Hauts De France Family  Holidays

Coast & Beaches

The Hauts-de-France region boasts a stunning coastline, from the sweeping sands of the Opal Coast to the wild beauty of the Baie de Somme and the lively seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. Families will find miles of golden beaches with dunes and rock pools, perfect for little ones building sandcastles, teenagers looking for adventure with sand yachting or kite flying, and older visitors who prefer a peaceful stroll along the shore.

One of the region’s most magical experiences is watching the seals that regularly gather on the beaches and sandbanks, particularly around the Baie de Somme. At low tide you can often see dozens of them basking in the sun or swimming close to shore – a rare and unforgettable wildlife encounter that children and adults alike will treasure.

Big Cities with Character

The cities of Hauts-de-France are bursting with history, charm, and plenty to keep families entertained. Lille is a lively cultural hub, where the impressive Grand’ Place and the cobbled streets of Vieux Lille invite exploration. Families can enjoy bustling markets, child-friendly museums, and the spacious Parc de la Citadelle, home to Lille Zoo and Cita-Parc– a delightful amusement park with rides from classic carousels to mini tree-top adventures.

Amiens is another gem, famous for its breathtaking Gothic cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the enchanting floating gardens, the Hortillonnages, which can be explored by boat. The riverside walkways and cafés make it a relaxed destination for families to enjoy together.

Don’t miss Arras, with its stunning Flemish-style squares and underground tunnels (Les Boves), or Boulogne-sur-Mer, home to Nausicaá, Europe’s largest aquarium – a hit with children of all ages. Dunkirk combines fascinating WWII history with wide sandy beaches, while Calais offers both shopping and a striking cultural landmark, the Musée des Beaux-Arts. For a more offbeat city break, Saint-Quentin charms visitors with its Art Deco architecture and family-friendly parks.

Each city has its own character, making them perfect places to mix sightseeing, playtime, and local flavour on your family holiday.

Culture & History

Hauts-de-France is rich in history and culture, offering experiences that will captivate every generation. History buffs in the family can explore the many World War I and II memorials and battlefields, including Vimy Ridge, Thiepval, and Beaumont-Hamel, where stories of courage and sacrifice come vividly to life. The moving Somme 1916 Museum in Albert and the Dunkirk 1940 Museum also provide powerful insights into key moments of the past.

Art and culture are just as vibrant here. The Louvre-Lens, a striking modern outpost of the Paris museum, presents world-class collections in a family-friendly setting where exhibitions are interactive and accessible for younger visitors. For something more local, the Musée de Picardie in Amiens and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille showcase treasures spanning centuries of European art.

Families looking for more playful ways to explore can enjoy the Musée de la Mine in Lewarde, France’s largest mining museum, which brings industrial heritage to life through hands-on exhibits. Open-air folk museums, illusion museums, and themed city walking tours make cultural discovery engaging for teens and toddlers alike. Don’t miss Amiens’ Jules Verne House for a magical peek into the author’s fantastical worlds, or the belfries of northern France – UNESCO-listed towers that combine history with spectacular views.

In Hauts-de-France, culture isn’t just about looking – it’s about experiencing, touching, imagining, and remembering together.

Food & Local Flavour
Hauts-de-France is a paradise for food lovers, where every town and city has its own culinary traditions to share.

Seafood is exceptional along the coast, with Boulogne-sur-Mer, France’s largest fishing port, offering the freshest fish and shellfish. Wander through its bustling stalls or enjoy a seafood platter overlooking the harbour. In Étaples, the annual Fête de la Coquille celebrates the region’s maritime heritage with tastings and family activities.

Cheese and dairy products are another highlight. The strong and creamy Maroilles cheese, a regional icon, is best sampled in Avesnes-sur-Helpe where it originates, while Lille’s markets brim with wedges of orange Mimolette and other artisan varieties. Arras and Montreuil-sur-Mer also host lively weekly markets where families can discover local cheesemakers and producers.

For hearty, comforting dishes, Flemish influences shine through in warming carbonnade flamande (beef and beer stew), potjevleesch (a jellied terrine of meats), and generous portions of Belgian-style fries. These are best enjoyed in traditional estaminets – rustic cafés and restaurants – which you’ll find in abundance in Lille’s old town, in the squares of Arras, and in smaller towns like Cassel, renowned for its estaminet culture.

Markets and local producers are at the heart of family life here. Amiens’ floating gardens (Hortillonnages) supply fresh vegetables, while Saint-Omer’s marshlands are famous for their market gardens and charcuterie. Weekly town markets across the region are perfect for picnics, tasting regional treats, and showing children where food comes from.

From the coast to the countryside, every stop in Hauts-de-France offers the chance to taste something authentic – and delicious.

Weather & Practical Tips

• Climate: As a northern region, Hauts-de-France has mild summers (warm but rarely scorching), and winters that can be chilly, sometimes wet. Spring and autumn are lovely for fewer crowds and changing colours along the coast and in countryside.
• Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) gives best chances for beach weather, outdoor activities, open attractions. For fewer tourists and cheaper rates, shoulder seasons (May, June, September) are ideal.
• Getting around: Good road network; train connections between major towns and to Paris / links to UK via ferry/Eurotunnel. For families, consider staying in smaller towns near beaches or countryside for relaxing pace.
• Facilities & Accessibility: Many attractions are accessible, but check in advance for strollers/wheelchairs. Seaside towns often have beach services. Dog-friendly accommodation varies: always confirm before booking.

Hauts-de-France is a region that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant culture of its big cities or the quaint charm of its small villages, you’ll find a variety of experiences to enjoy. The region’s mix of coast and countryside provides both high-energy activities and gentle, relaxing options, making it adaptable to any weather. For families, Hauts-de-France is not only more affordable than some southern regions but also conveniently close to the UK. All these factors combined make Hauts-de-France an ideal destination for a memorable and enjoyable visit.