16 Places to Stay and Eat in Hauts-de-France

Experiencing all that culture and shopping can be tiring so here’s our pick of where to rest, refuel and recharge in Hauts-de-France. Note: This article is part of a bigger magazine feature called “Departments of Culture: Hauts-de-France”.

The Hauts-de-France region contains five of the most culturally rich départements – Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme – in France with the largest number of Musées de France outside of Paris. Follow the Remembrance trail to find out more about the Second World War. Visit the Lace and Embroidery Museum in Caudry to find out why Kate Middleton chose to include Caudry lace in her spectacular wedding dress or stroll around Boulogne to enjoy its urban murals.

Luxury Hotels

5* Tiara Château Mont Royal, Chantilly

Luxury château hotel that was once home to French composer Fernand Halphen and now blends classic and contemporary style. Chose from haute-cuisine in L’Opéra Restaurant or the more informal Stradivarius Restaurant and Bar.
montroyal-chantilly.tiara-hotels.com

5* Hôtel Marotte, Amiens

Another 21 bedrooms on three floors have been added to the Marotte, a boutique hotel that opened in 2012 with four suites and eight bedrooms. The new accommodation is spread across three floors of the former Banque de France and tax office on Rue des Jacobins. Also new is a high-end spa with sensory trail housed in the old bank vault.
www.hotel-marotte.com

4* Hôtel Carlton, Lille

Just ten minutes’ walk from LilleEurope station with views of the Opera House, this a great base for concert and theatre-goers with 59 rooms and suites, all sound-proofed and air-conditioned. New panoramic bar. Guest bicycles. Dogs accepted.
www.carltonlille.com

4* Best Western Plus Le Fairway Hôtel & Spa, Arras

Opened in 2021 adjacent to Arras golf course with 58 contemporary rooms and suites, convenient for the city centre and Wellington Quarry. Wellbeing area and Cinq Mondes Paris spa with five treatment rooms and terrace with solarium.
www.hotel-spa-fairway.com

4* Hôtel du Golf de L’Ailette, Chamouille

Fifteen minutes by car from Laon station and across a large lake from Center Parcs, this modern hotel has 58 rooms, all with lake view and balcony or terrace. Restaurant and bar.
www.ailette.fr

3* Hôtel Brueghel, Lille

Just off the Grand’Place, 61 modern rooms in a 1930s Flemish-style building that includes a mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings. Art Deco elevator to all floors.
www.hotel-brueghel-lille.com

3* Hôtel Le Prieuré, Amiens

This charming stone former priests’ house is in one of the historic streets next to the cathedral, with 12 additional rooms in a nearby property. Contemporary décor.
www.hotel-prieure-amiens.com

Guest Houses

Port D’Arcy

Boutique B&B in Picardy with four rooms and duplex suite in traditional stone farmhouse, a former gatehouse to the town of Fère-en-Tardenois on the Champagne Route between Paris and Reims. Outdoor pool, tennis court, table-d’hôte dinners.
www.portedarcy.fr

Domaine de Vadancourt, Maissemy

Between Péronne and Saint-Quentin in Picardy, five guest rooms in a renovated château set in 30 acres, plus two modern log cabins with Jacuzzis. Table-d’hôte dinners on reservation.
www.domainedevadancourt.fr

Château d’Auteuil, Berneuil-en-Bray

Ten minutes’ drive from Beauvais and one hour from Paris, this 16th-century castle combines classic décor of marble replaces and parquet floors with modern comfort. Five B&B rooms and suites. Dinner on reservation.
www.châteaudauteuil.com

Restaurants

Le Plat, Béthune

Eco-friendly gourmet restaurant in the heart of Béthune serving locally inspired food and takeaways, and with four doubles and a family-sized suite.
www.leplat-restaurant.com

Bacove, Saint-Omer

Gastronomic restaurant named after traditional boats on the local marshes and run by chef Camille Delcroix, who trained with Michelin-starred Marc Meurin at Château de Beaulieu, and his wife Carla.
www.restaurant-bacove.com

Restaurant Monsieur Jean, Lille

Enjoy gourmet fare from Michelinstarred chef Marc Meurin in this brightly coloured period dining room in a 17th-century building opposite the Opera and Old Stock Exchange.
www.restaurant-monsieurjean.fr

Le Quai, Amiens

Contemporary cuisine on Quai Bélu beside the Somme and in the shadow of the cathedral. Strong emphasis on local produce and regional dishes.
www.restaurant-lequai.fr

Le Senso, Beauvais

Young chef Allan Castellote returned to his native Beauvais after working in Paris and Reims, and now features in guides by Gault et Millau and Michelin for his creative food at Le Senso.
lesensorestaurant.free.fr

Zorn – La Petite Auberge, Laon

Market menu and à la carte fare from chef Willy-Marc Zorn in his Michelin-listed restaurant close to Laon station. Extensive wine list with pairing menu.
www.zorn-lapetiteauberge.com

Hauts-de-France Essentials

By sea: Travel as a foot passenger to Lille with Eurostar.
By car: Take your car (no foot passengers) on Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.

Plan your visit andfind more accommodation ideas here.

From France Today magazine