I might be a little biased because it's my home region, but I've put together my personal list of the prettiest villages in Hauts-de-France.

It's a region that's incredibly close to my heart, and one that I genuinely encourage people to explore. Too often overlooked, it deserves far more attention, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip.

Here are my top eight picks, combining history, nature, and places that completely won me over.

1. Gerberoy (Oise)

Officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("The Most Beautiful Villages of France"), Gerberoy looks like something straight out of a postcard.

Its cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses, traditional timber-framed cottages, hollyhocks, and wisteria-covered walls create an unforgettable setting.

Home to around 130 residents, the village also features the remains of a medieval castle and has appeared in both the French television series Maupassant and the film A Witch's Way of Love starring Vanessa Paradis.

What to do in Gerberoy 

• • Visit the Festival of Roses (held on the first Sunday of June), when the entire village becomes a spectacular open-air garden.
  • Explore the peaceful Jardin des Ifs.
  • Wander through the charming cobbled streets and admire every beautiful house.

2. Pierrefonds (Oise)

Pierrefonds is best known for its spectacular medieval castle, perched above the village and overlooking the vast Forest of Compiègne.

Castle admission: €9

What to do in Pierrefonds

• Visit the magnificent Château de Pierrefonds.
• Explore the picturesque village.
• Walk around Lake Pierrefonds.
• Browse the handmade products at the Pierrefonds Soap Workshop.
• Visit the local country market, held on the first Sunday of every month.

3. Wimereux (Pas-de-Calais)

Located on the edge of the Grand Site des Deux Caps, Wimereux is an elegant seaside town famous for its colourful Belle Époque villas, beautiful promenade, and relaxed atmosphere.

It's also my personal favourite, mainly because I grew up nearby!

What to do in Wimereux ?

• • Walk along the seafront promenade.
  • Stroll up Rue Carnot and browse the lovely independent shops.
  • Walk to Pointe aux Oies.
  • Follow the Villa Trail and admire the beautiful historic seaside houses.

4. Maroilles (Nord)

Yes, Maroilles is famous for its cheese, but you definitely don't need to love cheese to fall in love with this charming village nestled in the heart of the Avesnois countryside.

Interestingly, the village's name comes from the Celtic words meaning "great clearing."

What to do in Maroilles ?

• • Visit the old watermill and explore the surrounding green valley.
  • Discover Mormal Forest, just 10 km away, and keep an eye out for deer.
  • Follow the "Parcours des Sens" trail to learn about Mimolette, known as the "Queen of the North," and discover the traditional bocage landscapes of Avesnois.
  • And of course... try some authentic Maroilles cheese!

5. Cassel (Nord)

At 176 metres above sea level, Cassel is the highest point in French Flanders. On a clear day, people even claim you can see the English coastline

What to do in Cassel ?

• • Wander through the old ramparts.
  • Walk the Alpine Ramp, a pedestrian path linking the Grand Place to the hilltop.
  • Relax in the beautiful Grand Place.
  • Visit the Museum of Flanders, one of the region's leading cultural attractions.

6. Montreuil-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais)

Made famous by Victor Hugo, who used the town as the inspiration for Jean Valjean's role as mayor in Les Misérables, Montreuil-sur-Mer is a wonderfully preserved fortified town full of character.

What to do in Montreuil-sur-Mer ?

• Visit the citadel.
• Walk along the impressive ramparts overlooking both the town and surrounding countryside.
• Watch the famous Les Misérables performance.

7. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme (Somme)

One of the highlights of the Bay of Somme, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme perfectly combines maritime charm with medieval history.

• • The waterfront lined with elegant Belle Époque villas.
  • The medieval old town and its historic monuments.
  • Saint-Valery Chapel, also known as the Sailors' Chapel.

8. Le Quesnoy (Nord)

Le Quesnoy is one of France's best-preserved fortified towns. It also shares a unique historical connection with New Zealand, dating back to the First World War.

What to do in Le Quesnoy ?

• • Explore the remarkably preserved fortifications.
  • Walk around Pont Rouge Lake.
  • Visit the New Zealand Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers of the Rifle Brigade.
  • Admire the historic bandstand, one of the oldest in the Avesnois region.
  • Visit Potelle Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress located just 3 km away.

I've even made a YouTube video about it! >>

Hauts-de-France is a truly beautiful region, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to come and discover it whenever you have the chance.

Between medieval villages, breathtaking countryside, and stunning stretches of coastline, it's a warm, welcoming, and inspiring part of France that deserves far more recognition.

Even if you're from Northern France yourself, I promise there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Ana de New Escapade