Hauts-de-France (often translated as Heights-of-France) is the friendly, history-rich region in northern France stretching from Lille to the chalk cliffs of the Opal Coast. It’s an excellent mix of dramatic coastline, grand cathedrals, world-class museums, and powerful First World War memorials. Here are the top 10 attractions you should consider adding to your itinerary.

1. Amiens Cathedral & the Hortillonnages


The Gothic masterpiece of Notre-Dame d’Amiens is one of the largest and most coherent examples of 13th-century Gothic architecture in Europe — notable for its sculpted façade and soaring interior. It’s listed by UNESCO for its outstanding architecture and sculpture. Nearby, the Hortillonnages (floating market gardens) are a peaceful contrast — take a small boat tour through the marshy channels. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Why go: breathtaking medieval architecture + unique boat tours.


Quick tip: arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light on the façade.

2. Lille — Grand Place & Palais des Beaux-Arts

Lille is the cultural heart of the region. Its Grand Place (Place du Général-de-Gaulle) buzzes with cafés, while the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille houses one of France’s top art collections outside Paris — Flemish masters, French paintings and fine sculpture. It’s a must for museum lovers. pba.lille.fr

Why go: great city vibe + top-tier museum.


Quick tip: combine a museum morning with a stroll through Vieux-Lille (the old town).

3. Château de Chantilly and the Grandes Écuries

North of Paris but within Hauts-de-France, Château de Chantilly is a jewel of French aristocratic architecture with stunning gardens and the famed Grandes Écuries (Great Stables). The château’s art collection and park make it a superb day trip from Paris. chateaudechantilly.fr

Why go: magnificent chateau, art & equestrian heritage.


Quick tip: pair with a visit to nearby Chantilly racecourse if your dates align.

4. Baie de Somme (Bay of the Somme)

The Baie de Somme is a vast coastal wetland renowned for birdwatching, seals, and dramatic tides. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys wide horizons and quiet villages. Guided marsh and bird-watching walks are available year-round. hautsdefrancetourism.com

Why go: wildlife, scenic walks, peaceful atmosphere.


Quick tip: bring binoculars for migrating birds in spring and autumn.

5. Vimy Ridge Memorial & First World War Sites


The Vimy Ridge Memorial stands as Canada’s national memorial in Europe and is a deeply moving site of remembrance. Hauts-de-France is dotted with Commonwealth cemeteries, tunnels and memorials (Somme battlefields, Thiepval Memorial) that are essential for anyone interested in 20th-century history. pc.gc.ca

Why go: powerful history; well-maintained visitor centres.


Quick tip: combine with a guided battlefield tour to get the most context.

6. Cap Blanc-Nez & Cap Gris-Nez (Côte d’Opale)

The twin headlands — Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez — offer dramatic chalk cliffs and panoramic views across the Channel (on clear days you can see the white cliffs of Dover). The site is protected and popular with hikers on the coastal GR routes. cote-dopale.com

Why go: dramatic sea views, easy cliff walks.


Quick tip: bring windproof layers — it can be blustery up top!

7. Nausicaá — French National Sea Centre (Boulogne-sur-Mer)


Nausicaá is Europe’s largest aquarium and a leading ocean conservation centre with immersive exhibits and thousands of marine animals — an excellent family-friendly attraction. nausicaa.fr

Why go: world-class aquarium; educational and spectacular.


Quick tip: reserve tickets in advance during school holidays.

8. Arras — Grand’ Place, Belfry and the Wellington Quarries

Arras charms with two stunning squares (Grand’ Place and Place des Héros) surrounded by ornate Flemish-style facades and the UNESCO-listed belfry. Beneath the city, the Wellington Quarry tunnels—used in WWI—are open to visitors and provide a unique subterranean tour. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Why go: architecture + subterranean history.


Quick tip: climb the belfry for great views over Arras.

9. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Le Touquet is the elegant Atlantic-facing resort town with broad sandy beaches, stylish villas, cafés, and dunes. It’s a hotspot for weekenders from Paris and offers watersports, cycling and a lively promenade.

Why go: classic seaside resort atmosphere.


Quick tip: rent a bike to explore the dune landscapes.

10. Parc Astérix (if you want thrills)

For families and thrill-seekers, Parc Astérix (near Plailly) provides roller coasters and Gaulish-themed attractions — an entertaining counterpoint to the region’s history and nature sites.

Why go: family fun day out near Paris.


Quick tip: arrive at opening for shorter lines on popular rides.

Practical info & travel tips

How to get there: Hauts-de-France is well connected by rail and road. High-speed trains (TGV) and regional TER services connect Paris to Lille, Amiens and Arras in under 1–2 hours. Major airports: Lille (LIL) and Beauvais (for low-cost flights).

Best time to visit: spring through early autumn (April–September) for coastal walks and outdoor sites; winter visits are quieter and cheap but cooler and rainier.

Where to base yourself: Lille (city culture), Amiens (Picardy charm), or Le Touquet/Calais for coast access depending on your focus.

Sample 3-day itinerary

Day 1: Lille — Palais des Beaux-Arts + Vieux-Lille stroll.


Day 2: Amiens — Cathedral + Hortillonnages boat tour; evening drive to Baie de Somme.


Day 3: Opal Coast — Cap Blanc-Nez & Nausicaá (or Vimy Ridge/Arras if you prefer history).

FAQs

Q: Is Hauts-de-France worth visiting?
A: Absolutely — it pairs dramatic coastline and nature with strong cultural sites and accessible WWI history.

Q: Can I day-trip from Paris?
A: Yes — Chantilly, Arras and even Lille are reachable by train or car in about 1–1.5 hours (Chantilly closer); Amiens ~1–1.5 hrs by train.

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: In tourist areas and major museums yes, though learning a few French phrases is always appreciated.

Sources / further reading (selected)

PlaceAesthetics

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