Of France’s 13 mainland regions, Hauts-de-France is the northernmost and its capital city is Lille (External link) .The region is comprised of five departments: Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais and Somme.
Just to get your bearings, Hauts-de-France (External link) boarders Belgium to the northeast, the North Sea to the north, the English Channel to the west as well as the French regions of Grand Est, Ile-de-France and Normandy. It is connected directly to the United Kingdom via the Channel Tunnel.
When visiting France for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 (External link) , be ready to discover the many secrets of Hauts-de-France (External link) . Not only Lille and its rich cultural and architectural heritage, but the smaller (though equally beautiful) towns and villages including Amiens, Arras, Dunkirk, Beauvais, Chantilly, Senlis and Compiegne have so much to offer be it gastronomy, culture or the many wonderful nature-based activities.
The Western Front (External link) , one of the main theatres of the First World War, also traverses the Hauts-de-France region. The towns of Amiens and Arras as well as the smaller towns and villages of Villers-Bretonneux, Fromelles, Bullecourt, Thiepval, Pozieres, Naours, Vignacourt, Le Hamel and Peronne are all entwined so very deeply in the history of the Anzacs.
Hauts-de-France (External link) is located conveniently close to 2 of the worlds’ major international airports – Paris-Charles de Gaulle (just 20 minutes away) and London Heathrow. The Lille-Lesquin International Airport is located 10 km from Lille city centre. It serves more than 70 national and international destinations. There is a shuttle service (bus stop sign « liaison aeroport » in front of the Euralille shopping centre, which is a 20 minute ride to the airport.Train services abound in Lille. The TGV (literally ‘very fast train’) from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport to Lille arrives in under 1 hour. It also connects Lille with other major cities such as: Brussels, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux.
The Eurostar (External link) service from London to Lille takes just 1 hour and 22 minutes and arrives right in the heart of the city at Lille Europe station, a 10 minute walk from the centre of town.
Visitors can expect mild seasons year-round as Hauts-de-France (External link) is part of the northern oceanic French climate. The temperate Autumns and Springs make for pleasant conditions whilst touring for the Rugby World Cup in September and October 2023.