What to do and see in Hauts-de-France, France: The Best Cultural Tours

September 8, 2021 Deane Carmody

Hauts-de-France is a region of France created by the territorial reform of French Regions in 2014, from a merger of Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy. The new region came into existence on 1 January 2016, after the regional elections in December 2015.
Restaurants in Hauts-de-France

1. Australian Battlefields Private Tour in Flanders from Bruges

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

You will stand in the footsteps of the Australian soldiers in Fromelles, Ploegsteert and Messines. You will see some of the mine craters laid by the 1st Australian Tunneling Cie. Polygoon Wood, and Passendale will be visited. You will finish your day at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres

Inclusions: Local taxes, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By TheNewWorldExplorer

My wife and I did this tour with Claude. Two points to put peoples minds at ease. First, is that he was on time and his vehicle was very safe, comfortable and reliable. He went through great lengths to keep us on time to what was a very full-day schedule. Second, is his knowledge about the region and the war itself. He knows the full-background and history of the great war and his knowledge of the military regiments is outstanding (Canadian, British, German, Australian, French, etc). In particular, I was interested in the history of the PPCLI in the region and was not disappointed. His family has lived in the region for generations and this brings a personal touch to the the tour. We were not disappointed.

2. Vimy and Flanders Fields Canadian Battlefield Tour from Lille

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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Explore Canadian World War I history in Vimy and Belgium on this battlefield tour from Lille or Arras. Follow a guide through Vimy’s WW1 trenches and discover sites of interest including Hill 145, the Canadian Passchendaele Memorial, the St. Julien Memorial, and the Tyne Cot Military Cemetery. See where John McRae wrote his famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. Then, finish your tour at the Last Post ceremony in Ypres. This tour of Canada’s WW1 sites includes round-trip travel from Lille or Arras.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lille or Arras, Guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch, Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By greyfatman

Claude was prompt in picking us up from our hotel in Lille and then took us to see the final resting places of two of our family members, who were both killed in 1918. He was very flexible and worked in with our plans to visit these two graves at two different war cemeteries. He then took us around numerous battlefield sites and war cemeteries, involving New Zealanders, and his knowledge was first class. For that special day in connecting with those special soldiers, contact Claude and he will make it happen.

3. Australian Battlefields Private Tour in Flanders from Brussels

Stationsplein, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium Battlefield Experience
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You will stand in the footsteps of the Australian soldiers in Fromelles, Ploegsteert and Messines. You will see some of the mine craters laid by the 1st Australian Tunneling Cie. Polygoon Wood, and Passendale will be visited. You will finish your day at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres

Inclusions: Local taxes, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By TheNewWorldExplorer

My wife and I did this tour with Claude. Two points to put peoples minds at ease. First, is that he was on time and his vehicle was very safe, comfortable and reliable. He went through great lengths to keep us on time to what was a very full-day schedule. Second, is his knowledge about the region and the war itself. He knows the full-background and history of the great war and his knowledge of the military regiments is outstanding (Canadian, British, German, Australian, French, etc). In particular, I was interested in the history of the PPCLI in the region and was not disappointed. His family has lived in the region for generations and this brings a personal touch to the the tour. We were not disappointed.

4. Private Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour from Bruges

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Stand in the tunnels where Canadian troops stood before the assault on Vimy Ridge and visit the Canadian and German trenches. You will see the scattered landscape of the Newfoundland Memorial Park in Beaumont Hamel. Thiepval Memorial, Courcelette Canadian Memorial will also be visited.

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Souvenirs

Reviewed By MABOntario

Claude was excellent, picked the two of us up in Lille right on time. He his very knowledgeable and explained all facets and the sequence of the battles that took place. Had a very nice lunch and the entire day was so informative. I learned so much, it meant so much to us. I would recommend Claude anytime. We ended our day at the Menin gate and experienced the very moving daily remembrance ceremony there, in Ypres. Excellent.

5. Private Vimy and Belgium Canadian Battlefield Tour from Brussels

Stationsplein, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium Battlefield Experience
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Stand in the tunnels in Vimy, walk in the trenches where Canadian troops stood in April 1917. See the CWGC's largest cemetery in Europe, come to see the Brooding Soldier where the first gas attack took place. Attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. See the dressing station where John McRae wrote the poem "In Flanders Fields".

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional guide, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Local taxes, Driver/guide, Hotel drop-off

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Hotel pickup

Reviewed By TheNewWorldExplorer

My wife and I did this tour with Claude. Two points to put peoples minds at ease. First, is that he was on time and his vehicle was very safe, comfortable and reliable. He went through great lengths to keep us on time to what was a very full-day schedule. Second, is his knowledge about the region and the war itself. He knows the full-background and history of the great war and his knowledge of the military regiments is outstanding (Canadian, British, German, Australian, French, etc). In particular, I was interested in the history of the PPCLI in the region and was not disappointed. His family has lived in the region for generations and this brings a personal touch to the the tour. We were not disappointed.

6. Somme Battlefields Small-Group Day Trip with John Monash Centre from Paris

La Flamme, 6 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, France Blue Fox Travel - Blue Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Take an unforgettable day trip from Paris to the Somme battlefields where the bloodiest battles of World War I were fought. The guide will help you learn about the Great War and the struggles faced in the trenches as you walk on the still scarred battlegrounds of the Somme. You’ll marvel at the huge Lochnagar mine crater, walk in the trenches at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, visit the New John Monash Centre, and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers in Pozieres at the Windmill, the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, and at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. You’ll also admire the beauty of the 13th-century Cathedral of Amiens, the largest Cathedral in France. The maximum group size is 8 people.

Inclusions: Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Driver/guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food

Reviewed By Pjrour995

the guide very well known as locals, we walked to the village of Marie Antoinette, we saw the lyon I absolutely enjoyed my time.

7. Chantilly Half Day Private Guided Tour from Paris

Best of France Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

- 5 hour castle of Chantilly private guided tour from Paris - Skip the line entrance tickets included to the castle & park - English speaking licensed tour guide speaking to you personally (this is NOT a tour with audioguides) - Other languages available on request for this tour - pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Paris - transportation in a luxury van This tour is not available : Tuesdays and January 8 up to January 26.

Inclusions: Pickup and drop-off from your Paris hotel, Private licensed tour guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By tjdotson

My husband and I were on a short trip to Paris for his work. On the day he had mostly off, we had Frederic drive us to Bruges since we had never been to Belgium and the pictures looked amazing. After a very comfortable ride there, Frederic started a walking tour with us in the morning and we quickly realized the pictures did not do this quaint city justice! We felt like Disney had created this perfect little town for people to see. Frederic walked us around before we stopped for lunch together. He was going to leave us to dine alone but we asked him to join us because we enjoyed his company so much and we wanted to hear more about the city. After lunch, he gave us the option of having him continue to walk us around or we could explore on our own. We chose to explore on our own since we felt he had given us such a good overview that morning. We had plans to tour the Chocolate Museum but when we arrived, it was closed due to the time of year. We actually didn't mind much and we just spent the day wandering the beautiful streets around the canals and stopping for hot chocolate and waffles. I would highly suggest a visit to Bruges to feel like you have stepped back in time. Speaking of time, we toured in January and lucked out that it wasn't extremely cold. The crowds were very low so it was easy to wander the streets and sometimes we found ourselves the only ones exploring the small alleyways. I would definitely return to Bruges one day and would highly suggest taking this tour especially if it is your first visit or if you have very limited time in the city.

8. Chantilly by bike or Chantilly with electric bike

8 Carrefour des Lions, 60500 Chantilly, France BobeBike
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

You will visit Chantilly and its surroundings. I will show you different point of views and will tell you the story of its castle.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle

Exclusions: Bottled water

Reviewed By Australian_Argonaut

I contacted Antoine a few months before our planned trip, and his responses were always prompt and helpful. He met us at the train station, got us set up with all our gear, and sent us happily on our way. I was visiting Chantilly specifically to see the horse museum at the Chateau, but travelling with me were my husband and 3 yo. Museums are not my daughter's thing, so she and her Dad had a great time (occasionally getting a bit lost!) in the Chantilly forest on an electric bike with rear-mounted child seat, while I enjoyed the museum. Afterwards we all met up and went for a ride to a site within the forest that Antoine recommended, and it really was just a lovely day. At the end of the day we were able to leave the bikes locked up at the train station at our convenience, for Antoine to collect at his convenience. Unfortunately all the bike parking by 5pm was chock-full, but we were just waiting for the next train so didn't mind staying with the bikes until Antoine came to pick them up. The full day cost us 75 euro, which isn't exactly cheap, but it was so worth it. The bikes and equipment were in great condition, and the pick-up and drop-off service that Antoine provides is so convenient that I think it was money well spent. I highly recomment Antoine and his Bobebikes!

9. Senlis by bike

Senlis-Gare-Routière, 60300 Senlis, France BobeBike
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

it's about visiting Senlis and its main points of interest by electric bike The circuit goes through different points

Inclusions: Use of bicycle

Exclusions: Bottled water

Reviewed By LittleCowarne

The bikes and Antoine were fantastic, great fun good guy. Will be back with the family for more. Electric bikes are a revaluation.

10. 30-Minutes Private Guided Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV

Place Rihour, 59800 Lille, France Tradi'Balade
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

During half an hour, you will discover all the charming little streets of the old town of Lille. You will pass by famous monuments : the Grand Place, the old stock exchange, trendy streets. Your driver-guide will tell you all the history of the city and its secrets ! Enjoy the convertible 2cv to admire typical architecture.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Your driver-guide

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Reviewed By Lille2021

Great experience with fun. The driver was wonderful with details on the city and funny explanations ???? We appreciate and recommend this 2CV city tour.

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