Hauts-de-France: A Complete Guide to Holiday Rentals, Attractions and Longer Stays
The northernmost region of France, Hauts-de-France, is often overlooked in favour of the south, yet it is one of the country’s most rewarding destinations for both short breaks and extended stays. With its dramatic coastline, historic cities, charming countryside, and excellent transport links to the UK, Belgium and Paris, the region has become increasingly popular with holidaymakers seeking space, value and authenticity.
Whether you are planning a coastal escape, a countryside retreat or a cultural city break, holiday rentals Hauts-de-France offer exceptional variety. From seaside cottages and rural gîtes to elegant townhouses and family-friendly villas, travellers can find accommodation to suit all budgets. Through Rent-in-France.co.uk, visitors can book directly with property owners, enjoying better value, greater choice and zero booking fees.
Where Is Hauts-de-France and Why Visit?
Formed in 2016, Hauts-de-France two former regions: Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. Today, it encompasses five departments: Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Somme, Oise and Aisne. Each offers a distinct atmosphere, making the region ideal for varied holidays or longer stays.
Its proximity to the UK makes it especially attractive for travellers arriving via ferry, Eurotunnel or Eurostar. For families, groups of friends or remote workers, holiday homes Hauts-de-France provide more space and flexibility than hotels, with easy access to beaches, countryside and vibrant towns.
Grand Place in Lille
The Opal Coast: Seaside Escapes and Coastal Walks
The Côte d’Opale in Pas-de-Calais is one of northern France’s most striking coastlines. Known for its sweeping sandy beaches, towering cliffs and protected dunes, it is perfect for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers.
Popular seaside towns include Wimereux, Wissant, Hardelot-Plage and Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. These destinations are ideal for cottages in Hauts-de-France, seaside villas and family-friendly apartments. Many travellers specifically search for holiday rentals Hauts-de-France near the coast to enjoy long beach walks, water sports and seafood restaurants.
Le Touquet, with its elegant villas, golf courses and lively promenade, is also popular for luxury houses in Hauts-de-France, offering a refined yet relaxed holiday experience.
Historic Cities and Cultural Highlights
Hauts-de-France is rich in history, with cities shaped by Flemish, medieval and industrial influences.
Lille (Nord)
The regional capital, Lille, is known for its beautiful old town, lively markets, museums and vibrant food scene. Its grand squares, Flemish architecture and cultural calendar make it ideal for short breaks or longer urban stays. Many visitors choose holiday homes Hauts-de-France in and around Lille for city access combined with suburban space.
Amiens (Somme)
Amiens is home to France’s largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the floating gardens of the Hortillonnages offer peaceful walks and boat trips. Rural properties nearby are perfect for gîtes to rent Hauts-de-France, especially for travellers wanting tranquillity within easy reach of a historic city.
Arras (Pas-de-Calais)
Arras is famous for its baroque Flemish squares and underground tunnels. Its compact centre makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside and battlefields, with many charming cottages in Hauts-de-France located nearby.
Countryside Retreats and Nature Escapes
Beyond the coast and cities, Hauts-de-France offers rolling farmland, forests and river valleys, ideal for slower-paced holidays and extended stays.
The Somme Valley is perfect for cycling, birdwatching and kayaking, while the forests of Compiègne and Chantilly in the Oise attract walkers and horse lovers. These rural areas are particularly popular for gîtes to rent Hauts-de-France, offering privacy, outdoor space and traditional character.
For travellers seeking comfort and style, there is also growing demand for luxury houses in Hauts-de-France, often featuring large gardens, fireplaces and modern amenities while retaining historic charm.
Gastronomy: Hearty, Local and Delicious
Food plays a major role in the region’s appeal. Hauts-de-France cuisine is generous, comforting and deeply rooted in local traditions.
Specialities include carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer), Welsh rarebit à la française, maroilles cheese, mussels and chips, and excellent seafood along the coast. Sweet treats such as gaufres and tarte au sucre are widely available.
Staying in holiday rentals Hauts-de-France allows visitors to shop at local markets, cook regional dishes at home and enjoy relaxed meals with family or friends. Many chambres d’hôtes in Hauts-de-France also serve homemade breakfasts featuring local produce.
Luxury countryside retreat with indoor pool, hot tub & sauna - relaxing wellness getaway
Activities for Families, Couples and Groups
The region is ideal for active holidays and family travel. Popular activities include:
Coastal hiking along the GR120 trail
Cycling routes through the Somme and Aisne
Water sports on the Opal Coast
Visits to theme parks such as Parc Astérix (Oise)
WWI and WWII heritage tours
Golf courses near Le Touquet and Hardelot
With so much variety, holiday homes Hauts-de-France are perfect for multi-generational trips and longer stays, giving guests space and flexibility to enjoy the region at their own pace.
Long-Term Stays and Slow Travel in Hauts-de-France
Thanks to its affordability and excellent infrastructure, Hauts-de-France is increasingly popular for long-term stays. Remote workers, retirees and families appreciate the lower cost of living, good healthcare and easy transport links.
Booking direct bookings in Hauts-de-France through Rent-in-France.co.uk makes extended stays even more appealing. Guests can communicate directly with owners, arrange longer-term discounts and avoid the high service charges imposed by large international portals.
Book Direct and Pay Zero Booking Fees
One of the biggest advantages of using Rent-in-France.co.uk is the ability to book directly with property owners. Unlike major booking platforms, there are no guest booking fees, meaning better value and more transparent pricing.
Whether you are searching for cottages in Hauts-de-France, chambres d’hôtes in Hauts-de-France, spacious family homes or luxury houses in Hauts-de-France, booking direct allows for personal contact, tailored advice and flexible arrangements.
Travellers looking for holiday rentals Hauts-de-France benefit from a carefully curated selection of properties across the region, all accessible via the main location search on Rent-in-France.
Why Choose Hauts-de-France for Your Next Stay?
Hauts-de-France combines coastal beauty, rich history, welcoming towns and unspoilt countryside, all within easy reach of the UK and northern Europe. Its diversity makes it suitable for weekend breaks, family holidays and long-term living alike.
With a wide choice of holiday homes Hauts-de-France, from traditional rural gîtes to stylish seaside villas, and the ability to make direct bookings in Hauts-de-France with zero booking fees, it is an increasingly smart choice for savvy travellers.
Explore the region, take your time, and find your ideal place to stay through Rent-in-France.co.uk, where booking direct means better value, better choice and a more personal holiday experience.