Hauts-de-France is northern France's dynamic region, forged from the historic provinces of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. It is a land of soaring Gothic cathedrals, poignant WWI memorials, vibrant Flemish culture, and a rugged coastline along the Côte d'Opale. Lille, the cosmopolitan capital, anchors a region of surprising contrasts — from the underground citadels of Arras to the vast sandy beaches of Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Maroilles cheese — the pungent signature northern French cheese; vacuum-packed for travel
Genièvre (juniper gin) — traditional northern spirit; buy at La Distillerie du Claque Faim in Houlle
Beerglasses and local craft beers — from La Cave à Bières, 35 Rue Royale, Lille
Gaufres de Lille (waffles) — freshly baked at market stalls
Estaminet ceramics and Flemish-style souvenirs — from shops around Arras Grand Place
Dentelle (lace) — traditional Valenciennes lace; at the Musée du Textile de Fourmies gift shop
Potjevleesch in a jar — regional cold meat terrine; available at gourmet food shops
Lille-themed art prints and vintage postcards — from Wazemmes and Braderie stalls
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Braderie de Lille — World's Largest Flea Market
Antiques, vintage clothes, furniture, curiosities — 2+ million visitors, 100 km of stalls
Where: Lille city centre
Hours: First weekend of September: Sat 14:00 to Sun 23:00 (straight through)
Marché de Wazemmes
Largest outdoor market in northern France; produce, spices, clothes, antiques; multicultural atmosphere
Where: Wazemmes, Lille
Hours: Tue, Thu 07:00–14:00; Sun 07:00–14:00 (biggest day)
Marché Victor Hugo (Lille)
Covered indoor market hall; top-quality cheese, seafood, charcuterie, and regional produce
Where: Lille
Hours: Tue–Sun 07:00–14:00
Euralille Shopping Centre
Major mall adjacent to Lille Europe and Lille Flandres stations; fashion, electronics, food court
Where: Lille (Euralille district)
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:30–20:00
La Maison du Maroilles (Lille)
Specialist fromagerie selling aged Maroilles and other northern French cheeses
Where: Lille
Hours: Tue–Sat 09:30–19:00, Sun 10:00–13:00
La Cave aux Fromages (Arras)
Regional cheese cellar under the Arras arcades; Maroilles, Boulette d'Avesnes, and regional farmhouse cheeses
Where: Arras
Hours: Tue–Sat 09:00–19:00
Rue de la Monnaie Boutiques (Vieux-Lille)
Designer boutiques, antiques, vintage shops, and artisan crafts in Lille's most picturesque cobblestone street
Where: Vieux-Lille
Hours: Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun morning
Printemps Lille
Premium French department store; fashion, cosmetics, homeware, and gourmet food hall
Where: Lille
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:30–19:30