A LAND OF HISTORY & LUXURY, bordering Paris & the English Channel

Hauts de France Travel Guide

Les Hauts de France region is located north of Paris and extends to the border with Belgium and is linked with the UK by means of the English Channel located to the north-east of the region. The region was created in 2016 by the merging of Nord Pas de Calais and Picardy.

This region of northern France is home to sandy beaches of the Opal Coast, famous seaside resorts such as Le Touquet, stunning Gothic Cathedrals, vibrant cities such as Lille or Lens and military cemeteries that remind us of the tragic past and World War I battles.

Getting There 

Getting to Hauts de France is convenient with its excellent transportation connections, including high-speed trains from Paris and other major cities. Additionally, international travelers can easily access the region through nearby airports such as Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Once you arrive, efficient local transportation options make exploring Hauts de France and its diverse attractions a breeze.

Most important landmarks of Hauts de France

1. Chantilly Castle

There are a number of important sights that one should not miss when traveling to the Hauts de rance region of France. Certainly one of the most famous is Chantilly Castle that has been preserved throughout times. Thanks to the passion of Henri d'Orléans, the castle is home to one of the largest collections of masterpieces and manuscripts. During your visit you will admire paintings from Raphael, Nicolas Poussin, Botticelli, Ingres, Corot and many more

2. The Louvre - Lens

The famous Parisian museum was extended to the city of Lens in 2012 bringing a new aura to this northern city. The main attraction of the museum is the Time Gallery where more than 200 masterpieces loaned by the Louvre museum are on display. In a spectacular open space of 120 meters long, visitors will admire works from the 4th century BP until modern times.

3. The Gothic Cathedrals of Amiens & Laon

The Cathedral of Amiens is certainly one of the most beautiful Gothic Cathedrals of France. Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, Amiens Cathedral is the largest in France standing 42.3 meters high and 145 meters long. Amazingly, the Cathedral did not suffer during the 1st or 2nd WW and it was listed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1981.

The Cathedral of Laon is one of the oldest Gothic Cathedrals of France. Built during the second half of the 12th century, it has one of the finest façades. The building belongs to a family of Cathedrals with four story elevations such as the ones in Noyon or Tournai and Reims. The rose window of the Cathedral is one of the first of the Gothic style and 8 more than 80% of them are the original that date back to 1190 to 1220.

4. The Remembrance Trail

There are three main trails that are dedicated to WWI history in the Hauts de France region. One is located along the coastline and is dedicated to the Allies logistics bases on the Channel coast. Sea ports such as Boulogne sur Mer saw a steady flow of supplies and troops transit here before being sent off to the Western Front.

The second trail concerns the first part of WWI with the war of movement and the German Occupation. After the stalemate of the First Battle of the Marne and the Race to the Sea, the Western Front stabilized and the belligerents dug in. The war of movement had turned into a war of position.

The third main trail and most visited, is the trail relating to the Western Front itself. The trail is composed of more than 50 sites that include the Fromelles Australian Memorial Park, the Vimy Ridge National Historic site of Canada, the French National War Cemetery of Notre Dame de Lorette but also lesser known memorials and cemeteries such as the Memorial to Polish Volunteers, the Czechoslovak cemetery or the Portuguese and Indian cemeteries.

Best Places to Visit in Hauts de France 

In Hauts de France, there's an abundance of captivating destinations to explore. Here are some of the region's best places to visit:

1. Lille

Known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and lively atmosphere, Lille is a must-visit destination. Explore the charming Old Town (Vieux Lille), stroll along the Grand Place, and visit attractions like the Palais des Beaux-Arts and La Vieille Bourse.

2. Amiens

Home to the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Amiens is a city steeped in history and charm. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the picturesque canals of the Quartier Saint-Leu and visit the impressive Musée de Picardie.

3. The Opal Coast

Stretching along the English Channel, the Opal Coast boasts stunning white cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque seaside towns. Highlights include the charming village of Le Touquet, the dramatic cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, and the historic port town of Boulogne-sur-Mer.

4. Vimy Ridge

This historic site holds significant importance as the location of the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I. Visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and explore the preserved trenches and tunnels, offering insights into the war's impact on the region.

5. Chantilly

Experience the grandeur of Chantilly, home to the magnificent Château de Chantilly and its beautiful gardens. Explore the Domaine de Chantilly, which includes the château, the Great Stables, and the Condé Museum, housing a remarkable collection of art and artifacts.

6. Arras

Known for its impressive architecture and rich history, Arras is a city with much to offer visitors. Explore the iconic Grand'Place and its stunning Flemish-style buildings, visit the underground tunnels of the Boves, and learn about the city's past at the Arras Museum.

These are just a few of the many incredible destinations awaiting you in Hauts de France. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, you'll find something to captivate your senses in this diverse and enchanting region.