A welcoming and authentic land that combines nature, culture and traditions, the Hauts-de-France region offers its visitors a wide range of sightseeing opportunities and activities. When it comes to countryside, a variety of landscapes await you there, ranging from forests, hedged farmlands and plains of crops to the hortillonnages in Amiens, through the beaches and chalk cliffs of the coast. The hiking paths in the regional nature parks of Avesnois, Les Caps et Marais d'Opale, Scarpe-Escaut and Oise-Pays de France, the immense beaches of fine sand, the picturesque fishing villages and the elegant seaside resorts of the Opal Coast and the Picard Coast will delight holidaymakers in search of rest, recuperation and tranquillity. A listed Great Site of France and a member of the very select club of the world's most beautiful bays, the famous Bay of Somme is a birdwatcher's paradise. As well as the many bird species present there, you can also admire an impressive colony of harbour seals!
When it comes to built heritage, the cities of Art and History of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Cambrai, Laon, Lille and Roubaix, with many cultural and architectural treasures, majestic belfries that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the small and charming town of Senlis, the wonderful castles of Chantilly, Compiègne and Pierrefonds, the famous Gothic cathedrals of Amiens and Beauvais, the superb medieval city of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique, the beautiful fortified churches of Thiérache, and the picturesque little town of Bergues, made famous by the film Welcome to the Sticks (Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis), as well as the festive and friendly atmosphere of Dunkirk carnival and Lille street market, are just some of the attractions that make this region of northern France such an appealing destination.
Whether you come for a weekend or a longer stay, the Hauts-de-France region will delight you with its distinctive character and rich cultural heritage!
