River cruise rental Hauts-de-France - 2 river cruises

Where History Floats: The Unexpected Charms of Hauts-de-France by Water

Imagine gliding through a land where Flemish belfries rise from medieval towns, white chalk cliffs meet the English Channel, and ancient floating gardens have nourished cities for over 2,000 years. Welcome to Hauts-de-France, France's northernmost region and one of Europe's most captivating yet underrated destinations for a barge river cruise holiday.

A Region at the Crossroads of Europe

Hauts-de-France covers approximately 31,813 square kilometers, making up about 5.8% of France's total territory. Formed in 2016 through the merger of the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy regions, it encompasses five departments: Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme. The region is bordered by Belgium to the north, the English Channel and Normandy to the west, Grand Est to the east, and the Île-de-France region to the south.

With a population density of approximately 188 inhabitants per square kilometer, Hauts-de-France is the second most densely populated region in metropolitan France after Île-de-France. Its capital, Lille, serves as a thriving cultural and economic hub, renowned for its Flemish-inspired architecture and vibrant festivals.

The landscape here is remarkably diverse, featuring rolling countryside, coastal areas, forests, and an extensive network of waterways that makes the region particularly appealing for barge cruising enthusiasts.

Why Your Next Holiday Should Be on the Waterways of Hauts-de-France

A Pace That Matches Your Soul

The two departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais alone feature a dense network of about 500 kilometers of navigable waterways. These rivers and canals have been navigated by vessels for centuries, creating a perfect infrastructure for leisurely exploration by barge. France's inland waterway network allows barges and boats to cruise from the English Channel southwards through the heart of the country.

Unmatched Accessibility

For visitors from the UK, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and beyond, Hauts-de-France offers exceptional accessibility. The region is connected to the United Kingdom via the Channel Tunnel, making it the closest French region to England, just 35 kilometers across the Channel. Calais is a major ferry port and gateway, with frequent ferries between Dover and Calais. High-speed rail links also connect major Hauts-de-France cities with Paris, London, and Brussels.

A Living Canvas of Culture and History

The region boasts a strong Flemish influence, with UNESCO-listed Belfry towers found in many cities. These civic bell towers, distinct from castle keeps and church towers, were built between the 11th and 17th centuries and served as watchtowers, prisons, and symbols of wealth and prestige. In architectural terms, the region features six of the finest cathedrals in France, including those in Amiens, Beauvais, Laon, Soissons, Senlis, and Saint-Quentin.

Planning Your Itinerary: What to Know Before You Go

Seasonal Considerations

The region enjoys a pleasant oceanic climate, making spring through autumn ideal for barge cruising. Visiting during warmer seasons provides a livelier atmosphere with more open cafes and activities available. Summer brings the seal pupping season at the Bay of Somme, while September hosts Europe's largest flea market, the Braderie de Lille.

Navigating the Waterways

The navigable waterways of Hauts-de-France are managed by Voies Navigables de France (VNF), the French navigation authority headquartered in Béthune, Pas-de-Calais. The VNF manages approximately 6,700 kilometers of waterways across France, including 3,800 kilometers of canals and 2,900 kilometers of navigable rivers, with 1,595 locks throughout the network. When planning your route, note that certain waterways may be closed temporarily, so checking the state of passage and accessibility is advisable when preparing your trip.

Local Cuisine to Savor

Hauts-de-France is renowned for its distinctive gastronomy. Regional specialties include carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer), moules-frites (mussels with fries), Welsh (cheese on toast with an egg), and ficelle picarde (a savory stuffed pancake). The region is also famous for its cheeses, particularly Maroilles and Mimolette, as well as its excellent beers, waffles, and chicory.

Chic Highlights Worth the Detour

The Floating Gardens of Amiens: Les Hortillonnages

Perhaps the region's most enchanting secret, the Hortillonnages of Amiens are 300 hectares of floating gardens and 65 kilometers of canals, located near the historic center. This exceptional mosaic of gardens and waterways has been shaped by generations of market gardeners known as "hortillons" since ancient times, likely dating back to the Romans. The site is unique in France and is inscribed on the National Inventory of Sites.

Cultivated plots, called "aires," are separated by small canals known as "rieux" in Picard dialect. A dozen families still cultivate the land today, selling their produce every Saturday morning at the traditional "Marché sur l'Eau" (floating market) in the Saint-Leu quarter.

Saint-Leu: Amiens' Little Venice

Often referred to as the "Little Venice of the North," the Saint-Leu district in Amiens is characterized by its network of canals, cobblestone streets, and colorful half-timbered houses. Criss-crossed by branches of the Somme, the Saint-Leu quarter appeared in the Middle Ages when water and mills provided power for weavers, dyers, tanners, and millers. Today, art galleries, bookstores, boutiques, and antique shops share the small, narrow, colorful houses that have been given a new lease on life.

The Louvre-Lens: World-Class Art Without the Crowds

Opened in December 2012, the Louvre-Lens is an art museum located in Lens, approximately 200 kilometers north of Paris. The museum's main exhibition space, the Galerie du Temps, is a 3,000 square meter open gallery displaying over 200 artworks on loan from the Louvre in Paris, spanning from the 4th millennium BC to the mid-19th century. Built on a former coal mining site, the museum was designed by Japanese architectural firm SANAA and won the Prix d'architecture de l'Équerre d'Argent in 2013. Admission to the Galerie du Temps is free.

Amiens Cathedral: Gothic Grandeur

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France and the tallest, outshining even Notre-Dame de Paris in height. Its impressive architecture and intricate sculptures make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

Five Exclusive Experiences Beyond the Obvious

1. Spot Wild Seals at the Bay of Somme

The Baie de Somme is France's largest estuary and is home to the largest colony of harbour seals in France. Located in Hauts-de-France, the bay hosts approximately 400 harbour seals and 100 grey seals. This Grand Site de France was awarded the prestigious label in 2011 and is one of the most beautiful bays in the world, featuring a national nature reserve and member status of the RAMSAR world convention on wetlands.

The ideal spot for observing seals is the Pointe du Hourdel at low tide, with observations recommended from 300 meters away to avoid disturbing these protected animals. Guided walks, kayak excursions, and boat trips offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.

2. Explore a Fairy-Tale Castle at Pierrefonds

The Château de Pierrefonds is a castle situated in the commune of Pierrefonds in the Oise department, on the southeast edge of the forest of Compiègne. Built for the prince of Orléans in the 14th century, it was extensively restored and rebuilt in the 19th century under the direction of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

Directors have used the chateau as a set for numerous productions, including The Hunchback, Donkey Skin, The Visitors, the Merlin series, and Luc Besson's The Story of Joan of Arc. Walt Disney was also captivated by Pierrefonds, drawing inspiration from it for Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Snow White.

3. Walk the White Cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez

Cap Blanc-Nez is an iconic natural jewel on the Opal Coast, with chalk cliffs towering at 135 meters and offering breathtaking views of the English Channel. Together with Cap Gris-Nez, it forms part of the Grand Site des Deux Caps, a protected territory recognized for the beauty of its landscapes and biodiversity since 2011.

On a clear day, you can see the white cliffs of Dover on the English coast. A memorial at the summit commemorates the Dover Patrol, honoring over 2,000 French and British soldiers who defended the Strait of Dover during World War I.

4. Ride the Vintage Steam Train Around the Bay of Somme

The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme is a heritage steam railway that travels from Cayeux-sur-Mer to Le Crotoy, stopping at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Noyelles-sur-Mer. The railway line hugs the bay and offers spectacular views over the fields and marshes, providing a nostalgic way to explore this magnificent coastline.

5. Attend the Annual Amiens International Garden Festival

Each year from June to October, the Hortillonnages transform into an open-air art gallery during the Amiens International Garden Festival. Landscape and artistic creations are spread across islands, offering visitors a poetic escape by electric boat. Over 50 gardens and installations bring the heart of the hortillonnages to life, showcasing works by visual and landscape artists from around the world.

Regional Specialties and Local Flavors to Seek Out

• Carbonnade flamande: Beef stewed in local beer, a hearty Flemish classic
• Moules-frites: Mussels and fries, perfect after a day on the water
• Ficelle picarde: A savory crêpe au gratin stuffed with mushrooms, ham, and shallots
• Maroilles and Mimolette: Two of the region's famous cheeses
• Tarte au sucre: A sweet regional pie that perfectly complements afternoon tea
• Waterzoï: A chicken or fish dish served in a creamy broth, a Flemish tradition
• Gâteau battu: A traditional brioche-like cake from the Somme

The Flemish Heritage Trail

The region's architecture bears the influence of Flemish traditions, reflecting its historical ties with neighboring Belgium and the Netherlands. Flemish-style houses line grand town squares in cities like Arras and Lille, while the towns of Arras and Lens exhibit a strong Flemish influence in their architecture and cuisine.

The area was once divided into several provinces, including Picardy (around Amiens, Saint-Quentin, Boulogne, and Calais), Flanders (around Lille and Dunkirk), and Artois (around Arras, Lens, and Béthune). Even today, geographical, cultural, and economic differences can still be found reflecting this historical delimitation.

A Land of Remembrance

Hauts-de-France holds a profound place in history as the location of some of the most significant battles of the 20th century. The region was at the heart of the most deadly offensives on the Western Front during World War I, including the Battle of the Somme, Battle of Arras, and Vimy Ridge.

Today, memorial tourism brings visitors from around the globe to pay tribute at sites like the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The WWI battlefields, especially in the former Picardy region, have become the focus of thoughtful remembrance journeys.

Set Sail on Your Hauts-de-France Adventure

A barge river cruise through Hauts-de-France offers a rare opportunity to experience northern France at a pace that allows for genuine discovery and connection. From the floating gardens of Amiens to the wild seal colonies of the Bay of Somme, from fairy-tale castles to world-class museums, this region reveals its treasures slowly to those willing to travel by water.

Book a barge river cruise now and let the gentle currents of Hauts-de-France carry you through centuries of history, culture, and natural beauty that most travelers never discover.