Making a big deal of it
So you want to please people who love good food, local products and culinary discoveries?
Then the North will be the place to give them (and you, at the same time) some nice gifts! Cheese, of course, is going to be at the top of the list: what could be better than a nice piece of maroilles to spoil your loved ones and let them discover a unique flavor? The taste, smell and unique texture make it a must-have product closely associated with the North! If you decide to venture into less fragrant territory, a belval or an vieux-lille will do just fine. In any case, if you want to buy fresh cheese, go to the local markets, it's the guarantee of nice and good cheese surprises!
In moderation
Do you know what goes best with a good cheese? A good beer! This rather unusual pairing of flavors offers poetic and tasty combinations, especially when both products come from the North, where beer is brewed with love, talent and passion. So, don't miss the opportunity to offer a few bottles from well-known and lesser-known names: the Brasserie Thiriez, the historic Jenlain, the beers from the Choulette brewery, the delicious Anosteké or the Bellerose from the Brasserie des Sources or even a 3 Monts, brewed near Cassel!
Looking for inspiration
Sometimes, we don't know what to offer, we turn in circles in search of the idea, the inspiration, the crush, without finding it and ending up buying the first thing that comes along in a hurry. To avoid repeating this scenario that everyone has already experienced, why not go to the stores of tourist offices?
In addition to getting expert advice and recommendations, you can also find a nice selection of local and artisanal products, representative of the region and the North, often made by carefully selected artists. It will also be an opportunity to find out about possible designer markets, pop-up stores and other ephemeral events that take place during a festival, a carnival or a giant garage sale!
And if you really can't find it...
So, why not try the unusual?
There are many unusual products that are representative of the North and that can be surprising when offered. From a braid of garlic from Arleux to a real cobblestone from the North, a recipe book from the Ch'ti region, a photograph of a belfry at sunset, a poster of a train station from the past, or even a personalized book with your recommendations for stays and itineraries in the North, taken from your own trip: let your desires speak for themselves and ask for advice from those around you!
