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5 villages labeled as Most Beautiful Detours in Hauts-de-France

undefined undefined 16 mars 2023 undefined 09h24

undefined undefined 2 avril 2024 undefined 08h59

The Editor

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

We already knew about the ranking of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the Most Beautiful Market, the Most Beautiful Square... Now there is a new and interesting label: the Most Beautiful Detours of France! For a quick getaway, a stop on the holiday road, or a rural road trip, here are the 5 villages in Hauts-de-France that are rewarded with this title!

Montreuil-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais

Discover the fortified city and take a detour to experience the lifestyle of a thousand-year-old town! On site:

  • a 13th century Citadel
  • city walls
  • annual sound and light show on the theme of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables
  • a true gastronomic destination with good breweries, plenty of gourmet restaurants, and even a Michelin star

Find out more

Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme in Somme

At the heart of Maritime Picardy, nestled at the mouth of the Bay of Somme, a treasure trove for birdwatchers and a unique estuary, a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, this small marina and fishing port bears the imprint of a rich historical and cultural past. On site:

  • the famous Quartier du Courtgain: "This picturesque neighborhood is the only one on the Opal Coast spared by the last war, it is remarkably linked to the history of the maritime heritage of the port located at the mouth of the Somme. This neighborhood is delimited by a set of small streets and alleys that intersect, with colorful houses and flowered surroundings nestled on the slopes of the ancient cliff."
  • the docks
  • Va'a in the bay
    • Explore one of the most beautiful bays in the world in a Polynesian canoe.
  • The Gardens of the Bay of Somme

Learn more

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux in the North

In its heart stands a historic monument of Baroque style, unique in Europe: an Abbey Tower that is definitely worth a visit. On site: 

  • The
  • Grand Place
  • The Abbey Tower: classified as a historical monument, it testifies to the city's rich past.
  • Thermal baths
  • Very large forest for a walk

Learn more

Bergues in the North

Completely surrounded by ramparts, medieval or Vauban's, the city is nestled at the foot of its belfry, classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. On site, explore the picturesque streets and enjoy the unique charm of Bergues. The famous Belfry: Protected as a "Historical Monument" in 2004, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. In 2008, featured in the film "Welcome to the Sticks", it gained international fame. The "Ch'ti Tour": "The film by Dany Boon, Welcome to the Sticks, left its mark on Bergues. With the 'Ch'ti Tour', come and relive the 3 weeks of filming and have fun with our guide who will share the little secrets and magic of cinema with you: the belfry, the canal scene, the bike chase, Antoine Bailleul's house... The visit, suitable for all, is done on foot along an 800 m route through the city." Gastronomy, including the Bergues sausage: "Made from pure pork and Spanish spices, its recipe was conceived in the 16th century when the city was under the rule of the Spanish Netherlands. This sausage, along with the cheese..."of the same name, is thrown to the revelers during the Bergues parade."

  • The Carnival
  • of the fortifications

    • Learn more

    Gravelines in the North

    Fortified city located by the sea, Gravelines has a family-friendly beach with its gigantic foreshore and its blue and white beach cabins. On site:

    • A fortified city.
    • By Vauban
    • Museum of Drawing and Original Prints
    • Sound and light show to relive the history of the coast
    • a maritime fortress