Discovering Nord (Department 59)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Nord (Department 59) sits at the northernmost tip of France, bordering Belgium and facing the North Sea. Part of the Hauts-de-France region, it combines vibrant cities, industrial heritage, beautiful countryside, sandy coastline and one of France's strongest regional identities. Home to the major city of Lille, Nord is one of the country's most populated and economically important departments.
For English-speaking people considering moving to Nord, retiring in Nord, buying a second home or establishing a business, the department offers a very different experience from southern France. It provides excellent transport links, thriving employment opportunities, affordable property in many areas and easy access to both the UK and Belgium. While the climate is cooler and wetter than much of France, many residents appreciate its lively communities, cultural richness and excellent infrastructure.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Hauts-de-France |
Historic name | French Flanders and Hainaut |
Department number | 59 |
Department capital | Lille |
Largest towns | Lille, Roubaix, Tourcoing, Dunkirk (Dunkerque), Valenciennes, Douai, Cambrai, Maubeuge |
Population | Approximately 2.6 million |
Area | 5,743 km² |
Climate | Oceanic with mild summers, cool winters and regular rainfall |
Best suited for | Professionals, families, commuters, entrepreneurs, retirees seeking urban amenities |
Is a car recommended? | Helpful outside cities; unnecessary in Lille |
English-speaking community | Moderate, strongest around Lille and coastal areas |
Lifestyle summary | Urban, welcoming, culturally rich with excellent transport links |
Why Choose Nord?
Nord appeals to people who value convenience, connectivity and a genuine sense of community. Unlike many rural French departments, it offers a lively mix of cities, market towns and coastal communities while remaining surprisingly affordable compared with Paris and much of northern Europe.
Lifestyle
Life in Nord is sociable and community-focused. People are known throughout France for their warmth and friendliness. Town squares, cafés and local festivals remain central to everyday life.
Community
The department has a growing international population thanks to its universities, European businesses and proximity to Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. English speakers will find expatriate groups in Lille and surrounding areas, although learning French remains important.
Scenery
Although often associated with industry, Nord offers far more than factories. You'll find:
Wide sandy beaches
Nature reserves
Rolling farmland
Historic villages
Canals
Regional parks
The Côte d'Opale nearby also makes excellent weekend trips.
Accessibility
One of Nord's greatest strengths is its location.
Residents benefit from:
Eurostar via Lille
High-speed TGV connections
Easy motorway access
Belgium only minutes away
Paris around one hour by TGV
London easily reached by train
This makes it ideal for people who travel frequently.
Food
Nord has one of France's most distinctive regional cuisines, heavily influenced by Belgium.
Specialities include:
Carbonnade Flamande
Welsh rarebit (local version)
Potjevleesch
Maroilles cheese
Flemish stews
Excellent beers
Artisan chocolates
Culture
The department enjoys a lively cultural calendar with:
Major museums
Music festivals
Christmas markets
Carnival traditions
Flemish heritage
Strong sporting culture
Lille regularly hosts international exhibitions and cultural events.
Property
Property prices vary considerably.
Lille commands higher prices due to demand, while many smaller towns and villages offer excellent value. Renovation projects are also widely available.
Pace of Life
Large cities move at a fast pace, but many rural communes offer peaceful living while remaining close to major services.
Nord Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Explanation |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Excellent healthcare and transport, though winters can feel grey. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Outstanding schools, parks, universities and family facilities. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Better suited to frequent visitors than holiday homes. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong economy, European location and excellent infrastructure. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast broadband, coworking spaces and superb transport links. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Beaches, cycling and walking opportunities throughout the department. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Lille is one of France's finest regional cities. |
Popular Places to Live
Lille
Description
The vibrant regional capital combines historic architecture with a modern economy.
Ideal for
Professionals, remote workers, families and entrepreneurs.
Advantages
Excellent transport
International atmosphere
Strong employment market
Universities
Cultural attractions
Things to consider
Property prices are among the department's highest.
Dunkirk (Dunkerque)
Description
A major port city with long beaches and a fascinating maritime history.
Ideal for
Retirees, professionals and coastal living.
Advantages
Sea views
Good services
Famous carnival
Ferry connections nearby
Things to consider
Weather can be windy.
Valenciennes
Description
A pleasant university town with a growing technology sector.
Ideal for
Families and professionals.
Advantages
Affordable housing
Parks
Good transport
Strong local economy
Things to consider
Some districts remain in regeneration.
Cambrai
Description
Historic market town surrounded by attractive countryside.
Ideal for
Retirees and families.
Advantages
Traditional atmosphere
Lower property prices
Local markets
Things to consider
Fewer international amenities.
Douai
Description
Historic town with attractive architecture and a respected university.
Ideal for
Professionals and families.
Advantages
Good rail links
Affordable housing
Cultural life
Things to consider
Limited nightlife compared with Lille.
Maubeuge
Description
Close to the Belgian border, surrounded by green countryside.
Ideal for
Cross-border workers and retirees.
Advantages
Affordable property
Access to Belgium
Relaxed pace
Things to consider
Employment opportunities can be more limited.
Roubaix
Description
A former textile city transformed into a centre for design and innovation.
Ideal for
Entrepreneurs and creatives.
Advantages
Excellent value property
Business support
Museums
Things to consider
Neighbourhood quality varies considerably.
Cost of Living
Compared with many parts of northern Europe and southern England, Nord offers good value for money.
Property affordability
Outside Lille, buyers can often find spacious houses at attractive prices. Rural villages and smaller towns offer particularly good value.
Shopping
Large supermarkets, shopping centres and local markets make everyday shopping convenient. Belgium also provides additional shopping opportunities.
Utilities
Heating costs may be higher than in southern France because winters are cooler, although modern housing can offset this.
Eating out
Restaurants range from traditional estaminets to Michelin-starred establishments. Prices are generally reasonable outside Lille city centre.
General value for money
Nord offers excellent overall value, particularly considering its transport infrastructure and employment opportunities.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is one of Nord's strengths.
Main hospitals
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Lille
Centre Hospitalier de Valenciennes
Centre Hospitalier de Dunkerque
Hospital services in Douai and Cambrai
Healthcare availability
Residents generally enjoy excellent access to GPs and specialist services, particularly in urban areas.
Access to specialists
Lille is home to one of France's leading university hospitals with extensive specialist care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are readily available throughout the department, including smaller towns.
General healthcare considerations
Healthcare access is excellent in cities, although some rural communities experience longer waits for GP appointments.
Education
Nord has one of France's strongest educational networks.
Schools
Both public and private schools are widely available.
Colleges
Further education colleges operate across the department.
International options
Lille offers several bilingual and international schools suitable for expatriate families.
Language schools
French language courses are available through universities, private schools and local associations.
Getting Around
Nord is exceptionally well connected.
Airports
Lille Airport
Brussels Airport (easily accessible)
Paris Charles de Gaulle via TGV
Rail
Excellent rail services include:
TGV
Eurostar
TER regional trains
Roads
Major motorways include:
A1
A22
A23
A25
Public transport
Lille has:
Metro
Trams
Extensive buses
Regional coach services
Is a car recommended?
Within Lille, public transport is excellent. Elsewhere, a car provides greater flexibility.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Lille (Wazemmes) | Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday |
Dunkirk | Wednesday & Saturday |
Valenciennes | Saturday |
Cambrai | Wednesday & Saturday |
Douai | Monday |
Maubeuge | Tuesday & Saturday |
Hazebrouck | Monday |
Bailleul | Tuesday |
Local Food & Drink
Nord's cuisine reflects its Flemish roots.
Popular specialities include:
Carbonnade Flamande
Potjevleesch
Welsh
Maroilles cheese
Moules-frites
Waterzooi
Flemish waffles
Chicory (endives)
Local craft beers
Genièvre
Artisan chocolates
Things to Do
There is plenty to enjoy throughout the department.
Historic sites
Old Lille
Belfries
Citadels
World War memorials
Outdoor activities
Coastal walks
Cycling routes
Canal boating
Nature reserves
Birdwatching
Museums
Palais des Beaux-Arts
La Piscine Museum
Mining heritage museums
Festivals
Dunkirk Carnival
Lille Christmas Market
Braderie de Lille
Local music festivals
Nature
Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park
Dunes
Wetlands
Forests
Family attractions
Lille Zoo
Science museums
Aquariums nearby
Theme parks within easy reach
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is essential for day-to-day life. English is spoken more frequently in Lille than elsewhere.
Rural living
Villages remain active and friendly but may have fewer local services.
Internet
High-speed broadband and fibre are widely available, particularly in urban areas.
Seasonal tourism
The department remains active year-round rather than relying heavily on tourism.
Climate
Expect more rain than southern France. Summers are generally pleasant rather than hot.
Community life
Residents take pride in local traditions, festivals and neighbourhood events. Joining clubs and associations is one of the easiest ways to settle into the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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