Visit Hauts-de-France

With its new cultural momentum, the "capital of Flanders" is aptly named, as it radiates throughout the region. Whether it's architectural, cultural or gastronomic heritage, all the ingredients are there to make your stopover warm and unforgettable. Stroll through the colorful streets of Vieux Lille and savor a fluffy waffle, admire the famous Grand'Place and visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, whose exceptional collections are housed in a superb ^19th-century building. In general, take advantage of the many cafés and estaminets lining the cobbled streets. One thing's for sure: you'll soon realize that the people of Lille's proverbial sense of fun and hospitality are well worth the effort!

Perched on a 100-metre-high hilltop, Laon is an eye-catcher and well deserves its nickname of "Crowned Mountain". Discover the charms of a city of lively streets, dominated by a huge 12th-century cathedral.

Take a stroll through the medieval town, which is full of hidden treasures, starting with its watchtower hosts, portals, chapels and alleyways leading to the ramparts, where the view is splendid. And treat yourself to a pleasant hike called "la campagne dans la ville": a stroll through gardens and ancient vineyards where St-Vincent, the beverage of the coronation of kings, was once produced.

Capital of the former Picardy region, Amiens offers an exciting diversity of architecture and activities. Take in France's largest Gothic cathedral, twice the size of Notre-Dame in Paris. Then wander through the cobbled, medieval-style streets: to the north, the canals of Saint-Leu are reminiscent of a small Amsterdam, while to the Sud, the city center wavers between 19th-century alignments and post-war urbanism. Finally, take a detour to the rich art and history collections of the Musée de Picardie.

Follow in the footsteps of the Valois dynasty, which ruled France from 1328 to 1589, by visiting the town of Crépy-en-Valois and its rich terroir, once a favorite hunting ground of François I. Situated between the forests of Compiègne and Retz, the town is the ideal starting point for long hikes alternating between wooded areas and agricultural landscapes. As for the town itself, built on a rocky spur, it has preserved its old cobbled streets and old houses with picturesque facades. Don't forget to visit the Musée de l'Archerie, housed in the 13th-century Château Saint-Aubin: its original collections, unique in Europe, illustrate the history and folklore of archery.

Easily accessible by TER from Amiens, the 15-kilometer-long sandy beach of Le Touquet is considered by many to be the most beautiful in Hauts-de-France. The seaside resort was originally conceived as a holiday destination for Parisians, who have been enjoying its elegant, old-fashioned charm since the late ^19th century. The seafront offers a wide range of water-based activities, as well as horseback riding among the wild, unspoilt dunes. However, if you're looking for a thrill, opt instead for a trip in a sand yacht, the locals' favorite activity!