museum is housed in a former swimming pool and showcases a mix of art and industrial history.
- Natural Beauty:
- Baie de Somme: A stunning natural area featuring marshes, sand dunes, and a unique ecosystem. It’s a great spot for birdwatching.
- Opal Coast (Côte d’Opale): Enjoy picturesque coastal towns like Le Touquet and Wimereux, as well as beautiful cliffs and beaches.
- Cuisine:
- French Fries (Frites): Try some of the best French fries in the world, which originated in the region. Pair them with local sauces.
- Cheese: Hauts-de-France is known for its delicious cheese, including Maroilles and Vieux-Lille.
- Local Cuisine: Savor regional specialties like Carbonnade Flamande (beef stew), Waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew), and Tarte au Maroilles (Maroilles cheese tart).
- More on regional cooking: see the full guide to the cuisine of Hauts-de-France.
- Festivals and Events:
- Braderie de Lille: This giant flea market in Lille is one of Europe’s largest and takes place annually in September.
- Les Hortillonnages d’Amiens: Visit the floating gardens in Amiens during the summer months when they are in full bloom.
- Outdoor Activities:
- Hiking and Cycling: Explore the region’s beautiful landscapes on foot or by bike. There are many trails and routes to choose from.
- Canal du Nord: Take a leisurely boat ride along this scenic canal.
- Charming Towns and Villages:
- Arras: A picturesque town with a beautiful central square and historic architecture.
- Le Crotoy: A charming seaside town on the Baie de Somme with a lovely beach.
Remember that Hauts-de-France is easily accessible from Paris and other major European cities, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or longer exploration. Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or food, you’ll find plenty to see and do in this region.
Main towns
After Lille, the region’s largest towns are Amiens, with around 130,000 people and home to the cathedral described above — said to be the largest Gothic cathedral in France by volume — followed by Roubaix (around 95,000) and Tourcoing (around 90,000), Dunkirk (around 90,000), and Calais (around 70,000), the closest French town to England and one of its busiest cross-Channel ports. Smaller towns include Villeneuve-d’Ascq (around 60,000), Saint-Quentin and Beauvais (around 55,000 each), and Valenciennes (around 45,000).
Getting around
A regional rail network, TER Hauts-de-France, is organised into zones covering Amiens-Abbeville, Arras, Calais-Boulogne-Rang-du-Fliers, Douai-Cambrai-Saint-Quentin, Hazebrouck, Lens-Béthune-Saint-Pol, the Lille conurbation, and Valenciennes-Aulnoye-Hirson-Jeumont.
Photo: Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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