Nord

Nord is located in the north of France, in the Hauts-de-France region, on the border with Belgium, with Lille, France's fourth-largest metropolitan area, as its capital. Historically one of France's most important industrial regions (coal mining and textiles), it has shifted in recent decades toward services, commerce, and technology. Lille is known as an important academic and commercial hub in northern Europe, with fast access to Brussels, Paris, and London by high-speed train. The cost of living in Lille is lower than in Paris, and its blend of Flemish and French culture gives the department a distinctive identity.

Lille, Roubaix, Tourcoing, Dunkerque, Valenciennes

• Université de Lille
• Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France
• Écoles d’ingénieurs et de commerce (Centrale Lille, IMT Nord Europe, Skema, EDHEC, etc.)

Like any large metropolitan area, Lille and its suburbs have both very pleasant neighborhoods and some more sensitive ones. Student and central neighborhoods are usually lively and busy, and with the usual precautions are acceptable. Cities such as Dunkerque, Valenciennes, Roubaix, and Tourcoing each have their own distinct character, so choosing the right neighborhood matters.

Lille has two major stations (Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe) connected by TGV to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, London, and Brussels. A metro, tram, and bus network operates throughout Lille Métropole. At the department level, TER trains and regional buses connect Nord to all of its towns.