Northern France: Historical Heritage and Untouched Nature
The Hauts-de-France region includes the historic areas of Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais, which form the northernmost tip of France and border Belgium as well as the French regions of Normandy to the west, Île-de-France to the south and Grand Est to the southeast.
Often, they are unfairly overlooked or underestimated, as tourist traffic quickly moves past the northern border towards Paris and, of course, further south to the alluring Provence and Côte d'Azur.
This region, deeply rooted in French history from medieval battles to the tragic World War I clashes, is impressive for its well-preserved fortifications, monuments and battlefields that recall its tumultuous past. Today, the serene landscapes, characterized by gentle, wooded hills and charming villages, invite you to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of rural life in northern France.
The Bay of Somme on the English Channel is one of the most beautiful and diverse river estuaries in Europe. The nature reserve is home to France's largest seal colony and serves as a stopover for thousands of migratory birds. Elegant seaside resorts such as Le Touquet, with its glamorous Belle Époque villas, casinos and galleries, define the ambiance of the "French Riviera of the North." Le Touquet is also known by the nickname Paris-Plage, as the Parisian elite discovered its amenities and the privilege of a short journey at the end of the 19th century and made it their "home beach" – a typically French anecdote of Hauts-de-France.
The Picardy region is also renowned for its numerous majestic cathedrals, including the world-famous Gothic architectural masterpiece, the 13th-century Cathedral of Amiens.
Hauts-de-France – Those choosing to invest in property and life in northern France will find a fascinating blend of cultural heritage, French lifestyle and stunning natural beauty. Fans of historic properties will find here not only timelessly elegant castles and magnificent Maisons de Maîtres but also historical estates and elegant townhouses.
