After a successful candidacy process (see the book) Hauts-de-France (Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Somme) was officially awarded European Region of Gastronomy 2023 at a ceremony in Le Touquet. It is the first region in France to receive such an accolade from IGCAT, a non-profit organisation established in 2012, which promotes regional food, culture, arts, natural assets and sustainable tourism throughout the world.
An international jury of IGCAT Experts visited the region and acknowledged its remarkable commitment to sustainability, the excellent quality of gastronomy based on the use of local products and wide participation in the bidding process.
President of IGCAT Dr. Diane Dodd congratulated Hauts-de-France for winning and awarded a European Region of Gastronomy certificate.
“I have been deeply impressed by the number of chefs who work sustainably on principle, as well as the variety of gastronomy-related visitor experiences that create opportunities for new jobs in sustainable food and culture tourism markets. Hauts-de-France has always been known for its agricultural strengths but now it is also recognised for its cultural and gastronomy assets.”
Besides positioning the region as an internationally-recognised gastronomic destination, Hauts-de-France intends to use the title European Region of Gastronomy 2023 to develop a programme of initiatives and projects aimed at promoting the well-being of residents and visitors.
An open call has been launched on the official website, where regional participants can submit projects, initiatives and events to be included into the region’s official 2023 programme.
About Hauts-de-France
From Dunkirk to Chantilly and from Lille to the Somme Bay, nature guides, mediators, forestry therapists and other wellness professionals offer their solutions to escape from everyday life, while producers and chefs put local, homemade and seasonal produce on the menu, with all the generosity of the “people of the North.” Hauts-de-France has one of the most beautiful coastlines in France, with protected natural environment, listed sites, parks, gardens, forests and countryside. Cities with a rich built and cultural heritage are being revegetated. The diverse territories that make up the region make it a highly-valued and rewarding tourist destination.
