Since northern France was one of the most affected parts of the country during World War II, many people, including even the French, have a hard time disassociating the region from that time in history. But that seems a little unfair, right? The Second World War wasn't exactly the country's shining moment, so to have that looming over a place like Hauts-de-France distracts from the true beauty of the area. In fact, the region itself has its own fair share of beautiful towns and stunning cities that are definitely worth your time. Here are some of them you ought to know.
Amiens
Regarded as the 'Venice of the North,' that monicker alone should tell you what to expect in this city. The entire place is a stunning clash of Gothic, Medieval, and Renassaince architecture, preserving the history and heritage of the region in the most beautiful way. The Amiens Cathedral, for instance, is definitely a must-see! It's no Notre Dame in
Ile de la Cité in Paris, but for this part of the country, it's close to rivaling the world-famous landmark. Even the cemetery here, Cimetière de la Madeleine, is a sight to behold! Beauty definitely is this city's strong point!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Beauvais
While Amiens has all sorts of art styles in its architecture and art, Beauvais is decidedly a Medieval and Gothic-designed town in Hauts-de-France. The Beauvais Cathedral, Église Saint-Étienne, and the Roman ruins are just some of the many must-see landmarks in the city that really define the overall design of the city. But they're not the only ones worth visiting too. Parc Marcel-Dassault, for instance, is a unique park that's far from
those in Paris. It's an open patch of botanical bliss that feels more intimate than the ones you're used to and have seen many times in the capital city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Calais
Out of all the cities in Hauts-de-France, Calais is arguably the most modern-looking. And while that may sound a little boring, it's not exactly a bad thing. It still has its fair share of touches of nostalgia, such as the beautiful town hall that looks straight out of the rococo period. But in essence, most of the city's infrastructure looks more like in other cities even outside of France. Though before you overlook this city because of that, it's that uniqueness that makes Calais the must-visit city that it is. How awesome must it be to see something so different in a region that's mostly devoted to the past?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dunkerque
There's more to Dunkerque than the historic battle that went on to have been depicted in the
Academy Award-winning film, 'Dunkirk.' While, yes, the history of this city is something to learn and even marvel at when you're here. But if you're not a World War II history buff yourself. there's a lot more to appreciate about this town in Hauts-de-France. Not the least of which is the beautiful aesthetic of it all. Looking like it's the setting of a
classic French novel, the timbered houses and palatial churches are definitely worth looking at in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lille
Lille is probably the most central city in all of the Hauts-de-France region. And it very much looks like it too! Though it's far from Paris, the beauty of this city might remind you more of a
district in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, more than anything else. Most especially when you see the palatial structures of La Vieille Bourse,
Palais des Beaux-Arts, even the houses in Old Lille. It also helps that it's also a bustling city, making it seem more like a European capital city than a town in the French countryside. Just go to the main square that is Grand Place to see what this means.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Roubaix
Very much like Lille, the city of Roubaix is another bustling metropolis in Hauts-de-France. Though it arguably pales in comparison in terms of beauty, it's still a cosmopolitan area within this French countryside. In terms of giving you a feast for the eyes. the ornate building of the City Hall is your best bet. But the other places, such as
La Piscine Museum, Parc Barbieux, and more are just as exciting and wonderful. What they lack in beauty—except for the stunning Parc Barbieux—they make up for the fascinating attractions to see and explore there.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Saint-Quentin
Well, what Roubaix lacks, the city of Saint-Quentin will definitely make up! Now, this is a rural French city that's a feast for the eyes! So much so it can rival
any neighborhood in Vienna, Prague, and some might even argue, Paris too! From the opulent churches, the palatial buildings, the massive main square, the classic red-brick houses, and more, it's almost as if the city looks too good to be true. That the past few centuries never really happened. And that's the charm of Saint-Quentin! That it has such an uncommon and nostalgic look that just being there will make you feel all sorts of things.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tourcoing
Take the city of Saint-Quentin and make it more modern and you'll have the city of Tourcoing. The latter rivals the former in terms of nostalgic beauty, packed with the same opulence, glamour, and classical beauty that many people expect from a city in France. Though in spite of all of that, it's also one of the liveliest places in Hauts-de-France. And that's saying something because the region is rarely as bustling and as busy as the likes of the capital city of Paris. But here in Tourcoing, people are alive and well and there's a certain energy that you won't find in the other neighboring cities.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Villeneuve-d'Ascq
In complete contrast to Tourcoing, this time around, the city of Villeneuve-d'Ascq is a suburban area in Hauts-de-France. Don't get it twisted, this place is still very much a city, but it's more of a farm town than the type of city you're used to. Also, things are so calm and peaceful here, it almost feels like you're in a residential area. Sure, Villeneuve-d'Ascq remains an urban setting, but save that for the technicalities. If you opt for a city that's not so lively and busy, here in Hauts-de-France, this one is your best bet! Most especially if you spend some time in Parc du Héron!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hauts-de-France, the northernmost region of France, is a must-visit for multiple reasons. And those multiple reasons are these cities that are all full of charm, packed with nostalgia, exhibit so much beauty, and are some of the most unique places in this European country.
While you're here, you'd want to rent a
luxury home for your accommodation. Whether you're here just for a few days or for the rest of your life!
