Our Guide to the Hauts-de-France Region

History & Nature Meet in Hauts-de-France

France’s northernmost region, Hauts de France, was created when the provinces of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy merged. It consists of the departments of Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais and the Somme. It is a popular tourist destination for visitors travelling to see the battlefields and memorials associated with the First and Second World Wars.

Excellent Connectivity & Access to Europe

The area is well connected to the UK with frequent ferries between Dover and Calais. The Channel Tunnel provides an excellent rail link service to London, offering a practical alternative to cars and other vehicles.

Rich Cultural Influence 

Lille, the biggest city in the area, boasts a busy commercial centre and vibrant nightlife. Important nearby cities include Amiens, Dunkirk, and Saint-Quentin. Arras and Lens, home to the Louvre-Lens art museum, showcase a notable Flemish influence in their architecture and cuisine, reflecting the region's proximity to Belgium, Paris, and broader Europe.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Historic Landmarks

Hauts-de-France is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these is the Belfries of Belgium and France, a group of 56 historical belfries that span the border between the two countries. The other is Amiens Cathedral, an impressive 13th-century Gothic building in the city's heart.

Nature Reserves, Coastline & Regional Attractions

The Opal Coast features chalk cliffs and sandy beaches along the English Channel. Notable resorts include the sophisticated town of Le Touquet and the fishing harbour of Boulogne-sur-Mer, which is home to Nausicaä, a large aquarium where visitors can observe thousands of marine species. 

Key Facts about Hauts-de-France

• Capital city: Lille
• Population: 6 million (around 9.0% of France's total population of approx. 68 million).
• Area: 31,813 sq. kilometres (12,283 square miles), about 5.8% of France's total area.
• Density: About 188 inhabitants per sq. kilometre, well above the national average of 106.

Essential Tourist Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 10 million.
• Km of Coastline: Approximately 190 km
• Average Sunshine Hours/Year: Around 1,600 hours
• Châteaux: Approximately 200–300 châteaux, notably the Château de Chantilly (Oise), Château de Pierrefonds (Oise) and Château de Compiègne (Oise).
• Famous Landmark: The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille
• Golf Courses in the Region: Approx. 45-50

Travelling to Hauts-de-France

The main cities are Lille, Amiens, Roubaix, Tourcoing, and Dunkirk. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports Serving the Region

• Lille Airport
• Beauvais-Tillé Airport
• Albert-Picardie Airport
• Touquet-Côte d'Opale Airport

Main Train Stations & TGV Links

• Lille-Flandres Station
• Lille-Europe Station
• Amiens Station
• Roubaix Station
• Tourcoing Station
• Dunkirk Station

Top Attractions in the Region

• Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille
• Lille
• Amiens
• Roubaix
• Tourcoing
• Dunkirk
• Château de Chantilly
• Château de Pierrefonds
• The Avesnois Regional Natural Park
• The Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park
• The Opal Coast
• Nausicaà Sea Centre

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional de l'Avesnois
• Parc naturel régional Scarpe-Escaut
• Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• The Belfries, including those in Lille, Arras and other cities in the region)
• The Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin
• The Amiens Cathedral

Economic Overview & Key Industries in Hauts-de-France

• Economic Strength: The region is known for its strengths in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and tourism.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx. €185 billion (2022), around 6% of France's total GDP.
• Economy: Services 65% (tourism, logistics and transport, healthcare and education), industry 30% (automotive, textiles, and chemicals) and agriculture 5% (sugar beet, wheat, potato crops and fishing).
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 9.0% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Lille, the University of Picardie, the University of Artois, and the University of the Opal Coast.
• Regional Specialities: Hauts-de-France is renowned for its seafood, particularly from the Opal Coast. It is also famous for its cheeses (Maroilles and Mimolette) and charcuterie, including andouillette and various pâtés. Traditional dishes like carbonade flamande (beef stew), Welsh (cheese on toast with an egg) and moules-frites (mussels with fries) are other notable specialities. In addition, the area is known for its beers, waffles and chicory.

Property Prices in Hauts-de-France in 2026

• Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €1,792 (source Fnaim - April 2026)
• Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €2,338 (source Fnaim - April 2026)
• Property price trends - average price change over the last 12 months: +1.7 % (April 2025 - April 2026)

Take a look at our infographic to learn more facts about this region. Click on the links to explore a department and browse our properties in Hauts-de-France.