Hauts-de-France

Between the North Sea, the Channel and rolling countryside, Hauts-de-France combines a spectacular coastline, a rich heritage and legendary conviviality. The Côte d'Opale unfolds its immense beaches, its dunes and its majestic capes — Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez — from where you can glimpse the English coast. The Bay of the Somme, ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, offers seal watching and superb nature walks.

The region is dotted with history-laden towns and belfries listed by UNESCO. Lille, a dynamic student capital, charms with its old Flemish town, its Grand-Place, its museums and its famous flea market. Amiens and its cathedral, the largest in France, Arras and its Baroque squares, or the memorial sites of the Great War make up a moving heritage.

The mining basin, also UNESCO-listed, tells a strong industrial and human story, showcased by the Louvre-Lens. In terms of nature, the Audomarois marshes, the gardens and the forests invite relaxation, hiking and boat trips.

A land of welcome and indulgence, the region delights with its moules-frites, its carbonades, its cheeses such as Maroilles and its craft beers. Close to Paris, Belgium and England, Hauts-de-France is an ideal destination for a cultural, nature or seaside weekend, in every season.

To explore Hauts-de-France, combine the Côte d'Opale and the Bay of the Somme on the nature side, and Lille, Amiens or Arras on the heritage side. The warm season, from spring to autumn, is ideal for seaside walks. Seal watching in the Bay of the Somme, hiking on the capes, visiting the Louvre-Lens, discovering the belfries and memorial sites, markets and flea markets punctuate the stay. What to do in Hauts-de-France with family or for a weekend? Close to Paris, Belgium and England, the region lends itself to varied getaways. Between immense beaches, towns of art, remembrance and convivial gastronomy, it offers an accessible and warm-hearted destination.