20 Must-Do Experiences in Hauts-de-France

Hauts-de-France is brimming with architectural, historical and natural treasures that make it an unmissable destination in northern France. From Gothic cathedrals to the sandy beaches of the Opal Coast, including moving testimonies to history, this region offers exceptionally rich heritage. Discover our selection of 20 must-do things in Hauts-de-France.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens

A jewel of French Gothic art, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens is one of the largest cathedrals in France and Europe. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, this 13th-century architectural marvel impresses with its exceptional dimensions and the finesse of its sculptures. Its western facade, a true "bible of stone," tells the sacred story through hundreds of finely carved statues.

Download the audio-guided circuit to discover Amiens on foot and independently

Explore Amiens and its architectural treasures with our 3h15 audio route that will take you 7.4 km through the Picardy capital. From the majestic cathedral to the hortillonnages via the Saint-Leu district, let yourself be guided by 27 audio commentaries for a complete discovery of this history-laden city.

2. Lille, the capital of Flanders

Visiting Lille immerses you in the warm atmosphere of the capital of Flanders. The Grand-Place with its colorful Flemish facades, the Vieille Bourse and its booksellers, the Vieux-Lille district with its cobbled streets... The city captivates with its remarkable architectural heritage blending French and Flemish influences. Don't miss the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the richest museums in France after the Louvre.

Let yourself be guided in your discovery of Lille thanks to the Ryo itinerary which will have you walk 6 km in 2h30 with 22 audio commentaries to miss nothing of this dynamic metropolis.

3. The Opal Coast and its spectacular landscapes

Stretching from the Somme Bay to the Belgian border, the Opal Coast offers marine landscapes of striking beauty. The White-Nose and Gray-Nose capes offer exceptional panoramas over the English Channel and on clear days, you can see the English coasts. The sandy beaches of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Wimereux or Berck-sur-Mer invite relaxation and water sports.

4. The belfry of Calais

Dominating the city from its 75 meters height, the belfry of Calais is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hauts-de-France. Built in the early 20th century in neo-Flemish style, this edifice listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is part of the network of belfries of northern France and Belgium. From the top, the view embraces the city, the port and on clear days, the English coasts.

Explore Calais and its rich historical heritage during a 5.6 km route in 2h15, punctuated by 24 audio commentaries that will reveal the secrets of this border city steeped in history.

5. Somme Bay, a preserved natural setting

Classified among the most beautiful bays in the world, Somme Bay fascinates with the diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its fauna. This preserved territory shelters colonies of harbor seals and gray seals that can be observed from Hourdel Point. Walks on the Somme Bay railway offer an original way to discover these natural spaces between Le Crotoy and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.

6. Chantilly Castle

Nicknamed the "Versailles of the North," Chantilly Castle dazzles with its Renaissance architecture and its French gardens designed by Le Nôtre. The Condé Museum it houses has the second collection of ancient paintings in France after the Louvre, with masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli and Delacroix. The Great Stables, an 18th-century equestrian architectural masterpiece, now house the Horse Museum.

7. Nausicaá, the National Sea Center

Located in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Nausicaá is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. This center dedicated to discovery and awareness for the protection of the marine universe hosts more than 58,000 animals of 1,600 different species. The large 10,000 m³ tank recreates the high sea ecosystem and allows observation of sharks, manta rays and schools of tropical fish in a striking spectacle.

8. Arras and its Flemish baroque squares

The capital of Artois captivates with the architectural harmony of its two central squares: the Grand-Place and the Place des Héros. These Flemish baroque ensembles of the 16th and 17th centuries, with their 155 facades with slender gables and their arcades, form a theatrical decor unique in France. Under these squares extend the boves, an underground network of galleries carved in chalk, witnesses to the city's tumultuous history.

9. Compiègne, at the heart of French history

Imperial residence of Napoleon III, Compiègne played a major role in French history. The castle, one of the three French royal castles with Versailles and Fontainebleau, houses the imperial apartments and the Second Empire museum. The Armistice Clearing, where the armistices of 1918 and 1940 were signed, is a moving place of memory in the heart of Compiègne forest.

Discover the fascinating history of Compiègne during a guided 4.5 km route in 1h50, enriched with 17 audio commentaries that will reveal the secrets of this imperial city.

10. The Louvre-Lens museum

Inaugurated in 2012 on the former mining site of shaft 9, the Louvre-Lens symbolizes the cultural renaissance of the mining basin. Its contemporary architecture signed SANAA contrasts with the surrounding industrial environment. The Time Gallery, a unique 3,000 m² space, presents 200 Louvre masterpieces in a revolutionary chronological scenography that traces 5,000 years of art history.

11. Dunkerque, the corsair city

Port city with a rich maritime past, Dunkerque evokes the corsair epic and the heroic evacuation of 1940. The port museum traces this maritime history in authentic museum ships. Every year, the famous Dunkerque carnival transforms the city into an open-air theater with its secular traditions and unique atmosphere.

Explore Dunkerque's maritime heritage on a 7.8 km route in 3h10, guided by 22 audio commentaries that will make you discover this city with strong character.

12. Pierrefonds Castle

Built in the 14th century then restored in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, Pierrefonds Castle embodies the romantic image of the medieval fortress. Its round towers, its battlements and its fantastic gargoyles make it a fairy tale decor that has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television series. The visit reveals exceptional decorative art mixing medieval authenticity and 19th-century creativity.

13. Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park

First regional nature park created in France in 1968, Scarpe-Escaut preserves the landscapes of bocage, wetlands and forests between France and Belgium. Its mining subsidence ponds have become refuges for exceptional fauna and flora. Hiking circuits allow discovery of this territory where nature has reclaimed its rights over the former mining basin.

14. The Ring of Memory at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette

Inaugurated in 2014, the Ring of Memory pays tribute to the 580,000 soldiers of all nationalities who died in Nord-Pas-de-Calais during World War I. This monumental work by architect Philippe Prost, suspended above the plain, symbolizes universal fraternity in the face of war sacrifice. The soldiers' names are engraved in alphabetical order, without distinction of nationality or rank.

15. Gerberoy, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Perched on its rocky spur in Oise, Gerberoy enchants with its half-timbered houses adorned with hollyhocks and wisteria. This village of less than 100 inhabitants, nicknamed "the village of a thousand rose bushes," has preserved its medieval character with its ramparts and cobbled streets. Painter Henri Le Sidaner lived there and contributed to its fame by creating his remarkable gardens.

16. The Vimy Memorial

Erected on Vimy Ridge, this memorial pays tribute to Canadian soldiers who fell in France during World War I. The 30-meter-high white stone monument dominates a park where remains of trenches and shell craters survive. The Vimy underground tunnels, dug by Canadian soldiers, testify to the living conditions of fighters in this key sector of the western front.

17. The citadel of Lille

Nicknamed the "Queen of Citadels" by Vauban himself, Lille's citadel is one of the jewels of French military architecture. Built in the 17th century, this five-pointed star-shaped fortification testifies to Vauban's genius. Today, its green spaces house Lille zoo and offer a relaxation setting appreciated by families in the heart of the Lille metropolis.

18. Marquenterre Ornithological Park

Located in Somme Bay, Marquenterre Park is a privileged site for observing migratory birds. This 200-hectare nature reserve welcomes more than 370 bird species according to seasons. The developed observation trails allow observation of spoonbills, avocets, storks and numerous duck species in their preserved natural habitat.

19. The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille

Second museum in France after the Louvre by the importance of its collections, Lille's Palais des Beaux-Arts houses masterpieces by Monet, Rodin, Courbet, Delacroix and many other masters. Its European art collections cover six centuries of artistic creation. The graphic arts department conserves more than 55,000 drawings, prints and photographs, making the museum a reference center for art history research.

20. The hortillonnages of Amiens

True green Venice in the heart of Amiens, the hortillonnages form a maze of canals and artificial islets created in the Middle Ages. These 300-hectare floating gardens are discovered by cornet boat, traditional craft of Amiens market gardeners. This unique landscape heritage, where vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens and wild nature mingle, testifies to a thousand-year-old art of living between land and water.

Take advantage of your visit to Amiens to discover this exceptional site in addition to your guided city tour.

In conclusion, Hauts-de-France offers exceptionally rich heritage that blends Gothic art, military architecture, memorial sites and preserved natural spaces. From Amiens Cathedral to the beaches of the Opal Coast, via emblematic belfries and world-renowned museums, this northern French region reveals unsuspected treasures. For an in-depth discovery of its main cities, don't hesitate to let yourself be guided by Ryo audio-guided circuits which will give you an unforgettable experience at the heart of Hauts-de-France heritage.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Hauts-de-France?

The best period extends from May to September, with pleasant temperatures and less precipitation. Summer allows full enjoyment of Opal Coast beaches and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for visiting cities and discovering architectural heritage without summer crowds.

How many days are needed to visit Hauts-de-France?

One week allows discovery of the region's essential sites. Count 2 days for Lille and its surroundings, 1 to 2 days for Amiens, 2 days for the Opal Coast and Somme Bay, and 2 to 3 days for other sites according to your interests.

How to get around in Hauts-de-France?

The car remains the most practical means to explore the region and access natural sites. The TER railway network serves the main cities well. For city centers, walking circuits with Ryo audioguides constitute an excellent solution for autonomous and thorough discovery.

What are the culinary specialties of Hauts-de-France not to be missed?

The region offers rich gastronomy: ficelle picarde, mussels and fries, carbonade flamande, maroilles cheese, bêtises de Cambrai, and stuffed waffles. Local craft beers perfectly accompany these specialties from the northern terroir.