5 unmissable natural sites to discover in Hauts-de-France

The Hauts-de-France conceals exceptional natural sites, to be discovered without further delay.

IA few years ago, the film by Danny Boon Welcome to the Ch'tis, won over the public. This production has thus enabled a region not very popular in terms of tourism, to finally win the hearts of the French. And the success is well deserved. The region of Hauts-de-France can indeed be proud of an exceptional natural heritage. Today we offer you our selection of the 5 must-see sites to visit in Hauts-de-France. A visit will also allow you to discover the legendary hospitality of the inhabitants of this magnificent region.

The Baie de Somme, jewel of Hauts-de-France

Between cliffs, dunes, marshes and long sandy beaches, the Bay of the Somme is an invitation to relaxation and contemplation. She has been a source of inspiration for artists and authors for centuries. Degas, Corot, Jules Vernes and Colette have magnified these places through their works. This large site in France is also ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, alongside Halong and San Francisco bays.

The Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park

The Scarp-Escaut natural park is historically the very first regional natural park in France. It is the smallest of the regional parks in France. But it is also the most densely populated. It is also representative of an inhabited countryside space. His heart of nature consists of alluvial plains and the humid valleys of the Scarpe, the Scheldt and the Hayne. The Scarpe-Escaut park forms a mosaic of varied landscapes. Wet plains, agricultural plateaus and forests rub shoulders with former mining and industrial sites.

The Côte d'Opale

From Bray-Dunes in the North, to Berck in the South, we know the Opal Coast for its seaside resorts of Touquet, Malo-les-Bains and Blériot-Plage. But on the Opal Coast, breathtaking natural sites also await visitors. Cap Blanc-Nez, Wissant Bay, Cap Gris-Nez, the dunes of Écault, the bay of Canche or the forest of the Opal Coast are treasures of this northern coast.

The Grand-Laviers bird sanctuary

At the gates of Abbeville and 5 minutes as the crow flies from the Bay of the Somme, a former industrial site offers a rich biotope to a multitude of birds. The site allows many species to find habitat and food there. Throughout the seasons, the reserve's water bodies welcome white stilts, black-necked grebes, whistling ducks, avocets, blue mirrored gorges and rush warblers. Families, photographers and ornithologists therefore meet at the Grand-Laviers bird sanctuary for memorable moments, in contact with unspoiled nature.

The seal observatory

To conclude your trip, do not miss Authie bay. A colony of around forty seals has taken up residence there. Equipped with binoculars, calm visitors can admire the imposing marine mammals in their natural habitat. The nautical base of Berck is an ideal starting point from which to meet these placid master of the place. But don't be fooled! They are unpredictable. It is therefore forbidden to approach them within 300 meters.