Hauts-de-France Facts for Kids

Location within France

Hauts-de-France is a large administrative region in the northern part of France. It was created in 2016 by combining two older regions: Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. For a short time, its temporary name was Nord-Pas-de-Calais-Picardy. This region is known for its rich history, important cities, and beautiful landscapes.

Where is Hauts-de-France?
- Main Cities in Hauts-de-France
What is the History of the Region?
What do People do in Hauts-de-France?
Culture and Landmarks
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Where is Hauts-de-France?

Hauts-de-France is located in the very north of France. It shares a border with Belgium to the northeast. To the west, it has a coastline along the English Channel, which separates France from England. This location has made it an important area for trade and travel for many centuries. The region is mostly flat, with some gentle hills, and it has many rivers and canals.

Main Cities in Hauts-de-France

Hauts-de-France is home to several important cities.

Lille is the largest city and the capital of the region. It's a busy center for business, culture, and education. Lille has a beautiful old town with historic buildings and lively squares.
Amiens is another major city, famous for its stunning Amiens Cathedral. This cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France.
Arras is known for its two large, historic squares, the Grand'Place and the Place des Héros, surrounded by beautiful Flemish-style buildings.
Calais is a port city located on the English Channel. It's a major gateway for ferries and the Channel Tunnel connecting France and England.

What is the History of the Region?

The history of Hauts-de-France is very long and interesting. Before 2016, the area was divided into two separate regions: Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. These regions had their own unique histories and cultures.

Nord-Pas-de-Calais was traditionally an industrial area, known for its coal mining and textile factories. Picardy, on the other hand, was more agricultural and played a significant role in many historical events, especially during the World Wars.

The decision to combine these two regions into Hauts-de-France was part of a larger plan by the French government to reorganize its administrative regions. This change aimed to make regions larger and more efficient.

What do People do in Hauts-de-France?

The economy of Hauts-de-France is quite diverse.

Agriculture is very important, with large farms growing crops like wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes.
Industry still plays a role, though many traditional industries have changed. Today, there are factories producing cars, food products, and other goods.
Services are growing, including jobs in healthcare, education, and tourism.
Tourism is also becoming more important. Visitors come to see the historic cities, beautiful coastlines, and important World War I memorial sites. The region's location, close to Paris, London, and Brussels, makes it easy for tourists to visit.

Culture and Landmarks

Hauts-de-France has a rich cultural heritage.

Architecture: You can see many different styles of buildings, from the grand Gothic cathedrals like those in Amiens and Laon to the unique Flemish-style houses in cities like Lille and Arras.
Food: The region is known for its hearty food, including dishes with mussels and fries, delicious cheeses, and local beers.
Festivals: Many local festivals and traditions are celebrated throughout the year, often linked to historical events or agricultural seasons.
Natural Beauty: The coastline offers beautiful beaches and cliffs, like the view of the White Cliffs of Dover from Cap Gris Nez. There are also many natural parks and green spaces to explore.