Hauts-de-France

Created from the merger of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy regions, the Hauts-de-France is a picturesque region in the north of France, where you'll be seduced by its spectacular coastlines, historic landmarks and cities. With its coastline, war memorials, culinary traditions and cultural festivals, it offers a variety of experiences for visitors seeking adventure and discovery.

For your stay or your next vacation in the Hauts-de-France region, choose from one of the gîtes, chambres d'hôtes, Group holiday cottages, Kids' cottages and campsites, in the countryside, by the Sea or in the City, offered by Gîtes de France des Hauts-de-France.

Nord-Pas-de-Calais impresses with its vast beaches, rich mining past, cosmopolitan Lille and proximity to England. It's a warm land that blends industrial heritage, captivating natural landscapes, Flemish culture and generous gastronomy. Capture the beauty of the Avesnois in spring, when its apple fields are in bloom, and breathe in the open sea air as you cross the Boulonnais bocages to the Côte d'Opale. In the distance, you may see England, and closer up, an unforgettable panorama of dunes, marshes, hedged farmland and beaches. Choose from an infinite range of outdoor activities: Golf, sand yachting, Fishing, kite flying, horse riding... all of which will whet your appetite for local specialities such as flamingos with Maroilles, popular 'moules-frites' and waterzoï.

Picardy is known for its varied landscapes combining vast plains, centuries-old Forests and maritime coastlines. Its rich historical heritage, including majestic Gothic cathedrals, spellbinding chateaux and a key role in military history, makes it a fascinating destination. Immerse yourself in a history illustrated by unforgettable images, from Clovis in Soissons to Hugues Capet in Noyon...: images of Gothic cathedrals or those of the wild expanses of the Bay of the Somme. Follow the historic route from Romanesque to Gothic, the Route du Lys de France and the Rose de Picardie, the Route des Valois... to discover Celtic fortresses, fortified castles, abbeys and the Unesco-listed Amiens Cathedral. Walk or cycle along the cliffs at Sea-les-Bains, stroll through the most beautiful villages in France at Gerberoy, or Parfondeval... And for the more sporty, try your hand at sand yachting on the sandy beaches or riding through the Ermenonville Forest. Explore the wealth of flora and fauna on the 1200 km of rivers that criss-cross the region. Anglers will be tempted to fish in the ponds of the Somme, the Noye valley and the Thiérache, while birdwatchers will admire the thousands of birds in the Parc du Marquenterre or the Baie de Somme.

One of the main attractions of the Pas-de-Calais is the Côte d'Opale, with its sandy beaches, impressive cliffs and charming little ports. The two Capes (Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez) offer breathtaking views. For nature-lovers, the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale is a green haven of preserved spaces and numerous animal and plant species. Taste local specialities, such as "flamiche" with Maroilles or "potjevleesch", and enjoy the region's friendly atmosphere.

The Somme is famous for its historic sites from the 1st World War and its splendid natural landscapes. The Baie de Somme, one of Europe's most beautiful estuaries, will charm you with its vast stretches of sand and chalk cliffs. It's also a birdwatcher's paradise, with thousands of migratory birds. While you're here, try ficelle picarde, a savoury pancake speciality, or macarons d'Amiens, delicious little almond cakes.