Guide to Nord & Property for Sale in Department 59

The Nord department is situated in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, bordering Belgium, the North Sea, and the departments of Pas-de-Calais and Aisne. The department was formed by merging the western parts of the historic counties of Flanders and Hainaut, as well as the Bishopric of Cambrai. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and its unique French-Flemish-Dutch dialect, which remains spoken alongside French as a native language. Additionally, the region speaks the French Picard dialect, known as "Ch'ti". Nord is the most populous department in France and includes Lille, its capital city and préfecture. Lille's metropolitan area is France's fourth-largest urban zone, following Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Other significant towns include Valenciennes, Douai, and Dunkirk. Lille, together with nearby Roubaix, Tourcoing, and Villeneuve d'Ascq, forms the core of a cluster of industrial and former mining towns with a population slightly exceeding one million.

The Heart of the Industrial Revolution

The Nord department led France's 19th-century industrial revolution, significantly contributing to national economic growth. It was heavily impacted by World War I and now encounters various economic, social, and environmental challenges linked to the decline of coal mining, which was once the cornerstone of its economy. Historically, coal mining was extensive, reaching from Artois into central Belgium. Despite the industry's decline, the region has persisted in growing and evolving, transforming into a center for innovation and technology.

Key Information about the Nord (59)

Main City/Prefecture: Lille
Nearest Airport: Lille-Lesquin Airport
Population: Around 2.6 million (as of the latest census)
Area: 5,743 sq. kilometres and 2,217 sq. miles
Landmark: Grand Place General de Gaulle in Lille, surrounded by stunning Flemish-style architecture.
Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3.5 million, drawn by its cultural festivals, museums and World War I battlefields.

Property Prices in Nord in 2026

Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,986 (April 2026)
Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,391 (April 2026)
Price trends: +2% over the last 12 months, +42% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)