About
Hauts-de-France is a region in the north of France, formed in 2016 by joining the former regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. It sits close to Belgium and the English Channel, and that position shapes much of what a visit here feels like: a landscape of towns and open country, with the sea and the border never far away.
The region is known for its industrial heritage. Mining and manufacturing have long shaped its towns, their architecture and their daily life, and visitors who are interested in how an industrial area has changed over time will find plenty to follow. The landscape carries these traces, from old works and workers' housing to the way towns are laid out around them.
What a visit offers
- Industrial history, seen in towns and sites shaped by mining and manufacturing
- Coastline on the English Channel, with its beaches and seaside towns
- Easy access to Belgium, making the region a natural stop for cross-border trips
- A quieter pace than the big French cities, with towns to explore at leisure
Planning your trip
Because Hauts-de-France covers a wide area, it works best to choose a base and visit a few places in turn rather than trying to see everything at once. Those coming from the UK or Belgium will find it especially convenient, while travellers arriving from further afield can use the region as a gateway to the north of the country. Check the details of individual sites and towns before you go, as opening arrangements and access can vary.
