Hauts-de-France

Regional capital: Lille 

Departments: Nord, Pas-De-Calais, Aisne, Oise, Somme

Main cities: Lille, Valenciennes, Amiens, Lens, Compiègne

The most northerly of the 13 new regions of France has borders with Belgium and three other regions, while its north-western flank juts out into the English Channel.

Its historical crossroads position often sees it referred to as the gateway to Europe. From here, it is possible to commute easily to three major European capitals – Paris, Brussels, and London.

The region was a significant area in both world wars, and has numerous battlefields, war cemeteries, and memorials. Town and area names here are synonymous with the wars. Among these is Dunkirk, which is also officially France’s northernmost city. 

Property prices

Median prices per m2 for non-newbuild apartments in the third quarter of 2025: Lille €3,810 +1%, Amiens €2,510 -2.1%

Median prices for non-newbuild houses in the third quarter of 2025: Lille €237,900 +3.4%, Amiens €185,000 +8.7%

(figures taken from the most recently available French property report (Jan 26) from the Notaires de France, % year-on-year change: July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 / July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024)

Character of the region

Hauts-de-France sits to the north of Paris, and is bordered by Belgium and the English Channel – its historical crossroads position often sees it referred to as the gateway to Europe. It encompasses coastal areas and countryside, now home to UNESCO-listed terrils (man-made mountains formed from the waste rock of mining) that stand as testament to the region’s industrial coal-mining past. 

The capital is Lille, once an important merchant center of French Flanders.

Population/density

6 million people across 31,813 sq km (Insee figures 2023 [latest available]) = approx. 8.8% of the population

Fact: the region has a high population density (188 inhabitants / sq km compared to the national average of 106 / sq km)

Weather

Winters are mild (January average 4C), while summers are cool and damp (July average 19C).

Local industries

Agriculture, industry, commerce and trade. 

Cities and towns

Lille is a thriving city with a large student population – the historic center, Vieux Lille, is characterized by 17th-century brick town houses, cobbled pedestrian streets and the large central square, Grand’Place. 

The town of Amiens is known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its picturesque canals, while Arras has cobbled streets and Flemish architecture. Calais and Dunkerque are major coastal spots.

Food and drink

Seafood, cheese (Maroilles), beer, frites, flamiche (leek cheese pie), gauffres (waffles), chocolate, tarte au sucre, Chantilly cream

Cultural points of interest

The region was a significant area in both world wars, and has numerous battlefields, war cemeteries, and memorials. The Côte d’Opale coastline encompasses Belle Epoque towns such as Le Touquet, Wimereux and the fishing port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. 

Inland, Lens is home to the Louvre-Lens outpost of Paris’s famed museum, while Lille is home to a number of events including the annual Braderie, a street/flea market with origins dating back to the 12th Century, and Lille 3000, a cultural programme borne of the city’s standing as European Capital of Culture 2004. 

Major transport points

Airports: Lille (LIL), Beauvais–Tillé Airport or Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA)

Trains: main stations include Lille-Flandres, Lille-Europe (serving high-speed TGV and Eurostar trains to Paris and other European cities), Amiens, Arras, and Calais-Fréthun

Motorways: the region has a well-connected network – the most significant are the A1, A16, A2, A21, A23, A25, A26, and A29. 

Ferries: Calais, Dunkerque