Moving to the Hauts de France: a unique conviviality

The Hauts-de-France is a dynamic region, with the advantage of its proximity to the English, Belgian and French capitals. With one in three inhabitants under the age of 25, the Hauts-de-France is the youngest region in mainland France! Moving to the Hauts de France means living in a land of friendliness and good humour.

Why settle in the Hauts de France?

Based on public data on regional well-being, and supplemented by feedback from newcomers supported by the platform, the "Bien-vivre" tool offers numerical data on 11 previously defined criteria. According to the Bien-Vivre tooltool, living in the Nordic region allows you to reconcile your professional and personal life by enjoying a pleasant living environment and a more serene life.

The labour market, income

Hauts-de-France is the leading region in France for plant production. The region produces 10% of French milk and 10% of French champagne. The Hauts-de-France region has always been a driving force in the French economy, thanks in particular to a very strong industry.

The region's main recruiters are in various sectors: industry, textiles, logistics and digital. In addition, two of the major French ports are located in the Hauts de France: Dunkirk and Calais, respectively 3rd and 4th largest seaports in France.

Industry, manufacturing and food, is the sector that recruits the most in the region, post-confinement, then construction. Next, the sector that needs to recruit is trade, particularly car dealerships, but also personal services and maintenance, and finally transport and logistics, which are major recruiters in the region.

Quality of life

The environment

From the Channel to the North Sea, from the Bay of the Somme to the Opal Coast, the Hauts-de-France region offers an exceptional coastline. The region has five regional nature parks, known for their preserved environment and biodiversity. The region offers breathtaking landscapes such as the estuaries of the Bay of the Somme, the dunes of Flanders and the hortillonnages of Amiens.

Discover the many hiking trails in the region and stroll through the great forest of Compiègne, in the natural park of Avesnois... As for the city, Lille, the city with 2000 years of history, also called the capital of Flanders, impresses with its cathedral and its citadel. It charms with its pretty cobbled streets and its Grande Place, and attracts with its cultural and popular events. Hauts-de-France offers an exceptional heritage. 

Education

The Hauts de France academic region includes the academies of Amiens and Lille. There are 7 universities. Lille is also known as a very dynamic student city and attractive for young professionals looking for their first job.

The community

Also known for its delicacy, the region is known for its champagne but also for its many breweries that produce quality beers. The ficelle picarde or the Maroilles are also there. Don't forget to stop off at a famous "baraque à frites", a place for sharing and conviviality. You can also go to the big street market of Lille! This brings us to the soul of the region: sharing. We like to meet, share, have fun... and the inhabitants will be delighted to show you their legendary conviviality.

And for that, you need to attendthe Grand Carnaval, a tradition of the city of Dunkerque where you can dance, sing and share. Participating in the carnival is a source of pride for the people of Dunkirk. Tens of thousands of people attend the carnivals in February and March. There is a quote that really defines the region: "In the north you cry twice: the first time you arrive, and the second time because you don't want to leave! There are many communities here: the Cht'is, the Flemings, the Picards...

The services

The region is the link between Paris and Belgium but also with England via the Channel Tunnel and its major seaports of Calais and Dunkirk. The rail network is well developed, the LGV Nord connects Paris to Lille in 2 hours and makes it possible to reach London and Brussels.

Housing

Driven by the dynamism of the city of Lille, the region attracts many buyers every year. The cities in the North of France are proving to be very attractive. Another particularity of the property market in the North is that it attracts arather young population. One can therefore imagine that property purchases in the cities of the North of France are mainly made by young workers or newly formed families.

Are you moving to the Hauts de France region?

Be accompanied by Switch Up during your installation on the territory.

5 towns where it's good to live in the Hauts de France.

Moving to the Hauts de France means having a wide choice of towns to settle in. That's why Switch Up has put together a selection of 5 cities where it's good to live in the region, to help you find your ideal place to live 

Lille is a festive and friendly city: its famous street market, its cultural festivals and its sporting tradition are proof of this ! A privileged European metropolis, Lille is home to many students and young professionals. It is also ideal for families and senior citizens who appreciate its infrastructure, its greenery and its human-scale development.

It is a friendly and dynamic city. The city is characterised by its rich history and culture, and its red brick facades. There is no shortage of green spaces in the Lille metropolis and if you fancy a trip to the sea, the Côte d'Opale is less than an hour from Lille.

Dunkerque

Dunkirk, a colourful city with Flemish influences, welcomes newcomers with open arms ! newcomers with open arms! Colourful carnival, nearby beach, university town, large port open to the world... Let yourself be seduced by the cultural and historical wealth of the city of Jean Bart!

Ideal for families, Dunkirk has large green spaces, numerous schools and leisure associations, both sporting and cultural! 

Moving to Amiens means taking advantage of all the advantages of a modern, young and dynamic metropolis, with the added bonus of quality of life! The city has managed to reconcile urban development with respect for natural areas. A city where life is good A city where life is good, thanks to the warm welcome of its inhabitants.

It isalso a peaceful town with beautiful green spaces: the ideal compromise between the peace and greenery of the countryside and the infrastructure and comfort of the city.

Valenciennes

Valenciennes is a dynamic city in full development. New shops in the city centre, tramway... It has an interesting cultural heritage, with many museums, a cultural centre... The city of the North breathes, and this thanks to its large green spaces within the metropolis!

Valenciennes is a quiet city, where everything is accessible in a short time. The city is also very well served: the direct train between Valenciennes and Lille allows you to get to the big city quickly.

Cultural, historical, dynamic, well located, Arras is a city on a human scale. With its shops, cultural and family activities, the town centre is dynamic and very pleasant to live in. pleasant to live in. Its economic dynamism makes Arras a young city and appreciated by newcomers.

It allows you to live in a medium-sized, dynamic metropolis. The Heroes' Square is very beautiful and unique in Europe. The city offers a rich historical heritage. Arras is very close to Lille; 1 hour from the Gare du Nord by train!

So, have you decided? Hauts de France is for you? Switch Upwill help you set up your business thanks to our local network of Ambassadors. Administrative procedures, finding accommodation, schools, discovering the area or integrating, our northern ambassadors will be delighted to welcome you. Our ambassadors will share with you their best practices for settling in the Hauts de France with peace of mind.