Destination – Lille

Come to Hauts-de-France and be refreshed, enlightened, and inspired. Whether it is a vintage find in a flea market, an unforgettable meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant, the moving sight of a historic battlefield, the UNESCO-listed cathedral at Amiens, the medieval ramparts in Laon or Chantilly’s fairytale chateau, Hauts-de-France will surprise and enchant you at every turn.

At the tip of France, between Normandy, the Champagne region and Paris, Hauts-de-France is the closest region to UK shores, and all its attractions are easily accessible by sustainable means of transport.

Seismic historical events shared with the UK, including Agincourt, WW1 and Dunkirk, are visible in some of France’s most iconic sites, from Arras’ café-lined main square, the trenches at Vimy and the Thiepval Memorial to the iconic villas of Le Touquet.

Hauts-de-France is resolutely modern too, with new cultural venues and events popping up every year. Among them are the Louvre in Lens, the international music festival in Arras’ citadel, the state-of-the-art aquarium in Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Nausicaá) and Lille’s contemporary arts scene.

The great outdoors beckons, with unspoilt countryside and seascapes unfurling as far as the eye can see. Breathe in the fresh air as you watch a sunset over the water, e-bike your cobwebs away on the Deux-Caps cliffs, bird- and seal-watch in the Somme bay, swing by one of the region’s prestigious golf clubs or breathe in the scent of the roses at Valloires abbey: just some of the ways our region will physically invigorate and mentally renew you.

Even the food is UNESCO-listed in France, so come prepared to fill your boots (and your boot!), whether it’s in low-key foodie hotspot Montreuil-sur-Mer in the west or in culinary capital Lille in the east, in farmers’ markets or at Michelin-starred restaurant.

Tour villages-de-charme including Cassel, Gerberoy and St-Valery-sur-Somme, some with spectacular gardens hidden away amidst their narrow lanes. Wherever you stop off, you’ll find everything from boutique B&Bs, manors and chateaux to quirky treehouses.

The Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL) brings together 95 municipalities and more than 1.2 million inhabitants in the Lille metropolitan area, at the crossroads of France, Belgium and Northern Europe.

Only one hour from Paris, 35 minutes from Brussels and 80 minutes from London, Lille is exceptionally well connected to major European cities.

Proud of its distinctive identity, Lille combines a rich historical heritage with a vibrant contemporary culture. Flemish, Burgundian and Spanish before becoming French, the city has an exceptional architectural heritage. A major trading city since the Middle Ages, fortified under Louis XIV, industrialised in the nineteenth century and transformed throughout the twentieth century, Lille preserves many traces of its past, including the Citadel of Lille and its surrounding park, while continuing to look towards the future.

From the contemporary architecture of Euralille, designed by internationally renowned architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel and Christian de Portzamparc, to creative initiatives such as Maisons de Mode in Lille-Sud, the city reflects a strong culture of innovation and creativity.

Lille is known for its welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of its people. Visitors can discover a lively city centre, prestigious museums, remarkable architecture and a diverse culinary scene ranging from traditional Flemish specialities to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Lille offers a distinctive blend of Flemish heritage and French elegance, reflected in its architecture, culture and way of life.

Named World Design Capital in 2020, Lille has also established itself as a dynamic centre for creativity, innovation and design. Its location, with excellent rail connections to major European cities, makes it an accessible and attractive destination for an international congress.

Surprising, creative and constantly evolving, Lille offers visitors a unique combination of history, culture and contemporary energy.