Want to discover Hauts-de-France differently? The region charms with its expansive fens and the poignant World War I battlefields that echo history. Good news, Hauts-de-France is accessible from France by high‑speed TGV from Paris, night trains from Paris, and regional TER lines from Lille. From Lille to Calais, Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, Arras and Amiens, the network lets you hop between coastal, historic, and cultural jewels. Here’s our guide to Hauts‑de‑France, car‑free and flight‑free.
From Paris, hop on the high‑speed TGV to Lille or Calais. From Brussels, a direct Intercités train arrives in Lille. From London, take the Eurostar to Paris and transfer to a TGV for Lille. Once inside the region, regional TER services link Arras, Amiens, Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, and Saint‑Quentin. Night trains from Paris to Lille offer a comfortable overnight option, while bus connections complement the rail network for smaller villages.
In Hauts‑de‑France, there's something for everyone: stroll through the bustling streets of Lille, admire the medieval basilica of Notre‑Dame de la Garde in Amiens, and wander along the sandy North Sea coast at Boulogne‑sur‑Mer. The tranquil fens of the Picardy countryside invite cycling and birdwatching, while the region’s culinary scene delights with moules‑frites, white wine, and hearty frites. A contrasting, lively country, ideal for a train itinerary in Hauts‑de‑France, to be discovered through its cities as much as its wide open spaces… and always without flying.
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