Why more tourists are choosing Hauts-de-France

Hauts-de-France is increasingly becoming a place to stay rather than a region travelers simply cross on the way elsewhere.

The region recorded average occupancy of 76% across all accommodation types in July and August, according to a Novamétrie survey of 500 tourism professionals for Hauts-de-France Tourism. That was one percentage point higher than in 2025 and five points above 2024.

The figures do not describe a uniformly exceptional summer. July occupancy rose four points year on year, while August fell by two. Traditional hotels recorded 63.8% occupancy, almost unchanged from last summer. Outdoor accommodation performed better at 75.5%, but also remained stable, according to figures from MKG and Novamétrie.

The strongest signal came from international visitors. Foreign hotel nights rose 5% during the first half of 2026, based on the latest Insee data. Dutch visitors posted the largest increase, at 13.9%, followed by Germans at 7.7% and Belgians at 5.1%. Since 2022, foreign overnight stays have risen 40%.

The region’s location gives it access to major tourism markets in Paris, Brussels, London, Amsterdam and Cologne, all within several hours by road or train. That advantage has gained importance as travelers favor two- or three-day breaks and shorter journeys. Among French visitors this summer, 62% came from Hauts-de-France, up seven points in one year and 12 points since 2022. A weekend on the Opal Coast, in Avesnois or around the Bay of Somme requires neither a flight nor extensive preparation.