I love Northern France - Hauts de France Region

17/06/2024

Today, we are at Saint-Jean-des-Vignes abbey in Soissons (north-east of Paris) whose towers are undoubtedly the town’s landmark 🙂
Overlooking the town, it is one of the most sumptuous abbeys from the Middle Ages. First gaze up at its superb façade with its spires more than 75 meters high, then admire the beautifully restored refectory where it’s easy to imagine meals of yesteryear and the cloister. Go inside and find out how the Gothic vaults were built. At least, enjoy a beautiful sunset to capture all the lighting effects that enhance this site ☀️
A memorable visit not to be missed! 👌


Tourisme Soissons J'M L'Aisne

13/06/2024

Strolling through gardens in Northern France is always soothing and unique, each one has its own characteristics and atmospheres. You will choose according to your aspirations : the urban garden, the medicinal or the greedy garden, the art garden, the sensory or meditative garden 🌳🌸🌞There’s a garden for everyone!!! 😉
What is your favourite one ?

More information: https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/reconnect-with-nature/10-reasons-to-explore-our-parks-and-gardens/

📷 Valloires' abbey gardens (Argoules)
📷 Viels-Maisons' gardens (Viels-Maisons)
📷 Henri Le Sidaner garden (Gerberoy)
📷 Mont des Recollets' garden (Cassel)
📷 La Chartreuse de Neuville's gardens (Neuville-sous-Montreuil)

10/06/2024

On Sunday, June 16, the Saint-Leu district in Amiens will be punctuated by its traditional floating market reviving the tradition of market gardening in the town in the 19th century 🛶
Once a year, the floating market takes place as in the past. The hortillons (market gardeners from the hortillonnages) are dressed with traditional costume and go down the Somme in their iconic boats loaded with vegetables, red fruits and flowers to place Parmentier 🥕🥦🍅🍆💐🌷
Once on the quay, they set up their stalls; the market can then begin. This colourful market, with its scents and customs, traces the ancestral tradition of authentic products grown in the hortillonnages 🥰
Have you ever attended this event?

06/06/2024

Away from the crowds, we're off to the countryside today, and more specifically to the underrated region of Avesnois. First stop is Maroilles and its pretty watermill. Maroilles? 🤔The name may sound familliar if you are a cheese expert as Maroilles is an iconic local cheese (which you must absolutely try for lunch) 🧀🍷 Did I say lunch? Yes, it's time to fill up on energy with the famous "flamiche au maroilles" (a puff pastry tart filled with cheese) before going and exploring the town of Le Quesnoy. Located in the heart of the Parc Naturel de l’Avesnois (Avesnois Regional
Natural Park) it has remained intact since the 17th century!
What about a walk in the forest of Mormal 🌲? Always a good choice this time of year with this enjoyable spring atmosphere. Nothing but silence…enjoy this relaxing moment.You may well catch a glimpse of deer, boar and even peacocks 🙂
Enjoy your day! 🥰


Avesnois Tourisme

03/06/2024

This magnificent and soothing landscape of the Bay of Somme was your favourite post from our Instagram page last month 🌊🥰
I must say you have particularly good taste 👌
📷 www.instagram.com/p/C7cWu2cMtTc/


Tourisme Baie de Somme Somme Tourisme

30/05/2024

Roses everywhere in Chaalis abbey's gardens for the « Journées de la Rose » (Rose Festival) from 7th to 9th June 2024 ⛪️🌹🥰
Every year in June, this event brings together nearly 15,000 rose lovers and hundreds of rose sellers and horticulturists gathered in the gardens 🌳🌸💚Whether you're an amateur, a real connoisseur, an enthusiast or just a visitor, there's something for everyone!
A magical and floral escapade through a profusion of colours and fragrances...🌹🙂🌿 Have you ever been?

📷 www.instagram.com/p/CtR6x9aK2l7/?img_index=1

More information here : https://www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk/page/rose-festival-chaalis



Domaine de Chaalis Oise Tourisme

27/05/2024

A gem of a castle straight out of a fairy tale for you today : the castle of Esquelbecq, one of the last Flemish castles in Northern France and its beautiful gardens 🏰 🌳🌸The estate has been listed as an historic monument since 1987.
There’s even an happy peacock, lucky enough to call these gardens home! 🦚

📷 www.instagram.com/p/Cu9w_2pMoW7/?img_index=1

👉 Need more information?
https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/things-to-do/a-history-that-defines-us/flemish-style-follow-the-crow-steps/

23/05/2024

Today, we are taking you to Boulogne-sur-Mer, an endearing town full of surprises. Are you ready to follow us? 🙂
We'll start with a walk in the fortified town. The cobbled stones streets around the basilica of Notre Dame are filled with picturesque stone houses🏠 Don't miss the lively rue de Lille buzzing with shops, cafes and restaurants 😃
Speaking of which, it's lunchtime already! Of course, fresh seafood is on the menu. Hum...it’s already mouth-watering! 🦞🦀🥂😋
On the afternoon, going downhill to the seafront, you'll come across many street art murals covering the entire side of certain houses. Then we're taking you to Nausicaa, Europe's largest aquarium. Gazing at the hypnotic dance of giant rays is definitely something you won't forget 🐠🦈🦑
To round off the day, let’s go for a relaxing walk on the beach 🌊☀️


Boulonnais en Côte d'Opale - Centre National de la Mer Northern France

20/05/2024

We know you love little picturesque villages in Northern France 🌳🏡 For you today, the pretty village of Gerberoy (listed in the most beautiful French villages) with its charming cobbled streets and its floral half-timbered houses 🥰🌺🌿🌸
Have a nice week everyone! 🙂


Oise Tourisme

17/05/2024

Welcome to Thiérache in the Aisne department, the land of Maroilles AOP 🧡 Thiérache is characterised by bocage landscapes, dotted with hedgerows and apple trees, beautiful forests and flowing rivers where walking and cycling trails lead you to discover magnificent fortified churches. 🌳🍎 These architectural gems, a blend of stone and brick in orange tones, date from the 16th century and are all unique in their own way! Start by exploring those open to visitors in Parfondeval for example, one of France's most beautiful and picturesque villages famous for its 17th century fortified church « Saint Médard ». 💒💖
And what about the emblematic brick? The Familistère de Guise, birthplace of the famous Godin stoves... It was in Thiérache that Jean Baptiste André Godin set up his factory, giving rise to a Social Palace. Today, this museum site offers immersion in a teeming cultural life, under the benevolent gaze of the Château Fort de Guise, an ancient stronghold of the famous Dukes of Guise. . 👁👌
Thiérache is much more than just a destination, it's an invitation to relax and discover, where you can lose yourself with delight.

14/05/2024

Belfries in Northern France are part of the regional heritage and symbolize an entire historical past.
Built between the 9th and 17th centuries and located in the city centres, they illustrate the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. But who are these giants who have been with us for centuries? 🤔
At the time, they were significant symbols of the conquest of freedom! As opposed to the keep and the bell tower, the belfry represented the power of the aldermen.
Over the centuries, it has become the symbol of the power and prosperity of the towns. Beyond its symbolic aspect, the belfry had a practical use and fulfilled various functions: watchtower, bell room, guardhouse, prison, court, archives, etc.
Some of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites or as Historical monuments. The familiar sounds of their carillon bells continue to permeate the lives of the locals as well as tourists 🥰
Have you ever seen one of them while staying in Northern France?

📷 www.instagram.com/p/Cy8x7w1sgTS/ (Béthune)
📷 www.instagram.com/p/C40v0Orsvni/ (Douai)
📷 www.instagram.com/p/CQlKnzzlFX9/ (Amiens)
📷 www.instagram.com/p/CEnHxa-iyCc/ (Compiègne)
📷 www.instagram.com/p/CzYf7wmN3Zn/?img_index=1 (Crécy-sur-Serre)

09/05/2024

The majestic grounds of the Château de Chantilly will once again be the setting for the Spring Flower Show (« Journées des Plantes ») on 17, 18 and 19th May 2024. It's a not-to-be-missed event if you’re keen on plants, biodiversity and gardens trends and in search of the rare pearl that will turn your garden into a little corner of paradise 🏰🌳🌸🌼🌺🪻🌷 The theme chosen for this spring's event is « Parfums au jardin » (« Perfumes in the garden »).
A weekend of colours and fragrance awaits you! 🥰

👉 https://www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk/page/journees-des-plantes-flower-show-chantilly


Château de Chantilly Oise Tourisme

06/05/2024

Between Calais and Berck-sur-Mer, the Opal Coast stretches out its 120km of beaches, dunes and cliffs. The term Opal Coast ("Côte d'Opale") was coined in 1911 by Edouard Lévêque. This painter, writer, botanist and native of le Touquet gave this coastline its name in tribute to the light that is so singular and ever changing. Opal is a precious stone with milky tones and a range of colours and the artist really liked it 🙂
Nowadays, the coast distinguishes itself with its well-preserved landscapes, its varied architectural heritage and seaside resorts, and its fishing know-how 🌊☀⛱

📷 Hauts-de-France Tourisme/N.Bryant
📷 www.instagram.com/p/Cz8Ay8FMXrG/
📷 www.instagram.com/p/CwHu8OqMVq9/
📷 www.instagram.com/p/CRoqeWFMUph/


Discover Northern France

02/05/2024

Lille is such an endearing city 🌷🥰💙🩷 We never get tired of the Old Lille and its beautiful architecture as well as the city-centre for shopping and relaxing on a terrace 🍻This was your favourite post from our Instagram page last month, I can see why 😊
📷 www.instagram.com/p/C5Y2DGzIjxQ/?img_index=1
📷 www.instagram.com/p/C3ZtcmCoI7f/


Lille Tourisme Hello Lille

29/04/2024

If you’ve ever wondered what the French beach resort Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is like, well, the clue’s in the name, ‘Paris Plage’ referring to the fact that this chic spot only 50 minutes’ drive from Calais has been the destination of choice for wealthy Parisians from as far back as the beginning of the last century. With its utterly magical combination of seascapes, elegant architectural heritage, cycling, shopping, gastronomy and nature, it really isn’t hard to see why people flock to the resort - better known as Le Touquet for short 🌊☀🌳🚴🏘
Have you ever been to Le Touquet and what is your best experience?☺️


Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Discover Northern France

25/04/2024

Today is Anzac day - a day to remember the Australians and New-Zealanders who fought and gave their lives for our freedom in Northern France during WW1. Most of them were young and all were volunteers, many of them never returned home 😔
Each year, the emotion remains in our hearts and thoughts.
A story of an international friendship that developed through war and hardship, but also on remembrance and hope for the future.
Lest we forget 🙏❤️🕊


Somme 1914-1918 Sir John Monash Centre Somme Tourisme

22/04/2024

Spring vibes for you today 🌳🌸🌞 This remarkable and majestic 14th century keep, 45 metres high, was the former residence of the bishops of Soissons from the end of the Middle Ages.
Victor Hugo, visiting the region, described it to his wife as follows: "Two leagues from Soissons, in a charming valley, an admirable châtelet is still perfectly habitable. It is the most striking dwelling you can imagine" 🏰
A little haven of peace and a must-see in the Soissons area, listed as a historic monument 🙂


J'M L'Aisne Tourisme Soissons

18/04/2024

Have you ever visited Hesdin (named 2nd favourite village of the French in 2022 🙂) ?
This charming medieval town, located 20 minutes from Montreuil-sur-Mer, is nestled in the heart of the Seven Valleys where the Canche river flows in between tidy brick buildings 🚣
Among the highlights not to be missed will be the 16th century church Notre-Dame ⛪️, the town hall and its famous belfry on the main square- which is full of life on this market day 🥖🧀🥦🥚and the fish market place where the benches are actually the old fish stalls 🐟


Vallées d'Opale Discover Northern France

15/04/2024

Only one hour from Calais, follow us for a walk through French Flanders, and particularly in the streets of the picturesque and hilly Flemish village of Cassel (voted France’s favourite village in 2018!) 🥰
On the main street, you’ll see the Musée de Flandre, housed in the Hôtel de la Noble Cour : it is a listed Historic Monument and one of the finest Flemish buildings in the Hauts –de-France region with a whole host of prestigious and fascinating collections.
For lunch, we booked a table in one of the authentic local Estaminets (Flemish restaurants) : our suggestion is a tasty Carbonnade (beer-stewed beef and gingerbread) with homemade chips, not forgetting a good local beer to go with it
😜🍺 Traditional food and ambiance are guaranteed!
For a digestive walk, let's walk up the hill to see the windhill and enjoy the views across Flanders for a relaxing moment. Then, let’s explore the remarkable Mont des Recollets gardens, just a stone's throw from the village. Inspired by Flemish Renaissance paintings, you’ll discover landscapes and lush green corridors with exqusite views over Flanders For a digestive walk, let's walk up the hill to see the windhill and enjoy the views across Flanders for a relaxing moment. Then, let’s explore the remarkable Mont des Recollets gardens, just a stone's throw from the village. Inspired by Flemish Renaissance paintings, you’ll discover landscapes and lush green corridors with exqusite views over Flanders plain on the horizon🌳🌸🌿🐦

A cultural and natural getaway not to be missed ❤️
👉 https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/destinations/hauts-de-frances-most-charming-villages/cassel/

Have a nice week everyone 😘


Destination Coeur de Flandre

11/04/2024

Only 10 days to go before the Amiens’ flea market : lose yourselves in the streets of the city to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and pick up some bargains 🖼📀🕰🏺 The earlier you get there, the better it is to snap up the best gems ☺️
What’s your best deal at Amiens’ flea market? As for me, many old stamps for my collection! 🥰

🗓 21st April 2024


Amiens Tourisme Somme Tourisme Wake up Amiens

08/04/2024

In a few days, hundreds of kites will be dancing with the wind in the skies over Berck-sur-Mer with the International Kite Festival 🪁🤩
For 9 days, the skies will be alive with marine animals, amazing flying creatures, giant octopuses and even fictional characters. Teams of professional kite flyers from all over the world will be on hand to give spectators demonstrations of their performances and synchronised choreography 🪁 🐬🐙🦋
These kite flyers will be on the beach every day from 22 to 26 April as part of the "World Kite Cup Berck-sur-Mer" (international high-flying competition).
Many activities are offered on the beach and the Esplanade :
- « Les Jardins du Vents », designed from recycled materials: windmills, mobiles, instruments, characters and animals come to life and sing in the breeze.
- Kite-making workshops and a kite-flying school where visitors can try their hand at the joys of kite-flying.
- Windmill-building workshops
- A wide range of stalls along the Esplanade and Place de l'Entonnoir
- A fireworks display will take place on the beach on 27 April, preceded by musical performances along the esplanade in the evening.

An event not to be missed if you’re on the Opal Coast 🌊☀️🥰
📅 From 20th to 28th April 2024


Office de Tourisme de Berck sur Mer Rencontres Internationales de Cerfs Volants de Berck sur Mer Discover Northern France

04/04/2024

Introducing the gorgeous and historic town of Arras with its Flemish baroque style squares, cobbledstone streets and picturesque buildings. It was your favourite post from our Instagram page last month 🥰
📷www.instagram.com/les_escapades_dantoine/


Arras Pays d'Artois Tourisme Discover Northern France

01/04/2024

Today, I'm taking you on a city escape to Beauvais. Are you ready? 🙂
We're starting off by a visit of Saint-Pierre cathedral, a 11th century gothic masterpiece remarkable for having the highest chancel…IN THE WORLD (culminating at 48 meters) ⛪️ Other must-sees are the impressive astrological clock, made of 90 000 pieces 🕰 as well as the stained glass windows of the radiating chapels (13th and 14th centuries) and the organ which is among the largest in France 🎼

It's lunchtime already and I've booked a table at Le Senso restaurant, a gastro-restaurant at the heart of Beauvais with a contemporary décor and whose exquisite cuisine is designed to awaken our tastebuds 😋! Bon appétit! 🍲🥖🧀🍷

On the afternoon, we'll laze around the old town centre and its lovely half timbered houses from the middle ages. Back to the cathedral square, we'll be facing what looks like a small castle but is actually a former bishop’s palace. Let’s enter this beautiful 16th century building which now hosts the MUDO - Musée de l'Oise and its impressive collection of paintings and sculpture dating from the 19th century 🏰🖼🎨

As a reward for so much walking, we well deserve treat ourselves at Savary bakery
to try a classic Beauvais delicacy, the exquisite ‘Flan Beauvaisien’ (custard tart) named after the town 😛

Need more information about Beauvais?
👉https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/destinations/explore-hauts-de-frances-best-loved-towns/beauvais/


Visit Beauvais Oise Tourisme

29/03/2024

We wish you a weekend filled with delicious chocolates and delightful moments with your family! 🐥🐰🌷🥚

26/03/2024

Springshots for you today where flowers in Northern France seem to be in full bloom 🌷🌸🪻🌺
Have a nice week everyone 🥰
📷 Castle of Chantilly
📷 Parc des Champs Elysées, Saint-Quentin
📷 Lille
📷 Town hall, Calais
📷 Gothic cathedral, Amiens

14/03/2024

What's more beautiful than what Mother Nature has to offer 🌊🌿🐦?
My favourite spot is the "Site des Deux Caps" which is a clear example of how lucky we are to witness such beautiful landscapes. With the wind in your hair and your lungs full of salty air you can see Great Britain from the top of the chalky cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez – some 440 feet (134 metres) high. Closer by, you can see Cap Griz-Nez, the sister of Cap Blanc-Nez. Accessing this Grand Site de France feels like a refreshing walk along the clifftop path, through heathland exposed to invigorating sea spray 🌊☀️🥾🎒
👉https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/things-to-do/fresh-sea-air-everywhere/les-deux-caps-via-the-customs-officers-path/

What about your favourite spot to regenerate your batteries in Hauts-de-France? 🙂


Terre des 2 Caps Tourisme Discover Northern France

11/03/2024

When you arrive in Calais, have you ever visited the « Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode » (Fashion and Lace Museum)? If not, I highly recommend it! 🥰
Far more than just a museum, it is a living and breathing cultural space hosting temporary exhibitions and worshops. Lace made in our region is found in the most luxurious brands and we’re proud if this lace-making tradition. You can discover this fascinating local industry in Calais at the Museum for Lace and Fashion, but also at the lace museums in Caudry and Chantilly 🙂
In the first two ones (specialising in the lingerie/corsetry market for Calais and the luxury ready-to-wear and haute couture market for Caudry), you can see demonstrations of quality lace-making by the loom operators using “Leaver” machines (the last still in operation in the world !) and browse original pieces made locally. You’ll come to understand how this know-how has seduced fashionistas worldwide, including the Duchess of Cambridge, whose wedding dress lace was made in Caudry 💕 For black lace, head to Chantilly. Floral patterns against a background of hexagons are a particular hallmark of this especially fine lace 👗🪡🧵
It's sure to be wonderful visits, don’t you think ?



La Cité de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais Musée de la Dentelle de Caudry
Musée De La Dentelle De Chantilly

07/03/2024

📣 A few months to go before Paris 2024 Olympic Games kick off 😀 We're looking forward to welcoming fans from around the world to celebrate this sporty and festive event 🤩🎉

Lille, the capital of Hauts-de-France, takes pride in hosting basketball and handball fixtures at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium from 27th July to 11th August 2024. It will be the perfect opportunity to soak in the electric atmosphere of the matches while discovering the wonders of the region in between games 🏆🥇

We've put together in a free guide 14 alternative destinations to base yourself north of Paris during the Olympic Games 🙂

Download it here:
https://www.hautsdefrancetourism.com/pratical-guide-to-download/explore-the-region-of-hauts-de-france-during-the-paris-2024-olympic-games/

Guide “Explore the region of Hauts-de-France during the Paris-2024 Olympic Games”Looking for the perfect place to stay during the Paris-2024 Olympic Games? Here are 14 carefully selected destinations in the Hauts-de-France region for your stay during the Games.This summer, France is super proud ...

04/03/2024

One of 's photos that I love and that I'm sharing with you today: the pretty city of Lille waking up...🩷💙
Have a good week everyone! 🙂

📷 www.instagram.com/p/C3c_GNqsQn_/



Lille Tourisme

29/02/2024

📣 Mers-les-Bains needs you! This elegant seaside resort, located 90 minutes drive from Calais, is running for the title of "Village préféré des Français" (Favourite village of the French). After Esquelbecq, crowned in 2023, this charming and colourful seaside resort has been chosen to represent the « Hauts-de-France » region 🥰 Immerse yourself in the Belle-Époque with its colourful and fantastical houses along the seafront before getting the best view of all from atop its chalky cliffs that tower 80 metres above the water 🌊🌤
If you wish to support Mers-les-Bains, you can vote here until March 8th :
http://bit.ly/VoteForMersLesBains
(it works even if you’re not French 🙂)

We would be very thankful for your support 🙏🙂🙏


Office de Tourisme Destination Le Tréport - Mers Somme Tourisme