As amazing as it is exciting, this beautiful northern region is an unexpected territory to visit! Contrary to what most people might think, no it doesn't always rain and yes, there are lots of activities to choose from! From the old district of Lille (and its unmissable annual flea market) to Saint Omer and its marshes, to the largest aquarium in Europe in Boulogne sur Mer: there are plenty of ideas and there is something to please every taste and age.
You love sports and nature walks?
Well this activity is for you: the Point-noeud network of theVallée de la Lys & Monts de Flandre. Connected to the Belgian and Dutch networks, this cycling circuit works thanks to a points-noeuds marking system. Easy to use, it offers great freedom: you set your own itinerary according to your desires and your physical capacity, that you can also modify along the way. On the programme: fabulous landscapes, authentic windmills and memorial sites of the Artois region.
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Take a trip back in time with the remnants of an impressive Roman Empire Forum in Bavay :
You may know the Arenas of Nimes and the ancient Theatre of Orange but did you know that another major site of Roman antiquity exists in the North of France? A place focused on political, judicial and religious activities, it was in the 1st century that this Forum was built in this city of the Hauts de France then called Bagacum. An imposing monument of 240m long and 110m wide, it was at the crossroads of 7 Roman routes.
Discover a historic centre focused on the future with La Coupole of Saint Omer :
A huge bunker, a remnant of the Second World War and the occupation of the Germans in France, La Coupole has already welcomed nearly 2 million visitors. Two discovery tours are proposed by the museum, in the heart of the bunker and its tunnels, a historical visit and another visit turned towards the conquest of space.
Immerse yourself in the marine world in Boulogne sur Mer :
To amaze young and old, the Nausicaa Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Europe, will offer interactive experiences and exceptional exhibitions. 20,000 different species of fish will surprise you in a huge tank of 20m in length. You can even meet the animal keepers, feed the Manta rays or watch the sea lions being trained...
Comme and meet the grey and harbour seals in the Baie de Somme :
Thanks to its tides, this beautiful bay welcomes a large number of marine animals every year. The opportunity to come and observe them lounging on the sandbanks. You can also enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over the ocean...
Discover the history of coal in northern France with the Sites Miniers du Pas-de-Calais.
This journey tracing a part of the history of France at the time of the Industrial Revolution will bring you knowledge and also give you shivers. You can explore the historic mining centre of Lewarde, visit the Louvre Lens Museum, enjoy the breathtaking views from the slag heaps of Loos-en-Gohelle or spent the night in the characteristic Louvre Lens hotel. Want to dig a bit deeper?
Saint Omer :
Just 1 hour from Lille, come for a boat ride on the Audomarois marsh, enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the belfry of Aire-sur-la-Lys, taste the mythical Goudale beer of the north, or visit the Coupole.
The 13 heritage villages in the Heart of Flander :
Typically Flemish, these villages have been labelled since 2009. On the programme of these Ch'ti cultural visits? Gourmet tours, by foot, in a horse-drawn carriage or on horseback: passionate local guides will tell you all about these beautiful Flemish villages with their rich past and varied heritage. A guaranteed change of scenery!
Flemish Carbonnade
It is THE most famous regional dish in the Hauts de France. Originally from Belgium, hence its name, this gourmet dish is mainly composed of beef marinated in beer. Its sweet and unctuous recipe will make you want to cook it for your loved ones after a visit to this region, where we invite you to taste this famous carbonnade in the traditional restaurants of old district of Lille. Recipe for Flemish carbonnade
The Potjevleesch
Discover this recipe with an unpronounceable and unique name. Made from different marinated meats and then set in aspic, its appearance is not very appealing, traditionally this dish is served cold with fries and/or salad, and quite often, we end up asking for more!
The Merveilleux
A traditional dessert from the North of France, you can enjoy it in the café MEO de la Grand Place in Lille. A Fabulous dessert, to be enjoyed alone or accompanied by fellow cake lovers, it consists of a mouthwatering meringue, coated with chocolate whipped cream, and covered with shavings of dark chocolate. In addition this delicious wonder is available in many varieties: speculoos, coffee, praline and many more to discover.
The Swimpool of Roubaix
The iconic museum of the metropolis of Lille. Opened in 2001, it is located on the site of a former Art Deco swimming pool built in 1932 by the progressive architect Albert Baert.
The swimming pool was considered one of the most modern in Europe. A water fountain in the heart of the museum recalls the primary function of the place. Inside, you can discover a room dedicated to the history of Roubaix, a gallery dedicated to the history of modern sculpture, spaces reserved for the museum's textile collection or temporary exhibitions. Artistic workshops for young audiences are also offered in this unique and beautiful place.
A beautiful artistic dive not to be missed under any circumstances.
The Villa Cavrois
Just 20 minutes from Lille, Villa Cavrois is worth the trip and a visit for those with a taste for architecture and extraordinary stories. The work of the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, who in the 1920s built the Villa Noailles in Hyères, requested by the Viscount Charles de Noailles, the Villa Cavrois presents itself as a true modern castle, a surprising place!
The Louvre Lens
The little brother of the Louvre in Paris has settled in the former mining region of northern France: the opportunity to discover other treasures of the most famous museum in the world that exhibits some of its collections usually not accessible to the public.
A shipbuilding yard
Come and discover a vintage ship construction site, as if you were there... It is at the Espace Tourville, along the historic port of Gravelines, that the construction site of the Jean Bart, a 17th century 1st-rate vessel is located. A historical and leisure theme park, the site has been transformed into a craft village where they strive to recreate the atmosphere of the crafts of yesteryear (carpenters, sculptors, caulkers, blacksmiths...). The boat under construction, partly open to the public, is very impressive!
A boat ride around the Vauban fortifications in Gravelines
The only walled city in France still entirely surrounded by water, Gravelines proposes to discover this remnant of Vauban through the canals surrounding it.
On the boat, you will sail peacefully with a guide around the ramparts in this natural environment of lush green settings.
The Braderie de Lille
Every year in Lille, the Grande Braderie takes place at the beginning of September and it is the occasion of a long weekend of festivities. A landmark event in the region, the Braderie also heralds the end of the summer and the back-to-school time of year . The city turns into a huge open-air garage-sale with nearly 100 km of stalls. And of course, you won't be able to miss the traditional mussels-fries-beer combo that characterizes the spirit of the event.
Two remarkable gardens and a lighthouse in Gravelines
A former fishing village, Gravelines has, in addition to its Vauban fortifications two remarkable gardens (label awarded by the Ministry of Culture to gardens of cultural, aesthetic, historical or botanical interest) and a lighthouse classified a historical monument: stunning views of the beautiful North Sea guaranteed!
The Flemish Estaminets
Considered the most authentic and concerned with preserving the ancestral traditions of the region, these certified restaurants will make you feel at home!
The Museum of Drawing and Original Prints
Located in Gravelines, it is the only French museum dedicated solely to original prints. It is also housed in a historic place: the former gunpowder stockhouse of the castle of the arsenal built by the Spanish.
City of Lace in Calais
This place has been ranked among the most beautiful fashion museums in the world by Vogue magazine. During the visit, you can witness the beginning of the lace weaving trade and find out more about the ancestral know-how of major fashion houses such as those of Christian Dior, Chanel or Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Want to learn more about the different riches of this beautiful northern region? Here are a few articles to discover according to your mood:
Have a nice trip!
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Claire from Comme des Français