From the shores of the North Sea to the Belgian borders, let us discover the beautiful villages of the Hauts-de-France!
The Hauts-de-France is the result of the merger of Picardie and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It thus extends from Île-de-France to the shores of the North Sea and the Channel. Very marked by the history of the twentieth century, it is rich with an extraordinary cultural heritage. However, this territory is not only characterized by its unusual past. Indeed, it has an interesting natural heritage. It is designed for example through multiple wild reserves and national parks. It is therefore an ideal place for nature and discoveries. So, for your stay in the region, here are the most beautiful villages in the Hauts-de-France!
1. Gerberoy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – André Quinou
This village of Hauts-de-France is located in the department of Oise. Within the land, it is considered one of the most beautiful communes in the country. With its colorful wood-paned houses and paved alleys, it seems suspended in time. In addition, its multiple gardens make it a flowery city of the hexagon.
Between history and nature, this small hamlet of less than a hundred inhabitants will immediately charm you!
2. The Crotoy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ivonne Wiernick
This small village in the Hauts-de-France has its reputation as painters and perfumers. It is a fishing port of the Somme. On the shores of the Channel, its south-facing exhibition inspired many artists over the decades. It is therefore in its exceptional natural setting that you can discover its beautiful alleys.
And in the evening, you will be able to walk on its sandy beach with paradise!
3. Pierrefonds
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arnaud BEAUVOIS
In the Oise, this village of Hauts-de-France is one of the most characteristic of regional history. Indeed, it is strong from its fortress of the 14th century and the exceptional vestiges of this epoch.
Also, the commune runs along the beautiful forest of Compiègne . A favourite place for hiking enthusiasts, it will also seduce you. It is also one of the largest forest massifs of the hexagon. Its green flora and fauna make it a very popular territory for visitors.
4. Wimereux
Photo credit: Shutterstock -Yuriy Chertok
At the mouth of the eponymous river, this small village of Hauts-de-France is a renowned seaside resort. Its architecture is characteristic of its history, with beautiful wood-paned houses. Very colourful, Wimereux attracts many visitors all year round, but also artists.
Under the mild climate of the Côte d’Opale, they find inspiration for their works. However, the town particularly charms travellers thanks to its sandy beaches and pebbles.
5. Audresselles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nicolas ELIE
On the Côte d’Opale, this village of Hauts-de-France is full of its exceptional fauna. In addition to its beautiful coastal landscapes, it attracts many wild feruses. On its charming pebble beaches, there are many endemic species. When you swing, you could meet majestic ash herons, splendid cormorants, or pretty sea swallows.
Also, culture lovers will also appreciate the amazing architectures of the city centre.
6. Hesdin
Photo credit: Shutterstock – raymondvassieux
This small village of Hauts-de-France is located in the department of Pas-de-Calais. Hesdin is a commune with a rich historical heritage.
Indeed, it has long been under Spanish sovereignty, then French. It was also the scene of many conflicts in the nineteenth century. Its streets are thus characterized by many exceptional monuments. And his visit will be of the most enriching to the ferus of History.
7. Liessies
Photo credit: Facebook – Paysages Avesnois
At the heart of the Avesnois Regional Park, this village of Hauts-de-France is renowned for its natural setting. It is one of the richest biodiversitys in the North Department.
A few kilometers from the Belgian border, this commune is therefore a favourite for nature's ferus. Its green flora and exceptional fauna make it one of the most amazing hamlets of the hexagon!
8. Maroilles
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MisterStock
A geographical origin of eponymous cheese, this village of Hauts-de-France is a must in the region. Along the river of Helpe, it is not only characterized by its gastronomic heritage.
Indeed, it has magnificent historical and religious monuments. Culture lovers will discover the famous abbey of the city, but also the sumptuous church of Saint-Humbert.
9. Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Chokela
This village of Hauts-de-France is also part of a magnificent regional park. In the heart of the flourishing nature of the park Somme Bay , its atypical architecture will charm you.
He is also full of sumptuous medieval vestiges, as the tower in which Jeanne d’Arc was allegedly detained. Travellers will also be able to visit the fabulous Saint-Martin church of the 13th century. But they can also discover the Abbey of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, the oldest of the diocese of Amiens! It is therefore an ideal place for history and culture enthusiasts.
10. Wissant
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ID-VIDEO
A renowned seaside resort, this village of Hauts-de-France is a must. Its beautiful bay opens on the Channel, and its atypical coastline. It is a particularly peaceful commune, which has yet suffered from the horrors of time. During the First World War, she suffered numerous fires. However, it retains its rich cultural heritage and its magnificent monuments.
It is also a favorite place for gastronomy lovers. Indeed, it is one of the last waste ports in the region, where sailors sell their fish and crustaceans. On Wednesday morning, you have to go directly to the seafront to buy the latest arrivals. Nothing like this to learn to cook local specialties, and to discover the traditions of the region!
11. Cassel
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MisterStock
Cassel is a small village in the Hauts-de-France with a rich architectural heritage. Indeed, its buildings are characterized by their traditional structure. Very influential in the Renaissance, it still has many special hotels of that time. These imposing and magnificent structures, of course, recall those that can be found in the capital. Built in the 17th century, they have not lost anything of their beauty.
Thus, the commune is a must-see place for lovers of history and culture.
12. Amblet
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Christophe Cappelli
Close to the famous Cap Gris-Nez, this village of Hauts-de-France is a renowned seaside resort. Faced with the British coast, which can be seen in clear time, it has always had a strategic military location. In particular, it served to powerful sovereigns and historical figures such as Napoleon, during certain Franco-English conflicts.
It thus retains many vestiges of these epochs. For example, you can visit the famous fort of Ambleteuse, which dates back to the 17th century. It was built under Louis XIV and is one of the most emblematic monuments of the Renaissance. Thus, the commune is ideal to better discover the history of the region, in the heart of a magnificent place.
13. Montreuil-sur-Mer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Iris Hanking
The lovers of traditions will undoubtedly love this village of Hauts-de-France. Indeed, Montreuil-sur-Mer is one of the most influential communes in his department. It is located in Pas-de-Calais, and is characterized by a typical architecture of the region. Among other things, you can admire its fabulous wooden houses.
Nevertheless, it also has an impressive biodiversity and exceptional flora. On the shores of the Canche, it actually houses many endemic species. Also, you can enjoy its amazing green gardens during your visit to its famous 16th century citadel. A beautiful place to discover without delay!
Among the Hauts-de-France villages, what is your favorite?
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