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Cover photo: Village of Septmonts, Aisne, Hauts-de-France © Shutterstock /Alexandra.ROSA

The Hauts-de-France region is home to an exceptional concentration of belfries, many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These stone towers, symbols of feudal power in the Middle Ages, shaped civic life alongside churches, amid both conflict and faith. Unique to northern Europe (found only in France and Belgium), they are easily recognised by their soaring silhouettes, chimes, clocks, watchtowers, archive rooms, spires, and weather vanes.

On the Belfries Route: Dunkirk

This city in northern France is fortunate to have two belfries in its centre. The Saint-Éloi Belfry, standing 58 metres tall, offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, the port, and Dunkirk beach. The Town Hall Belfry, at 75 metres high, is only open to the public during special events such as the European Heritage Days and National Architecture Days.

Next to it, the Town Hall, a Flemish Renaissance-style building, blends beautifully with its red and white brick façade. Inside, the base of the belfry is illuminated by a large stained-glass window depicting the triumphant return of the famous Dunkirk privateer Jean Bart after his victory at the Battle of Texel in 1694.

On the Belfries Route: Lille

In the “Capital of Flanders“, in the historic centre and just a stone’s throw from the Town Hall, the Lille Belfry stands as a tribute to the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. To discover the city, there’s no better way than climbing its 109 steps to enjoy a panoramic view from 104 metres above the ground.

Representing nature, climbing plants, blossoming flowers, dragonfly wings, Art Nouveau was an artistic movement that flourished in France between 1890 and 1920, with a simple ambition: to break the rigid codes of classical art and re-enchant everyday life. Straight lines and strict symmetry gave way to curves, volutes, and arabesques, as if everything in the universe were meant to flow and undulate. This style transformed streets, houses, furniture, glass, ironwork, typography, posters, and even everyday objects into living, elegant, almost magical works of art.

On the Belfries Route: Armentières

In the town of Armentières, about twenty kilometres from Lille, stands the Belfry of Armentières, rising 67 metres above the Flanders hills. A symbol of municipal power, the belfry was originally a medieval tower, used at different times as a prison, a watchtower, and even a wartime target. It was burned down, rebuilt, dynamited, and finally resurrected in Flemish Renaissance style, before being elevated to the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Above the town of Armentières stands the Belfry of Bailleul, named after the town itself. This 62-metre-high Flemish neo-Renaissance brick tower, with its 200 steps, has overlooked the Flanders hills since its reconstruction following the bombings of 1918.

On the Belfries Route: Bergues

With its 206 steps, bright white Flemish-style stone, and a playful nod to the atmosphere of Welcome to the Sticks, the Bergues Belfry takes you to new heights, both literally and culturally.

Like many belfries, it has been invaded, damaged by war, destroyed, and rebuilt. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, it is regarded by locals as one of the most beautiful belfries in northern France, rivaling even those of our Belgian neighbours.

On the Belfries Route: Douai

The Belfry of Douai, often called “the most beautiful of all” (and not just by the locals!), has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. With its 54 golden suns and authentic 14th- and 15th-century architecture, it never fails to charm passers-by.

Belfries are renowned for their chimes, but the one in Douai is unique, it has earned the town its nickname: “the town of chimes.” So take a moment to slow down and listen as the bells ring out along your Belfries Route.

On the Belfries Route: Cambrai

Since the 11th century, the Belfry of Cambrai has stood in harmony with the Gothic bell tower of Saint-Martin Church. Until the 18th century, it had a different appearance, with a distinctive twisted spire flanked by four turrets. In 1736, the spire was replaced by a dome topped with a lantern, and in 1924, four sculptures representing the city’s history, created by Marcel Gaumont, were added.

In the Middle Ages, this belfry was used by the gallus, who rang the bell to mark the hours of day and night, signal curfews, or warn of attacks and fires.

On the Belfries Route: Comines

The Belfry of Comines was rebuilt in the Flemish Renaissance style when the Town Hall was inaugurated in 1929. Regional architect Louis Marie Cordonnier unified the two structures through the use of red bricks.

The Town Hall was added to the supplementary list of Historic Monuments in 2001, and its belfry was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

On the Belfries Route: Gravelines

The Belfry of Gravelines, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands 27 metres tall and offers exceptional views of the town, its fishing boats, and the surrounding landscape.

This architectural masterpiece can be explored during the Fortified Sites Weekend, on Heritage Days, and throughout the summer season.

On the Belfries Route: Loos

The Belfry of Loos, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the unique blend of architectural styles found in northern France, combining neo-Flemish influences from Flanders and Holland. This fortified keep, with its turrets and machicolations, is built of red glazed brick and stands 38 metres tall, crowned by a bell tower and spire.

This Belfry Route reveals the full history of northern France: each belfry stands as a sentinel of time, rising proudly between heaven and earth, bearing witness to the rich heritage of the Hauts-de-France region. Climbing their steps is an invitation to rediscover the pride of a region shaped by culture, architecture, and memory.

Don’t leave empty-handed! Visit our gift shop to extend the experience, or share it by offering gifts and experiences to others. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive our stories and news each month. Ready to set off on the Belfry Route? Join our loyalty programme and turn your visits into exclusive benefits at all Teritoria establishments. Because history isn’t just something to admire… it’s something to experience.

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN

Cover photo: Drôme Provençale © Shutterstock /Serge Goujon

For an escape from the summer crowds, head to the Drôme Provençale: lavender fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, medieval villages clinging to hillsides, unspoilt nature, and a unique heritage. A region to discover at your own pace, in harmony with the seasons.

An immersion in the Drôme countryside

Between Lyon and Marseille lies the Drôme, a land of authentic villages, wide open spaces, and monumental mountains. And what better way to discover it than by immersing yourself in its villages and escaping the crowds?

The Cliffs of Vercors

From the Col de Rousset to the cliffs of the Vercors, lovers of the great outdoors will be in their element. The Drôme mountains have so much to offer: rolling hills, breathtaking views of the Alps, and wildlife in its natural habitat…

Best of all, you can enjoy these discoveries on foot, along hiking trails, or by canoe, through the gorges and rivers of the Vercors, in both summer and winter!

The lavender fields in front of Grignan Castle

Perched between the plains and mountains of the Drôme Provençale, the Château de Grignan overlooks the village that shares its name. A symbol of Renaissance architecture and French Classicism, the château has stood watch over the region since the 11th century. Witness to major chapters of French history, it was only listed as a Historic Monument and awarded the Musée de France label in 1993.

Yet the Château de Grignan remains vibrant: every year from June to July, lavender blankets the surrounding plains, creating a striking contrast between deep purple fields and the silhouette of Mont Ventoux.

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park

The Drôme is an unspoiled green haven, rich in diverse landscapes. Take time to explore it on foot, with hikes through its natural parks.

Let yourself be awed by the raw beauty of green cliffs, endless lavender fields, winding rivers, and ancient aqueducts.

Perched villages and Provençal lifestyle

To truly experience the region’s unique beauty, start by visiting its authentic villages and meeting local artisans.

Montbrun-les-bains  

Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France“, Montbrun-les-Bains quickly reveals why: nestled against a green mountainside, its white-stone medieval houses dot the landscape. In the heart of a valley that shifts from green to purple with the seasons, the village rises like a rocky spur, watching over the region.

Wander through flower-lined old streets and take time to slow down, discovering the Drôme lifestyle: authentic, sustainable, and humble.

Poët-Laval 

Another jewel of the Drôme Provençale, this typical village isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to discover. Take the time to admire its whitewashed walls, stroll along its cobbled streets, meet passionate shopkeepers, and listen to local stories…

An authentic and unspoilt place opens up before you!

Suze-la-Rousse 

It wasn’t the inhabitants who gave the town its name, but the colour of its stone. The cobbled streets, the ancient walls of Provençal houses, and the medieval castle perched above the town all share a golden hue that invites you to wander. The castle has lived many lives, royal residence, village church, and now a university dedicated to wine.

In the heart of the vineyards, Suze-la-Rousse invites you to discover its winegrowing heritage and the people behind it.

La Roche-sur-Grâne 

With its strong Drôme identity, mountain dotted with white stone houses, and generous sunshine, La Roche-sur-Grâne stands out as a model of ecological responsibility. The Centre Les Amarins embodies this commitment through agroecology, offering young people hands-on training, farm immersion programs, and all the tools needed to build sustainable skills. Deeply invested in renewable energy and a more conscious way of life, the organisation aligns perfectly with Teritoria’s mission. A place well worth discovering.

A region to taste and discover

In Nyons, olive trees cling to the gentle slopes like guardians of a thousand-year-old heritage. Black olives are cultivated here with patience and passion. At the Maison des Huiles d’Olive, the aromas are captivating, fresh herbs, almonds, lavender, green apples… Each drop tells the story of the land and time-honoured techniques. A little further on, flowers fill the hills with their fragrance. At the distillery, you can watch them slowly transformed into precious essences, among stills and rising blue steam.

Then comes Montélimar, with its picture-postcard charm. Here, nougat is more than just a sweet treat, it’s a promise of childhood. In artisan workshops, warm honey is blended with roasted almonds, stirred by hand, poured into moulds, and cut with a wire. It’s an ode to craftsmanship and slow indulgence, far from the hustle and bustle.

But the highlight of the trip is Hauterives. Here, a humble postman, Ferdinand Cheval, spent 33 years building a palace straight from his dreams. Day after day, stone by stone, collected during his rounds, he sculpted the Palais Idéal, a strange, fragile, and monumental creation inspired by Hindu temples, medieval castles, and natural caves. A world apart, shaped by patience, obsession, and raw beauty.

In the Drôme, everything takes time. Nothing is rushed; everything is sincere. Here, you’ll rediscover a taste for simple pleasures, the magic of slowness, and the poetry of forgotten gestures. It’s as much an inner journey as a geographical one, a return to what truly matters. To help you prepare for this return to the essentials, sign up for our newsletter for inspiration and enjoy rewards through our loyalty programme. Because the Drôme is also a lifestyle to be shared, explore our gift cards and gift boxes, and invite your loved ones to experience the journey too.

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN  

Cover photo: Cable car above the landscapes of Cantal ©Shutterstock / jef77

The Auvergne Cheese Route highlights five PDO cheeses: Cantal, Saint-Nectaire, Fourme d’Ambert, Bleu d’Auvergne, and Salers. Each offers guaranteed quality and distinct local character. Unlike wine routes, there is no fixed itinerary, but Teritoria recommends discovering these dairy specialties by visiting the towns that share their names.

Saint-Nectaire  

This soft cow’s milk cheese is known for its creaminess and distinctive flavour. Its savoir-faire even dates back to the court of Louis XIV.

In a curve of the Couze Chambon valley lies the small town of Saint-Nectaire. Take your time to wander through it and discover its exceptional Romanesque church, perched atop Mont Cornadore and ranked among the top five Romanesque monuments in Auvergne. Admire the raw beauty of its white stones, hewn from volcanic lava, a reminder that Auvergne is an ancient volcanic land, where thousand-year-old rock lends the church its distinctive colour.

This unique volcanic identity is reflected in the town’s landscapes, from the old spa resort along the Courançon stream to the salt marsh and the petrifying water cave, which adds to the town’s charm. Saint-Nectaire has been awarded a Michelin Travel & Culture Star, recognising the site’s natural and artistic authenticity. When visiting Saint-Nectaire, don’t miss the Fontaine Pétrifiée (Petrified Fountain), a striking natural wonder known for its calcite formations. The water from the cave is exceptionally rare and has even inspired works of art.

Just a stone’s throw from Saint-Nectaire lies Freydefont-Saint-Nectaire and its dairy farm. Join passionate farmers as they take you through the making of Saint-Nectaire cheese, from milking (at 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday) to lactic fermentation (from 10:30 a.m. each morning).

Fourme d’Ambert 

The word “fourme” might sound familiar, but do you know what it means? It comes from Old French and originally referred to the mould or container used to shape cheese made from rennet or curdled milk. Over time, the word came to refer to the cheese itself: “fourmage” eventually became “fromage”. Today, only Fourme d’Ambert retains this historic name, a fitting link to its past, especially for a cheese made using mould from rye bread.

Ambert, officially recognised as a cycling town, lies in the plain that shares its name, surrounded by the Monts du Forez and the Monts du Livradois. Originally known for the high quality of its paper, used in the first editions of the Encyclopaedia in 1751, the town is home to several architectural treasures. Among them: the Gothic parish church of Saint-Jean and the Dolmen de Boisseyre, both listed as Historic Monuments. And don’t miss Ambert’s distinctive circular town hall, said to resemble the shape of a Fourme d’Ambert cheese!

In the heart of the town, the Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert has been welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday since the 14th century. It offers a chance to explore the history of this iconic cheese and understand how it’s made. After a delicious tasting in the cellar, set off to discover the jasseries, traditional wooden and granite huts with hollow tile roofs, and learn about the seasonal dwellings used by farmers during the summer months. Taste the sweet and savoury flavours of Auvergne’s PDO cheeses, watch the cheese-making process from curdling to tasting, and don’t miss the butter churn!

Bleu d’Auvergne  

A must-try on the Auvergne Cheese Route, Bleu d’Auvergne is a raw milk cheese made with rye bread mould. It has a creamy ivory texture, blue-green veining, and a delicate floral aroma.

This cheese originates from the small village of Laqueuille, perched at 1,050 metres in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Natural Park, the highest village in the region. With just 500 inhabitants, Laqueuille was once known as La Colha, meaning ‘shepherd’s hut’ in the local Pyrenean dialect. It is here, on this ancient rocky outcrop, that the famous Bleu d’Auvergne is matured for at least 28 days in cellars, with regular pricking to encourage the growth of Penicillium roqueforti. Its story is brought to life at the Laqueuille Museum, through exhibitions and shows blending provocation and banditry…

As you pass through this small, authentic village, let yourself be charmed by the Monts Dore during a hike to La Banne or the Trador Waterfall. As you climb toward the hamlet of Trador, a geological fault reveals a natural waterfall. Formed from ancient lava flows, the cooled rock fractured into striking polygonal columns known as ‘organs’.

Salers  

A member of the Auvergne PDO label since 1961, Salers cheese is made from raw milk collected from local farms and aged for seven months in wooden moulds. From April to September, the region’s red cows graze on lush pastures, producing a uniquely rich milk.

The produce here is as colourful as the little town of Salers itself. Perched at 950 metres in the Monts Cantaliens, this medieval village is listed among France’s ‘Sites Remarquables du Goût’ (Remarkable Sites of Taste). Visitors can explore the Church of Saint-Mathieu and the old bourgeois houses built from volcanic stone and slate. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the ‘La Pastourelle’ trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Cantal region, whether by mountain bike or on foot.

Just a few kilometres from the village of Salers, the farm “Les Burons de Salers” invites you to discover the history of the region’s famous cheese, gentian liqueur, and the local speciality: truffade.

Cantal  

Last but not least on the Auvergne Cheese Route is Cantal, named after the ancient Gaulish-Celtic word Cantalo, meaning ‘borders.’ This sparsely populated mountainous département offers raw, untamed beauty across a range of landscapes and weather conditions: green rolling valleys, glaciers, lava flows, lakes, and of course, AOP cheeses.

Cantal is the oldest cheese in the region, with a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. Its distinctive flavour comes from the rich pastures of the Cantal region and a preparation process that includes over 30 hours of cellar ageing.

This explains why there are different types of Cantal, depending on how long they’ve been aged: the youngest is less than two months old, the mature variety is aged for over six months, and the older it is, the more intense its flavour.

No more searching for brown signs to guide you along the Auvergne Cheese Route, you now have everything you need to meet producers and discover their savoir-faire. To explore more routes celebrating local produce and our regions, subscribe to our newsletter. Extend the experience with a gourmet getaway using our gift cards and boxes, valid at all our partner establishments in Auvergne and beyond. Perfect for lovers of local flavours, our loyalty programme offers exclusive benefits at every stage of your journey, for ever more authentic stays.

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN  

Cover photo: aerial view of the French village of Locronan, in Finistère, Brittany © Shutterstock /photofort77

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1924, Locronan is one of Brittany’s most prestigious sites, known for its traditional Breton architecture. Steeped in Celtic beliefs, a centuries-old textile heritage, and landscapes that have inspired some of the greatest painters, Locronan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Locronan: Between Sea, Mountains, and Belief

Nestled in the heart of the mountains and perched above the sea, Locronan stands as a beacon of ancestral Breton beliefs. Once a sacred site for the Celts, it hosts the Troménie every six years, a ritual procession calling for forgiveness. For the occasion, locals and visitors don traditional Bigouden costumes.

A land of miracles, Locronan is said to be the site of fertility wonders, particularly at the Church of Saint Ronan. This legend is believed to have inspired the name of the Bois du Névet, derived from ‘Németon‘, meaning ‘natural temple under the vault of heaven’ in Breton. The Church of Saint Ronan also features twelve remarkable points, symbolising the twelve months of the year and twelve male and female deities.

All these symbols reinforced fertility beliefs and drew visitors seeking blessings to conceive. Even the Duke and Duchess of Brittany are said to have visited in 1905 to pray for an heir and the continuation of their line. The church was officially listed as a Historic Monument in 1845.

Locronan is steeped in Celtic legends. On the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, young men who have come of age plant a beech tree, a symbol of spring’s awakening.

Similarly, the first day of November marks the beginning of the Celtic year, a gateway to a powerful night. On this night, the great festival of Samonios takes place, when communication between the world of the living and the dead becomes possible. Bread for the dead is distributed until the first Sunday in November.

Locronan, the hemp and flax route in Brittany

Thanks to the renown of the Church of Saint Ronan, Locronan prospered with the arrival of visitors, which boosted the work of craftsmen, merchants, and minor nobles, all of whom contributed to the creation of the city of weavers.

Brittany’s climate and abundant streams made it possible to cultivate hemp and flax in Locronan as early as the 15th century. Since then, the town and its textiles have gained lasting renown, used to outfit the largest ships of the French kingdom, including the Armada and even the ships of Christopher Columbus. The Hôtel de la Compagnie des Indes, founded in 1689 by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, worked closely with the Bureau des Toiles, established in 1669, to inspect fabric quality and stamp them with the “Locronan” mark before export. Today, the Hôtel de la Compagnie des Indes is open to visitors, offering a deep dive into the history of maritime exploration.

Flax and hemp grown in France are among the most sustainable and eco-friendly textiles. Their cultivation requires no excessive irrigation or chemicals, significantly reducing their environmental impact. Grown locally, they avoid long-distance transport and support short supply chains. In addition to being biodegradable, these fibres are strong, durable, and make use of the entire plant. Hemp, in particular, absorbs large amounts of CO₂ and helps regenerate the soil. Unlike cotton or polyester, their production is simple, clean, and local.

The painters’ route in Cornuaille

Brittany has long inspired artists, and the Charles Daniélou Art Museum is living proof. Founded by the mayor of Locronan, who also served as a minister during the Third Republic, the museum houses a collection of paintings celebrating the beauty of the region. Works by Emile Simon, Désiré Lucas, Kamesuke Hiraga, Yvonne Jean-Haffen, and others bear witness to Brittany’s vibrant artistic life in the 20th century.

The museum presents works from the town’s collection, including Les Eaux-Fortes by Marie-Renée Chevalier-Kervern, paintings by Henri Le Sidaner, and a large canvas by Odette Pauvert, the first woman to win the Prix de Rome in 1925, now on display for the first time since its restoration in 2019. This piece, designated a National Treasure, is also protected as a Historic Monument. The museum also features works donated by Charles Daniélou (1878–1953) and Rector Maurice Dilasser. Finally, the sculpture Anne de Bretagne by Jean Fréour, acquired by the town in 2018, greets visitors at the entrance.

Locronan among the “most beautiful villages in France”

Tucked away in the Finistère region, Locronan stands watch in the early hours of summer, as golden light brushes its façades, highlighting finely carved dormer windows and making the slate roofs sparkle. On the main square, the houses gently encircle the Saint-Ronan Church and its Pénity Chapel, like a silent theatre.

Inside, stained glass windows and the pulpit recount the legends of the saint. Outside, narrow streets lined with old houses invite you to stroll. Here, no cars break the spell, only wooden signs, discreet shopfronts, and the aroma of warm kouign-amann guide your steps. Let yourself be enchanted by the mystical charm of Brittany with our gift cards and gift boxes, perfect for treating yourself or someone special to a stay in the region.

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By Emilie FALLOT NGUYEN