last edited May 14, 2020
What to See in Hauts-de-France
Location Map of Hauts-de-France
Hauts-de-France
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The former Nord-Pas de Calais-Picardie region has three sites or groups listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin (2012): This includes over a hundred small sites or buildings (miners' houses, settlements, slag heaps, etc.) that bear witness to the region's mining activity, particularly around Béthune, Lens, Douai, and Valenciennes.
Amiens Cathedral (1981)
It is the largest cathedral in France by its interior volume and one of the finest examples of Gothic art. This is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is the largest cathedral in France by its interior volume and one of the finest examples of Gothic art. This is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bell Towers of Northern France (1999)
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
Aisne (02)
Saint-Michel-en-Thiérache Abbey
This is a 12th-century Benedictine abbey located at the Belgian border.
This is a 12th-century Benedictine abbey located at the Belgian border.
Coucy Castle
The striking remains of a medieval fortress built on a rocky spur and surrounding part of the commune of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique with its ramparts.
The striking remains of a medieval fortress built on a rocky spur and surrounding part of the commune of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique with its ramparts.
Château-Thierry
The birthplace of La Fontaine has a few remnants of its more or less recent past (castle, towers, American memorial).
The birthplace of La Fontaine has a few remnants of its more or less recent past (castle, towers, American memorial).
Chemin des Dames
This is a small road in the Aisne region that follows the front lines of the First World War. Like elsewhere in the department, the area is home to numerous memorials, monuments, and other remembrance sites.
This is a small road in the Aisne region that follows the front lines of the First World War. Like elsewhere in the department, the area is home to numerous memorials, monuments, and other remembrance sites.
Guise
A small town in the northern part of the department, featuring a medieval fortress and a 19th-century "familistère" (social housing complex) partly converted into a museum.
A small town in the northern part of the department, featuring a medieval fortress and a 19th-century "familistère" (social housing complex) partly converted into a museum.
La Ferté-Milon
These are the remains of an early 15th-century castle and a few churches in the birthplace of Racine.
These are the remains of an early 15th-century castle and a few churches in the birthplace of Racine.
Laon
The prefecture of Aisne is a city where many old houses and traces of the medieval era remain, particularly in its religious heritage.
The prefecture of Aisne is a city where many old houses and traces of the medieval era remain, particularly in its religious heritage.
Parfondeval
In the northeast of Aisne, this is one of only two Picardy communes awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for its built heritage.
In the northeast of Aisne, this is one of only two Picardy communes awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for its built heritage.
Saint-Quentin
A sub-prefecture and the second-largest urban area in Picardy, Saint-Quentin is an Art Deco city rebuilt after the First World War. It also boasts a beautiful cathedral.
A sub-prefecture and the second-largest urban area in Picardy, Saint-Quentin is an Art Deco city rebuilt after the First World War. It also boasts a beautiful cathedral.
Soissons
This town in southern Aisne boasts a rich religious heritage, including its cathedral, a beautiful 11th-century abbey, and several churches.
This town in southern Aisne boasts a rich religious heritage, including its cathedral, a beautiful 11th-century abbey, and several churches.
Bellicourt Canal Tunnel
This is a canal tunnel nearly 6 km long, still used by barges on the Saint-Quentin Canal.
This is a canal tunnel nearly 6 km long, still used by barges on the Saint-Quentin Canal.
Villers-Cotterêts
In the south of the department, less than 100 km from Paris, the town is home to two châteaux, including one built by Francis I in the 16th century.
In the south of the department, less than 100 km from Paris, the town is home to two châteaux, including one built by Francis I in the 16th century.
Natural Heritage
Thiérache Hedgerows
A rural cross-border region between France and Belgium that can be explored on foot.
A rural cross-border region between France and Belgium that can be explored on foot.
Nord (59)
Armentières
It is one of the communes in northern France whose belfry is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is one of the communes in northern France whose belfry is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Avesnes-sur-Helpe
Avesnes-sur-Helpe is a small fortified town in the southern part of the department, at the heart of the Avesnois natural park, with a beautiful 13th-century collegiate church.
Avesnes-sur-Helpe is a small fortified town in the southern part of the department, at the heart of the Avesnois natural park, with a beautiful 13th-century collegiate church.
Bergues
A town with long ramparts and a belfry listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like many others in the region.
A town with long ramparts and a belfry listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like many others in the region.
Cambrai
South of the department, Cambrai is a mid-sized town with a beautiful cathedral and a UNESCO-listed belfry.
South of the department, Cambrai is a mid-sized town with a beautiful cathedral and a UNESCO-listed belfry.
Douai
The sub-prefecture of the Nord department has preserved some remnants of its military past (arsenal, cannon foundry, fortifications), two collegiate churches, and a magnificent UNESCO-listed belfry.
The sub-prefecture of the Nord department has preserved some remnants of its military past (arsenal, cannon foundry, fortifications), two collegiate churches, and a magnificent UNESCO-listed belfry.
Dunkirk
This North Sea city is best known for its fantastic carnival (and, secondarily, its UNESCO-listed belfry). Several beaches and seaside resorts lie on the outskirts (Gravelines, Bray-Dunes, Zuydcoote) in what is called the Flanders Dunes.
This North Sea city is best known for its fantastic carnival (and, secondarily, its UNESCO-listed belfry). Several beaches and seaside resorts lie on the outskirts (Gravelines, Bray-Dunes, Zuydcoote) in what is called the Flanders Dunes.
Lewarde
At the heart of the mining basin, this large village is home to the Lewarde Historical Mining Centre.
At the heart of the mining basin, this large village is home to the Lewarde Historical Mining Centre.
Lille
Lively and vibrant, Lille also boasts a beautiful city centre and historic districts. The regional capital hosts its famous annual Braderie every September—the largest flea market in Europe.
Lively and vibrant, Lille also boasts a beautiful city centre and historic districts. The regional capital hosts its famous annual Braderie every September—the largest flea market in Europe.
Maubeuge
This small town near Belgium retains a notable military heritage linked to its history (arsenal, Vauban fortifications).
This small town near Belgium retains a notable military heritage linked to its history (arsenal, Vauban fortifications).
Route of the Belfries
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
Roubaix
On the Belgian border. One of the cities in the Lille metropolitan area that has undergone urban rehabilitation.
On the Belgian border. One of the cities in the Lille metropolitan area that has undergone urban rehabilitation.
Tourcoing
It is one of the three cities that make up what is commonly known as the greater Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing metropolitan area.
It is one of the three cities that make up what is commonly known as the greater Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing metropolitan area.
Valenciennes
It's a large, popular city located in the southern part of the department, in the mining region.
It's a large, popular city located in the southern part of the department, in the mining region.
Natural Heritage
Opal Coast
This is the coastal area with varied terrain (dunes, cliffs, marshes) that stretches from the Belgian border to the Somme department. It includes all the seaside towns of the former Nord-Pas de Calais region.
This is the coastal area with varied terrain (dunes, cliffs, marshes) that stretches from the Belgian border to the Somme department. It includes all the seaside towns of the former Nord-Pas de Calais region.
Flanders Dunes
This is the coastal and dune area of the North Sea located in the Nord department around Dunkirk (and part of the wider Opal Coast). It features several beaches and seaside resorts such as Gravelines, Bray-Dunes, and Zuydcoote.
This is the coastal and dune area of the North Sea located in the Nord department around Dunkirk (and part of the wider Opal Coast). It features several beaches and seaside resorts such as Gravelines, Bray-Dunes, and Zuydcoote.
Avesnois Regional Nature Park
This is an area of woodlands and hedgerows in the south of the Nord department.
This is an area of woodlands and hedgerows in the south of the Nord department.
Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park
Between Lille and Valenciennes. This is an area of countryside, forests, and former mining landscapes, part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin.".
Between Lille and Valenciennes. This is an area of countryside, forests, and former mining landscapes, part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin.".
Oise (60)
Saint-Leu-d'Esserent Abbey Church
On the banks of the Oise, just next to Chantilly, this imposing church dates from the 12th century.
On the banks of the Oise, just next to Chantilly, this imposing church dates from the 12th century.
Chaalis Abbey
Located in Fontaine-Chaalis, these are the remains of a royal abbey dating from the 12th century.
Located in Fontaine-Chaalis, these are the remains of a royal abbey dating from the 12th century.
Saint-Germer-de-Fly Abbey
This is a Benedictine abbey from the 7th century in the village of the same name.
This is a Benedictine abbey from the 7th century in the village of the same name.
Saint-Martin-aux-Bois Abbey
This is one of the many medieval abbeys in the Oise department, near Beauvais.
This is one of the many medieval abbeys in the Oise department, near Beauvais.
Beauvais
The prefecture of Oise has several interesting landmarks, such as its Gothic cathedral, half-timbered houses, former episcopal palace, and 12th-century leper hospital. Beauvais is also home to the third "Parisian airport.".
The prefecture of Oise has several interesting landmarks, such as its Gothic cathedral, half-timbered houses, former episcopal palace, and 12th-century leper hospital. Beauvais is also home to the third "Parisian airport.".
Chantilly
At the heart of the forest of the same name, the town is known for its racecourse (and more broadly the equestrian world), but above all for its magnificent château and park.
At the heart of the forest of the same name, the town is known for its racecourse (and more broadly the equestrian world), but above all for its magnificent château and park.
Pierrefonds Castle
Located in the town of the same name, this is an impressive late-Medieval fortress and one of the region’s most beautiful castles.
Located in the town of the same name, this is an impressive late-Medieval fortress and one of the region’s most beautiful castles.
Compiègne
The second-largest city in the Oise region boasts a charming 18th-century château and a pleasant town centre. It also offers poignant reminders of World War II, including the Armistice Clearing and the Camp de Royallieu Memorial.
The second-largest city in the Oise region boasts a charming 18th-century château and a pleasant town centre. It also offers poignant reminders of World War II, including the Armistice Clearing and the Camp de Royallieu Memorial.
Ermenonville
In the heart of the Oise-Pays de France Natural Park, the small town is known for its Château and Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Mer de Sable (one of France’s first leisure parks), and the Ermenonville Forest, perfect for hiking.
In the heart of the Oise-Pays de France Natural Park, the small town is known for its Château and Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Mer de Sable (one of France’s first leisure parks), and the Ermenonville Forest, perfect for hiking.
Gerberoy
In the west of the department, this is one of only two Picardy communes awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for its built heritage of narrow streets and half-timbered houses.
In the west of the department, this is one of only two Picardy communes awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for its built heritage of narrow streets and half-timbered houses.
Noyon
Notre-Dame Cathedral is the main tourist attraction in this town of around fifteen thousand inhabitants.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is the main tourist attraction in this town of around fifteen thousand inhabitants.
Senlis
With its cathedral and old town, Senlis is one of the main attractions in the department. Since the town is surrounded by forests, it’s also a great starting point for hikes.
With its cathedral and old town, Senlis is one of the main attractions in the department. Since the town is surrounded by forests, it’s also a great starting point for hikes.
Natural Heritage
Compiègne Forest
This is a large forest near Compiègne with opportunities for hiking on foot or horseback.
This is a large forest near Compiègne with opportunities for hiking on foot or horseback.
Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park
A large park straddling the Île-de-France and Picardy regions, encompassing the Trois Forêts massif (Halatte, Ermenonville, Chantilly). Its focus is more "historical and cultural" than natural, though hiking is possible.
A large park straddling the Île-de-France and Picardy regions, encompassing the Trois Forêts massif (Halatte, Ermenonville, Chantilly). Its focus is more "historical and cultural" than natural, though hiking is possible.
Pas-de-Calais (62)
Arras
The capital of Pas-de-Calais offers a charming city centre in Flemish-Baroque style. This is complemented by a military heritage ranging from Vauban’s citadel to First World War sites, including numerous underground tunnels.
The capital of Pas-de-Calais offers a charming city centre in Flemish-Baroque style. This is complemented by a military heritage ranging from Vauban’s citadel to First World War sites, including numerous underground tunnels.
Berck
One of the main seaside resorts on the Opal Coast, renowned for sand yachting and kite flying. The town is also home to several well-known healthcare centres.
One of the main seaside resorts on the Opal Coast, renowned for sand yachting and kite flying. The town is also home to several well-known healthcare centres.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
France’s leading fishing port. For visitors, it has an old town centre, a belfry, a medieval castle, ramparts, and above all the "aquarium-museum" Nausicaa. Several beaches and seaside resorts lie on its outskirts, including Ambleteuse, Equihen, Hardelot, and Wimereux with its fine seafront villas.
France’s leading fishing port. For visitors, it has an old town centre, a belfry, a medieval castle, ramparts, and above all the "aquarium-museum" Nausicaa. Several beaches and seaside resorts lie on its outskirts, including Ambleteuse, Equihen, Hardelot, and Wimereux with its fine seafront villas.
Calais
While the city is best known for its shortest cross-Channel crossings, it also offers some beautiful buildings (the Citadel, the Watchtower) and a large beach.
While the city is best known for its shortest cross-Channel crossings, it also offers some beautiful buildings (the Citadel, the Watchtower) and a large beach.
Le Touquet
An upscale seaside resort with beautiful homes and buildings designed by renowned architects.
An upscale seaside resort with beautiful homes and buildings designed by renowned architects.
Lens
One of the main cities in the mining basin. Its main tourist attraction is the Louvre-Lens Museum, inaugurated in 2012.
One of the main cities in the mining basin. Its main tourist attraction is the Louvre-Lens Museum, inaugurated in 2012.
Vimy Memorial
Canada's most important First World War memorial. Other traces of the 1917 Battle of Vimy, including trenches, tunnels, and an interpretation centre.
Canada's most important First World War memorial. Other traces of the 1917 Battle of Vimy, including trenches, tunnels, and an interpretation centre.
Montreuil
Ramparts you can walk along, a citadel, and old houses in narrow streets are the main attractions of this small town located about ten kilometres from the sea.
Ramparts you can walk along, a citadel, and old houses in narrow streets are the main attractions of this small town located about ten kilometres from the sea.
Route of the Belfries
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
Saint-Omer
East of the Caps et Marais d'Opale park, the sub-prefecture of Pas de Calais boasts a beautiful cathedral and a significant religious heritage.
East of the Caps et Marais d'Opale park, the sub-prefecture of Pas de Calais boasts a beautiful cathedral and a significant religious heritage.
Wimereux
A charming seaside resort on the Opal Coast, dating back to the late 19th century with its waterfront lined with Belle Époque villas.
A charming seaside resort on the Opal Coast, dating back to the late 19th century with its waterfront lined with Belle Époque villas.
Wimille
This small town north of Boulogne is home to the Column of the Grande Armée, a monument standing around fifty metres tall, built in the early 19th century.
This small town north of Boulogne is home to the Column of the Grande Armée, a monument standing around fifty metres tall, built in the early 19th century.
Wissant
A former fishing village turned seaside resort, with a beautiful and long beach between the Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez. The spot is also renowned for surfing and kitesurfing.
A former fishing village turned seaside resort, with a beautiful and long beach between the Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez. The spot is also renowned for surfing and kitesurfing.
Natural Heritage
Authie Bay
Between the Somme (Quend/Fort Mahon) and Pas de Calais (Berck), this pretty estuary has been developed with scenic discovery trails.
Between the Somme (Quend/Fort Mahon) and Pas de Calais (Berck), this pretty estuary has been developed with scenic discovery trails.
Canche Bay
This small nature reserve is located near Étaples, on the right bank of the Canche, which can also be descended by canoe. You can observe many bird species in a dune environment.
This small nature reserve is located near Étaples, on the right bank of the Canche, which can also be descended by canoe. You can observe many bird species in a dune environment.
White Cliffs of Blanc-Nez
Towering cliffs and a lovely panorama at the gates of Calais. Like its neighbor Cape Gris-Nez, it is part of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Park.
Towering cliffs and a lovely panorama at the gates of Calais. Like its neighbor Cape Gris-Nez, it is part of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Park.
Cape Gris-Nez
This is the closest point in France to England. It is a cliff area from which you can observe cross-Channel traffic.
This is the closest point in France to England. It is a cliff area from which you can observe cross-Channel traffic.
Opal Coast
This is the coastal area with varied terrain (dunes, cliffs, marshes) that stretches from the Belgian border to the Somme department. It includes all the seaside towns of the former Nord-Pas de Calais region.
This is the coastal area with varied terrain (dunes, cliffs, marshes) that stretches from the Belgian border to the Somme department. It includes all the seaside towns of the former Nord-Pas de Calais region.
Regional Nature Park of the Caps and Marais d'Opale
Between Boulogne and Saint-Omer, this park blends marsh and bocage landscapes with dune areas and coastal cliffs. You can hike along marked trails or go birdwatching.
Between Boulogne and Saint-Omer, this park blends marsh and bocage landscapes with dune areas and coastal cliffs. You can hike along marked trails or go birdwatching.
Somme (80)
Valloires Abbey
A stunning Cistercian abbey with beautiful gardens, located in the village of Argoules in northern Somme.
A stunning Cistercian abbey with beautiful gardens, located in the village of Argoules in northern Somme.
Abbeville
The second-largest city in the Somme department, Abbeville boasts a renowned collegiate church (Saint-Vulfran) and a UNESCO-listed belfry, like many others in the region.
The second-largest city in the Somme department, Abbeville boasts a renowned collegiate church (Saint-Vulfran) and a UNESCO-listed belfry, like many others in the region.
Albert
The third-largest town in the department is home to the fascinating "Somme 1916 Museum", dedicated to life in the trenches during the First World War.
The third-largest town in the department is home to the fascinating "Somme 1916 Museum", dedicated to life in the trenches during the First World War.
Amiens
This major city in Picardy offers a wide range of sights, including its stunning UNESCO-listed cathedral and belfry, Perret Tower, charming historic districts, and its canals and hortillonnages (urban marsh-gardens) to explore by boat.
This major city in Picardy offers a wide range of sights, including its stunning UNESCO-listed cathedral and belfry, Perret Tower, charming historic districts, and its canals and hortillonnages (urban marsh-gardens) to explore by boat.
Ault
On the English Channel coast, the town is better known for its cliffs, its forest (Bois de Cise), its beautiful late 19th-century villas, and its marshland ideal for walks or birdwatching (Hâble d'Ault) than for its beaches.
On the English Channel coast, the town is better known for its cliffs, its forest (Bois de Cise), its beautiful late 19th-century villas, and its marshland ideal for walks or birdwatching (Hâble d'Ault) than for its beaches.
Cayeux-sur-Mer
This seaside resort (which also encompasses several natural areas) is famous for its long boardwalk lined with beach huts along the shore. It is also the terminus of the Baie de Somme narrow-gauge railway.
This seaside resort (which also encompasses several natural areas) is famous for its long boardwalk lined with beach huts along the shore. It is also the terminus of the Baie de Somme narrow-gauge railway.
Rambures Castle
In the village of the same name, south of Abbeville, this is a superb (and small) 15th-century fortified castle with beautiful gardens.
In the village of the same name, south of Abbeville, this is a superb (and small) 15th-century fortified castle with beautiful gardens.
Remembrance Trail
Between Péronne and Albert, over roughly a hundred kilometres, you’ll find numerous memorials, museums, and other reminders of the 1916 Battle of the Somme.
Between Péronne and Albert, over roughly a hundred kilometres, you’ll find numerous memorials, museums, and other reminders of the 1916 Battle of the Somme.
Fort-Mahon Beach
A seaside resort with a stunning beach perfect for sand yachting and impressive dune landscapes. It is separated from the neighboring Pas-de-Calais by the Authie Bay and its discovery trails.
A seaside resort with a stunning beach perfect for sand yachting and impressive dune landscapes. It is separated from the neighboring Pas-de-Calais by the Authie Bay and its discovery trails.
Caves of Naours
In the municipality of the same name, this is an ancient underground city built during the Middle Ages by the region's inhabitants to protect themselves from invasions and looting.
In the municipality of the same name, this is an ancient underground city built during the Middle Ages by the region's inhabitants to protect themselves from invasions and looting.
Great War Museum
Housed in a medieval castle in the town of Péronne, this is France’s main museum dedicated to the First World War and the starting point of the Remembrance Circuit.
Housed in a medieval castle in the town of Péronne, this is France’s main museum dedicated to the First World War and the starting point of the Remembrance Circuit.
Le Crotoy
This former fishing port is a rather pretty seaside resort with a variety of water-based activities that visitors quite enjoy. It’s from here that the Somme Bay little train departs.
This former fishing port is a rather pretty seaside resort with a variety of water-based activities that visitors quite enjoy. It’s from here that the Somme Bay little train departs.
Thiepval Franco-British Memorial
This is the most imposing of the many World War I memorials found in northern France.
This is the most imposing of the many World War I memorials found in northern France.
Mers-les-Bains
On the border of Seine-Maritime, with tall cliffs nearby, this seaside resort offers a charming seafront with its beautiful late 19th-century villas.
On the border of Seine-Maritime, with tall cliffs nearby, this seaside resort offers a charming seafront with its beautiful late 19th-century villas.
Noyelles-sur-Mer
This town is home to France’s largest Chinese cemetery, where 849 Chinese nationals are buried after dying of disease during the First World War.
This town is home to France’s largest Chinese cemetery, where 849 Chinese nationals are buried after dying of disease during the First World War.
Quend
Next to Fort-Mahon, the town has a vast and beautiful beach in its seaside area (Quend-Plage les Pins) where you can try land sailing, among other activities.
Next to Fort-Mahon, the town has a vast and beautiful beach in its seaside area (Quend-Plage les Pins) where you can try land sailing, among other activities.
Route of the Belfries
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can be explored via a tourist route.
Rue
This canton capital near the Bay of Somme boasts a stunning 15th-century Gothic chapel and a UNESCO-listed belfry, like others in the region.
This canton capital near the Bay of Somme boasts a stunning 15th-century Gothic chapel and a UNESCO-listed belfry, like others in the region.
Saint-Riquier
Near Abbeville, the town has a beautiful abbey whose construction began in the 7th century.
Near Abbeville, the town has a beautiful abbey whose construction began in the 7th century.
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
This charming small town in the Baie de Somme boasts several historic buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can also explore the bay or, in season, take the Baie de Somme tourist train that connects Le Crotoy to Cayeux.
This charming small town in the Baie de Somme boasts several historic buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can also explore the bay or, in season, take the Baie de Somme tourist train that connects Le Crotoy to Cayeux.
Samara
Just a few kilometres from Amiens, this is an open-air leisure and museum park blending nature and archaeology, focusing on prehistory in the commune of La Chaussée-Tirancourt, which was once a Gallic site.
Just a few kilometres from Amiens, this is an open-air leisure and museum park blending nature and archaeology, focusing on prehistory in the commune of La Chaussée-Tirancourt, which was once a Gallic site.
Natural Heritage
Authie Bay
Between the Somme (Quend/Fort Mahon) and Pas de Calais (Berck), this pretty estuary has been developed with scenic discovery trails.
Between the Somme (Quend/Fort Mahon) and Pas de Calais (Berck), this pretty estuary has been developed with scenic discovery trails.
Bay of Somme
This nature reserve offers stunning landscapes and a haven for numerous birds and even seals. The area is tourist-friendly, with activities like hiking and canoeing. In season, the site can be explored via the Bay of Somme tourist train, which runs from Le Crotoy to Cayeux. It’s also where the traditional "hut hunting" activity takes place.
This nature reserve offers stunning landscapes and a haven for numerous birds and even seals. The area is tourist-friendly, with activities like hiking and canoeing. In season, the site can be explored via the Bay of Somme tourist train, which runs from Le Crotoy to Cayeux. It’s also where the traditional "hut hunting" activity takes place.
Crécy Forest
Between Abbeville and the Bay of Somme, not far from where the famous Battle of Crécy took place during the Hundred Years' War, this vast forest is a favorite among hikers.
Between Abbeville and the Bay of Somme, not far from where the famous Battle of Crécy took place during the Hundred Years' War, this vast forest is a favorite among hikers.
Marquenterre Park
A stunning coastal ornithological park, part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Visitors can observe numerous migratory birds and enjoy short hikes on foot or horseback.
A stunning coastal ornithological park, part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Visitors can observe numerous migratory birds and enjoy short hikes on foot or horseback.
Must-see & highly recommended
Bay of Somme
★★★★ This nature reserve offers stunning landscapes and a haven for numerous birds and even seals. The area is tourist-friendly, with activities…
Chantilly
★★★★ At the heart of the forest of the same name, the town is known for its racecourse (and more broadly the equestrian world), but above all…
Recommended
Amiens
★★★ This major city in Picardy offers a wide range of sights, including its stunning UNESCO-listed cathedral and belfry, Perret Tower, charming…
White Cliffs of Blanc-Nez
★★★ Towering cliffs and a lovely panorama at the gates of Calais. Like its neighbor Cape Gris-Nez, it is part of the Caps et Marais d'Opale…
Amiens Cathedral
★★★ It is the largest cathedral in France by its interior volume and one of the finest examples of Gothic art. This is why it is a UNESCO World…
Pierrefonds Castle
★★★ Located in the town of the same name, this is an impressive late-Medieval fortress and one of the region’s most beautiful castles.
Remembrance Trail
★★★ Between Péronne and Albert, over roughly a hundred kilometres, you’ll find numerous memorials, museums, and other reminders of the…
Opal Coast
★★★ This is the coastal area with varied terrain (dunes, cliffs, marshes) that stretches from the Belgian border to the Somme department. It…
Gerberoy
★★★ In the west of the department, this is one of only two Picardy communes awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for its built…
Great War Museum
★★★ Housed in a medieval castle in the town of Péronne, this is France’s main museum dedicated to the First World War and the starting…
Lille
★★★ Lively and vibrant, Lille also boasts a beautiful city centre and historic districts. The regional capital hosts its famous annual Braderie…
Parc Astérix
★★★ Located in the small town of Plailly, it is one of France’s most visited theme parks.
Marquenterre Park
★★★ A stunning coastal ornithological park, part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve. Visitors can observe numerous migratory birds and enjoy…
Worth a look / Other
Valloires Abbey
★★ A stunning Cistercian abbey with beautiful gardens, located in the village of Argoules in northern Somme.
Arras
★★ The capital of Pas-de-Calais offers a charming city centre in Flemish-Baroque style. This is complemented by a military heritage ranging…
Ault
★★ On the English Channel coast, the town is better known for its cliffs, its forest (Bois de Cise), its beautiful late 19th-century villas…
Authie Bay
★★ Between the Somme (Quend/Fort Mahon) and Pas de Calais (Berck), this pretty estuary has been developed with scenic discovery trails.
Berck
★★ One of the main seaside resorts on the Opal Coast, renowned for sand yachting and kite flying. The town is also home to several well-known…
Bergues
★★ A town with long ramparts and a belfry listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like many others in the region.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
★★ France’s leading fishing port. For visitors, it has an old town centre, a belfry, a medieval castle, ramparts, and above all the…
Cape Gris-Nez
★★ This is the closest point in France to England. It is a cliff area from which you can observe cross-Channel traffic.
Cayeux-sur-Mer
★★ This seaside resort (which also encompasses several natural areas) is famous for its long boardwalk lined with beach huts along the shore…
Olhain Castle
★★ It's a charming medieval fortress located in the village of Fresnicourt-le-Dolmen.
Rambures Castle
★★ In the village of the same name, south of Abbeville, this is a superb (and small) 15th-century fortified castle with beautiful gardens.
Chemin des Dames
★★ This is a small road in the Aisne region that follows the front lines of the First World War. Like elsewhere in the department, the area is…
Compiègne
★★ The second-largest city in the Oise region boasts a charming 18th-century château and a pleasant town centre. It also offers poignant…
Douai
★★ The sub-prefecture of the Nord department has preserved some remnants of its military past (arsenal, cannon foundry, fortifications), two…
Flanders Dunes
★★ This is the coastal and dune area of the North Sea located in the Nord department around Dunkirk (and part of the wider Opal Coast). It…
Ermenonville
★★ In the heart of the Oise-Pays de France Natural Park, the small town is known for its Château and Parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Mer de…
Fort-Mahon Beach
★★ A seaside resort with a stunning beach perfect for sand yachting and impressive dune landscapes. It is separated from the neighboring…
Le Touquet
★★ An upscale seaside resort with beautiful homes and buildings designed by renowned architects.
Lewarde
★★ At the heart of the mining basin, this large village is home to the Lewarde Historical Mining Centre.
Vimy Memorial
★★ Canada's most important First World War memorial. Other traces of the 1917 Battle of Vimy, including trenches, tunnels, and an…
Thiepval Franco-British Memorial
★★ This is the most imposing of the many World War I memorials found in northern France.
Mers-les-Bains
★★ On the border of Seine-Maritime, with tall cliffs nearby, this seaside resort offers a charming seafront with its beautiful late…
Montreuil (62)
★★ Ramparts you can walk along, a citadel, and old houses in narrow streets are the main attractions of this small town located about ten…
Regional Nature Park of the Caps and Marais d'Opale
★★ Between Boulogne and Saint-Omer, this park blends marsh and bocage landscapes with dune areas and coastal cliffs. You can hike along marked…
Oise-Pays de France Regional Nature Park
★★ A large park straddling the Île-de-France and Picardy regions, encompassing the Trois Forêts massif (Halatte, Ermenonville, Chantilly). Its…
Saint-Quentin
★★ A sub-prefecture and the second-largest urban area in Picardy, Saint-Quentin is an Art Deco city rebuilt after the First World War. It also…
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
★★ This charming small town in the Baie de Somme boasts several historic buildings, some dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can…
Samara
★★ Just a few kilometres from Amiens, this is an open-air leisure and museum park blending nature and archaeology, focusing on prehistory in…
Senlis
★★ With its cathedral and old town, Senlis is one of the main attractions in the department. Since the town is surrounded by forests…
Wimereux
★★ A charming seaside resort on the Opal Coast, dating back to the late 19th century with its waterfront lined with Belle Époque villas.
Wissant
★★ A former fishing village turned seaside resort, with a beautiful and long beach between the Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez. The spot is…
Saint-Leu-d'Esserent Abbey Church
★ On the banks of the Oise, just next to Chantilly, this imposing church dates from the 12th century.
Chaalis Abbey
★ Located in Fontaine-Chaalis, these are the remains of a royal abbey dating from the 12th century.
Saint-Germer-de-Fly Abbey
★ This is a Benedictine abbey from the 7th century in the village of the same name.
Saint-Martin-aux-Bois Abbey
★ This is one of the many medieval abbeys in the Oise department, near Beauvais.
Saint-Michel-en-Thiérache Abbey
★ This is a 12th-century Benedictine abbey located at the Belgian border.
Vauclair Abbey
★ The ruins of a grand 12th-century abbey near the town of Laon.
Longpont Abbey
★ These are the beautiful ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey near Soissons.
Abbeville
★ The second-largest city in the Somme department, Abbeville boasts a renowned collegiate church (Saint-Vulfran) and a UNESCO-listed belfry…
Albert
★ The third-largest town in the department is home to the fascinating "Somme 1916 Museum", dedicated to life in the trenches during the First…
Armentières
★ It is one of the communes in northern France whose belfry is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Avesnes-sur-Helpe
★ Avesnes-sur-Helpe is a small fortified town in the southern part of the department, at the heart of the Avesnois natural park, with a…
Canche Bay
★ This small nature reserve is located near Étaples, on the right bank of the Canche, which can also be descended by canoe. You can observe…
Beauvais
★ The prefecture of Oise has several interesting landmarks, such as its Gothic cathedral, half-timbered houses, former episcopal palace, and…
Béthune
★ This town southwest of Lille has a pleasant centre with a UNESCO-listed belfry.
Thiérache Hedgerows
★ A rural cross-border region between France and Belgium that can be explored on foot.
Calais
★ While the city is best known for its shortest cross-Channel crossings, it also offers some beautiful buildings (the Citadel, the…
Cambrai
★ South of the department, Cambrai is a mid-sized town with a beautiful cathedral and a UNESCO-listed belfry.
Condé Castle
★ A beautiful 12th-century building located in Condé-en-Brie.
Coucy Castle
★ The striking remains of a medieval fortress built on a rocky spur and surrounding part of the commune of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique with…
Château-Thierry
★ The birthplace of La Fontaine has a few remnants of its more or less recent past (castle, towers, American memorial).
Doullens
★ This former sub-prefecture boasts an impressive citadel dating back to Francis I.
Dunkirk
★ This North Sea city is best known for its fantastic carnival (and, secondarily, its UNESCO-listed belfry). Several beaches and seaside…
Compiègne Forest
★ This is a large forest near Compiègne with opportunities for hiking on foot or horseback.
Crécy Forest
★ Between Abbeville and the Bay of Somme, not far from where the famous Battle of Crécy took place during the Hundred Years' War, this vast…
Retz Forest
★ This is a large forest near Villers-Cotterêts. You can hike here.
Gravelines
★ Fortifications partly dating from Vauban and a certain military heritage.
Caves of Naours
★ In the municipality of the same name, this is an ancient underground city built during the Middle Ages by the region's inhabitants to…
Guise
★ A small town in the northern part of the department, featuring a medieval fortress and a 19th-century "familistère" (social housing…
La Ferté-Milon
★ These are the remains of an early 15th-century castle and a few churches in the birthplace of Racine.
Laon
★ The prefecture of Aisne is a city where many old houses and traces of the medieval era remain, particularly in its religious heritage.
Le Crotoy
★ This former fishing port is a rather pretty seaside resort with a variety of water-based activities that visitors quite enjoy. It’s…
Lens
★ One of the main cities in the mining basin. Its main tourist attraction is the Louvre-Lens Museum, inaugurated in 2012.
Maubeuge
★ This small town near Belgium retains a notable military heritage linked to its history (arsenal, Vauban fortifications).
Noyelles-sur-Mer
★ This town is home to France’s largest Chinese cemetery, where 849 Chinese nationals are buried after dying of disease during the…
Noyon
★ Notre-Dame Cathedral is the main tourist attraction in this town of around fifteen thousand inhabitants.
Avesnois Regional Nature Park
★ This is an area of woodlands and hedgerows in the south of the Nord department.
Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park
★ Between Lille and Valenciennes. This is an area of countryside, forests, and former mining landscapes, part of which is a UNESCO World…
Parfondeval
★ In the northeast of Aisne, this is one of only two Picardy communes awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label for its built…
Quend
★ Next to Fort-Mahon, the town has a vast and beautiful beach in its seaside area (Quend-Plage les Pins) where you can try land sailing…
Roubaix
★ On the Belgian border. One of the cities in the Lille metropolitan area that has undergone urban rehabilitation.
Route of the Belfries
★ 23 belfries in northern France (in addition to others in Belgium) are UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical value. They can…
Rue
★ This canton capital near the Bay of Somme boasts a stunning 15th-century Gothic chapel and a UNESCO-listed belfry, like others in the…
Saint-Omer
★ East of the Caps et Marais d'Opale park, the sub-prefecture of Pas de Calais boasts a beautiful cathedral and a significant religious…
Saint-Riquier
★ Near Abbeville, the town has a beautiful abbey whose construction began in the 7th century.
Soissons
★ This town in southern Aisne boasts a rich religious heritage, including its cathedral, a beautiful 11th-century abbey, and several churches.
Tourcoing
★ It is one of the three cities that make up what is commonly known as the greater Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing metropolitan area.
Bellicourt Canal Tunnel
★ This is a canal tunnel nearly 6 km long, still used by barges on the Saint-Quentin Canal.
Valenciennes
★ It's a large, popular city located in the southern part of the department, in the mining region.
Villeneuve-d'Ascq
★ A new town on the outskirts of Lille with notable economic and academic vitality.
Villers-Cotterêts
★ In the south of the department, less than 100 km from Paris, the town is home to two châteaux, including one built by Francis I in the 16th…
Wimille
★ This small town north of Boulogne is home to the Column of the Grande Armée, a monument standing around fifty metres tall, built in the…