Exceptional cultural and architectural heritage, a natural setting that reaches all the way to the coast, and generous gastronomy... No, you’re not dreaming, you really are in the North of France! Take the opportunity to visit Amiens and its “hortillonnages”, amazing floating gardens. Continue on to the city of Lille, where you are sure to be charmed by the old town and the brasseries.
Visit Amiens (External link) and its beautiful architecture
During a walk in the picturesque Saint-Leu district, whose canals have given Amiens the nickname “little Venice of the north”, don’t miss the impressive Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, whose façade is illuminated when night falls. Don’t forget to sample “Amiens macaroons”, another symbol of the city and a favorite of Catherine de Medici who introduced it in the 16th century.
And don't miss those local sightseeings like ...
Jules Verne’s house
Topped with an “extraordinary” tower, it was in this private mansion that the writer was inspired to bring more than 30 novels to life.
Château de Pierrefonds (External link)
A dignified building on the edge of the forest of Compiègne, magnificently well-preserved, a castle with an imperial design.
Remembrance Trails of the First World War
Here at the western front of the First World War (External link) , discover all the faces of this major episode of worldwide history through discovery and memorial tours...
Visit the Northern France city of Lille
Renowned for its friendliness, Lille (External link) astonishes visitors with its belfries, draws their admiration with its Palais des Beaux-Arts and regales all those with a sweet tooth with its famous stuffed waffles at the Méert patisserie. As for Vieux Lille, you won’t forget its cobbled alleyways, its typically Flemish architecture and its many estaminets in a hurry!
And don't miss those local sightseeings like ...
Belfry of the Hôtel de Ville
At 104 m, it’s the tallest belfry in the north of France. A striking 360° view over the city and its surrounding area!
Lille 3000 events
Continue the adventure of Lille European Capital of Culture with a rich programme of events and exhibitions.
And around Lille
“La Piscine” - Roubaix (External link)
The Roubaix museum of art and industry, based in a former Art Déco-style swimming pool... a real surprise!
Unearth a rare gem
How about going on the hunt for a bargain? At the flea markets of Lille and Amiens, a friendly atmosphere is guaranteed. The réderies, typical flea markets in Northern France (External link) , will give you the chance to roam through stalls chock-full of numerous ill-assorted items. The Lille flea market has become an “event” extending some hundred kilometers, attracting millions of visitors over the first weekend in September each year. The ideal occasion to combine the joys of bargain-hunting with a traditional meal of “moules frites” (mussels and chips).
List of the exceptional cultural sites
1 Jules Verne’s house - Amiens
2 Château de Pierrefonds
3 The bay of Somme and the Somme battlefields
4 Belfry of the Hôtel de Ville - Lille
5 Lille3000 events
6 “La Piscine” - Roubaix
7 Palais des Beaux-Arts - Lille
8 Citadel of Arras
9 Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral Amiens
10 Château de Coucy
- [Tourist office of Amiens](http://www.visit-amiens.com (External link) )
- [Tourist office of Lille](http://www.lilletourism.com/index_gb.php (External link) )