Hauts-de-France is a French region that was created on January 1,
2016 by merging the former regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy.
From January to September 2016, it was provisionally named
Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie.
With 31,813 square kilometers,
Hauts-de-France is the eighth largest region by area (excluding overseas
regions) and has 5,997,734 inhabitants (as of 2020), making it the third
largest region by population. It is divided into the five departments
Aisne (No. 02), Nord (59), Oise (60), Pas-de-Calais (62) and Somme (80).
It borders (clockwise) with Belgium and the regions of Grand Est,
Île-de-France and Normandy.
The administrative center of the
region is Lille.
Abbeville: A historic town in the Somme
department, famous for its Gothic Collegiate Church of Saint-Vulfran and
proximity to the Bay of Somme, a UNESCO-listed natural site. It played a
role in medieval trade and was heavily impacted by both world wars, now
serving as a gateway to coastal birdwatching and eco-tourism.
Albert: Located in the Somme, this town is
synonymous with World War I battlefields, including the Somme Offensive.
Its Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières features a iconic golden Virgin
Mary statue that was damaged during the war, symbolizing resilience;
today, it's a pilgrimage site with museums like the Somme 1916 Museum.
Amiens: The capital of the Somme department and a
major cultural hub, renowned for its UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral,
one of the largest Gothic structures in the world. Home to author Jules
Verne, it boasts colorful floating gardens (hortillonnages), a vibrant
student scene, and hosts an annual Christmas market; historically, it
was a key textile center.
Arras: As the capital
of Pas-de-Calais, Arras features stunning Flemish-Baroque squares
(Grand'Place and Place des Héros) with UNESCO-listed belfries. It was a
frontline city in WWI, with underground tunnels (boves) used as
barracks—now explorable at the Wellington Quarry museum—and is known for
its lively festivals and proximity to Vimy Ridge memorial.
Bavay: A small commune in the Nord department
with deep Roman roots, housing the Ancient Forum of Bagacum, an
archaeological site showcasing ruins from Gaul's era. It was an
important crossroads in antiquity and now offers a museum on Roman
history, appealing to archaeology enthusiasts.
Beauvais:
In the Oise department, famous for the unfinished Cathedral of
Saint-Pierre, boasting the highest Gothic vault in Europe at 48 meters.
A center for tapestry weaving (home to the National Tapestry Gallery),
it has a rich medieval history and hosts cultural festivals; it's also
near Paris-Beauvais Airport, serving low-cost flights.
Belle Église: A quaint commune in Oise, named
for its beautiful 12th-century church with Romanesque elements. It's a
peaceful rural spot with historical ties to local nobility, offering
scenic countryside walks and proximity to larger sites like Chantilly.
Boulogne-sur-Mer: France's largest fishing port in
Pas-de-CLille
alais, with a maritime heritage dating back to Roman times
(ancient Gesoriacum). Key attractions include the Nausicaä Centre
National de la Mer aquarium, medieval ramparts, and a lively old town;
it was a Napoleonic base and features beaches along the Opal Coast.
Calais: A major ferry port in Pas-de-Calais connecting to the UK via the
Channel Tunnel, known for Rodin's "Burghers of Calais" sculpture
commemorating a 14th-century siege. It has a WWII history, including
coastal defenses, and today offers beaches, shopping, and the Lace
Museum highlighting its industrial past.
Chantilly: An elegant town
in Oise, celebrated for the Renaissance Château de Chantilly, which
houses the Condé Museum with masterpieces like Raphael's works. Famous
as the birthplace of Chantilly cream and a horse-racing center with the
Great Stables (largest in Europe), it has royal ties and beautiful
forests for outdoor activities.
Compiègne: In Oise, site of the
opulent Château de Compiègne, a former royal and imperial palace used by
Napoleon. Historically pivotal for the 1918 WWI Armistice signing in a
nearby forest clearing (and WWII events), it features vast woodlands for
hiking and hosts equestrian events.
Douai: A former mining and
university town in Nord, with a UNESCO belfry and the 18th-century
Palais de Justice. Known for its carillon concerts and the Gayant giants
festival (UNESCO intangible heritage), it has Flemish influences and
industrial history tied to coal.
Dunkirk (Dunkerque): A coastal city
in Nord, eternally linked to the 1940 WWII evacuation (Operation
Dynamo), dramatized in films. It features sandy beaches, a UNESCO belfry
at Saint-Éloi Church, and a famous carnival; as a major port, it has
maritime museums and modern wind energy developments.
Laon: The
hilltop capital of Aisne, with a stunning Gothic cathedral dominating
its medieval old town. Once a Carolingian capital, it offers panoramic
views, underground passages, and ramparts; it's less touristy but rich
in history from the Middle Ages to WWI.
Le Touquet: Nicknamed
"Paris-Plage," this upscale seaside resort in Pas-de-Calais is known for
its Art Deco villas, wide sandy beaches, and golf courses. Developed in
the Belle Époque era, it attracts affluent visitors for equestrian
sports, casinos, and nature reserves like the Bay of Canche.
Lens: In
Pas-de-Calais, a former coal-mining hub transformed by the Louvre-Lens
museum, an outpost of the Paris Louvre showcasing rotating exhibits. It
honors its industrial past at mining heritage sites and is famed for its
passionate RC Lens football club and stadium.
Lille: The vibrant
capital of Hauts-de-France in Nord, a former industrial powerhouse now a
cultural metropolis with Flemish architecture in Vieux-Lille. Home to
universities, the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum, and bustling markets, it
has a history as a trading center and hosts the massive Braderie flea
market annually.
Montreuil: Often called Montreuil-sur-Mer (though
inland now), this walled town in Pas-de-Calais inspired Victor Hugo's
Les Misérables. With medieval ramparts, a citadel, and charming streets,
it's a historic gem offering views over the Canche Valley and local
gastronomy.
Neufchâtel-Hardelott: A coastal commune in Pas-de-Calais
blending the village of Neufchâtel with Hardelot-Plage resort. Features
the English-style Hardelot Castle (now a cultural center), golf courses,
and beaches; it has Anglo-French history, including ties to British
aristocracy and WWII fortifications.
Saint-Quentin: In Aisne, noted
for its Art Deco reconstruction after WWI destruction and the grand
Basilica of Saint-Quentin. A textile and industrial center with
Champs-Élysées park, it hosts music festivals and is near WWI sites like
the Chemin des Dames battlefield.
Wolfsschluct
II: Not a city but a
WWII Nazi bunker complex near Margival in Aisne, built as one of Adolf
Hitler's field headquarters. Used briefly in 1944 for overseeing the
Normandy invasion response, it's a fortified site with massive concrete
structures, now a historical monument open for guided tours on military
history.
When the region was formed in January 2016, it was given the
provisional name of Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. This name is formed
from the alphabetical order of the merged regions. The regional council
had until June 30 to decide on a final name. In March 2016 he decided on
the name Hauts-de-France (German translation: Upper France/High France)
with the subtitle Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie. This was confirmed
without the subtitle on September 28, 2016 by the Conseil d'État and
came into force the following day.
Instead of Hauts-de-France,
internet polls also suggested Flandres-Artois-Picardie and Nord-Picardie
as possible names.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) and Autumn
(September–October): Ideal for mild weather (around 10–20°C/50–68°F),
blooming landscapes or fall colors, and fewer crowds. May is
particularly pleasant for outdoor activities.
Summer (July–August):
Best for beach time along the 200 km Opal Coast, but expect wind,
occasional rain, and more visitors at popular spots. Temperatures are
comfortable but rarely scorching.
Winter: Colder and wetter (can dip
near freezing), but great for indoor attractions, Christmas markets, and
lower prices. Avoid if you dislike gray, windy days.
Weather note:
The region has a maritime climate—windy, changeable, and prone to rain.
Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes
year-round.
How to Get There and Get Around
By Train:
Excellent high-speed options. Eurostar from London to Lille (1h22) or
Calais-Fréthun (under 1h). TGV/TER from Paris (about 1h to Lille or
Amiens). Lille has two main stations: Lille-Europe (high-speed) and
Lille-Flandres (regional).
By Ferry: Dover-Calais or Dunkirk routes
(P&O, DFDS) — convenient for cars and scenic arrivals.
By Plane:
Lille Airport (small international) or nearby Paris CDG/Beauvais for
connections.
By Car: Ideal for flexibility, especially for
battlefields, countryside, and coast. Good autoroutes (tolls apply).
Driving is straightforward, but watch for wind on coastal roads.
Getting around inside the region:
TER Hauts-de-France trains and
buses: Frequent, affordable, and connect major towns (Lille, Amiens,
Calais, Arras, Dunkirk).
In Lille: Efficient metro, tram, bus (Ilévia
network), and bike-sharing (V’lille).
Road trips: Highly recommended
for the Somme Bay, Opal Coast, and rural areas. Rent a car in Lille or
Calais.
Top Attractions and Itinerary Ideas
Hauts-de-France offers
history, nature, culture, and beaches. Focus on 3–7 days depending on
your pace.
Key Cities & Towns:
Lille: Vibrant capital with
Flemish architecture, Grand Place, Old Town (Vieux-Lille), Palais des
Beaux-Arts (major art museum), and the Citadelle. Great for shopping,
markets, and urban vibes.
Amiens: Famous for its stunning Gothic
Cathedral (UNESCO), floating gardens (Hortillonnages), and Jules Verne
House. Nearby Samara Prehistoric Park for families.
Calais & Opal
Coast: Beaches, Nausicaá (Europe’s largest aquarium), and the dramatic
Côte d’Opale cliffs. Good base for day trips to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Arras: Elegant squares, WWI tunnels/quarries (Carrière Wellington), and
easy access to battlefields.
Dunkirk: Beaches, port history, and the
Operation Dynamo (Dunkirk evacuation) museum.
Historical Sites
(WWI/WWII):
Somme Battlefields, Vimy Ridge Canadian Memorial,
Thiepval Memorial, and many cemeteries. Emotional and well-preserved —
guided tours recommended for context.
La Coupole (WWII bunker museum
near Saint-Omer).
Nature & Coast:
Baie de Somme (seals,
birdwatching, steam train rides).
Regional Natural Parks (Avesnois,
Scarpe-Escaut) for hiking and cycling.
Chantilly (château, stables,
forest) — technically near the edge toward Paris.
Suggested
Itinerary (5–7 days):
Arrive Lille → Explore city (2 days).
Day
trip to Arras + WWI sites.
Amiens + Somme Bay.
Drive/train to
Calais/Opal Coast (beaches, aquarium).
Optional: Dunkirk or rural
parks.
Food and Drink Specialties
The cuisine is hearty,
influenced by Belgium and local agriculture/seafood. The region earned
European Region of Gastronomy status.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules-frites (mussels and fries) — especially during Lille’s Braderie
flea market.
Carbonnade flamande: Beef stew in dark beer.
Tarte au
maroilles or ficelle picarde (ham/mushroom crêpe in creamy sauce).
Welsh complet: Toasted cheese and ham sandwich with egg/beer.
Flamiche: Leek pie.
Cheeses: Maroilles (strong, washed-rind),
Mimolette (orange, nutty), Gris de Lille.
Desserts: Chantilly cream
(originates here), macarons, waffles.
Drinks: Strong local beers
(many breweries), gin, and cider. Fresh seafood, samphire, and
vegetables from market gardens.
Tips: Eat at brasseries or estaminets
(traditional Flemish inns). Visit markets for local produce and cheeses.
Lille has a strong food scene.
Practical Visiting Tips
Accommodations: Mix of modern hotels in Lille, charming B&Bs/châteaux in
countryside, and coastal resorts. Book ahead in summer. Consider
glamping or farm stays for unique experiences.
Language: French is
primary; English is widely spoken in tourist areas and Lille, but basic
French helps in smaller towns.
Safety: Generally safe, but standard
precautions (pickpockets in busy areas, drive carefully).
Budget:
More affordable than Paris or the South. Trains and regional food offer
good value.
Accessibility: Many sites (cathedrals, museums) have good
facilities, but older buildings and rural paths may challenge mobility —
check ahead.
Packing: Layers, rain gear, comfortable shoes for
cobblestones/beaches, power adapter (Type E/F), reusable water bottle.
Binoculars for birdwatching/coast.
Etiquette: Greet with "Bonjour,"
tip modestly (round up or 5–10%), and respect quiet in memorials.
Sustainability: Use public transport where possible, support local
producers, and stick to paths in sensitive battlefield/natural areas.
Pro Tips:
Combine with Belgium (easy border cross) or Paris day
trips.
Download SNCF/TER apps for trains and Citymapper for Lille.
Visit during the Lille Braderie (early September) for atmosphere, but
expect crowds.
For families: Nausicaá aquarium, beaches, and
prehistoric parks shine.
Location and Borders
Hauts-de-France lies in the far north of
France, serving as a key gateway between France, Belgium, the United
Kingdom, and the rest of Europe. It is bounded by:
Belgium (Flanders
and Wallonia) to the north and northeast.
The North Sea to the north.
The English Channel (La Manche) to the west.
French regions: Normandy
to the west/southwest, Île-de-France to the south, and Grand Est to the
east/southeast.
It connects to England via the Channel Tunnel (near
Calais) and is one of France’s most strategically located and densely
populated regions (second only to Île-de-France in metropolitan France),
with a 2015 population estimate around 6 million.
Topography and
Terrain
The region is predominantly flat to gently undulating,
forming part of the larger Paris Basin and northern European plains.
Elevations are generally low, mostly below 300 meters (1,000 feet),
making it one of the lowest-lying parts of France.
Plains and
Lowlands: Vast open agricultural plains dominate the interior,
especially in Picardy (Somme, Aisne, Oise). These are fertile chalky or
loamy soils ideal for large-scale farming (cereals, sugar beets,
potatoes).
Gentle Hills: Modest elevations appear in areas like the
Avesnois and Cambrai (in Nord), rarely exceeding 200 meters (650 feet),
and parts of the Thiérache in the east, which features a classic bocage
landscape—small pastures enclosed by hedges and woodlands.
Coastal
Features: The coastline varies dramatically. The Côte d’Opale (Opal
Coast) stretches over 120–200 km, featuring:
Dramatic white chalk
cliffs at Cap Blanc-Nez (highest, ~134 m) and Cap Gris-Nez (closest
point in continental Europe to England, ~30 km away on clear days).
Extensive sandy beaches, dunes, and estuaries, such as the Baie de
Somme, a major tidal bay and nature reserve.
The landscape includes
reclaimed or low-lying areas near the North Sea (some historically below
sea level) and former industrial/mining zones (now partly re-greened,
with UNESCO-listed slag heaps turned into hills in the
Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin).
Rivers and Hydrology
Several
important rivers drain the region, mostly flowing toward the North Sea
or English Channel, supporting agriculture, historical trade, and some
navigation:
Somme River: Flows through the department of the same
name, famous for its broad valley and WWI battlefields.
Oise River:
Flows southwestward, connecting to the Seine system.
Aisne River:
Flows east to west, joining the Oise.
Others include the Scarpe, Lys,
Canche, Authie, and Lawe—many navigable or canalized.
The region has
a dense network of canals (legacy of industrial and trade history) and
wetlands, especially around estuaries like the Baie de Somme, which is
ecologically rich for birdlife.
Climate
Hauts-de-France has a
temperate oceanic (maritime) climate (Köppen Cfb), influenced by the
North Sea and Atlantic. It is similar to southern England:
Mild
winters and cool summers, with modest temperature variations.
Frequent rainfall distributed throughout the year (often 700–900 mm
annually), with many overcast or changeable days.
Strong winds,
especially along the coast (favorable for wind sports).
Occasional
fog and high humidity near the sea.
This climate supports lush
vegetation but can feel damp and gray, contributing to the region’s
“open skies” and soft, opalescent light.
Landscapes and
Sub-Regions
Coastal Opal Coast: Mix of cliffs, dunes, beaches, and
seaside resorts (e.g., Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Berck). The Baie de Somme
is a protected area with salt marshes and seals.
Picardy Plains:
Open, chalky farmlands with cathedral cities (Amiens, Laon, Soissons)
and WWI memorial landscapes (Somme battlefields).
Nord and Flanders
Influence: More urbanized and industrial in the north, with Flemish
architectural influences, bocage in the east, and ports like Dunkirk and
Calais.
Forests and Hills: Scattered woodlands and the Ardennes
fringes to the east.
The region’s geography has shaped its
history: flat terrain facilitated invasions and battles (notably WWI),
while the coastline and proximity to trade routes fostered ports,
industry, and cultural exchange with Flanders/Belgium.
The region is made up of several historical and cultural provinces,
partially or totally. Most of the territory is occupied by Picardy,
which includes most of the Somme, Oise, Aisne, but also the sea coast of
Pas-de-Calais, from Montreuil to Calais. Its main cities are Amiens,
Saint-Quentin, Beauvais, Boulogne, Calais and Soissons. There is also a
piece of historic Île-de-France, to the south-west of Oise, with French
Vexin around Chaumont-en-Vexin, a piece of Champagne is also present in
the far south. of the Aisne around Château-Thierry. This is a part of
Brie.
Further north is Artois in Pas-de-Calais, around Arras,
Béthune, Saint-Omer and Hesdin. We will also note the Cambrésis, a small
traditional autonomous country which constitutes the surroundings of
Cambrai, a piece of Hainaut which is called French Hainaut (the other
part is in Belgium) extends around Valenciennes and Maubeuge. Finally,
we have French Flanders which is subdivided into Romanesque Flanders,
around Lille, called Romanesque because of its local Picardy dialect,
and Flamingo Flanders, because of its local Flemish speech, which is
also called French Westhoek , which includes Dunkirk and Hazebrouck.
From the seventeenth century, these territories were grouped together
under the name of the French Netherlands, because they were new
acquisitions made by France from the Spanish Netherlands, these
so-called Spanish Netherlands thus became French stockings.
Until
the 18th century, the region was divided into several general and
particular governments, administrative entities of the Ancien Régime
which were authoritative at the military level. At the time, these were
the governments of Picardy (around Amiens, Saint-Quentin, Boulogne and
Calais), French Flanders, which included, in addition to French
Flanders, Hainaut. The government of Artois (around Arras, Lens and
Béthune), while the government of Île-de-France overflowed into the
southern half of the province of Picardy, thus taking cities such as
Beauvais, Compiègne, Soissons or Laon, which are however not cities of
Île-de-France, but of Picardy. This presence of territories belonging to
Picardy in the government of Île-de-France will be underlined on several
occasions by the cartographers of Louis XIV, by the Encyclopédie of
Diderot and d'Alembert, or by authors such as Robert de Hesseln . The
government of Champagne, meanwhile, then owned Château-Thierry. The
French Revolution will mark the creation of the current departments and
the abolition of general military governments.
The border
position of Hauts-de-France has made it a strategic economic and
military place. It has always been at the heart of major conflicts.
In his column of June 3, 2014, President François Hollande laid the
foundations for the territorial reform of 2014. He then proposed going
from 22 to 14 metropolitan regions. The map attached to the gallery
indicates that Nord-Pas-de-Calais would remain as it was while Picardy
would merge with Champagne-Ardenne.
The socialist Claude Gewerc,
president of the regional council of Picardy, then said he was "very
surprised" at the announced marriage of his region with its neighbor
from Champagne. He adds that of the three possibilities of gathering
(Normandy, Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Champagne-Ardenne), the latter did not
have “[his] preference”. Christophe Coulon, president of the UMP group
at the regional council, for his part criticizes the reform and notes,
despite commonalities, that there is neither "economic" nor "human" flow
between the two regions. Several elected members of the party also asked
for the organization of a referendum, in particular Xavier Bertrand.
Barbara Pompili, co-president of the environmental group in the
National Assembly and deputy for the Somme, believes that the non-merger
between Picardie and Nord-Pas-de-Calais is the result of François
Hollande's desire not to give "a large region to Marine Le Pen ". She
adds that the merger with Nord-Pas-de-Calais “would not be joyful, but
it would be logical”. The FN elected representatives of the Picard
regional council also criticized the reform and indicated that the
non-marriage between Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais was a
"politico-electoral" will of the president in order to avoid the taking
of the new region by the party.
On the northern side, like Daniel
Percheron, the entire regional majority welcomes the region's autonomy:
the entity is large enough in the eyes of political leaders. This
position is also defended by Philippe Rapeneau, leader of the regional
opposition. The northern frontists join for their part their colleagues
from Picardy.
On June 18, 2014, the bill was tabled by the
Minister of the Interior, Bernard Cazeneuve, in the Senate, then with a
majority on the left. The map proposed by the ministry is the same as
that of the grandstand. On July 10, 2014, Carlos Da Silva presented a
new piece of legislation on behalf of the National Assembly's Law
Commission. The accompanying map once again presents the merger of
Picardy with the Champagne-Ardenne region and the autonomy of
Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
The division of the regions was amended during the preparatory work
of the lower house and, on July 15, 2014, article 1 put to the vote
resulted in the merger of Nord-Pas-de-Calais with Picardy, while
Champagne-Ardenne joined Lorraine and Alsace.
This marriage
immediately provoked an outcry from the main socialist elected
representatives of the Nord department. Thus, in a press release, the
mayor of Lille Martine Aubry and the majority of the socialist deputies
of the department define this union as an “economic and social
aberration”. This position is defended by the Republican Éric Woerth,
mayor of Chantilly in the Oise, who believes that the interests of his
department are in Paris and not in Lille.
On the other hand, many
elected officials are more enthusiastic. The reunion of two culturally
and economically close regions, as well as the reunification of historic
Picardy are underlined. For Claude Gewerc, it is “already a better
solution” than the one previously proposed. On the right, Gérald
Darmanin, mayor of Tourcoing, Daniel Fasquelle, mayor of Le
Touquet-Paris-Plage, and Xavier Bertrand, indicated that they were in
favor of the union of the two regions. While being opposed to the
territorial reform, the elected representatives of the National Front,
like Florian Philippot, declared themselves satisfied with the merger
which would offer them an “almost assured” victory in the next regional
elections.
Despite several amendments restoring the autonomy of
the two regions tabled, among others by Bernard Roman, the National
Assembly voted on the first reading of the bill on July 23, 2014 during
the solemn vote. Neither the passage before the two assemblies in second
reading, nor in a mixed parity commission, nor in new reading before the
two chambers, nor in final reading in the National Assembly having
modified the union between the two regions, the marriage is officially
endorsed by the vote of December 17, 2014. As the Constitutional Council
did not censor the law, its promulgation in the official journal on
January 17, 2015 confirms the birth of the “Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie”
region. on January 1, 2016, whose capital is Lille.
The name "Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardie" was not intended to be
definitive. Juxtaposing the names of the former regions in alphabetical
order, it was the one retained by law while waiting for a new name to be
chosen by decree in the Council of State on a proposal from the regional
council of the merged region, a decision to be taken before July 1 2016.
The goal was to choose a simple and short name that could be exported
abroad and easily registered by all French people, while taking into
account the significant diversity of the territories in the region. Some
also recommended setting aside all designations including a cardinal
point name (North, Grand Est, Sud-Ouest) so as not to "confiscate" them
from everyday French (which, moreover, has always been lacking in the
Department of North).
From February 22 to 29, 2016, a
consultation is organized in high schools and learning centers in the
region to propose a new name. Following this consultation, three names
were selected by the regional council: “Hauts-de-France”,
“Nord-de-France” and “Terres du Nord”. The notion of “top” of the map of
France as a synonym for the north of the country attracts their
attention. To choose between these three proposals, the regional council
set up an online consultation, in which all the inhabitants of the
region could participate. Of the 55,000 participants, 21,151 (38.4%)
chose Hauts-de-France.
During the plenary session of the regional
assembly on March 14, 2016, the regional council adopted the name
"Hauts-de-France". This name was validated by the Council of State on
September 28, 2016.
It is nevertheless criticized by many
historians and geographers. Historically, this denomination excludes any
toponymy of the territories that make up the new region (Picardy,
Artois, Flanders, etc.). As for geography, the term “haut”, and a
fortiori its plural “les Hauts de” relates in French to the upstream of
a river or to the altitude of a region. This name therefore confuses
altitude and latitude, even though the highest point of this new
territorial community in northern France is the second lowest in the
country, not exceeding 300 meters above sea level.