Hauts-de-France
Where is the Hauts-de-France region?
The Hauts-de-France region, located at the northern border of France, is made up of 5 departments: Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme.
It spans approximately 31,800 km², or 5.5% of the French territory. Its surface area is roughly equivalent to that of Moldova.
It is a proud and united region, shaped by its industrial past, its windswept coasts, fertile countryside, and artistic and historic cities such as Lille, Arras, and Amiens. It attracts those who appreciate authentic terroirs and warm hospitality.
Map of the Hauts-de-France Region
Why discover the Hauts-de-France region?
Located at the northern tip of France, the Hauts-de-France region is often overlooked, yet it hides unexpected treasures. A land of history, character and contrasts, it offers an emotional and invigorating journey, blending memory, nature and contemporary creativity.
The Opal Coast beaches, with their white cliffs, shifting dunes and family seaside resorts (Wimereux, Le Touquet, Berck-sur-Mer…), are a popular destination for a revitalizing escape. Hiking enthusiasts and lovers of wide open spaces will be delighted by the Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez capes, where the English coast can sometimes be seen.
Further inland, character villages, Gothic cathedrals (like that of Amiens, the largest in France) and memory fields evoke the dark hours of World War I. Sites such as Vimy, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette or Péronne bear witness to the region’s living memory.
The Hauts-de-France region is also known for its repurposed industrial heritage. Former mining sites, like those in the UNESCO-listed Mining Basin, have been transformed into dynamic cultural venues. The Louvre-Lens, built on a former industrial site, embodies this artistic renaissance. In Roubaix, the La Piscine museum is a jewel of Art Deco architecture, while in Lille, the regional capital, culture, design and festivity thrive in a young and creative city.
Gastronomy is not to be outdone: carbonnade flamande, welsh, mussels and fries, filled waffles, craft beers… Hauts-de-France wins over bon vivants and curious minds. The markets and estaminets give pride of place to local products and conviviality.
Discovering the Hauts-de-France means exploring France’s regions differently. It’s an invitation to go beyond clichés, to meet warm people, to immerse yourself in a vibrant popular culture, and to enjoy a beautiful diversity of landscapes, know-how and authentic experiences.
Stories and tips from my travels in Hauts-de-France
Frequently asked questions about traveling in Hauts-de-France
The Regions of France I have travelled
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Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, I scramble through the land of the Velay's volcanic sucs. From Mont Mézenc to the Corbœuf ravine, these fire-born lands hold landscapes found nowhere else in Europe. -
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Bretagne
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Centre-Val de Loire
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Corse
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Grand Est
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Île-de-France
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Normandie
From Honfleur to the cliffs of Étretat, I wander between Impressionist light and bowls of cider. Then the D-Day beaches and the Pointe du Hoc bring back the full weight of memory. -
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Occitanie
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Pays de la Loire
There are several Frances rolled into one. That of the volcanic peaks of the Velay, where Mont Mézenc raises its two phonolitic domes on… -
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA)
From hilltop Roubion to the Valley of Marvels, PACA blends mountain, culture, and sun. Between wine-red gorges and Mercantour waterfalls, the Mediterranean Sea is never far off.
Hauts-de-France is a land where sea, sky and nature come together in remarkable harmony.
From the vast landscapes of the Baie de Somme to the dramatic cliffs of the Opal Coast, from the peaceful countryside of the Avesnois to the historic cities of the region, every journey reveals a destination shaped by open spaces, changing skies and a strong sense of identity.
What moves me most is the feeling of freedom these landscapes inspire. The endless horizons, the ever-changing light above the coastline, the colonies of seals resting on the sandbanks and the countless migratory birds crossing the sky create an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and inspiring.
Photography has taught me to appreciate these subtle contrasts. The soft light over the marshes, the rugged beauty of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, the reflections left by the tides and the architectural charm of places such as Vieux-Lille all tell different stories about this fascinating region.
With camera in hand, I invite you to discover a Hauts-de-France where nature, heritage and traditions come together to create journeys filled with authenticity and wonder.
Here, every horizon opens a new perspective and every season reveals a different landscape.
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