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The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Northern France Itinerary

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Over 5 to 7 days in northern France, you can see many beautiful seaside towns, wander around historic villages and indulge in some excellent French food and drink. Our northern France itinerary will take you from Saint-Malo on the border of Brittany and Normandy, up the coast to the Belgian border city of Lille. Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone on the north coast of France.

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How Many Days in Northern France?

The North of France encompasses everything from Brittany to Alsace, including Normandy and of course, Paris – each of which has its own distinct culture and traditions. So, to see all of these amazing places in one northern France road trip, you’d need to spare at least a month.

That’s why we’ve focused primarily on the northern coast of Normandy, as you can happily spend at least 4 to 5 days in Brittany alone, and a further 4 to 5 days discovering the magical city of Paris . Or, if you want to experience beautiful castles and world-class wine, consider heading to the Loire Valley for a few days .

But if you want to spend just 5 days in northern France, sunbathing on the beaches, exploring the seaside towns and eating wonderful seafood, it’s best to stick to the Normandy coast and travel around at your leisure by car.

Normandy also has wonderful cycling routes, without too many inclines for a more easy-going journey, so you can have a fantastic 7 days in northern France on your bike, without spending too much time on the road. This way you also get to discover the quaint villages and rural locations that won’t come up on a standard itinerary.

Getting To & Around Northern France

There aren’t many major airports in northern France, especially near the towns on our north France itinerary, however, if you’re planning to reach France by aeroplane, you can fly into Rennes Airport, Paris-Orly or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airports and rent a car, or take a train to the first stop on our itinerary.

But, this will take the best part of a day to fly into Paris and make the journey out to Saint-Malo, so bear this in mind when planning your trip.

The best way to reach the starting point of your road trip in northern France, if you’re following our road trip itinerary and beginning in Saint-Malo, is by ferry from Portsmouth or Poole on the south coast of England, which takes about 7 hours; that way, you can also bring your own car to make your journey easier and cheaper.

If you’re following the itinerary in reverse, you can take your car on the ferry or Eurotunnel from Dover to Calais, or take the passenger train the Eurostar from central London to Lille.

If you need to rent a car for your trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Each stop on the itinerary is reachable by public transport so you can take the train or bus to arrive at each destination as well as book your tickets as a foot passenger on the ferries, or utilise the fast and eco-friendly Eurostar trains. You can view schedules here.

However, if you choose to use public transport, you will have to arrange your holiday according to transport times, rather than having the freedom of moving as you please with your own car.

5 to 7-Day Northern France Itinerary

Beaches, castles, cathedrals and history abound on our northern France itinerary, so don’t forget to pack your beach towels, sunglasses and guidebooks so you’re ready for everything that awaits you.

Day 1 – Saint-Malo

Ferry is the best way to arrive in Saint-Malo, not just for comfort and ease, but also to see the wonderful seaside town from a different perspective, arriving majestically on the French shore to explore your first destination.

Saint-Malo is predominantly famous for its large and scenic port area where you can find some delicious seafood as well as wander around the small side streets and coastal promenade. But Saint-Malo is also full of ancient history, with the 15th-century Saint-Malo castle and the National Fort standing proudly on the coastline, surrounded by the town’s ramparts.

You can spend a day walking along the 2 km-long city walls, enjoying views over the town, as well as the incredible coastline, filled with small islets.

You can walk to some of the islets at low tide to spend some time on the beautiful beaches, reach the National Fort and look back over the town.

There are several hotels in Saint-Malo, most of which are moderately priced, but you can also travel further inland to find holiday lets and gîtes if you’re travelling with several family members.

Where to Stay in Saint-Malo

Hôtel Bristol Union Intra Muros – This 3-star hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a great place to stay in Saint-Malo. They have a number of chic rooms to choose from and a superb breakfast to enjoy each morning. Click here to check availability

La Maison des Armateurs – This grand hotel is an excellent choice for visitors looking for a bit of luxury on their northern French adventure. They have a number of lovely rooms on offer, they’re pet-friendly and also offer wine and champagne to guests. Click here to check availability

Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde – This 4-star beachfront hotel is another wonderful place to stay while in Saint-Malo. They have a great location and beautiful rooms along with amenities like a spa, indoor swimming pool and a great breakfast in the mornings. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Saint-Malo hotels!

Day 2 – Mont-Saint-Michel

When most people think of north France, the first image that comes to mind is the small rocky island, with mediaeval houses and winding streets below a magnificent abbey with pointed turrets reaching up into the sky.

This quintessential French town is the island of Mont-Saint-Michel, about 1 km from the French coast – although thanks to the massive number of visitors the town receives every year, you can now reach the island by road.

Having become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the first French site to be listed, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most popular spots in North France and is a must-see destination on any northern France road trip.

You can wander around the winding cobbled streets either independently on or on a walking tour , enjoying the remnants of the mediaeval architecture, as well as walk around the 13th-century ramparts to enjoy views over the French coastline and reach the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Michael that defines the island. You can buy your tickets in advance

The Saint Michael’s Abbey is a wonder of mediaeval and flamboyant Gothic architecture, built after Saint Michael appeared three times before Bishop Saint Aubert in 708, and welcomes visitors to discover its refectory, beautiful cloister, ornate chapels and crypts over several levels across the place of worship.

You can learn about the abbey’s transformation into a prison for almost 100 years, as well as the artistic history of the breathtaking island from its four museums in the town’s lower streets.

It’s definitely worth spending a full day in Mont-Saint-Michel as the changing light throughout the day will make you crave a photograph from every angle. At night, the island is lit up, looking even more picturesque as the shadows dance on the layered roofs, especially during the light shows in summer.

Stay on the island in one of the many bed and breakfasts and fancy hotels, or head back to the mainland to enjoy views of Mont-Saint-Michel in all its glory, with many hotels in the small village of La Caserne to accommodate the 2.5 million yearly visitors.

However, the longest journey on this north France itinerary takes place between Mont-Saint-Michel and Honfleur, so if you want to save yourself the 2-hour drive in the morning, get on the road in the evening and stay closer to the city of Caen for a shorter drive on day 3.

Day 3 – Honfleur

Further north along the French coast, before reaching the industrial port of Le Havre, is the beautiful port city of Honfleur. Located on the Seine estuary into the English Channel, this lovely city is a great place for a peaceful afternoon wandering around the old harbour and enjoying fantastic fresh seafood.

The city’s beauty is undeniable, having been a popular destination for many artists, including Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, who adored the seafront as much as the 16th-century houses with their uneven and characterful roofs. You can  organise a walking tour  if you prefer to learn more from a guide.

The best part of Honfleur is the seafront, although, of course, you can enjoy a bit of shopping in the old and new town located just outside the harbour. So, if you have a full day to spend in the area and don’t mind driving a little further, it’s worth heading slightly further north to the picturesque gardens of Ertretat.

The Jardins d’Etretat is a wonderfully diverse ornamental garden, divided into separate areas, with one garden designed to replicate the area’s famous oyster farms, with unusual sculptures by Samuel Salcedo hidden amongst the topiary.

You can happily spend a few hours here, so it might be best to head here in the morning of day 3 of your 7 days in the north of France, before heading back down to Honfleur for an afternoon walk and evening meal.

There are lots of lovely hotels in Honfleur, with some budget hotels and several 4-star hotels if you’re looking for a bit more luxury, so finding somewhere to stay in the area is not a problem. However, if you don’t want to move accommodation many nights in a row, consider making the city of Rouen a base for the next few nights.

Where to Stay in Rouen

Hotel Cardinal – Located in the very centre of Rouen on the banks of the Seine River, this hotel is an excellent option for mid-range travellers. They have a number of great rooms to choose from along with a lovely terrace for guests to enjoy. Click here to check availability

Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde – This 5-star hotel is the perfect choice for those who want to spare no luxury while visiting the north of France. There are countless incredible amenities available to guests, the hotel is excellently located and there are plenty of great rooms to choose from. Click here to check availability

La Villa – If you’d like to have your own apartment while visiting Rouen, then these fully furnished flats are a great choice. There are a range of different flats to choose from along with plenty of great amenities and a fantastic location in the city. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rouen hotels!

Day 4 – Rouen

Moving away from the coastal towns and further inland towards Paris along the Seine, we reach the wonderful capital city of Normandy, Rouen.

Rouen is a fantastic city to walk around and admire the remaining architecture of the Romans and the Mediaeval period, with numerous Gothic churches to be found scattered around the city. You  take a walking tour  of the area.

The most famous is the huge Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen which gives the Parisian cathedral of the same name a run for its money with its incredibly ornate stone carvings decorating the building from floor to spire.

Rouen’s Cathédrale Notre-Dame was another favourite of impressionist painter Claude Monet, so you can find many replicas and other paintings in a similar style in art shops all around the centre.

The city is perhaps most famous, however, for being the location of the death of French legend Joan of Arc. The 19-year-old was burned at the stake for heresy in May 1431 and quickly became a symbol of French freedom and heroism thanks to her efforts in leading the French army to defeat the British in Orléans in the Hundred Years War.

You can see the location of the young heroine’s death, now marked with a monument, as well as a statue in her honour beside the church dedicated to her.

Besides the beautiful half-timbered houses, historic monuments and churches, you can also find a number of lovely restaurants, the gorgeous 14th-century astronomical clock, the Gros Horloge, a brilliant Fine Arts Museum and the oldest auberge in France, La Couronne, dating back to 1345. Rouen has a bit of everything.

So, if you have more than 5 days to dedicate to your itinerary, it’s worth having a couple of days to spare for Rouen.

Day 5 – Dieppe

If you choose to continue on for another day rather than spending two nights in Rouen at the end of your 5 days in northern France, you’ll have a relaxing beach day in the town of Dieppe.

To get back home at the end of your day, you can head South to Paris to fly out of the country or take the Eurostar to London , Brussels or Amsterdam . Or, head up to Calais to take the Eurotunnel back across the English Channel in your car.

Dieppe is a small fishing community located on the Normandy coast, so it’s a perfect location to get your fresh fish, oysters and langoustines as well as enjoy the sunshine and a dip in the sea on a warm day.

You can visit the Château de Dieppe which houses a museum dedicated to the town’s history as a significant location in France’s ivory trade, with many skilled ivory carvers having lived there, as well as it being a place of influence in the impressionist artistic period.

For those with a historical interest, you can also learn about Operation Jubilee in the town’s permanent exhibition the Memorial of 19 August 1942; this military endeavour saw many soldiers from Dieppe killed during the Second World War.

The town itself is also lovely to wander around, with such gems as the Gothic Church of Saint-Jacques, the huge white cliffs looming over the beach and the harbour for you to discover.

Day 6 – Le Touquet

Making the most of the coast before heading inland again on day 7 of your northern France itinerary, we come to the delightful small town of Le Touquet.

Also known as Paris-Plage, le Touquet is one of the main destinations that saw thousands of Parisians descend on it during summer from the early 1900s onwards to enjoy the wonderful beaches.

Many large villas were built as summer homes for the wealthy Parisians, as well as tennis courts, golf courses and a casino, so there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the warm weather.

A lot of the town of Le Touquet was destroyed in both Allied and Nazi German bombings during the Second World War, and some buildings remain partially destroyed as memorials to the destruction.

However, several wonderful large houses also remain, showing off the fanciful designs of the Roaring Twenties. The town has also kept up its famous nightlife, so it’s a great place to spend your evening with a few cocktails and dance the night away.

Just along the coast from Le Touquet, you can find another lovely seaside town, Berck-sur-Mer. Film and literature enthusiasts will know the town as the setting of the internationally renowned book and film, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly ; the true story of a man who overcomes incredible adversity by writing a novel despite having Locked-In Syndrome. Definitely give it a watch before you go or read the book while you lounge on the beach.

This part of the coastline is also famous for having seal colonies living on the beach all year round, especially on the Plage des Phoques.

You shouldn’t approach the animals, but admiring them from the clifftops (you may need a pair of binoculars at low tide) is a wonderful way to spend your afternoon. For families with young children, there’s also a small amusement park, Bagatelle, just outside of the town.

End your day of exploration in the city of Lille, where there are plenty of great places to stay.

Where to Stay in Lille

Moxy Lille City – This 3-star hotel in the centre of Lille is an excellent choice for mid-range travellers. They have an array of great rooms to choose from, breakfast on offer each morning and a perfect location for exploring the city. Click here to check availability

Grand Hotel Bellvue – Those after a luxury option in Lille will love this opulent hotel located on the Grand Place. There are a myriad of gorgeous rooms to choose from and endless great amenities available to guests. Click here to check availability

Aparthotel Adagio – This aparthotel is a fantastic choice for travellers looking for their own furnished flat while visiting the north of France. They have a great location in Lille along with a range of flats to choose from. Click here to check availability

The People – Lille – Budget and solo visitors to this historic French city will love this centrally-located hostel. Not only do they have a range of private rooms and dorms available, but there is also an on-site bar and restaurant to enjoy here. Click here to check availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lille hotels!

Day 7 – Lille

There’s no better place to spend the last day of your road trip, than the beautiful city of Lille . With its wonderful central square, Place du Général de Gaulle, lined on all sides by exquisite architecture, especially the city’s old stock exchange, La Vieille Bourse, this is a great place to enjoy your final night and say your farewells to France.

Take a quick ride on the big wheel for views over the city, visit the stunning modern Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral and walk down to the Citadelle de Lille for a pleasant stroll and marvel at famed architect Vauban’s work.

While in Lille you can also visit the Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle, where the former French president and leader of the Free French during WWII grew up, expertly restored to accurately resemble his original childhood home, with the addition of information about the Frenchman and his contribution to defeating the Nazis in France.

To learn more about the city you can take a walking tour with a guide. If you plan to visit many attractions then the Lille City Pass could be worth it as well.

You’ve probably eaten enough fish so far on the Normandy coastline, so it’s time for some cheese-covered treats like Le Welsh, similar to Welsh Rarebit and the Portuguese Francesinha, or the Flemish-style Chicory Gratin.

You can, of course, get fantastic Moules Frites in the city, but whatever you order, make sure you get some classic French Fries on the side.

To end your trip, you can then easily take the Eurostar back to London or on to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam .

Have More Time?

If you’re lucky enough to have more than a week in northern France, there are many more activities you can enjoy and small coastal communities to visit, especially for those with a keen interest in history.

Between Mont-Saint-Michel and Honfleur, if you want to break up your journey slightly, you can stop by the small town of Bayeux, famous for its enormous tapestry of the same name.

Created in the 11th century and depicting the battles of William the Conqueror, the Bayeux Tapestry is an impressive 70 metres long and almost half a metre tall, and has survived the last thousand years in remarkable condition.

Along the coast north of Bayeux and on to Honfleur, are the famous D-Day beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, which saw the Americans, British and Canadians land in June 1944 before pushing through northern France and freeing the French from Nazism. You can take historic guided tours of the beaches to learn of the significance of D-Day and the Allied efforts in the war.

You can also spend a day in the lovely historic city of Caen. With brilliant Romanesque architectural remnants all over the city and a castle constructed by William the Conqueror, there’s plenty in the city of history fans – not to mention the museums dedicated to WWII and the Cold War.

Another great option is to visit the lovely city of Giverny, which is en route to Paris coming from Rouen and another popular place to visit within Normandy . It has a beautiful, historic old town and a great vibe to explore.

Northern France has plenty to excite any traveller, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the wonderful beaches, delight in the incredible seafood and immerse yourself in a thousand years of history as you drive or ride along on your North France itinerary.

Are you planning a trip to northern France? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Places to Visit in Northern France

15 Best Places to Visit in Northern France

It’ difficult to encapsulate the sheer variety in France’s Northern Regions, and how somewhere like Brittany can have such a different character to its neighbour Normandy .

If you’re pondering where to go, this list may give you some holiday inspiration.

There’s a mixture of famous cities with spectacular monuments, and old villages in which hardly a brick has been moved in hundreds of years.

You’ll also find out about the historical figures associated with each place, from William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc to Claude Monet and Jules Verne.

Lets explore the best places to visit in the North of France :

Right against the border with Belgium, Lille wasn’t even part of France until a siege by Louis XIV in 1667. Up to then it had been firmly Flemish, within the Duchy of Burgundy.

This Belgian influence manifests itself in the architecture of beautiful Vieux-Lille, at Grand’Place and Place Rihour.

See the 16th-century Vieille Bourse, with its Flemish mannerist style, and the neo-Flemish building for the Voix du Nord newspaper.

As you wander these cobblestone streets you’ll be enticed by another Belgian hallmark: The sweet smell of waffles.

The cuisine is Flemish too, an nothing beats carbonnade flamande (beef stew) on wintry days.

In an idyllic green valley where the Steir and Odet Rivers join, this dreamy city is the capital of Brittany’s Finistère department.

You could pass a carefree afternoon simply walking the streets, admiring the 17th century colombage houses or taking in the city from the bridges on the Odet.

If you need refreshment after walking these cute, pedestrianised streets, just plonk yourself at a crêperie or bar for a glass of Breton cider.

A lot of the architecture is from a time when Quimper generated a lot of wealth through its hand-painted faience ceramics, still sold by many shops in the historic centre.

But there’s an obvious sight you have to tick off: The medieval cathedral with its famous twin spires.

You could come to this city just to see its great squares: The Grand’Place and the Place des Héros, will tell you almost everything you need to know about Arras.

They total 17,000 square metres and have rows of exquisite houses in the Flemish-Baroque style.

These are from the 17th and 18th century, and have arcades on the ground floor.

You’ll want to inspect each one closely, as there’s always a piece of sculpture or other unique feature to meet your gaze.

Beneath these squares is a large system of tunnels dug in the sandstone over centuries and used as shelters during the many wars that have beset this part of France.

You can explore these, as well as the UNESCO-listed belfry – if you don’t mind climbing the 326 steps to the top!

4. Honfleur

Chances are you may already know Honfleur, even if you’ve never been there.

That’s because the harbour at this seaside town in Normandy has been the subject of paintings by Monet, Courbet, Eugène Boudin, among many others.

It’s an image you need to see for yourself from Quai Saint-Etienn, gazing across at the implausibly narrow old fishing houses, many clad with slate.

This isn’t the only wonder in Honfleur ; another is the all-wood Sainte-Catherine Church, built by ship carpenters in the 16th-century and separated from its equally endearing bell-tower in case of fire.

Both were crafted without the use of saws, as the shipbuilders of Honfleurs preferred axes, in a Norman tradition that went back to before William the Conqueror.

5. La Roche-Guyon

On  a bend in the River Seine, La Roche-Guyon is a lovely old settlement at the foot of a château built into a cliff in the 1100s to control the river crossing.

It’s open to the public, and you can get a sense of the ingenuity here, with a keep connected to the lower fortress by tunnels cut from the rock.

The view from the tower, and the path on the ridge behind will be the pride of your facebook page! A few minutes away in Giverny is Monet’s house, which is exactly how the famous artist left it.

Even if you’re not a student of his art you’ll know many of the scenes in the gardens, which Monet painted many times.

One building that can’t be avoided in Amiens, visually or otherwise, is the enormous gothic cathedral.

It’s a World Heritage site, and is one of the largest medieval churches in the world, filled with precious sculpture, both on the jaw-dropping west facade and inside, and with a soaring nave and choir that are flushed with light by the innumerable stained glass windows.

There’s also no denying the charm of the Saint-Leu quarter on the north side of the cathedral.

It’s where much of the city’s nightlife can be found, in a neighbourhood of little brick or timber houses next to canals.

Jules Verne also lived in the city for the last two decades of his life, and his house is now a museum, full of little curiosities to thrill fans of his work.

A weekend is not nearly enough to see and do everything in Rouen: This city on the Seine is Normandy’s cultural and historic capital, a historic river port where English kings held court in the middle ages, and where Joan of Arc met her end at just 19. There’s a new museum to this French heroine in the city, appropriate given the medieval feel of the place.

The old quarter is an evocative maze of creaking timber-framed houses ushering you to sights like the Gros Horloge, an astronomical clock from the 1300s, or the cathedral, once the tallest building in the world.

Monet famously painted the cathedral in a series of works done in different lights and seasons of the year.

8. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

Joan of Arc is the thread between Rouen and this seaside commune at the mouth of the Somme in Picardy.

She was held here before being dispatched to Rouen for her execution.

Saint-Valery was host to a number of interesting events like this because of its strategic position, on a promontory next to the Estuary.

The high old quarter, a former citadel, still has its ramparts, and the original gates still mark the entrance to this part of the town.

On the water Saint-Valery is equally quaint with a boardwalk that goes on for a couple of kilometres, passing painted fishing cottages and plush old villas, while giving perfect vistas of the Somme Estuary all the way over to Le Crotay on the other side.

9. Lyons-la-Forêt

In Haute Normandie, this small town is surrounded by the kind of idyllic farmland that people dream of when they think of the Norman and Breton countryside.

This is known as “bocage”, pasture for cattle and orchards bounded by thickets.

Lyons-la-Forêt is also one of those classic villages with timber-framed houses, kept almost exactly as it was in the 1600s after it was rebuilt following a fire.

What’s great about Lyons-la-Forêt is that it also feels lived in: The covered marketplace and its wooden columns still shelters market stalls on Thursdays and the shops all around buzz with trade.

10. Beuvron-en-Auge

Normandy is loved for its many towns and villages with half-timbered (colombage) houses, but few are as beautiful as the little village of Beuvon-en-Auge.

The star here is a 15th-century manor house, with cream-coloured daub and a jaunty turret on one corner.

There’s a small square where you could sit for a few moments, and every direction you look there’ll be a charming old house with a cafe, restaurant or village amenities, all decorated with geraniums and other flowers.

You’re in Normandy’s cider country in Beuvron-en-Auge so there’s no excuse not to have a glass of cider or Calvados, apple brandy.

11. Le Havre

Where most of Northern France’s favourite tourist destinations are medieval settlements with ramparts and wooden houses, Le Havre is one for those who appreciate modern architecture.

After this port city was badly damaged in the war, the city consulted the architect Auguste Perret whose designs recently earned the city World Heritage status.

One that mesmerises all-comers is St.

Joseph’s Church, the 107-metre tower of which is held up only by the concrete’s internal reinforcement.

You can pause beneath this hollow structure, lit by geometric stained glass windows, and just stare in awe! The modernist Hôtel de Ville has a lookout from its gallery, while you’ll also struggle to miss Oscar Niemeyer’s Cultural Centre, known as “The Volcano”.

• 12.  Vannes

Set in Morbihan, this old city is blessed with nearly all the things people associate with the best of Brittany.

It’s a walled city, with ramparts still in place and enclosing quaint streets and squares with overhanging half-timbered houses.

Some of these are five storeys tall, with beams buckled from the weight, and you’ll be left wondering how they’re still standing.

The suitably grand entrance to old Vannes is the baroque Porte Saint-Vincent, named for the city’s patron saint.

Equally splendid are the Jardins des Remparts, flawless parterres on the west side of the walls.

13. Bayeaux

The first thing many will picture when they think of Bayeaux is the tapestry, and with good reason.

It’s a lasting piece of medieval storytelling, and the purpose-built museum presents it such a way that you can see the individual stitching made almost 1,000 years ago.

As you come to the city, the tapestry may dominate your plans, but what dominates the city is the gothic and romanesque cathedral completed in 1077: William the Conqueror was here for the consecration.

There are also several sites relevant to the Normandy Invasion in 1944, including the British War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy.

As with Bayeaux you may have only one thing on your mind when you come to this city in Champagne.

Most of the most vaunted champagne houses are headquartered in Reims, and nearly all open their doors for walking tours of the caves, and tasting sessions.

Reims’ chalky foundations has a part to play in this, as the man-made caves underneath the city provide just the right environment for champagne to ferment in the bottle.

Start with Maison Veuve, Clicquot, Tattinger and Lanson, and you’ll still hardly have popped the cork! In between tastings, you have to spare some time for the cathedral, not least because it was where almost every King of France was crowned.

15. Beauvais

The highlight of this city in Picardy is the exquisite “unfinished” cathedral, which would have been the largest building in the world had it been completed.

Unfortunately the design was too ambitious and there were fatal structural problems, though it does still contain the highest gothic vault ever built.

Around this buildings are lots of intriguing old sights from the 1100s to the 1500s, like the Episcopal palace, which now contains exhibitions about the history of the Oise Department, of which Beauvais is the capital.

On Rue de Paris to the south of the city,  spend some time at the Maladerie, a 12th-century hospital for plague and lepers victims, run by monks.

15 Best Places to Visit in Northern France:

• La Roche-Guyon
• Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
• Lyons-la-Forêt
• Beuvron-en-Auge

A Blog About Life & Travel in France

The Perfect 5-Day Northern France Itinerary (2024)

• By Jen Ciesielski
• 23 March 2024

Northern France is a charming, picturesque part of an already diverse country. It’s often overshadowed by destinations in the south, but, let me assure you, there’s a lot to see here.

I moved to France over six years ago, but my first visit was in 2012. Since then, I’ve traveled all around the country, including the north of France.

From the World War II memorial in Dunkirk to the Grand Place in Lille, there isn’t a place I haven’t been to.

In this post, I’ve put together the ultimate five-day northern France itinerary. It covers the best places to visit, as well as tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Northern France Itinerary Overview

Northern France is made up of several regions, including Normandy, Brittany, and Hauts-de-France.

Of these three, Hauts-de-France is considered the true north and it’s what this itinerary will focus on.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

• Day 1: Paris
• Day 2: Amiens
• Day 3: Lille
• Day 4: Dunkirk
• Day 5: Paris

Helpful Tip : This itinerary can be done by car or train. I’ve detailed how to do both below.

North France Itinerary – Day 1

Discover paris.

The first day of your trip starts in the historic district of the City of Light. I lived in Paris for three years and spent hours exploring this area.

There’s a ton to see and do, but I’ve listed my top recommendations below.

✓ Explore Île de la Cité

It’s home to well-known landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. But my favorite thing to do here was tour the Conciergerie.

This former palace and prison once served as a Revolutionary court and famously held Marie-Antoinette as a prisoner. Today, it’s a museum full of interesting exhibits.

✓ Tour Île Saint-Louis

Here, you’ll find quaint cafés, boutique shops, and, of course, the Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île.

I’ve visited this island and church several times and it was always less crowded than Île de la Cité.

✓ Visit the Louvre

There’s no denying the Louvre is a popular museum. But you can’t come to Paris and not stop by.

When I’ve gone, I’ve always picked out a few must-see pieces, and then spent the rest of my time wandering around.

✓ Relax in Jardin du Luxembourg

These gardens were created for Queen Marie de’ Medici in the early 17th century.

Today, you can stroll through the manicured lawns and flower beds, enjoy a picnic, or visit the infamous Medici Fountain.

I, personally, loved visiting in summer when the gardens were in full bloom.

North France Itinerary – Day 2

Travel from paris to amiens.

On the morning of day two, you’ll travel from Paris to Amiens.

By Train : Trains run regularly from Paris’ Gare du Nord station to Amiens and take about 80 minutes.

By Car: Driving time is about two hours, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A16. (Distance: 163 kilometers or 101 miles)

Explore Amiens

The second day of your trip will be spent exploring one of my favorite cities in the Haut-de-France region, Amiens.

I’ve spent a lot of time in this little town and it’s truly a hidden gem. There’s a lot to do here so I’ve narrowed down the absolute must-visit activities below.

✓ Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens

This Gothic cathedral is the largest in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s easily one of the most spectacular churches I’ve seen. I’d say it rivals Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral.

✓ Discover Les Hortillonnages

Outside the center, you’ll find Les Hortillonnages – a series of floating gardens.

Take a boat tour to explore this unique area and learn about its fascinating history.

I booked the earliest departure and I saw tons of wildlife.

Helpful Tip : Boat tours are only available from April to October, otherwise you can follow one of the two walking paths that circle the gardens.

✓ Explore Saint-Leu

This charming district is full of cobbled streets, colorful houses, and quayside restaurants.

I found the houses along Rue des Granges to be the prettiest while Quai Bélu gave the most unique view of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens.

✓ Tour the Musée de Picardie

This museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts that date to ancient civilizations.

Not only that but I found the building itself to be beautiful, particularly the Rotonde Sol LeWitt.

✓ Discover Jules Verne’s House

If you’re like me and are a fan of Jules Verne’s literary works , then visiting his house is a must.

This museum offers an insight into the life and work of this famous writer and features replica rooms from his home.

North France Itinerary – Day 3

Travel from amiens to lille.

On the morning of day three, you’ll travel from Amiens to Lille.

By Train: Trains run regularly from Gare d’Amiens to Lille-Flandres or Lille-Europe and take about 75 minutes.

By Car : Driving time is about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A1. (Distance: 140 kilometers or 86 miles)

Discover Lille

Lille is one of the most underrated places I’ve been to in France . It’s a charming city with a unique blend of Flemish and French architecture. It’s also known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere.

Usually, I recommend spending two days in Lille , but you can still see a lot in a day.

Below are some activities worth checking out.

✓ Explore Vieux-Lille

This historic district is where you’ll find the most beautiful architecture in town.

One of my favorite buildings in this part of Lille is La Vieille Bourse.

It was built in the 17th century and hosts a second-hand book market every afternoon.

✓ Discover the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse

This former hospital was founded in 1236 by the Countess of Flanders.

It’s now a museum showcasing a vast collection of artworks, furniture, and tapestries.

I learned so much about the history of Lille here and saw what life was like before the French Revolution.

✓ Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts

This museum is the second-largest fine arts museum in France, with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

It’s also home to works by famous artists like Monet. But my favorite was Donatello’s Feast of Herod.

✓ Climb the Beffroi de Lille

One of the coolest things I did in Lille was climb to the top of the Beffroi de Lille .

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an incredible panorama of the city and its surroundings.

After the first 100 steps, there was an option to take an elevator to the top, which I did because my vertigo was kicking in.

✓ Try Local Cuisine

Lille is famous for its food. And there are lots of things to try. My favorite restaurant was Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vieille .

I ordered the Assiette Régionale so I could try the most famous local dishes like potjevleesch and carbonnade flamande.

✓ Tour La Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle

This is the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, one of France’s most influential political figures.

Now a museum, the house offers a unique insight into de Gaulle’s life and legacy.

I loved how the rooms were kept in their original state and seeing his personal belongings helped me connect with the history.

✓ Check Out Jardin des Géants

This is one of the most unique gardens I’ve been to in France.

It’s home to tons of giant statues that are carved from plants.

There’s also a small café where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle.

North France Itinerary – Day 4

Travel from lille to dunkirk.

On the morning of day four, you’ll travel from Lille to Dunkirk.

By Train : Trains run regularly from Lille-Europe and Lille-Flandres to Dunkirk’s main train station. Times range from 30 to 75 minutes.

By Car : Driving time is about 60 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A25. (Distance: 75 kilometers or 46 miles)

Visit Dunkirk

While I knew about Dunkirk’s role in World War II, I hadn’t realized how much more there was to see in this coastal city. I loved it so much that I extended my stay during my first visit.

There’s a lot to do here, but, for this itinerary, you’ll want to focus on the attractions below.

✓ Tour the Musée Maritime et Portuaire

This museum showcases the city’s complete history, including its important role as a port.

There are model ships, paintings, and interactive exhibits.

I especially loved touring the Duchesse Anne and the Risban Lighthouse.

✓ Climb the Beffroi de Saint-Éloi

Of the belfries I visited in northern France, the views from the Beffroi de Saint-Éloi were the most spectacular.

From the top, I had a 360-degree panorama and an incredible bird’s eye view of the Saint-Éloi Church.

✓ Relax on the Beach

The beaches in Dunkirk are some of the most pristine I’ve seen in France.

They stretch for kilometers (miles), and I’ve always found a spot with very few people.

It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Plus, there’s also plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

✓ Visit the Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo

This museum is dedicated to the events of Operation Dynamo when thousands of Allied soldiers were rescued from Dunkirk’s beaches during World War II.

I loved the life-like displays and introductory video that gave an overview of the rescue operation.

It was a moving tribute to the bravery and resilience of those involved.

✓ Discover Le FRAC Grand Large

This contemporary art museum is known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and stunning modern architecture.

While the permanent collection was impressive, I loved the temporary exhibits.

They change every few months and always showcase thought-provoking artwork. When I went, Chaleur Humaine was on display.

✓ Rent a Bike

While there are a lot of things to see in Dunkirk , there are a few sites nearby that are also worth visiting.

I rented a bike from Location Vélo Dunkerque and cycled to Bray-Dunes, Fort des Dunes, and Batterie de Leffrinckoucke.

It took me a few hours, so I recommend doing this activity either on the morning of day four or moving it to day five.

North France Itinerary – Day 5

Travel from dunkirk to paris.

On the morning of day five, you’ll travel from Dunkirk to Paris.

By Train : Trains run regularly from Dunkirk’s main train station to Paris’ Gare du Nord and take about two hours.

By Car : Driving time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The most direct route follows the A25 and A1. (Distance: 314 kilometers or 195 miles)

Visit Paris

Depending on your schedule and how you’re traveling (either by train or car), you can finish the list of activities above or the attractions I recommend below.

✓ Ascend the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower .

Whether you climb the stairs or take the elevator, the views from the top are breathtaking.

The times I’ve gone I’ve booked the earliest or latest ticket. It’s the best way to avoid the crowds.

✓ Explore Montmartre

This charming area is known for its bohemian atmosphere and stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

I loved strolling down the cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture.

I’ve been hundreds of times and it’s always busy, but well worth it.

✓ Discover the Champs-Élysées

Over the years, I’ve spent hours on the here, people-watching and window-shopping.

It’s also the best place to marvel at the Arc de Triomphe.

My favorite spot is at the corner of Avenue d’Iéna and Place Charles de Gaulle.

Get In and Around

This itinerary for northern France starts and ends in Paris.

The capital of France has two well-served international airports, Orly and Charles de Gaulle.

From there, the two best ways to travel are by train and car.

Traveling by train is the easiest and most popular way to get around France. You’ll find plenty of departure times for each journey listed above.

Helpful Tip : I recommend buying your train tickets as early as possible.

If you prefer more freedom and flexibility, renting a car is another option. All major car rental companies have offices at both airports.

When to Visit Northern France

While northern France is a year-round destination, you’ll find some months of the year are better than others for crowds, prices, and weather.

Summer (June to August) – These months are peak tourist season, which means crowds and higher prices. But you’ll also get the best weather, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxing on the beach.

Fall (September to November) – As summer ends and temperatures cool, you’ll find fewer tourists and cheaper prices in Dunkirk. The only downside is the number of rainy days per month increases in October and November.

Winter (December to February) – While it may be cold, winter is the best time to visit for bargain hunters. Prices are at their lowest, and the Christmas markets are a magical experience. Make sure to pack lots of layers.

Spring (March to May) – This is the shoulder season, which means you’ll still get decent weather without the high prices and crowds of summer.

Conclusion: North of France Itinerary

There is so much to explore and discover in the north of France. From historic sites to beautiful landscapes to bustling cities, this region has it all.

Some of my favorite sites are the Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens, Vieux-Lille, and the Musée Dunkerque 1940 – Opération Dynamo.

They each offer a unique perspective on the history and culture of northern France.

Now that you have your itinerary planned why not consider adding another city to your trip? I recommend Lyon. It’s an easy day trip from Paris .

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might interesting.

• Is Lille Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide for 2024
• The Perfect Paris to Amiens Day Trip Itinerary
• The Perfect Paris to Lille Day Trip (Local’s Guide)

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

10+ Gorgeous Places You Must Visit in Northern France

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 10th August 2023

Categories France

Last Updated on 10th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Picture France. What do you think of? Baguettes, bicycles, and the Eiffel Tower? Now, think of French life away from Paris. I’m guessing you’re probably conjuring up images of the picture perfect azure blue French Riviera, and the endless stretches of Provence beaches in your mind’s eye. Well, there’s also a whole load of France worth visiting in the north of l’Hexagone as well! And so here are 11 gorgeous and breathtaking places to visit in Northern France .

Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine

Bayeux, calvados, rouen, seine-maritime, le havre, seine-maritime, mont saint michel, manche, amiens, hauts-de-france, carnac, morbihan, honfleur, calvados, etretat, seine-maritime, lille, hauts-de-france, dinan, côtes-d’armor, enjoyed reading about the most beautiful places to visit in northern france pin it now, read it again later:, best places to visit in northern france.

The walled city of Saint-Malo  has seen plenty of events and history over the years; including pirates during the middle ages and inhabitation by the Gauls in the 1st-century.

So iconic is the settlement in Brittany that it has been featured in countless books, art works, and movies over the years. The fortified city was even the birthplace of Jacques Cartier, the man who claimed modern Quebec for what is now France.

All that is left of what was New France is the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon . With this being said, head to northern France and you can visit the Breton city of Saint-Malo for yourself; wander the ramparts, explore ancient buildings, and soak up the historic atmosphere.

Bayeux may well be one of the best places to visit in Northern France, but it is often overshadowed by its more famous wall hanging of the same name, that of the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England. The tapestry is a staggering 70 metres long and 50 centimetres tall.

Situated 30km northwest of Caen, Bayeux itself was first founded during the Gallo-Roman period and is now filled with plenty of museums, making this city the perfect French destination for history enthusiasts.

Some of the best museums to visit in Bayeux include the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum (a tribute to those who took part in the D-Day landings) and, of course, the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, where you can see the Bayeux tapestry for yourself.

With its timber-framed houses and links to Joan of Arc (who was allegedly burned at the stake in the centre of the city) , you can’t go wrong by dedicating at least a day or two to exploring the city of Rouen on any Northern French adventure.

Capital of the Normandy region, the old part of the city is dominated by one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France, if not all of Europe, as well as plenty of cobbled lanes to meander along. At Christmastime, Rouen also boasts its own cozy Christmas market in the shadow of the cathedral.

The fishing city of Le Havre is situated at the very mouth of the River Seine (yep, the same waterway which flows its way through Paris) and Le Havre’s name literally means ‘the Harbour’ or ‘the Port’.

Though not the most aesthetically pleasing city in France, the architecture of the city has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site on account of its unique post war architecture.

Founded in 1517 by Francois I, the city was constructed to cope with the ever-increasing maritime needs of the tiny towns of Harfleur and Honfleur.

Today, Le Havre is filled with plenty of things to do; including traditional French eateries and various museums. Elsewhere in the city, Le Havre boardwalk offers plenty of restaurants serving up fresh sea-inspired menus.

Of course, no Northern France bucket list would be complete without a mention of the ever-iconic and ever-famous conically shaped tidal island that is Mont Saint Michel , which is separated from mainland France twice a day by the tide.

Once there, you’ll find an impossibly peched Gothic-style abbey (thanks to renovations by Viollet-le-Duc- a man who also had a go at altering Notre Dame and Carcassone, with varying degrees of success).

An ecclesiastical building has been situated on the mount for well over a thousand years and is just as impressive today as it must have been centuries ago. Today, a small village has sprung up around the abbey and the fortified church can be visited throughout the year.

This medieval city was once home to author Jules Verne, writer of Around the World in Eighty Days , and today his house can be visited in the centre of Amiens. Elsewhere, the city is filled with medieval architecture, as well as plenty of museums, and one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

In December each year, one of the largest Christmas markets in France can be found in the centre of the city, a real treat for those of us who love a cozy ambiance, vin chaud, and piping hot snacks!

Known in the language of Breton as ‘Karnag’, Carnac is home to one of the largest Neolithic sites in the world and is filled with menhirs, stone circles and dolmens aplenty. In total, there are 10,000 slabs of granite; all aligned in various ways and each of varying size and form.

No one knows why they were erected and so the mystery surrounding these UNESCO world heritage protected stones remains. Nearby there’s the town of Carnac , and in a forest closer still, is said to be the birthplace of Merlin from Arthurian Legend.

Pretty and picturesque, Honfleur is situated by the sea and filled with fairytale-like houses; exactly the kind of scene you’d expect to find on a vintage French postcard, or perhaps in an old movie.

While much of the attraction of Honfleur lies in its old world charm and picture-perfect views, there are also a few museums in town, as well as some excellent coastal walks nearby.

Much like other popular spots in Normandy, Honfleur gets particularly busy in high summer and so the best time to visit is either in the late spring or early autumn. Honfleur also boasts a surprising number of hidden gems .

While England has the White Cliffs of Dover, France has Etretat . This stunning stretch of coastline comprises of the village of Etretat, a set of chalky sea pillars, and an outstanding area of natural beauty encompassing ancient churches and winding coastal paths.

Just remember though, Étretat is where all the Parisians come to holiday, and so if you’re expecting some of the cheaper prices that can be found in the rest of Northern France, you’ll be in for a shock- the accommodation and restaurants in Etretat and its surrounds are all Parisian prices.

A pretty city with plenty of history, Lille is located right on the border with Belgium, and the resulting blend of French and Belgian cultures means that the city is full of Flemish influences, including beautiful Flemish architecture and cuisine that is typical of the region.

One of the top spots in the city where you can enjoy Flemish Renaissance architecture is the Vieille Bourse de Lille , which today functions as a second-hand book market. Be sure to bring cash and be prepared to look through piles of books- you’re sure to find treasure!

A trip to Lille can easily be combined with a visit to Brussels or Ghent, although you’ll likely want to spend at least a day or two dedicated entirely to exploring this fascinating city, especially its stunning old town and the streets surrounding Grand Place. For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our one day in Lille suggested itinerary .

While more West of France than East, the medieval town of Dinan is still Northern French enough to make the list! And just as well, because this is the French fairytale town you’ve never heard of, but should most definitely visit.

Filled with pretty houses, a steep medieval high street, and plenty of local bakeries, no trip to Brittany, or indeed Northern France, would be complete without a visit to the walled city of Dinan!

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Boulogne Boy

Friday 7th of July 2023

Great choices, but I am very surprised that Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its well-preserved, medieval city walls, lovely “vieille ville”, beautiful beach, and the largest aquarium in Europe, was not mentioned. In fact, nothing on the Côte d’Opale was mentioned at all! Ça m’étonne. It is a major part of the North.

Joseph marcucilli

Sunday 20th of January 2019

Normandy Beach and cemetery.

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Helene in Between

Lifestyle and Travel blog helping Bloggers Succeed Online.

12 Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern France

By Helene Sula

When most of us think of France, we think of Paris. Or perhaps the gleaming southern cities on the French Riviera like Nice. But I urge you to look north to find some of the best places in all of Europe: culture, cuisine, and history galore. I've got 12 beautiful places to visit in Northern France that will win you over.

Going to Northern France was an incredible experience. Despite being on a different continent, seeing the war history made me proud to be an American. We planned a trip centered around Normandy and some areas in Brittany, ending in Verdun. There are so many wonderful cities in Northern France to visit but we picked 12 that really stood out.

I thought the trip would be introspective and educational. But I was floored to find beautiful, Beauty-and-the-Beast-type stone cities that quickly won my heart. Add in the divine food, and you've got a recipe for a truly captivating trip.

France is a large country and places like Paris and Nice are drastically different from places like Bordeaux or Saint Malo. Because there's so much to see and do, it can be hard to choose where to start. I've created a Northern France itinerary that is easy to follow. Along the route I've picked some of the most picturesque towns, historic cities, and hidden gems that will steal your heart.

Know Before You Go Northern France

One of the best parts about this area of France is that it's very accessible. We drove our car over from Heidelberg, Germany. You can also take the ferry from England to quickly and easily reach Northern France. You can also make the short trip from Paris to this region as well.

Immediately, you'll notice this area is all about their “C's”. You won't be drinking wine, Normandy and Brittany are known for their delicious ciders. You'll also find a plethora of cheese, but Camembert is king. The other c's center on: crepes, caramel, creme, and, for a different path, cemeteries. Since D-Day took place on these beaches, there are many memorials, museums, and some of the largest cemeteries dedicated to those that fought in World War II.

Getting around this area is very easy, but I suggest that you take a car to make sure you see it all. Parking is very easy to find and often cheap or free. We drove our car, and recommend renting with Sixt if you need to rent.

Northern France Route

Because we were coming from Germany, we first stopped off at a more eastern city, then made our way west. You can easily make this itinerary your own. I just want to illustrate some of the best cities to see in Northern France.

We spent seven days in the region and really covered a lot of ground:

• We started the trip spending one night in Rouen and explored the town.
• Day two we stayed in the small town of Pontorson and visited the cities of Arromanches and the next day in Mont Saint Michel.
• We then headed to Saint Malo and Dinan.
• Days four and five were spent focusing on the D-Day beaches and the towns nearby. We stayed in Caen for three nights while touring this area and toured Bayeux.
• Our last few days we headed back west, towards Germany, and visited Honfleur and spent the night in Reims. O
• ur last day was spent in the Champagne region in Epernay and Hautevillers.
• On our way back to Germany we also headed to Verdun for some WWI history.

We did all of this easily in seven days. I thought this was the perfect mix of beautiful castles, powerful history, and some of the best food I've ever had.

Things to Know About Normandy

Normandy is well known as the beginning of the end of World War II. The beaches stand out because so many Americans, British, and Canadians flock here to pay their homage in remembrance. But there is more history here than just a war-torn past.

The Impressionist movement was born in Normandy in the second half of the 19th century when people like Monet, Sisley, and Renoir painted the Seine river. These painters and more got out of the studio and painted outside. There's even a festival held each year to celebrate art n Normandy.

Best Places to Visit in Northern France

There are so many things to do in Northern France that taking a few days to a week is best to ensure you see it all. We focused our efforts in Normandy since this area is famous for William the Conqueror and his caste in Caen, the incredible 1,000-year-old tapestry in Bayeux, and the events that happened on the D-Day beaches that shaped our future.

Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post:

I might be biased, but Rouen immediately put this trip on the right path. It could have been the perfect weather, the Summer Solstice festival, or the delicious meal, but it left a wonderful impression on me. This is the capital of Normandy and is set on the River Seine. You'll find an incredibly gorgeous Gothic church that stands imposingly over the city square.

Rouen is the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. So you'll find a church in her honor as well as an extremely good museum. Historical Jeanne d'Arc museum is where you can visually see her trial that led to her death as well as her path to leading the French army in battle.

We headed to the tourist office and purchased a walking tour which comes with an audio guide and map- such a great option! I try to always do a walking tour in a new city because it helps me understand the history and see more of the beauty of a town. We started off at the incredible Notre-Dame Cathedral which is directly in front of the tourist's office. This is the epitome of Gothic art with a huge structure and very yellow “buttresses” and is the only cathedral in France that has an adjoining archiepiscopal palace still occupied by an archbishop today.

It's a treat to walk around Rouen- especially when you have an ice cream macaroon. If you do anything, buy one of these and be charmed as you stroll the streets. The Gros-Horloge is a stunning 14th-century astronomical clock and arch. Make sure you take a look under the arch as you pass.

Stop for dinner at funky Le Kitsch . I had one of the best meals of pulled duck baked in a dish with potatoes. Divine!

We stayed at Saint Sever Hotel which was convenient and a quick walk to the city center.

We drove further west to head to the town of Pontorson. This is a tiny town not far from the main attraction in the area, Mont Saint-Michel. Truthfully, there isn't much to see and do in the town, but it's a good place to sleep and be in close proximity to other beautiful places like Dinan and Saint Malo. Of course, you can stay within Mont Saint Michel, but the prices are pretty expensive. We crashed here for the night to explore more of Northern France.

There was also a great little restaurant called La Casa De Quentin where we had excellent cider- which is the drink of choice in this region, and delicious crepes. A very traditional meal.

Here are some great hotels in Pontoroson . If you're wanting to see how I book great hotel deals in Europe, check out this post .

Mont Saint-Michel

One of the most unforgettable sights is the steep monastery village, the sanctuary of Mont Saint-Michel. It rises out of the sand, sometimes surrounded by water, to shine like a beacon into the sea. Twice dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts an interesting history.

It's called the “Impregnable Fortress” since, during the Hundred Years War, the monks defended the abbey against English invaders. About seven or eight times a year, the tide rises, sometimes so high you can't drive a car. Now there's a bridge that solves this problem but back then this would be very hard for intruders to combat.

The Monastery was built early in the 8th century after Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, dreamed that the Archangel Michael pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea. Mont Saint-Michel has also been used as a prison from 1793 o 1863. Now tourists flock here to see it's beauty. There's also a pilgrimage route where visitors can walk the Camino de Santiago which was a route since the 9th century.

This is one the most visited sites in France so it's a good idea to plan your visit in advance. Getting there is very easy, with shuttles running almost constantly. You can't drive directly into the Mont, but easily accessible parking costs €11.70 for 24 hours and a free shuttle or walk on a footbridge brings you directly to the site. There's even a dog kennel here since dogs are not allowed in the city.

I recommend getting there early and taking a guided tour of the abbey. The tour is about an hour long and shares the history of Mont-Saint Michel and details of the cloister.

Walk around the town and through the Bavole Gate on the tiny streets stuffed with shops and restaurants.

The omelets are famous on the island since they are made in a unique way and are very fluffy. However they were around €30 a person, so we passed. Instead, we drove over to Saint Malo for some delicious and fresh seafood.

Pro tip: for a great view of Mont Saint-Michel take the farmer's roads on either side to get away from the crowds and snap some pictures.

This beautiful walled in port city has gorgeous views of the coast and beaches. There is ample underground parking and it's very easy to see this city in a half day. The tall, granite walls surround the town and are thick and sturdy enough that you can walk around the ramparts.

I was utterly floored by the beauty of the beaches here. The crystal clear blue water with the ramparts in the background made for an impressive sight.

Check out the Saint-Malo Cathedral in the center of town, you can tour Fort National , a 17th-century granite fortress, and check out the local seafood.

We had a delicious lunch here, but an even more delicious dessert. We stopped for decadent chocolate cake at Timothy . If you'd like to save a few bucks make sure you order it to-go .

I wish we had more time in this charming little stone town. Unfortunately, I fell and turned my foot on a cobblestone, so I only got a peek at its beauty. I suggest walking around the town, stopping for lunch, and touring the castle.

Dinan is in the Brittany region of France and it's known for the medieval ramparts, cobblestone streets, and charming half-timbered houses. The Chateau de Dinan is an interesting look back at the 14th century in France.

D Day Beaches

One of the most moving places I've ever been to before was walking the D-Day beaches in Normandy, the same beaches my grandfather fought on and where so many lives were lost. It's hard for me to put into words just how important it is to remember our past, and I believe the D-Day beaches in Normandy are a necessary part of learning and understanding our history.

We visited Utah beach , Omaha beach and memorial, and Pointe Du Hoc . We went to the museums which were incredibly well done and interesting. We also had a guided tour (it's free) at the Normandy American Cemetery . You can walk through German bunkers and even see some debris still left in the water at Gold Beach .

I wrote about how much theses beaches impacted me right here and this post showcases just how much these places meant to me.

I recommend about 2-3 days here in order to really experience the museums, take a guided tour of the cemetery, and walk around the beaches.

This small, pretty port city is a great place to stay in order to go to the beaches and also go to other lovely towns nearby. This is a bit of a bigger city, so you also have ample opportunities for good restaurants.

This was the first big city freed by the Allies in WWII, so there's lots of history surrounding this place. There are the US armed forces memorial and museum , a medieval chateau ( Chateau de Caen ) and two abbeys ( Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbey aux Dames ).

We ate at a delightful restaurant called Villa Eugene . Well-priced, trendy but traditional cuisine with a great atmosphere. Highly recommend.

I found the hotels here extremely convenient and well priced. Check out where to book a room right here .

The town of Bayeux has an exceptional heritage. What stands out the most is the incredible cathedral and the famous “ Bayeux Tapestry .”

The 900-year-old tapestry was in Bayeux Cathedral , it's now housed in a museum, tells the story of William the Conqueror and battle of Hastings. William was promised the throne, but Harald took it, and William battled him at Hastings and took the throne.

Don't forget to check out the cathedral, pictured above. The town is charming and a short drive from Caen.

Driving into Honfleur I noticed the tree-lined boulevards speckled with roses. This artistic and historic town has picturesque streets reminiscent of Copenhagen ‘s Nyhavn. There are colorful buildings lining the port which make for a beautiful backdrop for photos.

I recommend heading to the tourist information center to pick up a town map and taking the shot route that guides you through the city. After visiting Vieux Bassin , head over to St. Catherine Church .

For thousands of years sailors came here and they built a church that looks similar to a boat. Along the way you'll find narrow cobblestone streets and traditional craft shops. St. Catherine Church is the largest wooden Church in France and richly decorated. Also, go to St. Léonard Church which dates back to the 16th century.

There's also lots of art in this city since they say this is the birthplace of impressionism. You'll find lots of art shops. But my focus was on the delicious crepes and refreshing cider.

We picked up some sinfully yummy liquid caramel sauce that we pour on pancakes or ice cream for special occasions. Our favorite thing for souvenirs is always local food!

This city sparkles with beautiful architecture and champagne. The impressive Reims Cathedral towers over the city and makes a grand statement. It's in Gothic style and also was the coronation site for 25 king and queens.

The 900-year-old history here includes some very major events. Joan of Arc came here with Charles to crusade for his right as king. The cathedral was badly bombed in WWII and went under extensively reconstruction. Also, Chagall designed a stained glass window here in 1964. But originally, Reims cathedral was a Roman bath. It first became a church in 407 and it's also where Saint Demi baptized Clovis. This cathedral has some of the most beautiful stained glass I've ever seen.

After checking out the cathedral, we did a walking tour of our own around the town. There are so many interesting spots along the way.

Make sure you check out the beauty of Palace of Tau , which is where the treasury of the town is kept. Not far away is the Saint Remi Cathedral which is equally as impressive.

Here we did a champagne tour of champagne house Taittinger . We learned all about how champagne is made, toured the cellars, and had a tasting. This was so much fun and made me really appreciate champagne! Walking through the UNESCO chalky cellars transport you back in time.

That night we ate pizza at L'Antica which was scrumptious and a nice change from our fancy French dinners.

Hautevillers

This tiny town is where Dom Perignon discovered champagne and we couldn't resist stopping here. His remains are still in the cathedral and it's worth it to walk around for a stroll.

As a monk, Dom Perignon proclaimed, “Come quickly, I’m drinking stars!” after double fermenting his grapes.

You can also pop into designated houses for a free (or very inexpensive) champagne tasting.

You'll find the town on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards and a picturesque outlook.

After our fill our fill of champagne, we popped into the town of Epernay for a couple hours. There is, surprise, another stunning cathedral , an entire avenue dedicated to champagne , or see Perrier's Chateau .

If you'd like to stay and learn more about champagne, and, let's get real, keep drinking, you could extend your stay here. You can even stay in a former mansion of Monsieur Auban-Moët in Hôtel de Ville.

Our last stop on our way back to Germany was Verdun. Since we came to learn so much about WWII history, we wanted to see some WWI history as well.

The Battle of Verdun was the largest and longest battle of World War One. The museum here, called the Verdun Memorial , was an interesting look into understanding more about war. We also went to the Douaumont Ossuary which is a monument to those that died in WWI along with the cemetery. It contains the remains of 130,000 unidentified soldiers from WWI.

Best Places to Stay in Northern France

I found hotels to be priced very reasonably and since you have a car, you don't necessarily need to be in the heart of the city. I booked all of my hotels (albeit very last minute) right here and didn't spend more than 70 euros a night. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice, clean, and convenient all places were- not to mention, pet friendly!

I went to Northern France without many expectations but I left with a renewed love of this region. This area of France left a deep impression on me, and I know I'll come back again and again to eat, learn, and remember our past. To me, this is one of the most important places an American can travel to.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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My niece and I attended this terrific workshop. We learned a lot and had tons of fun. The bread and pastries were amazing. It was great to get behind the s...

When conjuring up exotic holiday locations, you’re unlikely to light upon the north of France. Largely flat Artois and Flanders include some of the most heavily industrialized parts of the country. However, there are many good reasons to explore the area, not least its strong associations with the most devastating battles of World War I, which recently marked its hundredth anniversary. Other big draws are the bustling port town of Calais , Dunkerque 's university atmosphere and poignant war memorials, and the delightful village of Cassel ,a rare example of a Flemish hill settlement. St-Omer , Le Touquet and Montreuil-sur-Mer are strong contenders in terms of charm and interest and the castle at Pierrefonds would make Walt Disney proud.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Calais and around, crécy and agincourt battlefields, dunkerque and around, the flemish cities, montreuil-sur-mer, parc ornithologique du marquenterre, regional food and drink, the somme battlefields, st-valéry-sur-somme.

Northern France has always been on the path of various invaders into the country, from northern mainland Europe as well as from Britain, and the events that have taken place in Flanders, Artois and Picardy have shaped both French and world history. The bloodiest battles were those of World War I, above all the five-month-long Battle of the Somme ; at Vimy Ridge , near Arras , the trenches have been preserved in perpetuity; a visit to either of these is highly recommended in order to understand the sacrifice involved and the futility of the war.

Picardy , meanwhile, boasts some of France’s finest cathedrals, including those at Amiens , Beauvais and Laon . Other attractions include the bird sanctuary of Marquenterre ; industrial archeology in the Lewarde coalfields around Douai , where Zola’s Germinal was set; the great medieval castle of Coucy-le-Château ; and the battle sites of the Middle Ages, Agincourt and Crécy , familiar names in the long history of Anglo–French rivalry. In Lille , you’ll find your fill of food, culture and entertainment.

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An active walking tour out of the way in France

Your trip starts with an in-depth introduction to France in Paris: several unique day excursions connect you with local Parisians to show you their city and way of life. Afterwards continue south to start a few days walking journey through Southern France before ending around Avignon.

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Southern France – Walks in the Alpilles and Lavender fields

Start your tour in the coastal city of Marseille, exploring Cassis on the way. Around the Alpilles in Provence, you will be provided with detailed walking materials to explore the area on foot, from both Les Baux and St Remy. End your tour in famous Avignon.

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Tasting Eastern France

A delicious yet active journey through Eastern France. Start your trip in Lyon with some unique food tours before setting off on a 4-day walk across the Beaujolais region. Almost every day ends with a wine tasting in your guesthouse, soothing for body and soul.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is the smallest of the three main channel ports. The ville basse is pretty unprepossessing but rising above the lower town is a diminutive, cobbled medieval quarter, the ville haute , contained within the old town walls and dominated by a grand, domed basilica. The main tourist street in the ville haute is rue de Lille , where you’ll find the Hôtel de Ville , whose twelfth-century belfry is the most ancient monument in the old town (only accessible via guided tour arranged with the tourist office).

The most impressive sight in the ville haute is the medieval walls themselves, beautifully conserved and set out with rosebeds, gravel paths and benches, and providing panoramic views of the city below; it takes about 45 minutes to walk around them. Within the walls is the domed Basilique Notre-Dame , which is an odd building – raised in the nineteenth century by Father Haffreingue, the town’s priest, without any architectural knowledge or advice – yet it seems to work. The vast medieval crypt contains frescoed remains of the Romanesque building and various sacred objects.

Calais is less than 40km from Dover – the Channel’s shortest crossing – and is by far the busiest French passenger port. In World War II, the British destroyed Calais to prevent it being used as a base for a German invasion, but the French still refer to it as “the most English town in France”, an influence that began after the battle of Crécy in 1346, when Edward III seized it for use as a beachhead in the Hundred Years’ War. It remained in English hands for over two hundred years until 1558, when its loss caused Mary Tudor to say: “When I am dead and opened, you shall find Calais lying in my heart.” The association has continued over the centuries, and today Calais welcomes more than nine million British travellers and day-trippers per year.

Cité Internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode de Calais

Housed in a former lace factory, the extensive Cité Internationale de la Dentelle et de la Mode guides visitors from the early days of handmade lace – when it was worn only by the aristocracy – to the Industrial Revolution, when machines were smuggled in from England, and up to the present day. The working machines are particularly engrossing, as are the interactive exhibits and videos showing off the complex lace-making process itself. Models display early seventeenth-century costumes, the elegant clothes of the twentieth century and the futuristic inspirations of tomorrow’s design names.

Drivers keen to avoid Calais should take a left out of the ferry terminal – the autoroute bypass begins almost immediately, leading to the A26 and the N1.

Eating and drinking

Calais has enough good restaurants to make eating here worthwhile, mainly on place d’Armes and rue Royale. Drinking establishments, ranging from Gaelic theme pubs to trendier offerings, are concentrated on rue Royale and rue de la Mer.

Agincourt and Crécy , two of the bloodiest Anglo–French battles of the Middle Ages, took place near the attractive little town of Hesdin (familiar to Simenon fans from the TV series Inspector Maigret ). Twenty kilometres southwest of Hesdin, at the Battle of Crécy , Edward III inflicted the first of his many defeats of the French in 1346. This was the first appearance on the continent of the new English weapon, the six-foot longbow, and reputedly the first use in European history of gunpowder. Today you just see the Moulin Édouard III (now an inconspicuous wooden watchtower), 1km northeast of Crécy-en-Ponthieu on the D111 to Wadicourt, site of the windmill from which Edward watched the hurly-burly of battle. Further south, on the D56 to Fontaine, the battered croix de Bohème marks the place where King John of Bohemia died fighting for the French, having insisted on leading his men into battle despite his blindness.

Ten thousand more died in the heaviest defeat ever of France’s feudal knighthood at the Battle of Agincourt on October 25, 1415, the six hundredth anniversary of which was recently celebrated. Forced by muddy conditions to fight on foot in heavy armour, the French, though more than three times as numerous, were easy prey for the lighter, mobile English archers. The rout took place near present-day Azincourt , about 12km northeast of Hesdin off the D928. Agincourt Centre Historique Médiéval uses video and interactive facilities to bring the story to life and a map takes you for a circular drive around the English and French lines, including an orientation point by the crossroads of the D104 and the road to Maisoncelle.

Less reliant than Boulogne-sur-Mer or Calais on the cross-channel ferry trade, Dunkerque is the liveliest of the three big Channel ports, a university town with an appealing, boat-filled inner harbour, the Bassin du Commerce . It was from the shores of Malo-les-Bains , an attractive beachfront suburb, that the evacuation of Allied troops took place in 1940. Dunkerque remains France’s third-largest cargo port (following Marseille and Le Havre) and is a massive industrial centre, its oil refineries and steelworks producing a significant proportion of the total French output. Devastated during World War II, central Dunkerque is largely the brick-built product of postwar reconstruction, slightly more ambitious and stylish than the rebuild of Calais or Boulogne-sur-Mer. But among the 1950s architecture, you come across some delightful Art Nouveau-style villas with curving forms and balconies.

Among the few buildings of any significance that survived World War II (or were rebuilt afterwards) are the tall medieval brick belfry , the town’s chief landmark; the impressive, bullet-ridden fifteenth-century church of St-Éloi opposite, to which the belfry belonged; and, a few blocks north of the church on place Charles-Valentin, the early twentieth-century Hôtel de Ville , a giant Flemish fancy to rival that of Calais.

The tiny hilltop town of Cassel is just 30km southeast of Dunkerque. Hills are rare in Flanders, so Cassel was fought over from Roman times onwards. It was supposedly to the top of Cassel’s hill that the “Grand Old Duke of York” marched his ten thousand men in 1793, though, as implied in the nursery rhyme, he failed to take the town. In more recent history, during World War I, Marshal Foch spent some of the “most distressing hours” of his life here.

The town was originally a Flemish-speaking community – until use of the language was suppressed by the authorities – and it still boasts a very Flemish Grand’Place , lined with some magnificent mansions, from which narrow cobbled streets fan out to the ramparts.

Dunkerque’s 1940 evacuation

The evacuation of nearly 350,000 Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkerque from May 27 to June 4, 1940, has become legendary, concealing the fact that the Allies, through their own incompetence, almost lost their entire armed forces in the first weeks of the war.

The German army had taken just ten days to reach the English Channel and could easily have cut off the Allied armies. Hitler, unable to believe the ease with which he had overcome a numerically superior enemy, ordered his generals to halt their advance, giving Allied forces trapped in the Pas-de-Calais time to organize Operation Dynamo , the largest wartime evacuation ever undertaken. Initially it was hoped that around 10,000 men would be saved, but thanks to low-lying cloud and more than 1750 vessels – including pleasure cruisers, fishing boats and river ferries – 140,000 French and more than 200,000 British soldiers were successfully shipped back to England. The heroism of the boatmen and the relief at saving so many British soldiers were the cause of national celebration.

In France, however, the ratio of British to French evacuees caused bitter resentment, since Churchill had promised that the two sides would go bras dessus, bras dessous (“arm in arm”). Meanwhile, the British media played up the “remarkable discipline” of the troops as they waited to embark, the “victory” of the RAF over the Luftwaffe and the “disintegration” of the French army all around. In fact, there was widespread indiscipline in the early stages as men fought for places on board; the battle for the skies was evenly matched; and the French fought long and hard to cover the whole operation, some 150,000 of them remaining behind to become prisoners of war. In addition, the Allies lost seven destroyers and 177 fighter planes and were forced to abandon more than 60,000 vehicles. After 1940, Dunkerque remained occupied by Germans until the bitter end of the war. It was the last French town to be liberated in 1945.

Malo-les-Bains

Malo-les-Bains is a pleasant nineteenth-century seaside suburb on the east side of Dunkerque, from whose vast sandy beach the Allied troops embarked in 1940. Digue des Alliés is the urban end of an extensive beachfront promenade lined with cafés and restaurants, though things are rather nicer further east along Digue de Mer, away from Dunkerque’s industrial side. Much of the promenade’s attractive architecture survived wartime destruction; there’s more fin-de-siècle charm a few blocks inland, along avenue Faidherbe and its continuation avenue Kléber, and around leafy place Turenne with its dainty old-fashioned bandstand.

From the Middle Ages until the late twentieth century, great Flemish cities like Lille , Roubaix , Douai and Cambrai flourished, mainly thanks to their textile industries. The other dominating – but now virtually extinct – presence in this part of northern France was the coalfields and related industries, which, at their nineteenth-century peak stretched from Béthune in the west to Valenciennes in the east. At Lewarde you can visit one of the pits, while in the region’s big industrial cities you can see what the masters built with their profits: noble townhouses, magnificent city halls, ornate churches and some of the country’s finest art collections.

Despite the tank battle of November 1917 to the west of the town, and the fact that the heavily defended Hindenburg Line ran through the town centre for most of World War I, Cambrai has kept enough of its character and cobbled streets to make a fleeting visit worthwhile, though it is less attractive than either Douai or Arras. The large, cobbled, main place Aristide-Briand is dominated by the Neoclassical hôtel de ville . The imposing building hints at the town’s former wealth, which was based on textiles and agriculture. Cambrai’s chief ecclesiastical treasure is the church of St-Géry , off rue St-Aubert west of the main square, worth a visit for a celebrated Mise au Tombeau by Rubens.

Cambrai 1917

At dawn on November 20, 1917, the first full-scale tank battle in history began at Cambrai, when more than four hundred British tanks poured over the Hindenburg Line. In just 24 hours, the Royal Tank Corps and British Third Army made the biggest advance by either side since the trenches were dug in 1914. A fortnight later, however, casualties had reached 50,000, and the armies were back where they’d started.

Although the tanks were ahead of their time, they still relied on cavalry and plodding infantry as backup. The primitive tanks were operated by a crew of eight who endured almost intolerable conditions – with no ventilation, the temperature inside could reach 48°C. The steering alone required three men, each on separate gearboxes, communicating by hand signals through the mechanical din. Maximum speed (6kph) dropped to barely 1kph over rough terrain, and refuelling was necessary every 55km. Of the 179 tanks lost at Cambrai, few were destroyed by the enemy; most broke down and were abandoned by their crews.

Right in the heart of mining country, 40km south of Lille, Douai is an unpretentious, surprisingly attractive town, despite being badly damaged in both world wars. Its handsome streets of eighteenth-century houses are cut through by the River Scarpe and a canal. Once a haven for English Catholics fleeing Protestant oppression in Tudor England, Douai later became the seat of Flemish local government under Louis XIV, an aristocratic past evoked in the novels of Balzac.

Lille (Rijsel in Flemish), northern France’s largest city, surprises many visitors with its impressive architecture, the winding streets of its tastefully restored old quarter (Vieux Lille), its plethora of excellent restaurants and its bustling nightlife. It boasts a large university, a modern métro system and a serious attitude to culture, with some great museums.

Historically the main stop on the rich trading route between Flanders and Paris, Lille was first and foremost a merchant city: instead of a soaring Gothic cathedral, taking pride of place are secular temples like the Flemish Renaissance gem, the Ancienne Bourse . The focal part of central Lille is the place du Général de Gaulle, always referred to as the Grand’Place , marking the southern boundary of Vieux Lille. South of this, the pedestrianized shopping area runs along rue de Béthune to the squares of place Béthune and place de la République. The city’s museums are a short walk from the centre and the top museums are outside the city limits: La Piscine in Roubaix and the Museum of Modern Art in Villeneuve d’Ascq. The city spreads far into the countryside in every direction, a jumble of suburbs and factories, and for the French it remains the symbol of the country’s heavy industry and working-class politics.

Lillois cuisine

A Flemish flavour and a taste for mussels characterize the city’s traditional cuisine , with the main central concentration of cafés, brasseries and restaurants around place Rihour and along rue de Béthune. Vieux Lille has a reputation for gastronomic excellence, particularly on the eastern side towards and along rue de Gand, where you’ll find most of the worthwhile places. The student quarter along rue Solférino is good for ethnic eating – the former mostly Chinese or Japanese, the latter dominated by cheap kebab shops. The cafés around the Grand’Place and place Rihour buzz with life. Up near the cathedral in Vieux Lille, rue Royale, rue de la Barre, rue Basse and place Louise-de-Bettignies have trendier spots, with a few stretched out along rue de la Monnaie. West of the centre, Celtic-style pubs dominate in studenty rue Masséna, attracting a young crowd.

Accessible by métro (line 2 to Gare Jean Lebas) and just 15km northeast of Lille, right up against the Belgian border, Roubaix is a once-great Flemish textile city that fell into decline and is still striving to rejuvenate itself – but it’s worth a visit to see its showpiece museum, La Piscine . Opened in 2001 and home to the magnificent Musee d’Art et d’Industrie , it is the improbable setting of one of France’s most beautiful swimming pools and bath complexes, originally built in the early 1930s for the poor of the city. Architect Paul Philippon’s contemporary conversion retains various aspects of the baths – part of the pool (it can’t be swum in nowadays), the shower-cubicles, the changing rooms and the bathhouses – and uses each part to display a splendid collection of mostly nineteenth- and early twentieth-century sculpture and painting, plus haute couture clothing, textiles and photographs of the pool in its heyday.

Nestled among dunes and wind-flattened tamarisks and pines, leafy Le Touquet (officially called Le Touquet-Paris-Plage) resembles some of the snootier places on the English south coast. This is no real surprise, given its interwar popularity with the British smart set: Noel Coward spent weekends here, while the author P.G. Wodehouse lived in the town from 1934 to 1940. He was captured here by the rapidly advancing Germans, then interned, later making his notorious wartime broadcasts from Berlin. Though the town’s seafront has been colonized by modern apartments, magnificent villas still hide behind the trees a few blocks inland.

Once a port, Montreuil-sur-Mer is now stranded 13km inland, after the River Canche silted up in the sixteenth century. Perched on a hilltop above the river and surrounded by ancient walls, it’s compact and easily walkable, with fine views from its hilltop ramparts. Laurence Sterne spent a night here on his Sentimental Journey , and it is the scene of much of the action in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables , best evoked by the steep cobbled street of Cavée St-Firmin, first left after the Porte de Boulogne.

Two heavily damaged Gothic churches grace the main square: the church of St-Saulve and a tiny wood-panelled chapelle tucked into the side of the red-brick hospital. To the south cobbled lanes are lined with little artisan houses. In the northwestern corner of the walls lies Vauban’s Citadelle , ruined and overgrown, with subterranean gun emplacements and a fourteenth-century tower that records the coats of arms of the French noblemen killed at Agincourt. Don’t miss the World War I exhibition in the vaulted underground rooms of the tower.

The landscape at the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre is beautiful and strange: all dunes, tamarisks and pine forest, full of salty meres and ponds, thick with water plants and birdlife. There’s a choice of walking itineraries – two longer, more interesting walks (2–3hr) and a shorter one (roughly 1hr 30min). On both you can see dozens of species – ducks, geese, oyster-catchers, terns, egrets, redshanks, greenshanks, spoonbills, herons, storks, godwits – most taking a breather from their epic migratory flights. In April and May they head north, returning from the end of August to October; in early summer the young chicks can be spotted. You can rent binoculars or talk to the guides at some of the observation huts, who set up portable telescopes and will tell you about the nesting birds.

To the southeast of the Somme, away from the coast and the main Paris through-routes, the often rainwashed province of Picardy becomes considerably more inviting. Amiens is a friendly city whose life revolves around its canals, while both the Amiens and Beauvais cathedrals are highlights of the region. In the départements of Aisne and Oise , where Picardy merges with neighbouring Champagne, there are some real attractions amid the lush wooded hills. Laon , Soissons and Noyon all have handsome Gothic cathedrals, while at Compiègne , Napoleon Bonaparte and Napoléon III enjoyed the luxury of a magnificent château. The most rewarding overnight stop is off the beaten track in the tiny fortified town of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique , which is perched on a hill between Soissons and Laon.

Amiens was badly scarred during both world wars, but sensitively restored. Most people visit for the cathedral – the enormous Cathédrale Notre-Dame – but there’s much more to the city: QuartierSt-Leu , the renovated medieval artisans’ quarter north of the cathedral with its network of canals, is charming, while the hortillonnages transport you into a peaceful rural landscape. A sizeable student population ensures enough evening entertainment to make an overnight stay worthwhile.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Amiens' Cathédrale Notre-Dame dominates the city by sheer size – it’s the biggest Gothic building in France – but its appeal lies mainly in its unusual style. Begun in 1220 under architect Robert de Luzarches, it was effectively finished by 1269. The west front shows traces of the original polychrome exterior, in stark contrast to its sombre modern appearance. A spectacular summer evening sound and light show shows how the west front would have looked, with an explanation of the various statues on the facade in French and then in English. The interior, on the other hand, is a light, calm and unaffected space. Later embellishments, like the sixteenth-century choir stalls, are works of breathtaking virtuosity, as are the sculpted panels depicting the life of St Firmin, Amiens’ first bishop, on the choir screen. Visitors with strong legs can mount the cathedral’s front towers . One of the most atmospheric ways of seeing the cathedral is to attend a Sunday morning Mass (9am and 10.30am), which is accompanied by sublime Gregorian chants.

As you head south from Amiens towards Paris, the countryside becomes broad and flat; Beauvais , 60km from Amiens, seems to fit into this landscape. Rebuilt in tasteful but unexciting fashion after World War II, it’s not a town for aimless wandering – however, the audacious, eccentric Gothic cathedral is anything but boring.

Soaring above the town, it perfectly demonstrates the religious materialism of the Middle Ages – its main intention was to be taller and larger than its rivals. The choir, completed in 1272, briefly 5m higher than that of Amiens, collapsed in 1284. Its replacement also fell and, the authorities having overreached themselves financially, the church remained as it is today: unfinished, mutilated and rather odd. At over 155m high, the interior vaults are impressive, seemingly on a larger scale than at Amiens; though the props and brackets reinforcing the structure internally show its fragility. The building’s real beauty lies in its glass, its sculpted doorways and the remnants of the so-called Basse-Oeuvre, a ninth-century Carolingian church incorporated into (and dwarfed by) the Gothic structure. It also contains a couple of remarkable clocks: a 12m-high astronomical clock built in 1865, with figures mimicking scenes from the Last Judgement on the hour; and a medieval clock that’s been working for seven hundred years.

Château de Compiègne

Compiègne’s star attraction, the opulent Château de Compiègne , is an eighteenth-century château, two blocks east of the Hôtel de Ville along rue des Minimes. Despite its pompous excess, it inspires a certain fascination. Napoleon commissioned a renovation of the former royal palace in 1807, and the work was completed in time for the emperor to welcome his second wife, Marie-Louise of Austria – a relative of Marie-Antoinette – here in 1810. The ostentatious post-revolutionary apartments stand in marked contrast to the more sober Neoclassicism of the few surviving late royal interiors, a monument to the unseemly haste with which Napoleon I moved in, scarcely a dozen years after the Revolution. The Théâtre Impérial was first planned by Napoléon III in the historic apartments of the Second Empire. It was only completed with a restoration project in 1991 at a cost of some thirty million francs. Originally designed with just two seats for Napoleon and his wife, it now seats nine hundred and is used for concerts.

To see the Musée de la Voiture in another part of the vast palace, you have to join a one-hour guided tour. It contains a wonderful array of antique bicycles, tricycles and aristocratic carriages, as well as the world’s first steam coach.

You can visit the excellent palace gardens separately. Much of the original French-style garden was replanted on Napoleon’s orders after 1811. The result is monumental; the great avenue that extends 4.5km into the Forêt de Compiègne was inspired by the Austrian imperial summer residence at Schönbrunn on the outskirts of Vienna.

Château de Pierrefonds

Pierrefonds is home to an astonishing medieval château built in the twelfth century, dismantled in the seventeenth and restored by order of Napoléon III in the nineteenth to create a fantastic fairy-tale affair of turrets, towers and moat – one of the finest in the country. The nearby picturesque villages of Vieux-Moulin and St-Jean-aux-Bois are in the heart of the forest, the latter retaining part of its twelfth-century fortifications.

Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique

About 30km west of Laon and 15km north of Soissons, in hilly countryside on the far side of the forest of St-Gobain, lie the straggling ruins of one of the greatest castles of the Middle Ages, Coucy-le-Château . The castle’s walls still stand, encircling the attractive village of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique . In the past this was a seat of great power and the influence of its lords, the Sires de Coucy, rivalled and often even exceeded that of the king. The retreating Germans capped the destruction of World War I battles by blowing up the castle’s keep as they left in 1917, but enough remains, crowning a wooded spur, to be extremely evocative.

Looking out over the plains of Champagne and Picardy from the spine of a high narrow ridge, still protected by its gated medieval walls, Laon (pronounced “Lon”) is one of the highlights of the region. Dominating the town, and visible for miles around, are the five great towers of one of the earliest and finest Gothic cathedrals in the country. Of all the cathedral towns in the Aisne, Laon is the one to head for.

The magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame , built in the second half of the twelfth century, was a trendsetter in its day. Elements of its design, such as the gabled porches, the imposing towers and the gallery of arcades above the west front, were repeated at Chartres, Reims and – most famously – at Notre-Dame in Paris. The creatures craning from the uppermost ledges, looking like reckless mountain goats borrowed from a medieval bestiary, are reputed to have been carved in memory of the valiant horned steeds which lugged the cathedral’s masonry up from the plains below. Inside, the effects are no less dramatic – the high white nave is lit by the dense ruby, sapphire and emerald tones of the medieval stained glass. Crowded in the cathedral’s surrounds is a quiet jumble of grey stone streets. South of the cathedral on rue Ermant is the crumbly little twelfth-century octagonal Chapelle des Templiers – the Knights Templar chapel – set in a secluded garden. The rest of the ville haute , which rambles along the ridge to the west of the cathedral, is enjoyable to wander around, with sweeping views from the ramparts .

French Flanders has one of northern France’s richest regional cuisines. Especially on the coast, the seafood – oysters, shrimps, scallops and fish , and above all, sole and turbot – are outstanding, while in Lille moules-frites (mussels and chips) are appreciated every bit as much as in neighbouring Belgium. Here, too, beer is the favourite drink, with pale and brown Pelforth the local brew. Traditional estaminets or brasseries also serve a range of dishes cooked in beer, most famously carbonnade flamande , a kind of beef stew; rabbit, chicken, game and fish may also be prepared à la bière . Other pot–cooked dishes include hochepot (a meaty broth), waterzooi (chicken in a creamy sauce) and potjevlesch (white meats in a rich sauce). In addition to boulette d’Avesnes , the Flemish cheese par excellence is the strong-flavoured Maroilles , used to make flamiche , a kind of open tart of cheese pastry also made with leeks ( aux poireaux ). For the sweet-toothed, crêpes à la cassonade (pancakes with muscovado sugar) are often on menus, but waffles ( gaufres ) are the local speciality and come in two basic varieties: the thick honeycomb type served with sugar or cream, or the wafer-like biscuit filled with jam or syrup. Game looms large on menus around the Ardennes, with pâté d’Ardennes being the most famous dish and juniper berries used to flavour food à l’Ardennaise .

Picardy, Artois and Flanders are littered with the monuments, battlefields and cemeteries of the two world wars, but they are nowhere as intensely concentrated as in the region northeast of Amiens, between Albert and the appealing market town of Arras . It was here, among the fields and villages of the Somme, that the main battle lines of World War I were drawn a hundred years ago. You can get a real feel of trench warfare at Vimy Ridge , north of Arras, where the trenches have been left in situ. Lesser sites, often more poignant, dot the countryside around Albert along the Circuit de Souvenir .

Arras is one of the most architecturally striking towns in northern France, the cobblestoned squares of its old centre surrounded by ornate Baroque townhouses that hark back to its Flemish past. It was renowned for its tapestries in the Middle Ages, giving its name to the hangings behind which Shakespeare’s Polonius was killed by Hamlet. During World War I, British and New Zealand miners dug tunnels under the town to surprise the Germans to the northeast, while the Germans bombarded the town. Only a handful of the famous medieval Arras tapestries survived the conflict, including The Annunciation, now on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Reconstruction after the war was meticulous, and the townhouses lining the grand arcaded Flemish- and Dutch-style squares in the central Grand’Place and the smaller place des Héros preserve the historic character.

The Battle of the Somme

On July 1, 1916, the British and French launched the Battle of the Somme to relieve pressure on the French army defending Verdun. The front ran roughly northwest–southeast, 6km east of Albert across the valley of the Ancre and over the almost treeless high ground north of the Somme. The windy terrain had no intrinsic value, nor was there any long-term strategic objective; the region around Albert was the battle site simply because it was where the two Allied armies met.

There were 57,000 British casualties on the first day alone, approximately 20,000 of them fatal, making it the costliest defeat the British army has ever suffered. Sir Douglas Haig is the usual scapegoat, yet he was only following the military thinking of the day, which is where the real problem lay. As historian A.J.P. Taylor put it, “Defence was mechanized: attack was not.” Machine guns were efficient, barbed wire effective, and, most important of all, the rail lines could move defensive reserves far faster than the attacking army could march. The often ineffective heavy bombardment before an advance only warned the enemy of an offensive and churned the trenches into a giant muddy quagmire.

Despite the bloody disaster of the first day, the battle wore on until bad weather in November made further attacks impossible. The cost of this futile struggle was roughly 415,000 British, 195,000 French and 600,000 German casualties.

The Circuit du Souvenir

The Circuit du Souvenir takes you from graveyard to mine crater, trench to memorial. There’s little to show the scale of the destruction nor do you get much sense of battle tactics. But you will find that, no matter what the level of your interest in the Great War, you have embarked on a sort of pilgrimage, as each successive step uncovers a more harrowing slice of history.

The cemeteries are deeply moving, with the grass perfectly mown and flowers by every gravestone. Tens of thousands of them stand in precise rows, all identical, with a man’s name – if it is known, as nearly half the British dead have never been found – along with his rank and regiment and, often, a personal message chosen by the bereaved family. In the lanes between Albert and Bapaume you’ll see cemeteries everywhere: at the angle of copses, halfway across a field, in the middle of a wood.

Getting around the Circuit de Souvenir

Perhaps not even the truly dedicated would try to see all four hundred Commonwealth cemeteries in the area. The easiest way to explore the circuit is by car, though the distances are short enough to do it by bicycle. Both Albert to the west and Péronne to the southeast make good starting points, their tourist offices and museums offering free maps of the circuit. The route is marked (somewhat intermittently) by arrows and poppy symbols, with Commonwealth graveyards also indicated in English.

Vimy Ridge , or Hill 145, was the scene of some of the fiercest trench warfare of World War I: almost two full years of battle, culminating in its capture by the Canadian Corps in April 1917. It’s a vast site, given in perpetuity by the French to the Canadian people out of respect for their sacrifices, and the churned land has been preserved, in part, as it was during the conflict. Of all the battlefields, this is the best place to gain an impression of the lie of the land, and to imagine how it may have felt to be part of a World War I battle.

Near the visitor centre, long veins of neat, sanitized trenches wind through the earth, still heavily pitted by shells beneath the planted pines. Under the ground lie countless rounds of unexploded ammunition – visitors are warned not to stray from the paths. Free guided tours of the trenches are run by friendly, bilingual Canadian students, who supervise the visitor centre. An exhibition in the centre illustrates the well-planned Canadian attack and its importance for the Canadians: this was the first time they were recognized as fighting separately from the British, which hugely influenced their growing sense of nationhood.

On the brow of the ridge to the north, overlooking the slag-heap-dotted plain of Artois, a great white monument reaches for the heavens, inscribed with the names of 11,285 Canadians and Newfoundlanders whose bodies were never found. Back from the ridge lies a memorial to the Moroccan Division who also fought at Vimy, and in the woods behind, on the headstones of another exquisitely maintained cemetery , you can read the names of half the counties of rural England.

St-Omer , a popular stop en route to or from the ports, is an attractive old Flemish town of yellow-brick houses, 44km southeast of Calais. The hôtel de ville on place Foch and the chapel of the former Jesuit college on rue du Lycée are genuine flights of architectural fancy, but for the most part the style is simple yet handsome. For a little greenery, head to the pleasant public gardens to the west of town or to the nearby marais , a network of Flemish waterways cut between plots of land on reclaimed marshes along the river.

A short distance southwest of St-Omer, La Coupole is the site of an outstanding World War II museum.

Of all the World War II museums in northern France, La Coupole , 5km southwest of St-Omer, is the best. As you walk around the site of the intended V2 rocket launch pad, individual, multilingual infrared headphones tell you the story of the occupation of northern France by the Nazis, the use of prisoners as slave labour, and the technology and ethics of the first liquid-fuelled rocket – advanced by Hitler and later developed for the space race by the Soviets, the French and the Americans. Four excellent films cover all aspects.

St-Valéry-sur-Somme , on the opposite side of the bay from Le Crotoy, is where William, Duke of Normandy, set sail to conquer England in 1066. With its intact medieval citadelle and brightly painted quays, St-Valéry is the jewel of the coast. The main sight is the Écomusée Picarvie , with its interesting collection of tools and artefacts relating to vanished trades and ways of life. Otherwise, activities include boat trips, cycling and guided walks, led by the Maison des Guides. Digging for shellfish is also popular, but be extremely careful about the tide: when it’s high it reaches up to the quays, but withdraws 14km at low tide, creating a dangerous current; equally, it returns very suddenly, cutting off the unwary.

Top image: City of Lille (north of France) - Main square with belfry © MisterStock/Shuttertock

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10 Best Places In The North Of France To Visit

From thousands of years of history to beautiful castles and enough delicious food to fill your tummy every waking minute, Northern France is stunning. Honestly, you’re going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to all the best places in the north of France, especially if you’re travelling around the region.

One thing that I love most about the north of France is that it’s easily accessible from England, especially if you want a day trip (on foot, believe it or not) or a long weekend break in your car.

Both options are perfectly doable if you take a ferry from Portsmouth , Poole or Plymouth (all in England) across the English Channel to some of the best places in the north of France. where you’ve got the options for about five starting points to begin your adventure in the north of France.

With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the best places in the north of France. You’re going to have an amazing trip.

Take a look at some of the very best places in the north of France to visit, below. 

 1.) Le Havre

Le Havre is much more than just a port town, with lots of things to see and do when you arrive. Make sure to visit the museum of Modern Art, the stunning Le Havre Cathedral and the beautiful, Les Jardins Suspendus.

Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes and trail the Côte d’Albâtre coastline that’s close by. It’s one of the prettiest coastlines and one of the best places in the north of France.

Now, it might get a little windy at times, from the sea breeze, but don’t be fooled, the sun is strong here! Make sure to pack some sunblock as you’ll easily leave red-faced if you don’t.

Afterwards, take a few minutes’ car ride over to Honfleur, too. The harbour area is totally beautiful and well worth visiting. 

Read more: Best places in France to visit

 2.) Caen

Caen is one of Normandy’s prettiest cities that is perfect for exploring some of that gorgeous French history that fills the region.

Make sure to stop at Château de Caen which was actually built by William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago.

For a great bite to eat, make sure to gorge yourself silly at A Contre Sens – a well-deserving Michelin Star restaurant that creates some yummy and creative meals.

It’s easily up there as one of the best restaurants in the north of France; that’s for sure. You’ll leave stuffed. 

3.) Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most iconic communes in the north of France.

Perched on its own island it’s not too far from the mainland itself, which makes it easy to access. At low tide, at least.

Make sure to spend an afternoon exploring this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a history dating back to the 6 th Century. Honestly, it’s so iconic and easily one of the best places in the north of France to see.

Just be aware, it does get very busy on the weekends and during public holidays. If you can, try and avoid these times and visit earlier in the morning or midweek.

You won’t fully get rid of the crowds, but they will be much less. 

Read more: How to visit Mont Saint-Michel

 4.)  Brest

Brest is a relatively large city situated on the westerly fringes of the north of France.

Make sure to visit Tour Tanguy, indulge in some local seafood from Le Crabe-Marteau, all after a long day of exploring the cobbled streets and independent stores.

Afterwards, if you want to take a break from the city, pop over to the Nature Park of d’Armorique. It’s totally stunning and the whole area around here is gorgeous.

Read more: Best hikes in France

Carnac is a relatively small commune on the north-west coast of France. One of the most famous places to visit here has to be the Carnac Stones which are thought to be over 6,000 years old!

If you decide to take a dip in the sea, head over to one of the commune’s five local beaches which are perfect on a summer’s day.

 6.)  Paimpont

Away from the breezy sea air, Paimpont is a gorgeous place to discover a little more history of this gorgeous region.

Make sure to visit the Abbey and discover the ancient forest of Paimpont which once was part of the vast forest that covered Brittany . It’s idyllic and one best places in the north of France to experience the region’s history.

Head into the forest and walk the nature trails, which are especially great in both winter and summer.

Just make sure to pack some good hiking shoes, though. Sometimes, the ground can be waterlogged from moisture here and it’s not fun to hike with wet feet.

Read more: Best places in Brittany to visit

7.) Combourg Castle

Château de Combourg is one of the region’s prettiest castles! Perched right next to Lake Tranquil, this medieval castle is the perfect place to see the beautiful castles of the region.

It’s a stunning area to visit and one of those castles that are amazing to explore on a sunny day.

If you’re interested in French castles and Château’s, make sure to check out our full post on which to visit, right here .

Vannes, is a relatively large town that is steeped in over 2,000 years of history.

Visit this walled town to discover some of its impressive timber-framed houses in the old town and the beautiful city walls.

Make sure to grab a bite to eat at La Tete En L’air. Not only is the food delicious but it’s totally beautiful and one of the best places in the north of France to gorge. 

You’ll love it. 

 9.)  Belle Island

Around 10 miles or so from the mainland of France, Belle Island is so close but it can feel like a million miles away. It’s easily one of the best places in the north of France to visit if you want to get away from the mainland itself. 

Make sure to visit some of its pretty towns, explore its rugged coastline, especially Côte Sauvage and discover some of the fresh fish restaurants that line the harbour fronts.

Read more: Best places to visit in France

10.) Rest of France

Okay, so, in lots of ways the north of France can be a gateway to exploring so much more of the country. Make sure to plan your route and stop off at places like Nimes , the stunning Dordogne Valley and Bordeaux , to name a few. 

It is a stunning country. 

20 Stunning Places To Visit In France

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A trip to Normandy – the beautiful northern coast of France

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If you are in the mood for spectacular coastlines, delicious gooey cheeses and browsing local markets then plan a trip to Normandy in the north of France .

This French region is perfect for wandering pretty towns, soaking up the coastal breezes and walking barefoot on wide sandy beaches.

Northern France is easily accessible from the south of England and London as well as Paris and Belgium. Within a few hours you are soaking up the gallic vibes and getting your French fix in the fresh sea air.

Here is how we spent our days exploring Normandy’s coastal countryside.

What's in this article

4 day northern France itinerary – Rouen & Normandy’s classic coast

Day 1 – rouen: medieval city with half timbered houses, day 2 – picturesque harbour town honfleur, day 3 – trouville by the sea, day 4 – étretat – the spectacular normandy coastline, tips for visiting normandy with kids, more highlights of normandy for your onward journey, resources for planning your trip to normandy.

Northern France is beautiful and historic. I have been a little in love with France my whole life and this is one of my favourite regions.

In Normandy you will find rolling green hills, cows munching on green pastures, some of the prettiest towns and villages in Europe and of course delicious food. Not to mention spectacular coastal scenery.

We used our trusted Lonely Planet guide to help plan our four day trip to northern France starting in Rouen. We made our base in Honfleur and explored that town and nearby Trouville before our finale in Etretat.

Our first stop was the medieval city of Rouen. A thriving city in the Middle Ages, it most famous for its gothic cathedral and association with French legend Joan of Arc.  She met her untimely end, burned at the stake, in the city’s Place du Vieux Marché.

For such a pretty place, the city has been the scene of great tragedy over the centuries. Rouen suffered serious damage during both world wars – 45% of the city was destroyed in World War II.

But not to worry,  restoration has ensured that visitors can enjoy the charm of its gorgeous half-timbered houses and position on the banks of the Seine.

We wandered the cobbled streets and found a local restaurant – Restaurant La Petite Auberge – that satisfied our need for French food.

Like most regions in France, Normandy has some famous gastronomic specialties. We were keen to try the famous Normandy cider and cheese varieties but we were also tempted by the restaurant’s specialty – les escargots – snails!

Make time to stop at popular   Fromagerie François Olivier to pick up some local cheeses when you are in Rouen. You will not be disappointed.

Pro tip – try the local Pont L’Évêque variety – it is soft and pungent just like a French cheese should be

Tip – if you are driving there is a handy underground car park near the Abbatial Saint-Ouen/Monastery of Saint-Ouen

Rouen is a city I would like to return to and explore further. Here are some of the things to do in Rouen that we missed:

• the interior of Rouen Cathedral is breathtaking
• at the Historial Jeanne D’Arc museum you can learn more about this French heroine via a multimedia reenactment of her trial
• the Musée des Beaux-Arts  has an impressive collection (plus free admission)

You could easily spend several days in Rouen but those coastal breezes were calling.

We drove along the Seine through the National Park – Parc natural regional des Boucles de la Seine – passing through the countless pretty villages of Normandy along the way.

You can’t help but fall in love with the half-timbered and thatched roofed buildings of Normandy. They are the perfect escape from a busy city life.

Our base for this trip was picturesque Honfleur, a harbour town overlooking the English Channel.

Honfleur is the ideal spot for a few days of relaxing and exploring northern Normandy.

Pretty Honfleur was immortalised by the Impressionist artists including Monet. Since then it has been a hub for artists and there are many galleries in the town.

Honfleur’s old harbour – le Vieux Bassin – is surrounded by colourful buildings and cobbled streets. It is easy to see why the Impressionists were so inspired by this pocket of Normandy. It’s literally pretty as a picture!

Where to stay in Honfleur

Honfleur has some beautiful hotels and B&Bs in the heart of the old town and near the harbour.

La Cour Sainte Catherine – >click here to check prices

• historic B&B in former convent just steps from the harbour
• lovely sun drenched garden where continental breakfast is served
• sitting area in every room
• 2 bedroom apartment suitable for families

Hôtel L’Ecrin – >click here for more information

• friendly hotel close to the old town and harbour
• large swimming pool and pretty garden
• free parking on site
• family rooms

On this occasion we stayed in the old town in a wonderful attic apartment with views of the church and clock tower. I found it using my tried and true method of finding the best short term apartment rentals – you can read about that here .

Our apartment was the perfect vantage point to see the market traders set up their wares on Saturday morning and hear the bells tolling and choir singing from the church below.

> Check accommodation options and latest prices in Honfleur

Things to do in Honfleur

We spent our days in Honfleur wandering around the produce market, choosing pastries, tasting (more) cheese and fruit before heading to the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour) to admire the sailing boats.

The harbour is lined with colourful cafes and restaurants and has a magnificent 1920s carousel at its mouth. You can easily spend an afternoon simply enjoying the goings on at the harbour.

Don’t forget to visit the Church of Sainte Catherine (pictured above) and its clock tower. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries by local boat builders, these unique structures provide an additional focal point for the city.

Honfleur’s general household and souvenir market is held at the harbour on Saturdays. All the locals turn out and the atmosphere is festive.

If that is not enough market for you, Honfleur hosts a brocante (antique and bric a brac) market on the first Sunday of each month.

Soaking up the atmosphere, taking a walk along the promenade and browsing the shops and galleries built up our appetites. Luckily there are many wonderful eateries in Honfleur.

Where to eat in Honfleur

Of course there is an abundance of seafood to be found at all the cafes and restaurants in Honfleur. But our favourite was La Ciderie  specialising in cider and crepes.

I tried the local galichot (pancake), described as a combination between a galette and a blini. I am not sure about that, but it was fluffy and delicious.

In the early afternoon sun we drove the short journey to Trouville to enjoy some beach time. The beach at Trouville is wide, flat and sandy and stretches for over a kilometre.

In other words, great for kids young and old to run amok.

Trouville hosts several seaside attractions including a sandy beach park and fairground rides. These were the highlight for our kids but I enjoyed laying on the sand gazing at the nineteenth century mansions looking down over the beach.

We visited in June and while the weather and sea were a little bit cold for our Australian bodies, there were plenty of people were swimming.

We drove back to Calais via the spectacular white chalk cliffs near the town of Étretat. Here you can walk along the beach boardwalk and admire the cliffs and rock formations.

If you are feeling energetic, climb the cliffs for views of the surrounding coastline. If not, there is a tourist car train – perfect when you are managing tired or little legs.

The town itself has the typical half-timbered buildings of Normandy and you will find many restaurants, cafes and tea rooms catering for hungry visitors.

Normandy is a wonderful destination for families. Apart from the wide sandy beaches we found playgrounds with equipment for all ages in all the locations we visited.

Pedestrianised streets ensure that supervising the little ones is relatively easy and they can explore unhindered.

Kids will quickly discover the fairground ride attractions.  Who can resist treating children to a few turns on a carousel when you see the smiles on their faces.

It certainly makes for a happy holiday. And I don’t mind admitting that I enjoyed the carousel rides too!

Our children also loved the sights and sounds of the bustling markets.

They were keen to choose their own market produce including seasonal cherries, apricots and raspberries. And of course they gobbled up the delicious french pastries and crepes.

How to get to Normandy

Getting to Normandy is easy from Paris or the UK.

How to get to Normandy from the UK

If you are driving from the UK, take the Eurotunnel  or ferry from Folkestone to Calais.

I prefer the Eurotunnel to the ferry services because it is a lot quicker but obviously that means you pay a bit more.

You could also catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras and pick up a hire car in Calais.

Pro tip – book your Eurotunnel and Eurostar tickets well in advance for the best deals on ticket prices

From Calais it is a 2½ hour drive to Rouen and the A16 and A28. It is another hour from Rouen to Honfleur on the A13.

Flights to Caen in Normandy leave from Southend starting in Spring. You can also fly to Paris and connect to train services from there.

We use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals and plan our trips.

How to get to Normandy from Paris

Paris is understandably a starting point for many trips in France. Once you have wandered the streets , and eaten your way around Paris , head to Normandy for some fresh country air.

Train travel in France is fun and easy. Trains to Rouen from Paris take 1½ hours – even faster on the express – and leave from Gare St Lazare. If you plan well ahead you can pick up fares as low as €10 for this trip.

Alternatively, if you don’t have much time in France, you could join a guided tour of Normandy from Paris. It’s a long day and you would need to choose from:

• Visit a traditional Normandy village
• Explore beautiful Mont St Michel and its spectacular abbey
• Explore Omaha Beach and the visitor center
• Visit the Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery dedicated to fallen American servicemen
• Enjoy a traditional lunch

Normandy is a large region that we had explored several times before. Our goal with this trip was to relax so we did not see some of the region’s main attractions:

Mont St Michel

If the pictures don’t make you want to go, I am not sure what will. Mont St Michel is a magical place and should be on your bucket list. The town and abbey built on a small rocky island has been attracting visitors for centuries.

It is a 2 hour drive from Honfleur to Mont St Michel.

The historic town of Bayeux is just over an hour from Honfleur.

The famous Bayeux tapestry that commemorates the Norman conquest of England in 1066 is found here.

D-Day beaches

Of course many people visit Normandy to pay their respects to American, British, Australian and other Allied soldiers who fought in World War II. Normandy was the scene of the Allied assault into Nazi occupied France and was as a major turning point in the war.

You can take a tour of the Normandy beaches from Caen (just under an hour from Honfleur by car) – > click for ticket info and prices

Giverny – Monet’s Garden

Closer to Paris, you can visit Impressionist master Claude Monet’s beautiful garden at Giverny. You feel like you’ve stepped right into one of his paintings as you wander the grounds. Don’t miss the Japanese bridge and waterlily pond lined with weeping willows. 

For more information about visiting Giverny, read our guide to the gardens. If you can’t squeeze Giverny into your Normandy itinerary you can do a combined day trip to Giverny and Versailles from Paris . 

I found these useful sites while researching our trip:

• Those keen to discover the local cider can follow the 40km  cider route   mapped out by the Normandy Tourist Board
• Normandy Then and Now  is a fascinating resource full of suggestions, stories and an all round passion for Normandy
• Trouville has an English language website  full of interesting information on activities and attractions
• More information about beautiful Rouen

Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

France Travel Blog

Best Places To Visit In Northern France

You might think that the French’s deluxe class about everything comes from the center, in Paris . But you will be utterly wrong if you think that Paris is the only thing France has to offer. The country, especially the Northern part of France, is full of wonderful places to discover and thoroughly explore. Even the small villages have incredible stuff to offer visitors from far and near. And regardless of the weather and time, the region beckons still.

From scrumptious cuisines to great wines to enchanting beaches to awesome monuments and much more, there is so much to do and see in this part of France. You will further be surprised to know that places in the north of France have their own distinct awes that have been attracting vacationers for a long, long time now. For example, Brittany offers what its neighbor Normandy doesn’t, and still, they are both part of the gems of the region and the country.

Here Are Some of the Best Places to Visit in Northern France:

The beautiful city of Lille used to be the capital of the Flanders. From architecture to food, there is a heavy Belgian influence on the city because it is near the Belgian border. As such, a visit to the French city is similar to a trip to Brussels or Ghent in Belgium. The city has a lot of history, and you will see that in its host of museums.

On your itinerary, add a trip to the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille. It is one of the largest museums in France. The incredible structure measures about 12,000 square meters. The museum is designated for fine arts, modern artworks, contemporary arts, and antiquities. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is historic in that it was among the first museums to be established in France. Its opening was in the year 1809, bearing testament to the Lille’s love for arts and culture.

Related: >> Is Lille Worth Visiting? >> Is Lille Safe? >> Lille Travel Guide >> What is Lille Famous For >> Is Lille Expensive?

Another gorgeous place to visit is Saint-Malo in Brittany . The city was initially built on a rocky island, but it changed. For the best of Beton food and culture, Saint-Malo offers you the very best as you indulge its cuisine like crêpes or kouign-amanns for your delight. When you arrive in the city, do not forget to take a ferry to Dinard, a city closeby where the atmosphere will daze you.

A boat tour at Saint-Malo remains top on the highlights this stunning place offers. And still, in Brittany, another fun thing you can engage in is to visit interesting campervan sites. Camping La Pointe is a popular destination for some outdoor experience in a campervan. 

A campervan with the chance to fishing just nearby is impeccably satisfying. Park at one of the spacious spots on the banks of Aulne- there are salmon in nearby stretches for which you can fish with a permit. The owners deliver pastries in the morning to your tent and encourage you to sit with a glass of wine and watch the wildlife (red deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, owls). You also have the chance to visit the rest of the Crozon peninsula. 

Another fun thing to do in Brittany is to go on a kayaking expedition. Brittany’s coastline is the best picturesque sights in the north of France, and it has a lot to offer in terms of kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Take your time to enjoy your trip to this part of northwestern France. Usually, the west and north coasts offer a greater tidal range and stronger tidal flow while the southern coast provides calmer conditions. 

Along Brittany’s coastline, is the Golf du Morbihan. It is a natural harbor on the east side of the southern coast that is surrounded by islands. 

It is common for the tidal flow at the entrance to the Golfe to reach in excess of 8 knots as the full force of the Atlantic tidal floods in the making for interesting, current conditions, perfect for a strong kayaker but sometimes tough going even for the powerful inter-island ferries. 

You can also choose to go on a road trip why you immerse yourself in the stately views of France. While this the Dinan around Normand and Brittany is not a popular side of France and even among tourists, it makes it the more exciting for a road trip. If you happen to be attracted by low profile places for unique experiences, Dinan should top your list. 

Take the time and explore for an hour or two in the winding streets of the historic town center, before climbing St. Catherine Tower for a beautiful view of the valley below. It is a beautiful place to add to your tour of France- even if it is not as well as Southern France, it remains one of the most gripping Medieval towns. 

Divine and splendid, Bayeux is a charming destination for both first-timers and serial tourists. As cool as the place, it is less popular than places close to it. It is located 30 km northwest of Caen and was created during the Gallo-Roman era. The place is brimming with museums as an alluring element for history buffs. 

Situated at the mouth of River Seine, Le Havre is not your regular port town as there a many things to see and do on arrival. Do step into the town’s rich museum of modern art, the ravishing Le Havre Cathedral, and the imposing Les Jardins Suspendus. While you are there, also walk the Côte d’Albâtre coastline that is not far. It is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the northern part of the country.

This is one of Normandy’s charmest cities because it is an ideal place to discover French history and the allure that is brimming the area. Do not forget to visit the stunning and historic Château de Caen. It was built by William the conqueror close to 1,000 years ago. For some toothsome delight, visit the Contre Sens- a Michelin-star restaurant that forges some delicious local meals. It is one of the best restaurants in the north of France.

>>Related: Things To Do in Caen

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is spectacularly one of the most popular communes in the northern part of France. Situated on its own island, it is near the mainland, therefore, getting there is without hassle. Do not forget to visit the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a history that dates back as the 6th-Century. 

Related: >> Interesting Facts about Mont Saint-Michel >> Things To Do in Mont Saint-Michel

Honfleur is an artistic town with strikingly expressive streets that reminds of Nyhavn, a beautiful town in the Danish capital. On arrival, you will find colorful buildings that sprawl on the port, which make up a stunning sight for some Instagram-worthy shots.

You should visit the tourist information center to select a town map as you take the path that will direct you through the city. Then step into the Vieux Bassin to adore the beautiful features there before making your way to St, Catherine Church. For a long time, sailors came to Honfleur and built a church that has the look of a boat. 

Along the pathway, you will find slender cobblestone streets and local craft shops. The St. Catherine Church happens to be the largest wooden church in France and lushly decorated. And if you are a lover of churches, visit the historic St Lenoard that has been standing since the 16th-century.

Honfleur boasts of immense artworks and even enjoys the tag “cradle of impressionism”. Its significance in the art movement is not lost on visitors as they troop in yearly to explore the city. That is why art shops are a thriving enterprise over here.

The historic Reims is just by the east of Paris, in the north of the country. It hosted the coronation of most French kings and even witnessed the surrender of German troops at the end of World War II. The city radiates with stellar architecture and iconic structures you would not find elsewhere. The large Reims Cathedral stands high and makes a palpable case for why it is one of the imposing structures in the city.

Part of the history that the city of Reims has witnessed is the coming of Joan of Arc with Charles to crusade for his right as king. The cathedral was destroyed during the war but went under heavy renovations later on. In addition, Chagall designed a stained glass window in the city in 1964. 

>>Related: Things To Do In Reims

Hautvillers

Small but dazzling, Hautevillers is where Dom Perignon first discovered champagne. He was buried in the town’s cathedral, where you can certainly visit. The tiny town is a perfect place to shop for some of your favorite brands at any time of the year. Wine tasting is a thing here, and you should not the opportunity for a great Hautevillers experience. 

The town of Epernay worths a visit every year. It is a cool place to relax and enjoy northern France weather while you treat yourself to the picturesque settings of the town. The town also has its own cathedral and a whole area designated for champagne production. If you are a champagne lover, you will learn a lot and taste the town’s most soft wine. You can also visit and stay at the former mansion of the legendary Auban-Moët in Hôtel de Ville. 

Best Places To Visit In Northern France – Summary

Some places are small, others big and popular, but they are all inviting because Northern France is a great place for both vacationers and locals. Whether you are into wine, sports, music, food, arts, or sport, the region has a lot to offer. Therefore, add it to your next vacation’s itinerary, and you would not regret it.

What is your favorite Place To Visit In Northern France ? Leave your comments down below.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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Road Trip in Northern France – Itinerary from Paris

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Fancy soaking up some beautiful sights and scenery of France without having to drive all the way south to the French Riviera? No problem.

Here’s a 4-day Northern France road trip to take in your stride, allowing you a few days to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life. Touring Northern France by car is easy, and there are many beautiful places to visit North of Paris.

This short Northern France itinerary by car explores the department of Oise ( Hauts-de-France ), located north of Paris, and it is a good combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxing walks. Ideally, this round-trip journey from Paris takes four days, but you can make it longer by adding day hikes or bike rides through the forest.

This Northern France itinerary by car is one of the best road trips in France . Read more about road-tripping in France:

Road Trip Northern France Overview

• Start:  Paris
• Finish:  Paris
• Duration:  4 days
• Suggested Route:  Paris – Senlis – Chantilly – Compiègne
• Total distance:  240 km, 3 hrs 40 min drive in total
• Regions covered:  Hauts-de-France
• Best for:  sightseeing, small towns, outdoors, food, and wine.

Road Trip North France Map

Click here to view this Road Trip North France map on Google

4-Day Northern France Road Trip Itinerary

The starting point of this Northern France road trip itinerary is Paris , where you can decide to spend a few days before or after the road trip. If this is your first time in Paris, check out this article to decide how many days to stay in Paris . This Paris trip planner will help you to decide where to stay and what to do.  

For this road trip from Paris, you don’t need the car until you leave the French capital. If you need to hire a car, wait until then to pick up your rental car in Paris. Click here for our best tips for renting a car in France .

Click here to rent a car in Paris

If you fly to Charles de Gaulle airport , you can pick up your rental car at the airport and start this North France road trip from there, and finish it in Paris. When you finish, drop the car off in Paris and explore the French capital on foot or by public transportation.

Click here to rent a car at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Day 1 | Paris – Senlis – Ermenonville

Morning at Abbey of Royaumont

From Paris, drive to the  Royal Abbey of Royaumont ,  located 40 km north of the French capital. This former Cistercian abbey, set in a beautiful forested area, was built in the 13th century with the support of King Louis IX (Saint Louis).

Royaumont was located not far from the royal castle of Asnières-sur-Oise, where the French king lived. Saint Louis often stayed in Royaumont, praying and sharing the monks’ everyday tasks without occupying a privileged position. The king served the monks at the table, asked to wash their feet in the cloister according to a Benedictine tradition, and looked after sick monks.

The abbey closed in 1791 during the French Revolution, and some of the stones from the building were used to build a part of a local factory. However, it is still an interesting place to visit both for its history and beautiful architecture. Structures such as the sacristy, cloister, and refectory remain intact.

Afternoon in Senlis

After visiting the Abbey, drive to  Senlis , in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional Oise-Pays de France . Senlis is a picturesque town with remarkable architecture and an interesting cultural heritage.

Senlis was the cradle of the  Capet dynasty . Indeed,  Hugh Capet  was lord of Senlis before becoming the first king of the  House of Capet  in 987. Since then, all of his successors until King Henry IV lived or spent some periods in the Royal Palace of Senlis.

After lunch, stroll through the Old Town to admire its medieval layout, picturesque cobbled streets, and beautiful architecture dating from the 10th-18th centuries. 

In Senlis, don’t miss the following sites:

• Remains of the Royal Palace
• The Cathedral of Our Lady
• Gallo Roman remains (Roman fortresses and towers and a Roman arena from the 1st century AD)

Night at Château d’Ermenonville

Senlis has a few accommodation options to spend the next two nights. However, for a unique stay, we recommend Château d’Ermenonville , an 18th-century castle open today as a hotel. Take the time to visit the château’s beautiful grounds, and you can also go rowing on its moat.

Click here to book your stay at Château d’Ermenonville

Day 2 | Chantilly

The second day of this road trip Northern France is dedicated to visiting the  Domain of Chantilly , which includes the Great Stables, the Château of Chantilly, its surrounding gardens, and the forest.

Click here to buy your skip-the-line tickets to the Domain of Chantilly

Morning at the Great Stables

Start the day by visiting the impressive  Great Stables of Chantilly . Built by the Prince of Condé, a horse lover, this remarkable building is like a palace for horses!

Today, the Great Stables host the (fascinating)  Horse Museum  and a prestigious international dressage center. Some of the world’s best (and most expensive) horses are trained here in Chantilly.

The ticket to the Great Stables includes an equestrian show at 11.00 am under the great dome. This equestrian show is devoted to the art of Haute-École horse training, which has been contributing to Chantilly’s international renown for more than 30 years.

Lunch and Afternoon at Château de Chantilly

After visiting the Great Stables, walk to the  Château de Chantilly (a short 10 min walk), where you can also have lunch in the  Capitanerie , the on-site restaurant. The Capitanerie serves a simple, refined menu prepared under the vaults of the 17th-century kitchens, which were famous for the exquisite dinners organized by François Vatel, steward of the Prince of Condé.

Then, visit the  Château of Chantilly , famous for its collection of antique paintings, the second largest collection in France after the Louvre! The château has an impressive succession of lavishly furnished and ornately decorated suites and a wonderful library-reading room.

When you finish visiting the interior, go for a stroll around the beautiful French-style gardens. These gardens were designed by André le Notre – the famous landscape gardener who designed the Versailles Gardens . Enjoy the gardens and the water features, perhaps with a coffee break (topped with chantilly cream) in one of the park’s guinguettes (open-air cafés).

Spend the second night at Château d’Ermenonville.

Day 3 | Compiègne

Day 3 of this North of France road trip visits Compiègne, where you will spend one night. Compiègne is another interesting city in the Oise department, best known for the Imperial Château, its beautiful forest, and the Armistice Museum.

For your night in Compiègne, La Parenthèse du Rond Royal is an excellent option, with free public parking on-site and free bikes for exploring the area. It also has a beautiful private courtyard perfect for a nightcap under the stars.

Click here to book your stay at La Parenthèse du Rond Royal

Morning S troll in Compiègne

Visit  Compiègne , which in the 18th century became a royal and imperial city when the Palace was built. The city has a beautiful old center with an interesting town hall and several medieval houses.

Compiègne’s main sight is the  Royal Palace , where King Louis XV, King Louis XVI, and the Emperors Napoleon I and Napoleon III all spent time successively transforming the castle into a bastion of power.

Explore the Palace’s lavishly decorated rooms and halls and visit its surrounding gardens. Then, have lunch in Compiègne before heading to the forest.

Why not pick up provisions in the town and have a picnic in the park (the entrance, located on the Palace’s right, is free), with views over the castle.

Afternoon at Musée de l’Armistice

After lunch, drive to the  Forest of Compiègne  to visit the  Armistice Museum.  This small museum was built in the  Armistice Clearing , the historic location that marked the end of the First World War.

Here, you will be able to visit a replica of the 1918 and 1940 Armistices’ emblematic carriage and learn more about this interesting chapter of our history from the 1919 Treaty of Versailles (First World War) to the final fate of the Armistice Carriage at the end of Second World War.

We found this museum very interesting. There were no war victims in this forest area, so unlike other war sites like the D-Day landing beaches , this is not a sad place to visit.

After your visit to the museum, enjoy a stroll through the forest. We had our bicycles with us, so it was easy to go to  Avenue des Beaux Monts  for the best viewpoint of the Imperial Château of Compiègne.

Drive back to Compiègne to spend the night.

Day 4 | Pierrefonds – Paris

For the last day of this road trip near Paris, drive to the charming town of  Pierrefonds , dominated by a fairytale castle. Pierrefonds is a 14-minute drive from Compiègne.

Château de Pierrefonds is one of the most beautiful French castles , an impressive fortified building with an elegant inner courtyard and beautifully decorated rooms and halls.

The first castle was built in the 14th century. The current château dates back to the 19th century when the emperor Napoleon III decided to rebuild it and use it as an imperial residence. To do so, he hired the architect Viollet-le-Duc who restored the château from ruins and added a bit of his fantasy.

Book your tickets to Château de Pierrefonds

TIP: This combo ticket visits Château de Pierrefonds + Château de Chantilly (both included in this North of France itinerary) and saves you time & money

Visit the château and enjoy a stroll around the town before driving back to Paris.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Northern France road trip today!

Click here for other Road Trips

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A French Fairytale: The Best and Most Beautiful Towns in Northern France

Ready for a French fairytale? Here’s my guide to the 30+ of the most beautiful towns in Northern France for your bucket list.

Northern France is a wonderful travel destination and one of the best places to road trip in France. Some of these beautiful towns in northern France can even be done as day trips from Paris . Northern France is also easily accessible from England.

Northern France includes the regions of Oise, Picardy, Normandy, Brittany, Champagne, and Grand Est.

It’s difficult to encapsulate the sheer variety of Northern France. For example, rugged and wild Brittany has a completely different character and feel to its pastoral neighbor Normandy.

Most people dream of visiting the lavender fields and dreamy towns of Southern France . But there’s a million reasons to visit Northern France instead. The region is a spectacular land of natural and man-made beauty.

Northern France is rich in historic sites, cultural heritage, and appealingly diverse landscapes. It’s a romantic melange of must see medieval towns, sun-drenched seaside resorts, chandeliered chateaux, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

The farm to table gastronomy in Northern France is first rate haute cuisine. And, oh la la, the cheese! Lille especially has some fantastic eateries. And the bubbly in Champagne is some of the world’s most famous fizz.

30+ Beautiful Towns To Visit in Northern France

Let’s take a tour of the prettiest and most unmissable towns in Northern France. If you’re wondering where to go in this region, this guide may give you some destination inspiration.

Amiens is a sophisticated town with some of the best shopping in northern France. Amiens is sometimes called the “Venice of Northern France” because of its canals.

The city even has floating market gardens that you can visit by boat. Amien’s cutest neighborhood is the canal district of Saint-Leu. Cafes and shops line cobblestone streets.

But the pride and joy of Amiens is its mighty Gothic cathedral. The 13th century Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens is the largest cathedral in France. It’s an 800 year old UNESCO-listed icon of French Gothic architecture. It packs a punch.

The enormous cathedral is known for the beauty and harmony of its architecture and art. It has a triple portal facade similar to nearby Reims Cathedral.

The central door is flanked with statues of the apostles. The facade has been recently cleaned and appears quite white.

Inside, the stone vaulted nave reaches almost 140 feet. According to locals, the volume is double that of Paris’ Notre Dame. Most of the glass is clear, as the windows were blown out during the world wars. But that means the church is flooded with natural light.

You can walk through the “labyrinth,” a typical medieval church feature. A black line leads you to the center, which represents paradise.

You may have to wait in line to secure paradise. While inside, admire the 16th century choir, with wood carved stalls and over 4,000 figures.

Then, climb the 307 steps of the north tower for fabulous views from the top. Amiens Cathedral has a nighttime “son et lumieres” show . It’s specifically designed to show the polychromatic colors of the facade as they appeared in the Middle Ages.

The town of Arras is quiet and unexpectedly charming. It’s an elegant town full of lovely squares and grand 17th and 18th century Flemish-Baroque architecture.

Its two main squares are the Grand Place and the Place des Heros. A market runs in the Place des Heroes on Thursday and Saturday.

In 2005, the Belfry of Arras was designated a UNESCO, along with 56 other belfries in France and Belgium. The entry is just inside the Town Hall, where the tourist office is also located.

Construction of the belfry began in 1463 and took almost a century to complete. The top of the belfry offers amazing views. You can take an elevator most of the way, with a few additional steps to hike up.

Arras also has a warren of underground passages, called Les Boves, dating from the 10th century. They were originally chalk mines.

But were later used by the Allies in WWI as they prepared for the Battle of Arras, a major British offensive. If you want to re-live history, you can take a guided tour.

3. Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise is a lovely underrated French village, surrounded by wheat fields and set on the banks of the Oise River. The legendary painter Vincent Van Gogh described Auvers as “gravely beautiful.” To him, the quiet village calmed his nerves and inspired his art.

In Auvers, you can walk in Van Gogh’s footsteps. Van Gogh spent the last 70 days of his life creating 70 paintings of Auvers-sur-Oise. He was buried in the village with his brother Theo, and you can visit his grave.

Common wisdom holds that Van Gogh committed suicide, as a notoriously tortured soul. But there is growing evidence that it was murder. You can read my analysis of the whodunit here .

Some of Van Gogh’s greatest masterpieces were painted in Auvers — Crows Over Wheatfield , the Portrait of Dr. Gachet, and Church at Auvers. The Roman-Gothic Church of Auvers is sober and beautiful. It was built between 1137-1227, and is instantly recognizable as the subject of one of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings.

If you’re feeling especially arty, you can visit the studio-home of Charles-François Daubigny. Daubigny was an important member of the Barbizon school, a precursor

oeuvre to Impressionism. With his friends Camille Corot and Honore Daumier, he decorated the home with paintings and massive floral murals.

You can also stop by the House of Dr. Gachet, Van Gogh’s friend and confidant, which is now an art gallery.

The Chateau d’Auvers is also stately and impressive. It’s a 17th century Louis XIII-style building. And it features an immersive multimedia Impressionist exhibit, with a beautiful garden to boot.

The Norman town of Bayeux is a lovely town that played an outsized role in French history. It’s the site of the Norman invasion of France in 1066 and WWII’s D-Day landings of 1944.

Most people go to the village of Bayeux to see the thousand year old, and exceedingly long (230 feet), Bayeux Tapestry.

Housed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum , the tapestry chronicles the events leading up to William’s invasion of France. In 50 scenes, it focuses on the battle of Hastings and the showdown between William and King Harold II.

It’s unclear when the The Bayeux Tapestry was created. But historians speculate that it was not long after the events it depicts.

The tapestry is remarkably well-preserved given its age, though it has been restored several times. The Bayeux tapestry (actually an embroidery) was most likely created by William’s queen, Matilda, and her court.

The Nazis seized the tapestry during WWII and took it to the Louvre , which they had commandeered and were using as a clearinghouse for art theft. After the war, the tapestry was returned to Bayeux, its rightful owner.

READ : Underrated Masterpieces of the Louvre

But Bayeux isn’t just a piece of cloth, however impressive. Full of medieval architecture, the town itself is delightful and fairytale-like. Honey colored stone buildings are topped with black slate roofs. Flowing flower boxes spill into the narrow lanes.

While you’re strolling, pop into Bayeux’s Notre Dame Cathedral. This rather large church was consecrated in 1077. It’s thought to be the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry. Fierce gargoyles on the exterior scowl down at you.

For history buff, the D-Day beaches are nearby. You can immerse yourself in the history of Operation Overlord. You can book a guided day tour from Bayeux .

5. Chantilly

The beautiful Northern France town of Chantilly is just 30 miles from Paris, so makes an easy day trip. The village of Chantilly is quaint, with houses with glowing tan facades. Chantilly is renowned for its Chantilly Cream, if you have a sweet tooth.

The must visit site in Chantilly is the opulent Chateau de Chantilly . This imposing palace is a 19th century version of Renaissance architecture. The chateaux is wrapped with a fairytale lake.

The chateau was built by Henri d’Orléans, son of the last king of France Louis-Philippe. He was a great patron of the arts and made Chantilly the showcase for his masterpieces.

Andre Le Notre designed the gardens. The 18th century stables are original and now contain an equestrian museum.

READ : Famous Chateaux in France

Inside, you can see how 18th and 19th century royalty lived. The recently-restored interiors were designed by Eugene Laminators in the 1840s.

The grand rooms, in striking red, gold, and purple colors, are sumptuous — with damask covered walls, marquetry-inlaid furniture, and inlaid marble floors.

You’ll also find Chantilly’s crown jewel, the Musée Condé . The museum is chock full of precious art, sculpture, and a breathtaking library with medieval manuscripts.

The most valuable pieces are the Renaissance paintings by Raphael , Botticelli, Giotto, Delacroix, Ingres, and Lippi. This is one of the best collections in all of France, after the Louvre.

READ : Guide To Botticelli’s Paintings

6. Chartres

Step off the train in Chartres, just southwest of Paris, and the two very different steeples of its glorious 13th-century cathedral loom above. Chartres is typically a day trip for visitors to the French capital.

But it’s ideal to spend a night or two away from the crowds thronging Paris and savor the tranquility of Chartres.

Chartres has a rich history, charming streets, interesting medieval churches, and museums and galleries focusing on French art. Chartres is most famed for its massive 13th century Cathedrale Notre-Dame, designated a UNESCO site in 1979.

Architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc called Chartres Cathedral “the greatest and surely the most beautiful monument of this kind that we possess in France.”

Finished in 1220, the Gothic cathedral features 2 towering spires, flying buttresses, ornate sculptures, a 16th century astrological clock, relics, and elaborate rose windows — all you’d expect in an architectural wonder.

Interesting, however, the 2 steeples don’t match. One’s in the Gothic style and one’s in a Romanesque style. The cathedral’s south, west, and north entrances all boast ornate triple portals.

The cathedral’s interior is intimidating, built on a superhuman scale. The most stunning feature is its dramatically hued stained glass, almost 3/4 of an acre of gentle light. Chartres is especially renowned for its “Chartres Blue” color tones.

The cathedral also has a collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which has lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages.

You can also climb 350 steps up the lacy north tower, known as Clocher Neuf. There, you can inspect the rooftop and the flying butresses.

An $18 million restoration of the cathedral began in 2009. It’s been controversial . Some critics labelled its interior restoration a “catastrophe,” “cultural vandalism,” and a “gaudy pastiche.”

You should also visit Chartres’ Musee des Beaux-Arts. It’s a fine arts museum housed in the former home of Chartres’ bishops.

The museum is creaky and dusty, but there are treasures worth admiring. The collection includes works by Francisco de Zurbaran, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, Maurice Vlaminck, and Chaim Soutine.

You can visit Chartres on a guided day trip from Paris .

7. Deauville

Glamorous Deauville is a beautiful town in northern France. It’s a favorite spot of wealthy Parisians.

Deauville is like the Hamptons of Paris, a convenient beach resort just far enough away from city life. It’s known as the “Parisian Riviera.”

Deauville is a beautiful town, stuffed with aristocratic Anglo-Norman mansions from the Victorian era. They’re elegant old world half timbered homes with Queen Anne style accents. They’re even more distinctive and ornamental than those in Alsace.

Aside from architecture, Deauville is renowned for its stately seaside strand (Promenade des Planches), horse racing, luxury shopping, and film festivals.

In addition to attracting Parisians, Deauville also enamored the Impressionist painters.

Those included Monet, Berthe Morisot, Boudin, and Gustave Caillebotte. Lured by the setting, they set up their easels outside on the beach and painted Deauville’s beautiful coastal landscapes.

Right next door to Deauville is Touville-sur-Mer. Like its neighbor Deauville, Trouville is an elegant Belle Epoque resort town, although more down to earth.

In Trouville, majestic villas flank a golden beach with a boardwalk. In summer, the beach is dotted with colorful beach huts.

When you hear the word “dijon” you think of mustard, right? In Dijon, you can enjoy free tastings of almost any mustard imaginable.

But Dijon France is so much more than just its culinary specialty. It’s an adorable hidden gem, southeast of Paris and resembling a mini-Paris.

Dijon is the capital of Burgundy and designated a UNESCO site for its vineyards. Dijon was the birthplace of Gustav Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame.

Dijon is sophisticated, and filled with medieval architecture, cobbled lanes, and elegant shops. Its main attraction is the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, an incredible architectural ensemble. The palace also houses a nice museum, the Musee des Beaux-Arts.

The symbol of Dijon is the owl, and you’ll see owls adorning its architecture and footpaths. The Owl’s Trail, or Parcours de la Chouette, guides you to the main attractions in Dijon. Try to spy the owl on the facade of Notre-Dame Church.

Hanging on the side of a cliff, Dinan is one of the most famous and magical villages in Brittany. In all of France really. If you only have time for one stop in Brittany, make it Dinan. It’s an impeccably preserved ancient city that escaped the bombing of WWII.

Dinan is a walled village with hefty ramparts, cobbled lanes, and half timbers everywhere. Dinan has barely changed since the middle ages. What could be more romantic?

The best thing to do in Dinan is to simply savor its old world charm. Wander the port, walk the ancient medieval walls (1.8 miles), admire the 14th century Chateau de Dinan, and visit St. Sauveur Basilica.

The basilica dates from the 12th century and is charming blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It has striking modern stained glass in a well lit nave.

READ : Most Beautiful Villages in Brittany

10. Epernay

Epernay lies in the Champagne region, about an hour outside Paris. Epernay is a jewel of graceful streets and centuries old mansion.

It’s the perfect laid back alternative to Reims, where you’ll be swamped by tourists sipping bubbly and gawking at the magnificent Reims cathedral. Though quaffing champagne is always glamorous, prepare for uneven cobbled roads on your walkabout.

In Epernay, you’ll find some of the most famous champagne houses — Moët & Chandon, Perrier Jouët, Mercier, and Pol Roger. Some of Pol Roger’s fame derives from the fact that it was Winston Churchill’s champagne of choice. He had it for lunch every day.

If you’re staying in the Champagne region for a long weekend, Epernay makes a fantastic base. It’s very central to all the champagne houses.

11. Etretat

Etretat is another must visit town on the Impressionist Trail in Normandy . Sleepy Etretat is a classic old world French town with absolutely mesmerizing scenery.

Etretat is set on the sea. Waves crash against the shores of a jagged chalky coastline, with a pretty beach promenade. A monumental arch, Porte d’Aval, plunges into the sea. It’s France’s version of England’s White Cliffs of Dover.

The town’s beauty inspired artists like Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Eugene Boudin, and Gustave Courbet. The cliffs, known as the Elephant and the Needle, were one of the artists’ favorite spots to paint.

The best way to admire the seascape is to walk along the cliffs. On your walk, you’ll come across the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. The original was destroyed in WWII, but it was rebuilt in the 1950s.

As you walk along the seaside path, you’ll find placards depicting the precise spots where Monet painted some of his most famous paintings. You can hike to the top of the arch via a pathway and stairs to see different perspective of the alabaster cliffs.

When you’re done admiring the caves and tunnels carved into the cliffs, head down to the sparkling turquoise waters of Etretat Beach. The water is cold, but the pebbles are soft and smooth, not hard on the feet.

Etretat’s town center is quaint and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s bursting with shops, eateries, and art galleries.

Cider is a local specialty and there are plenty of crepes. There’s also quite a number of small bed and breakfasts — a testament to Etretat’s appeal to (mostly) French tourists.

12. Gerberoy

Located in the Oise region, the beautiful small town of Gerberoy is a “plus beaux village de France.”

Time warp Gerberoy is filled with charming cobbled streets and half timbered buildings clad in painted shutters and flowers. It’s known as the “City of Roses.” It’s a perfect day trip from Paris.

The early 20th century artist Henri Le Sidaner put Gerberoy on the map. The town was recommended to him by sculptor Auguste Rodin. Sidaner captured its 17th and 18th century houses, winding lanes, and profusion of roses.

READ : Guide to the Rodin Museum in Paris

The Gardens of Sidaner are one of Gerberoy’s must see sites. It’s a three level Italianate garden, filled with roses and wisteria, boasting views over Gerberoy.

You can also visit the Jardin des Ifs. This garden is listed as a Jardin Remarquable, with a stunning topiary yew garden.

Gerberoy also has plenty of adorable squares, eateries, galleries, and museums to keep you busy. Have lunch at Les Remparts. Check out the Collegiate Church of Saint Pierre, begun in the 11th century and completed in the 15th century.

13. Giverny

Just 50 miles northwest of Paris lies Giverny, home to Monet’s stunning house and gardens. Giverny is a one-of-a-kind pastoral paradise, born from the great artist’s obsession. It’s a must see site for art lovers and Monet addicts in France.

Monet lived half his life in Giverny. You won’t find any original Monet paintings. Instead, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into one of his utopian paintings.

In Giverny, Monet, a devoted horticulturist, created an ethereal and exquisitely staged garden in the French-Norman countryside.

With the scent of roses wafting in the air, Monet’s garden is one of the world’s most beautiful and popular gardens.

To wander through Monet’s Garden is akin to living in one of his paintings. A world of flowers of every color fills your field of view, nodding slightly in the breeze. It looks like a paint factory explosion, or a few flicks of Monet’s paintbrush.

There are two parts to Monet’s labor-of-love gardens — the Clos Normand flower garden and the Water Garden. The Clos Norman is a boldly colored display and expressly Western. The Water garden is organic, Asian, and more exotic.

The two gardens are connected by a tunnel passing under the road. The gardens are immensely popular — a pilgrimage both for Monet fans, Francophiles, and avid gardeners.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Giverny . You may want to book a guided day tour from Paris .

14. Honfleur

Honfleur is a classic Norman town, sometimes called “the jewel of Normandy.” In Honfleur, the Seine flows into the English Channel, reflections mirrored in the Vieux Bassin or old harbor. The novelist Baudelaire once declared, “Honfleur has always been the dearest of my dreams.”

Honfleur is lined with gorgeous 16th to 18th century row houses with slate roofs and facades. Honfleur also has some beautiful churches and is laced with a maze of tiny cobbled streets.

The medieval Church of Saint Catherine is the largest wooden church in France, and Honfleur’s spiritual heart. It was built in the 15th century by sailors.

All this beauty besotted the Impressionists and fellow artists and writers. Art historians claimed that Honfleur was the “birthplace of Impressionism. There, local artist Eugene Boudin urged Monet to paint outside in “plein air,” changing the course of art history.

READ : The Monet Guide To Paris

Honfleur is a cultural treasure. The town boasts 95 art galleries, with works by contemporary painters keeping Boudin’s spirit alive.

Housed in a 19th century chapel, the Musee Eugene Boudin is a pleasing small museum. You’ll find myriad samples of Normandy Impressionism, especially the Honfleur School.

There are plenty of meteorological coastal scenes by its namesake painter Boudin.

There are also paintings by the likes of Courbet, Monet, Vuillard, Sisley, and Pissarro. You can see how Boudin inspired later masters, who took Boudin’s techniques to the next level.

To see it all, you may want to book a guided walking tour .

I have big love for Laon France. It’s a delightful hidden gem in France, especially if you’re looking for an authentic, un-touristy town.

Laon is an ancient medieval village, perched high on a steep limestone rock. It’s encircled by walls with formidable gates, and is one of France’s oldest historical centers. There are more than 80 historic monuments in what was once the capital of the Carolingian Empire in the early Middle Ages.

Begin with a leisurely stroll down Rue Châtelain, Laon’s pedestrianized main drag. The quaint signs may remind you of the Musée Carnavalet in Paris.

Poke in and out of the quaint artisan and antique shops. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the stunning main attraction of Laon, it’s massive Gothic cathedral.

From miles away, you can see the towers of the beautiful Cathedral of Notre Dame de Laon. It is one of the earliest and finest Gothic cathedrals in France , dating to the 12th century.

It’s known for its six imposing towers and is a key stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago in Spain. It’s unspoiled by modernity or excess adornment and a bit endearingly grimy.

But what most enchanted me, and what sets Laon Cathedral apart from its cathedral brethren, is the nature of the adornment that does exist. There’s a veritable farm on the upper towers — 16 oxen in total.

Local legend holds that the sculptures are a tribute to the animals who hefted the granite up the steep hill. The accompanying adorable menagerie of animal gargoyles also demands your attention.

16. Le Havre

Le Havre was largely obliterated during WWII. The town was rebuilt by the Belgian architect Auguste Perret, a mentor to Le Corbusier. His post-war modernist vision still marks the town, earning a UNESCO designation.

Le Havre was a favorite haunt of the Impressionist artists. Its location at the mouth of the Seine estuary gave the town exceptional light.

The water runs in a current, giving off glimmer and glints as the light catches it. Le Havre’s port, dockyards, beaches, and regattas inspired all the major players in Impressionism.

Claude Monet grew up in le Havre. In 1872, when he was 32, he painted the groundbreaking harbor scene Impression: Sunrise . The Post-Impressionist Raoul Dufy was also born in Le Havre.

READ : Guide to Paris’ Musee Marmottan Monet

You may not have Le Havre on your Normandy bucket list because the town is modern rather than quaint.

But the once gritty town has become a dynamic art center. The Andre Malraux Museum of Modern Art (known as MUMA) is an excellent reason to visit Le Havre.

Housed in a light-filled building overlooking the Seine, MUMA boasts one of the largest collections of French Impressionism in the world.

It’s a mini Musee d’Orsay without the crowds. There are works by Boudin, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Sisley, Pissarro, Courbet, and Dufy.

Are you wondering if Lille is worth visiting? My answer is most definitely, yes! Lille is one of France’s best kept secrets. It may be one of the most underrated cities in Europe.

Lille is France’s fourth largest metropolis, but still eminently walkable. Lying close to the Belgian border, Lille offers visitors a plethora of historical, architectural, gastronomic, and outdoor attractions. It’s an amazing and eminently likable French city.

Vieux Lille, the old city, is striking. It has two gorgeous squares: Le Grand Place and Le Place du Theatre.

Lille has winding cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and restaurants. The Place aux Oignons is especially lovely. There is beautiful Flemish architecture, different from other places in France.

Lille also has a splendid museum, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille . Inaugurated in 1892, Lille’s Fine Arts Museum has France’s second largest collection after Paris’ Louvre .

Its cache of 15th to 20th century paintings is sublime, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Manet, and a host of other artists. The Belle Epoque-style museum itself is a work of art, decorated with even more works of art.

Lille also has a hopping craft beer scene, some seriously pungent Maroilles cheese (also called Gris de Lille), and restaurants galore. La Capsule , and it was a hip, stylish watering hole.

18. Lyons-la-Forêt

In Haute Normandy, the charming small town of Lyons-la-Foret is set in a large beech forest. The stunning town is one of France’s Les Plus Beaux Villages. It’s surrounded by the kind of idyllic farmland that people associate with the Norman and Breton countryside.

Lyons-la-Foret is a classic French village with half-timbered houses, mostly dating from the 17th and 18th century. The town has cozy cafes, quaint antique shops, and a covered marketplace.

On Thursdays, in the town’s heart, shops are abuzz with trade.

Many artists were attracted to the pretty town, including Claude Monet. The town was also a filming location for two different versions of the film Madame Bovary .

While there, be sure to see Saint-Denis Church, dating from the 15th century, and the Cordeliers and Benedictines Convents. The Place des Trois Moulins has three picturesque water mills and a small garden.

19. Maincy | Vaux-le-Vicomte

In Maincy, less than an hour from Paris, you’ll find Vaux-le-Vicomte. It’s the prettiest privately owned chateau in France, a pinnacle of 17th century elegance. The chateau is so lavish that it landed its original owner in jail for life.

When Princess Elizabeth visited in 1948, she pronunced Vaux-le-Vicomte “more beautiful than Versailles!” In fact, Vaux le Vicomte was the inspiration for Versailles. Built between 1656-61, it’s a fine example of France Baroque architecture.

The chateau is situated on a 1,200-acre estate in Maincy, about 50 minutes from central Paris. There won’t be nearly as many tourists here as at Versailles or Fontainebleau, and it’s just as lovely.

Designed by Le Vau, the chateau was originally owned by the ill-fated Nicholas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s finance minister and the wealthiest man in France. In 1661, against his friends’ advice, Fouquet invited the king and his entourage to a luxurious dinner reception.

Three weeks later, teeming with jealously at such grandeur, a peeved Louis XIV ordered Fouquet’s arrest on embezzlement charges.

After a three year trial, Fouquet spent 19 years in prison. Louis XIV packed up Le Vau and his team of artists and delivered them to Versailles.

Vaux-le-Vicomte can be visited year round, except for an annual winter closure. You can tour the lavishly furnished chateau and explore private royal apartments, ceremonial salons, reception areas, staff quarters, and the basement kitchen. Tickets can be purchased on site or online .

On Saturdays in the summer, the Le Notre gardens are lit with 2,000 candles during “candlelit evenings” every Saturday. The candle evenings usually run from from May 4 to October 5. There’s also theatrical shows and concerts at the chateau.

20. Mont St-Michel

A crown jewel of the Normandy, Mont St-Michel is a pretty-as-a mirage island abbey. A medieval stage set, its slender spires, stout ramparts and rocky outcrops rise dramatically from the sea. They stand guard over gleaming sands laid bare by a receding tide.

The hulking abbey is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Christendom. The Mont’s star attraction is the abbey crowning its top.

The mystical abbey was settled in 996 by Benedictine monks. The abbey is a mix of architectural styles, with religious and military overtones.

After the French Revolution, when France was de-Christianized, the abbey became a prison. It was closed in 1863. In 1979, Mont St.-Michel was declared a UNESCO site.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Mont St.-Michel . You can visit the Mont on a guided day trip from Paris or a day trip from Bayeux .

Nancy is a beautiful town in northern France known for its stunning Art Nouveau and Renaissance architecture. Nancy was once the capital of a powerful Duchy of Lorraine.

The town lies at a the crossroads between northern and southern Europe. During the 18th century, Stanislas Leszczynski, the deposed king of Poland, beautified the city with palatial monuments.

Nancy has both an old town and a new town, which seamlessly connect. Ville Neuve is the commercial heart of the town, full of shops and a covered food market. Vieille Ville is a tangled maze of cobbled streets, home to galleries, craft shops, and several historic mansions. The main drag is Grand Rue.

The 15th century Ducal Palace on Grand Rue houses the Musee de Lorraine (under renovation until 2023). The ornate facade resembles the Chateaux de Blois.

The palace contains a Gothic-Renaissance cloister. Off to one side is the Chapelle de Cordeliers, which was modeled on the Medici Chapel in Florence .

READ : 3 Day Itinerary for Florence

The heart of Nancy is the royal square, the UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas. The pedestrianized square is lovely, with creamy stone facades, fountains, and Rococo-style wrought iron railings. Two monumental statues are framed by ornate Rococo porticos.

On one corner is the unmissable Musee des Beaux-Art. It has a diverse collection of European paintings, furniture, and artifacts.

It has a startlingly good modern art collection with works by Picasso, Modigliani, Matisse, and Bonnard. But the museum’s real treasure is the stunning collection of Daum Art Deco glass on display in the underground floor within remnants of the city walls.

READ : Guide To Paris’ Picasso Museum

Other pretty squares are the Place de la Carriere (lined with 18th century mansions) and the Place Vaudemont. Off Place Vaudemont, you’ll find the Rue des Marechaux, nicknamed La rue Gorumande. On that street, you’ll find the most famous Nancy restaurant, La Gentilhommiere.

22. Pierrefonds

The quaint town of Pierrefonds is home to a fairytale castle, the Chateau de Pierrefonds.

In 1857, Napoleon III hired the famed architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc to rebuild the romantic ruins of Pierrefonds Castle. Napoleon III longed for a lavish castle, fit for a king and evoking a medieval fantasy.

Viollet-le-Duc was inspired by Coucy Castle , one of my favorite French ruins. He sought to maintain an equilibrium between a fortified palace with beautiful state rooms and a residence.

The rooms are recreated in vibrant rich colors as they would have appeared in the Middle Ages, with medieval motifs like St. George and the Dragon.

Here’s my complete guide to Pierrefonds Castle .

23. Provins

Provins is an utterly quaint medieval walled city and a perfect easy day trip from Paris. Like many medieval towns, Provins has an older “upper” city and a slightly more modern “lower” city.

You arrive in the lower city, or ville basse. As you start climbing, you’ll see the ramparts and Tower de Caesar.

The atmospheric Provins is filled with historic and architectural gems, including no less than 58 listed historic monuments. The town is a designated UNESCO site and was once home to a great medieval fair. If you’re on the UNESCO trail in France, this is a must see site.

On your visit, inspect the Tower Cesar, a well preserved medieval tower. Then, walk the ramps and the moat and take in the world’s most charming medieval bookstore.

You should also visit the underground tunnels, Les Souterrains. Provins is famous for its roses, so you’ll find rose everything in its tiny shops.

24. Quimper

Originally settled during Roman times, Quimper is the ancient Celtic capital of the westernmost region of France and proud of it. The bright Breton city of Quimper is all bright architecture, footbridges, ancient cobbled lanes, and bagpipers.

Quimper’s most famous landmark is the Cathedral of St. Corentin, built between the 12th and 18th centuries. Quiimper is also lined with beautiful 17th century townhouses.

If you’re an art lover, you can wile away a couple hours in the Musee des Beaux-Arts or Quimper’s Pottery Museum.

Quimper had an economic boom in the 17th century thanks to its pottery trade. You can pick up some gorgeous hand painted faience ceramics, with blue flour-de-lys, for souvenirs at La Civette or Heoligou.

If you’re a fan of the BBC’s Poldark series, you may remember that Quimper is where Ross Poldark makes a daring rescue of Dwight Enes from prison. The episode (Season 3, Episode 5) was filmed onsite at the former convent turned prison in real life.

The town of Reims (pronounced Raaaance with a swallow of the n) is the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region.

The town is decorated with Art Deco buildings and has some of France’s best champagne houses — Mumm, Veuve Cliquot-Ponsardin, Tattinger, and Ruinart. The hard part is choosing. (I picked Veuve Cliquot.)

On each tour, you’ll see the man made chalk tunnels, the crayeres. They offer the perfect temperature and humidity for the second fermentation.

With or without a glass of champagne, don’t forget to visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims in Reims France. It’s one of Europe’s greatest cathedrals.

Some experts think it’s France’s most beautiful cathedral, surpassing even Notre Dame de Paris. Reims Cathedral was designated a UNESCO site in 1991. There are over 2,000 sculptures on or inside the cathedral.

Reims Cathedral was built over 60 years, beginning in 1211. The ornate western portal is distinctive for its beauty, unity, and harmony.

There are three main doors, all with a theme carved in limestone — the passion, the coronation of Mary, and the Last Judgment (from left to right).

Across the top is the Gallery of Kings, with statues of 56 unnamed kings of France. On the sides, you can see the massive flying buttresses that support the building.

Inside is the real treat. You step into a towering 500 foot nave.

You’re greeted by a wall of 52 intricately carved statues. Admire the choir and 1954 stained glass windows in the south transept, which replaced the ones damaged in WWI.

The interior’s undisputed highlight is in the apse behind the altar. There, you’ll see the catastrophically beautiful stained glass windows created by the painter Marc Chagall in 1974.

It’s rare to see a modern artist working to such stunning effect in a ancient church. In 2011, six abstract windows were added, flanking the Chagall pieces.

Reims Cathedral is also the spot for the coronation of French kings, making it the equivalent of Westminster Abbey in England. Joan of Arc made an appearance in Reims, crowning Charles VII in 1429.

The Saint-Remi Basilica is also included in Reims UNESCO designation. I’s an acclaimed Gothic masterpiece. The naves and the transept date from 1000.

You may want to book a guided walking tour of Reim s . Or take a champagne tour from Paris .

26. Rochefort-en-Terre

Rochefort-en-Terre is one of France’s les plus beaux villages and a must see village in Brittany. It was voted “France’s favorite village” in 2016.

It’s difficult to imagine a more beautiful and well-manicured French hamlet. Rochefort-en-Terre is fairytale-perfect and almost mind blowing, a sensation I had upon glimpsing the beautiful Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Germany’s Romantic Road .

Rochefort-en-Terre is an architectural dream, beautifully sited on a hilltop overlooking the Valley of Arz. It’s a town where rich merchants built lavishly decorated chateaux. Most date from the 17th century.

The mansions run from the Rue de Porche to the Place du Puits. They’re made of granite and half timbers and adorned with corbelled turrets, sculptures, and wood carvings.

As you stroll, inspect the Notre Dame de la Tronchaye church, which dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. It’s famed for a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was discovered by a shepherdess in a tree trunk.

The most swoonful place in Rochefort-en-Terre is the Place du Puits. It’s the perfect intimate village setting with stone buildings, hanging iron signs, a fountain, and flower boxes on every facade.

Pop into L’Art Gourmand for delicious chocolatey things. If hunger calls, try Le Café Breton, boasting original medieval decor. There are plenty of crepes and waffles to be had as well.

Medieval Rouen is 2000 years old. It’s one of Normandy’s most engaging and historically rich destinations, with half-timbered homes and winding medieval lanes.

With its lantern tower piercing the clouds, Cathddrale Notre-Dame de Rouen is Rouen’s crown jewel.

Rouen’s central square is where Joan of Arc, the teen who rallied France to drive out the English, was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. During WWII, Allied bombing raids laid waste to the city. A lot to endure, no?

But Rouen is still lovely and its cobbled old town is a joy to wander. Stroll the length of the Rue du Gros Horloge, the pedestrianized main drag, to Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Along the way, take in all the colorful half timbers, the Place du Vieux Marche, the massively ornate Great Clock, and the Joan of Arc Church. If you have time, climb the clock tower’s 100 steps for panoramic views.

Rouen’s Notre Dame Cathedral is a landmark of art history, one of Europe’s best cathedrals. Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral was built on the foundations of a 4th century basilica.

The cathedral rises 151 meters tall, making it one of the tallest in France. The Dukes of Normandy were traditionally crowned and buried there. Richard the Lionhearted insisted his heart be kept there.

You can still see what Impressionist artist Claude Monet painted more than a century ago. Monet spent parts of 1892 and 1893 in Rouen. He painted 31 versions of the cathedral, extreme close ups of one part of the pale filigreed stone facade.

Sometimes he worked on 14 canvases at once. Monet groaned: “Everything changes, even stone.”

Inside, Rouen Cathedral is High Gothic at its best. The nave soars four stories high. In length, only Amiens Cathedral and Reims Cathedral are longer. Many of Normandy’s most famous citizens are buried there, including Richard the Lionheart and early Norman rulers Rollo and William I.

Rouen also has a wonderful museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It has masterpieces from the 15th century to the 21st century, including works from Velasquez, Van Dyke, Delacroix, Gericault , Delaroche, and the Impressionists.

To get the full scoop, you may want to book a guided walking tour .

28. Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a charming walled town, thrust out into the sea and straight out of the history books. Founded in the 1st century, Saint Malo became a prominent Roman fortified site. Though seriously damaged in WWII, Saint Malo was restored to perfection.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the town was a famous port used by trade ships and pirates alike. Saint Malo starred in the wonderful and evocative book All The Light We Cannot See , winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize.

The best things to do in Saint Malo are to wander along the town’s 12th century crenellated ramparts (a rewarding 1 mile romp), which encircle the town, and explore the ancient churches. You mount the stairs at St. Vincent Gate.

Saint Malo Cathedral also dates from the 12th century. It has some beautiful stained glass windows. But strolling the cobbled streets is the main attraction. Discover Maison Hussaye, the oldest house in the city with a cute turret. After a stroll, head to the beach and relax.

Historic Senlis will appeal to medievalists and history-architecture buffs. Although it’s a tad larger than Sarlat in the south, it has a similar vibe.

You could also combine a visit to Senlis with a visit to Chateau de Chantilly, which is just 15 minutes away.

Senlis has a rich history. It’s a royal town and was the cradle of the Capet Dynasty. Hugh Capet was the Lord of Senlis before becoming King in 987. Senlis was a royal seat from the time of Clovis in the 5th century to Henri IV in the 16-17th centuries.

Senlis is bursting with ancient buildings and relics from the 10th to18th centuries. A large portion of its ancient Gallo-Roman walls are intact and you can admire the 16 lookout towers.

Stroll the winding cobblestone streets and admire the stone houses. Senlis is the kind of town you can get lost in. Many streets still sport names from the middles ages, signifying the occupation of their residents.

There’s also a historic abbey, a medieval cellar, and the ruins of a Roman arena that you can visit. Opposite the cathedral are the 12th century remains of a royal castle, now part of an open air garden.

Senlis’ cathedral, the Cathédrale de Notre Dame, is an imposing highlight of Senlis. Built between 1150 and 1191, it’s 10 years older than Paris’ Notre Dame.

It’s an impressive reminder of Senlis’ past power. It has a 78 meter tower and a magnificent carved-stone Grand Portal that is thought to have inspired the one in Chartres’ cathedral.

Visitors to France’s Champagne region usually make a beeline for the more famous Reims. But Troyes , further south, is a beautiful medieval town in northern France, just bursting with romance.

I definitely preferred it over Reims. And there are plenty of champagne houses to visit nearby.

Troyes is unpredictably pronounced “twa.” But it rolls off the tongue in a languid chic French kind of way. Troyes also has a big heart. Literally, it has a big heart embedded along the Canal du Trevois. The two ton metal sculpture is the symbol of the romantic town.

The main activity in Troyes is simply strolling around the well-preserved historic center. There’s no need to seek out romance. It will assault you from all angles and, unless you are a complete skeptic, you’ll be entranced.

Everywhere you look, there are multi-colored half-timbered houses in pastel palettes with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal stripes. The buildings lurch and slouch with an engaging lack of symmetry.

Troyes is known as the village of “ten churches,” so there’s plenty to see.

Be sure to at least take in the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul and the slightly grimier Basilica of Saint Urbain. There’s also some cultural heft to go along with all the Gothic splendor.

Tucked behind the cathedral is the Musee d’Art Moderne . It’s an unexpectedly good museum housing a private collection in the bishop’s palace. It has an abundance of modern art, especially Fauves, including works by Degas, Rodin , Matisse, Picasso , Modigliani.

31. Versailles

Here comes the Sun King. France’s most famous Baroque chateau is the Chateau de Versailles, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette spent their last days. The UNESCO-listed palace is one of the most frequented sites in the world.

Versailles was once the center and cultural heartbeat of Europe, until the French Revolution. The Sun King Louis XIV used Versailles as his royal seat from 1682 to 1789.

The Palace of Versailles is ornately decorated, to say the least. It’s massive, flashy, and very, very gold. The opulence is overwhelming. Even the bathrooms are gold-plated. You enter through the Neo-Classical portals designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

As exemplifies the Baroque style, Louis XIV’s palace was decorated with gilding, stucco, arabesques, frescoed vaulted ceilings, mirrors, and tromp l’oeil effects.

The king waged architecture like he waged war. The Charles Le Brun-decorated apartments were in the center, because the world revolved around Louis XIV.

The Hall of Mirrors is 220 feet long. Overlooking the gardens, it has 357 mirrors, chandeliers, ceiling frescos, and marble walls. The Hall of Battles is even longer, at almost 400 feet, lined with oil paintings by Eugene Delacroix and Jean-Honore Fragonard.

But the palace itself wasn’t enough for the king who ruled by divine right. In 1687, Louis XIV built the Grand Trianon. This swishy pad is where Louis XIV escaped the viper pit of court life and pursued his affair with Madame de Montespan.

The architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, described the refined structure as “a little palace of pink marble and porphyry, with marvelous gardens.”

Aside from Louis XIV, Versailles’ most famous occupant was Marie Antoinette . The queen made major changes to the palace’s decor in the 18th century. With the exception of the Hall of Mirrors, the interior is more Louis XVI style than Louis XIV style.

Marie Antoinette also adored the Petit Trianon, a little Neo-Classical palace on the grounds. When Louis XVI inherited it, he gifted it to his queen, saying “This pleasure house is yours.”

The Petit Trianon bears her distinctive decorative style — ornate floral motifs run amok in cornflower blue, lilac, and green, without the glitz of the main palace.

Marie Antoinette also created a pastoral fantasy, the Hameau de la Reine. On the surface, the Queen’s Hamlet appeared as a rural village of crackled tumbledown cottages and wisteria vines. (The countryside was fashionable at the time.) But inside, the cottages were decked out.

Designed by Andre Le Notre, the gardens of the Palace of Versailles are a vast showstopper. Louis XIV wanted a verdant display to demonstrate his power and to entertain VIPs.

It’s one of the most influential landscape designs in French history — with a series of geometric gardens, groves, fountains, and parks.

READ : Filming Locations for the BBC Series Versailles

32. Veules-les-Roses

The charming coastal hamlet of Veules-les-Roses is one of Normandy’s prettiest and oldest spots. So lovely is Veules-les-Roses that’s it’s been voted one of France’s Les Plux Beaux Villages.

The villages is a hidden gem in Normandy, usually overlooked by tourists. Victor Hugo famously frequented the town, spending his summers at the home of playwright Paul Meurice. There’s a memorial to Hugo on the town beach.

READ : Guide to the Victor Hugo Museum in Paris

Perched on the River Veules, the town has been inhabited since the 4th century. Veules-les-Roses has more thatched cottages, stone houses, and picturesque water mills than any photographer could want.

The road that winds through town is dubbed the Champs-Elysées. Be sure to pop into the 13th century Church of Saint Martin.

Thanks to its seaside location, Veules-les-Roses also has a pebbly beach set amid dramatic white cliffs. You can walk the cliff path for amazing vistas.

The town is known for its oysters and fresh seafood. It even has four Michelin starred restaurants, including Les Galets on Rue Victor Hugo.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the most beautitful towns in Northern France. You may enjoy these other France travel guides and resources:

• 2 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Art Weekend in Paris
• Hidden Gems in Paris
• 10 Day Itinerary for Southern France
• Secret Towns in France
• Hidden Gems in Provence
• Hilltop Villages of the Luberon Valley
• 40+ Landmarks in France
• Historic Landmarks in Southern France
• Beautiful Villages in Occitanie

If you’d like to visit the most beautiful and historic towns in northern France, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “A French Fairytale: The Best and Most Beautiful Towns in Northern France”

What an extensive list– and with plenty of details. Thank you!

Thank you too. I hope you have a great trip to northern France! Love France!

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Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Athens, Attica

Auckland, Auckland Province

Barcelona, Catalonia

Brooklyn, New York State

André Fernandes

Laura Baldwin

Andrew Evans

Tara Turner

Exploring northern france, the ultimate itinerary.

• By Tiplr Magazine
• February 14, 2019

The best way to travel through these regions is by car. You’ll find that the locals are very friendly and are more than willing to be your friend, host, or counselor as you explore their secret villages. You can try different travel combinations, including hitchhiking, which is popular in France (you can find plenty of information on the  Hitchwiki Website ),  renting a car , or using  Bla Bla Car .

Our Northern Coast itinerary takes you through four regions: Nord Pas de Calais, Picardie, Normandie , and Bretagne. You’ll begin in Lille, a picturesque city that is filled with students and universities. Then you’ll make your way to Dunkerque  (Dunkirk) for Carnival! This crazy, fun traditional celebration falls on a different day every year, according to the Easter calendar, but there are other fun events that take place during other times of the year.

After Dunkerque, you’ll pass through the village of  Montreuil Sur Mer , which has Medieval sights and tasty traditional meals. Then you’ll discover the historical heritage of northern France when you reach  Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme , a gorgeous Medieval village. From there, take the steam train along the coastline.

Étretat  is the next town you will visit, and it will likely charm and inspire you the way it did Claude Monet. The famous French artist was so struck by Etretat’s landscape that he went there yearly and painted the town’s cliffs. After you’ve seen one of the most beautiful sunsets in France, head to  Le Havre , located near the town of Honfleur, for a glass of  calvados  (an apple or pear brandy).

History buffs will particularly enjoy a tour on D-Day beaches in  Caen , one of the best cities in Normandy. Then you can visit mystical  Mont Saint Michel , home to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, an enormous abbey that looks like it’s straight out of a fantasy movie.

Next, you’ll arrive in Bretagne (Brittany), the last region on this itinerary, and visit Cap Fréhel . There are no towns or villages here, only two lighthouses, so this is the perfect spot to relax and hang out on the breathtaking cliffs. The road trip ends in  Saint Malo , the city of pirates! Walk the gorgeous beaches or explore the port city’s historical center and see the 700-year-old fortress.

By the end of this road trip, you’ll find that you won’t want to stop seeking new adventures.

France is a country that has so much history and culture, so why limit yourself and only stay in Paris? Broaden your horizons and take this road trip through the Northern Coast for an authentic, unique French experience. 

Here is some additional information that you may need to start this road trip:

• Length of trip : 767 km (477 miles)
• Living expenses for two people : €80 ($90 USD) for gasoline, €50–60 ($55–65 USD) per night to sleep in B&Bs or small hotels. Food is cheaper in the smaller villages and costs around €15–20 ($20–25 USD) for a full meal, including wine or beer. Normandy’s countryside has farms that sell apples, cheese, and cider and wine. These local products cost less than they do in cities.
• Useful links :  Normandy Tourist Office Website ,  Nord Pas de Calais Tourist Office Website ,  Brittany Tourist Office Website .

Cover Photo by  Pedro Lastra  on  Unsplash

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18 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Northern France

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

Northern France is a stunning region often overlooked as a destination in its own right. Travellers head for Central Paris, the Eastern Alsace wine route or the postcard-pretty Southern areas of the Dordogne, Provence and the French Riviera without realising that Northern France has many hidden depths to discover.

Rennes restaurants offer a cornucopia of regional and national dishes for food lovers. Bayeux is a great base to explore the region’s rich war history, and Le Touquet, with its promenade and never-ending sandy beach, rivals any in the South of France.

Add to that the string of picturesque towns and villages, from Honfleur’s colourful harbour to Metz’s medieval charms, and you won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with this beautiful northern region of France.

I have asked fellow travellers what they loved best about Northern France. With their contributions, I have put together a guide to the most beautiful towns and villages to inspire you to visit Northern France in the future.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Spring or Autumn are good times to visit Northern France; there are fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.

The roads in summer can be busy with tourists using the region to travel through to other locations in France.

Winter can be cold and gloomy, and the weather can be unpredictable, so pack sweaters and rain macs.

How to get to France

From the united kingdom.

Eurostar  runs seven trains a day from London St Pancras to Lille. Routes also run from London St Pancras, Ashford International and Folkestone to Calais. Taking the car? Eurotunnel LeShuttle runs between Folkestone and Dieppe.

P&O Ferries runs daily services between Dover and Dunkirk, Calais and Bologne. DFDS Ferries runs from Newhaven to Dieppe, and Brittany Ferries run a Portsmouth to Le Havre route and a Poole to Cherbourg route.

Within France

French national rail network ( SNCF ) connects Lille, Boulogne, Dunkirk and Calais with Paris Central. 

A car or motorhome is best for making the most of the northern region.

Visiting from Further Afield

Fly into Paris, pick up a rental car and be in Northern France in 2-3 hours.

The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Normandy

According to the Plus Beaux Villages de France Association, Barfleur, Lyons-La-Foret and Veules Les Roses make up three of the six prettiest villages in Normandy. The prestigious title is awarded to highly picturesque villages in rural locations with a population under 20,000 and a rich culture.

The other three villages in Normandy that share this title are Beuvron-en-Auge, Le Bec-Hellouin and Saint-Céneri- le-Gérei.

Contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

I chose to visit  Barfleur  because it shares its name with the ferry I arrived on in France. Living next to the harbour in the UK, the Barfleur ferry is part of the local life. So, when I boarded it to visit Cherbourg, I decided to pop to Barfleur, a beautiful small village an hour away. 

Getting to Barfleur from Cherbourg is easy, with a direct bus. However, it doesn’t run very often, so pay attention to the schedule.

Barfleur is known locally for the mussels harvested here, called “Blonde de Barfleur”. There are a few restaurants in the village, and all have mussels on their seasonal menus.

If you want to eat in Barfleur, I recommend Café de France overlooking the harbour; this is where I had a delicious breakfast. Also, for yummy cakes, go to Fontaine Sylvain Patisserie , which is very close to the bus station. 

Walk to Gatteville Lighthouse

Barfleur is a lovely, quiet village with charming stone houses decorated with lavender pots at the windows.

I loved discovering the path starting behind the church and leading to the Gatteville lighthouse – the third tallest lighthouse in the world. Along the way, I stumbled upon stunning secluded beaches and a cute windmill transformed into a home. 

As Barfleur is not a touristic destination, you can still see the local fishermen working on their boats. I arrived early in the village and observed them preparing their boats after returning from the sea with their daily catch. 

A large medallion fixed to a rock in the harbour marks William the Conqueror’s departure from Barfleur to England in 1066 for the  Battle of Hastings .

Lyons-La-Foret

Contributed by Kat from Wandering Bird

We’re always a little sceptical about beautiful towns or villages, but Lyons-la-Forêt, situated in the heart of Normandy’s largest forest , does live up to the hype. This charming village near Rouen is worth the effort to reach.

A former residence of the Dukes of Normandy , nowadays it’s more a tourist destination than anything else. Timber-clad buildings surround the square, and there are cafes, antique shops and fountains all over the place, with plenty of beautifully kept flowers, making it look like a set from a fairytale. 

We visited Lyons-La-Foret purely because people said it was pretty, but there are a couple of things to see in the village. The composer Maurice Ravel lived there, and his house (which is beautiful) is worth seeing. The picturesque Church of St Denis and convents, beside the Lieure river, is also worth visiting. 

Royal Connections

The village was built on a 12th-century castle site, so plenty of history connects it to the historical courts of Paris. The poet from Louis XIV’s court used to live here. 

We ate lunch at the Cafe de la Halle, right on the square and an excellent place for people-watching. If you’re  motorhoming in France , like we were, there’s a great campsite within easy walking distance, on the village’s outskirts.

Alternatively, there is a lovely looking hotel in the centre called La Licorne , which looks to have a pool or spa – well deserved on a hot day in Northern France!

Veules Les Roses

Contributed by Where Angie Wanders

The pretty town of Veules-Les-Roses in Northern France is undoubtedly worthy of a place in the “ Plus Beaux ” list of the most beautiful French villages.

From its timbered and thatched roof cottages to its rustic lodges, you will feel like you have stepped into a fairytale setting as you wander around the tiny lanes leading to the village centre.

We loved walking beside the River Veules, the smallest river in France , and seeing the watercress beds growing there.

In spring, the neighbourhood is awash with pretty flowers, and in summer, roses adorn the footpaths beside the river, highlighting where the name of the village originated.

After exploring the village, enjoy lunch at the Hotel Douce France – the pretty courtyard is befitting this fairytale village or perhaps stay the night.

Veules-Les-Roses can be visited on a road trip through Northern France and is a 2-hour drive if arriving from Paris.

Want to Find Out Where To Go in Eastern France? Please Read

The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Eastern France

Contributed by Karen from Where I Wandered

Bayeux is a charming town in the Normandy region of France. The town miraculously escaped bombing during WWII and is one of the few towns in Normandy that has remained the same throughout the years.

We found it the perfect place to base our stay to see the D-Day beaches and other WWII sites.

Bayeux is a prosperous and pretty small town with buildings in calming shades of faded greys and weathered mustards. A river runs sedately through the town, and the cobblestoned streets are quiet and serene.

View the Bayeux Tapestry

The town is most well-known for its impressive cathedral, the Cathedral Notre Dame de Bayeux, which dominates its centre.

It is even more famous for its renowned Bayeux tapestry . The tapestry was created to be displayed in the cathedral but now is enshrined in its climate-controlled museum. The tapestry is a must-see while you are visiting Bayeux!

There are also some excellent restaurants in town! La Rapier is one of the top-rated restaurants in Bayeux.

Our bed and breakfast hosts recommended that we make reservations here, and we were so glad that we did, as this ended up being one of our favourite meals in France.

We loved everything about our stay in Bayeux, from the friendly and kind local people to our time exploring the farmer’s market and from wandering the well-lit streets in the evening to sipping a cider on a restaurant patio at lunch.

It is a perfect place to visit in Normandy, with plenty of great places to stay in Bayeux catering for all budgets. A particular favourite among guests is Hotel Reine Mathilde .

Contributed by Elisa from Travel France Bucket List

Etretat  is a beautiful town on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy, Northern France.

It has beautiful architecture built in Anglo-Norman style, a pebble beach, a sea promenade, and a couple of interesting sites to keep you busy for a day or two.

Most of all, Etretat is world-known for its impressive chalky cliffs. This unique landscape was captured by many Impressionists’ paintings ‘en plein air’.

One such artist is Claude Monet, and it is possible to see the Etretat cliffs in 80 of Monet’s masterworks spread worldwide. 

For this reason, Etretat is a touristy place that sees crowds even in wintertime; however, the landscape is so unique that it is well worth visiting.

At One with Nature in Etretat

The list of interesting things to do in Etretat includes a stroll along the sea promenade to admire the cliffs, a lazy beach day, or a climb up to the little chapel Notre Dame de la Garde to admire the cliffs from another point of view.

However, my favourite place in Etretat is the Etretat Gardens, a mesmerising, neo-futuristic green space combining plants and plant sculptures with contemporary sculptures. 

In Etretat, don’t miss the opportunity to eat fresh fish or shellfish washed down with white wine or cider. It is an excellent place to eat Moules-Frites or Norman crêpes.

The best way to travel to Etretat is by train to Le Havre and then by local bus. Travel from Paris to Etretat is possible by a direct local bus in the summer. Dormy House is a good choice if you want somewhere to stay in Etretat.

Looking for More Beautiful Places to Visit in France? Please Read

16 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the South of France

Giverny is a beautiful village in Northern France that is home to the sensational house and gardens of Claude Monet.

A trip to Normandy must include visiting the iconic artist’s famous Japanese water-lily gardens, the subject of some of his most well-known paintings.

Monet’s house is a riot of colour, from its pastel pink and green facade to the canary yellow dining room and sky-blue kitchen. But it is his two gardens that draw the crowds, and rightly so.

Monet’s first garden is Clos Normand , densely planted with flowers and plants from Europe and abroad.

This garden has no formality, and roses, honeysuckle and clematis climb the buildings and garden arches, ensuring a visit is quite magical.

The second garden is the Japanese water-lily garden – the inspiration for Monet’s classic paintings. Water lilies, a bamboo forest, weeping willows, and even a green bridge across the lake all contribute to Monet’s Japanese theme.

Giverny is a great place to visit on a day trip from Paris or as part of a road trip around the beautiful towns and villages of Northern France.

Contributed by Veronika from Jigsaw Puzzle Queen

Honfleur is a picturesque medieval port town in the North of Normandy, in the department of Calvados. It’s where the River Seine flows into the English Channel.

I only spent a day in Honfleur, as we visited it on a road trip through Brittany and Normandy. I would highly recommend anyone stop in this picturesque town, and should you want to stay overnight, a good choice would be Hotel Le Dauphin Les Loges .

Honfleur’s prominent landmarks are tall, narrow houses with slate-tiled roofs that line the harbour. They originate from the 17th-18th centuries – the time of the most significant development of the city.

It’s lovely to stroll along the quay, admire the buildings’ architecture, and see their reflection in the water or stop at one of the many delicious seafront restaurants.

I also found the unique wooden church from the end of the 15th century fascinating. It’s called Église Ste-Catherine , and you can walk inside to admire the structure.

French Impressionism in Honfleur

Honfleur became popular among French artists of the 19th century, including the famous poet Charles Baudelaire, and it is believed that Honfleur is where French Impressionism began.

You can see some fantastic artwork by French impressionists at the local museum Musée Eugène Boudin . Book a tour of Honfleur with a local tour guide to explore its charms.

In Northern France, you must try the local crêpe – the savoury version is made with buckwheat flour. One of the best crêpe bistros in Honfleur is Bistrot à crêpes , but you can pop into any Crêperie.

Since you’re right by the sea, you must have some oysters, too!

We found a cute oyster bar on top of a boat with only a few seats and the owner running around barefoot. Look for a boat with the sign “Bar à Huîtres”; the oysters are fresh daily and taste delicious.

Contributed by Catherine from Her Bags Were Packed

After a traumatic couple of months, I was planning a work trip to France and grieving my father’s death. I knew I’d need to centre myself and recover from jet lag before being “professional,” so I didn’t want a list of attractions to distract and exhaust me. Craving rest, I googled “small towns in France” and stumbled upon Vernon in Normandy.

Arriving in Vernon by train, I was greeted by my Airbnb host, Evelyn. The French often get a bad rap for being rude and unfriendly, but Evelyn completely undid those stereotypes. My visit would not have been what it was without her incredible hospitality.

Vernon was the perfect destination for my “do-nothing” week because I could effortlessly take in the sights.

Two of the town’s most well-known landmarks, La Vieux-Moulin , a 16th-century mill, and Chateau des Tourelles , built in 1196 and one of the many fairytale castles in France , were a five-minute walk from Evelyn’s home.

I picked up my lunch at a delicious bakery, Boulangerie Bosquetup , across the street from both landmarks and then ate and read my book just steps away from both, soaking in the sun and watching the swans float along the river.

Cycling Around Vernon

Visitors arriving by train need not worry about renting a car – I didn’t.

The town centre is small and walkable. To explore the 13-square-mile town and its surroundings further, rent an electric bike from Givernon Rental Station , across from the train station.

I rode to Monet’s Gardens along the River Seine, checked out Fleur de Seine Creperie , and explored Vernon’s picturesque architecture.

Whether you’re looking for an active few days or some serious R&R, Vernon is the beautiful and charming town in Northern France that you need to visit.

Want To Find Out About France’s Best Seaside Resorts?

Read my post: 9 most beautiful coastal destinations in france, mont st michel.

No visit to Northern France would be complete without visiting the iconic French landmark, Mont St Michel, situated on the Normandy/Brittany borders.

The fairytale medieval abbey sits on a tidal island and is immortalised in paintings and photographs. It is home to approximately 40 inhabitants, mainly nuns and monks, and it was one of Europe’s major pilgrimage sites for centuries. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If the tide is out, reaching the abbey across the seabed is possible.

Make sure that you check daily tides before setting off, as you might find you can get there but are cut off for your return visit! It looks almost identical to St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall , so British visitors may feel they have seen it before!

We travelled to  Mont Saint-Michel from Paris by train in 1 hour 30 minutes.

The train stops in Rennes, and you can take a direct shuttle coach bus to Mont Saint Michel. If you are holidaying on the Brittany coast, it will take one hour by road from Saint-Malo.

Why Not Also Check Out 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Eastern France

The most beautiful towns and villages in brittany.

Contributed by Breanne from Family Camping Europe

I was dubious when my husband first suggested Carnac in Brittany as our main summer holiday destination. Brittany? But isn’t it cold and miserable there? I’m pleased to say I couldn’t be more wrong. Staying at the beginning of September, we arrived at our campsite in blistering heat and bright sunshine. 

But it wasn’t just the weather that surprised us in this idyllic place. The campsite we stayed on, Camping Des Menhirs , was within easy walking distance of the fantastic sandy beach and the bustling town centre.

Like most seaside towns, Carnac is full of seafood restaurants, ice-cream parlours and striped t-shirt shops. Yet, something about it seemed way more upmarket than the many other French seaside towns we’ve visited. Perhaps it was the clean streets or the well-cared-for shop fronts?

We tried around seven restaurants in the town during our ten-day holiday, and whilst they were all good, our favourite was Le Cavok . The food was delicious, and they even gave us little blankets to put over ourselves when it got a little chilly in the evening.

Carnac’s Famous Stones

In addition to the stunning beach and charming town, Carnac is steeped in history. Perhaps the most famous thing about Carnac is its Neolithic standing stones , also known as Menhirs. The stones, erected between around 4500 BC and 2000 BC, bring tourists from around the globe.

Of course, we had to go and see them. We decided the best way to view them would be via the little Carnac tourist train.

I love tourist trains because they take you to where you want to go and give you a running commentary, too, so it’s a fantastic way to learn Carnac’s history. 

Overall, our stay in Carnac was incredible, and I believe it is one of the most charming towns in northern France. We loved it so much that we’ve decided to make it an annual holiday destination.

Contributed by Veronika from Travel Geekery

Locronan is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern France and appears frozen in time. You can find it in Brittany, in the département of Finistère, Châteaulin arrondissement.

Since the centre of Locronan’s development in the 16th to 18th centuries, no visible new construction has occurred there. The Locronan authorities have done the maximum to preserve that status, even hiding underground city cables! It’s no wonder that Locronan has become a popular site for filmmakers.

Locronan is also titled “ the flower town ” as there are flowers everywhere – on window sills and in flower pots scattered all around.

Historical Sights in Locronan

The majestic structure of the Church of Saint Ronan , built in the 15th century, dominates Locronan’s main square. Its distinct decorative elements are a prime example of the so-called Flamboyant Gothic style.

As is the case with most significant churches in the region, a notable calvary, a depiction of Christ’s crucifixion, is present on the church grounds and a cemetery.

Locronan is popular among both foreign travellers and locals. It’s noticeable by the number of shops selling traditional Breton biscuits and souvenirs. Many a tourist’s sweet tooth can be satisfied in one of the numerous chocolate shops or crêperies. 

We visited Locronan on a road trip through Brittany and Normandy after hiking on Brittany’s coast .

It was lovely to grab a cup of coffee in a typical local bar called “Ostaliri Ti Jos” and watch the buzz of the day. 

Latitude Ouest Hotel and Restaurant is a good choice if you are looking for overnight accommodation.

Contributed by Faith from XYUandBeyond

Rennes was a must-visit town for me when I travelled to Northern France. Known as a city of heritage and art , its historic centre has preserved its classical and medieval heritage with over 90 protected buildings. I wanted to wander the ancient streets and see all those glorious coloured half-timbered houses for myself.

Rennes’ medieval centre around the Place Ste-Anne has around 286 incredible coloured half-timbered buildings. In 1720, a fire burnt down most of the city, but this area of cobbled streets and crooked houses was virtually untouched. 

You can visit the incredible Couvent des Jacobins (a former Dominican friary) or hang out in the square and people-watch.

A must-do is a visit to the Place des Lices, where knights used to joust and which is now the location of one of France’s largest markets. Nearby, you will find the remains of the Porte Mordelaise, the 15th-century gate into the central city.

A Creative and Culinary Hotspot

Rennes is famous for being one of  France’s most lively cities , and every month, there is a festival celebrating something. Due to its large student population, Rennes has music and art events ranging from electronic music and Jazz to contemporary art and design. 

Rennes is where you come to if you are a food lover.

With its international reputation for a fantastic food scene, some must-eats include the Breton Galette, a savoury buckwheat pancake often stuffed with tartiflette, a type of scalloped potato, crêpes, the sweet version of the galette and, of course, washed down with the famous Breton Cidre.

Many of the restaurants around Place Ste-Anne Square specialise in Breton dishes, and at the Creperie Sainte Anne , I enjoyed a galette stuffed with tartiflette – heaven on a plate.

Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Saint-Pabu is a beautiful little coastal town located around 30 minutes from Brest. With only 2000 inhabitants, this is by no means a busy place and the perfect spot to escape the tourist crowds.

Most people come to Saint-Pabu for kite surfing or a camping vacation. La Clé des Champs is an insider tip for those looking for high-quality accommodation at affordable prices.

What makes Saint-Pabu so unique is its incredible beach. The water here looks more like that in the Maldives or a Caribbean island , and if you’re not yet convinced if Northern France should be your next destination for a beach vacation, then this seascape will persuade you to go.

You’ll love the white-sand beach and the shallow waters, which are perfect for families or couples. Saint Pabu is not the place to go for nightlife, but if you appreciate quiet and an experience close to nature, you’ll love it here.

Beach Activities in Saint-Pabu

Explore the dunes, go kayaking or paddleboarding and enjoy the incredible French coastline. Saint-Pabu is small and hasn’t been overrun by tourists yet, so life here is still very similar to what it was fifty years ago.

The town used to be a fishing village and has transformed into a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

For a truly authentic French experience, stop by the Ruzven restaurant and pub . Located right by the main beach with fantastic views, this little rustic restaurant is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and try some of the  best snacks and foods from Brittany .

Don’t forget that if you are a UK resident and holidaying in France, you can now shop Tax-Free !

The most beautiful towns and villages in hautes de france.

Contributed by Elisa from World in Paris

Chantilly is a good option if you want a picturesque town to visit in Northern France. It is located 45 km north of Paris, in the region of Hauts de France.

Because of its excellent train connections with the French capital and its various tourist attractions, Chantilly is considered one of the easiest and  best day trips from Paris .

Chantilly is home to the Château de Chantilly , a fairytale castle with magnificent rooms and halls to explore. I especially like the château’s artwork collection (the second most important in France, only after the Louvre Museum) and the beautiful library and lecture room.

The château is surrounded by magnificent French-style gardens designed by André Le Notre, and when I visit Chantilly, I always like to have a picnic in the gardens. However, the restaurant inside the castle always has good ratings for a more relaxed lunch. 

Chantilly Horse Riding

The Great Stables are also fascinating to visit. Louis-Henri de Bourbon commissioned this spectacular building for his 200 horses and 500 hounds, and it is as magnificent and impressive as the château.

Today, the Great Stables hosts one of the world’s most prestigious horse training centres and the Chantilly Horse Museum , with a daily horse performance (in the morning) under the building’s central dome. 

Chantilly is world-known for its Chantilly Racecourse , founded in 1834, which hosts two of the most prestigious France Galop races today: the Prix du Jockey-Club and the Prix de Diane Longines.

During my visits to Chantilly, I have never seen any of these races, but the racecourse is spectacular even when empty.

Contributed by Nichola from Family Hotel Expert

Hardelot is the perfect northern French town – full of charm and with the most beautiful beach.

Situated just 8 miles south of Boulogne, it is a peaceful getaway with everything you need for a great stay here. We visited with kids, and it is the perfect destination for  family holidays in northern France . 

We decided on Hardelot as our base for a trip exploring the Opal Coast, which looked idyllic with a vast stretch of sandy beach and quaint little town.

Staying in the Hotel du Parc , which was packed full of leisure facilities, was a great retreat at the end of long days out sightseeing.

The town has some great history – an Englishman, John Robinson Whitley, bought a castle and some land here and wanted to develop the area as a leisure resort. King George V even visited. Extensively bombed during the Second World War after the Nazis took over the town, today it has been rebuilt and has a natural seaside feel.

We loved the ice-cream-coloured beach huts that line the promenade, and it felt much less crowded than many usual French seaside resorts. It is the spot to try out outdoor pursuits; windsurfing is particularly prominent here, along with golf and tennis.

Plenty of patisseries to pick up pastries and little restaurants are dotted about the town. The real reason to come here is the outstanding beach that feels like a breath of fresh air. We loved our time here and can’t wait to return.

Le Touquet is a seaside resort in Northern France that I have visited with friends and family on many occasions.

It is just south of Boulogne and referred to as “Jardin de la Manche”, Garden of the English Channel .  The white sandy beach is enormous and continues further than the eye can see, meaning you always have plenty of space to yourself.

Grassy dunes with walking routes line the beach should you fancy stretching your legs to explore the shoreline.

But Le Touquet is so much more than just a French beach destination . Its town has restaurants and bars galore, serving regional and international dishes. Cute bars serve cold beers and are a great spot to people-watch.

Rue Saint-Jean is the central place to find shops, including fashion boutiques, trendy artisan stores, tempting bakeries, and mouth-watering chocolatiers, not forgetting Kokoa – Le Touquet’s best artisan ice-cream store. Be aware that parking in town is terrible, so you may need to find a space on the outskirts and walk into town.

While much of Le Touquet was rebuilt in the ’60s, you can still see several unique preserved villas from the 1920s when Le Touquet was the place to be seen by the Paris jet set.

Outdoor Activities in Le Touquet

Golfers will be impressed by Le Touquet’s golf course and its luxurious Le Manoir Hotel , while wind-surfers and kite-surfers will enjoy taking to the waters.

Horse riders will find several riding schools in the area, and children and adults alike will love Le Petit Train, which takes you around town. Further out of town, Le Touquet has a beautiful pine forest with an expanse of walking and cycling lanes.

A nice place to stay in Le Touquet is Hotel Gaspard , a 2-star hotel with 4-star reviews located opposite the beach.

Saint Valery-sur-Somme

Contributed by Suzanne from The Travel Bunny

Saint Valery-sur-Somme is an utterly charming medieval town in  northern France . Just 75 minutes by car from Calais, the town is on the coast, near the mouth of the River Somme.

The town has a pretty outlook over the Baie de la Somme , with colourful fishing and sailing boats moored in the harbour. We spent a day exploring the town’s medieval alleyways, ramparts, riverside walks and colourful boutiques and restaurants.  

William the Conqueror assembled his fleet at Saint Valery-sur-Somme before sailing to England’s south coast and defeating King Harold at the historic battle in 1066. Saint Valery-sur-Somme is twinned with Battle in East Sussex, the site of the Battle of Hastings. As we live nearby, we were keen to see the twinned town. 

There’s a rich history in Saint Valery-sur-Somme. Joan of Arc was imprisoned here the night before being taken to Rouen and burned at the stake. The ruins of her cell, the ancient town walls, ramparts and towers can still be seen.

Explore the Old Sailor’s Quarter

My favourite thing was to wander through the old sailors’ quarter, the ‘ Courtgain ‘ (which means small salary). The cobbled alleyways lined with fishermen’s cottages adorned with colourful flowers and half-timbered buildings are incredibly quaint.  

I’d also recommend a stroll along the harbourside, lined with brasseries, cafes and bars. Check out the impressive villas – Victor Hugo, Jules Verne and Dégas once lived in the town.  

The food market is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you’ll pick up some excellent local produce. Try a local favourite like Ficelle Picarde , a delicious crêpe dish made with ham, mushrooms and cream. Seafood is abundant with mussels grown on wooden poles in the sea.

You’ll find freshly caught fish on the menu at family-run restaurant Le Mathurin, where the day’s catch dictates the dish du jour.  

The Most Beautiful Town in Lorraine

Contributed by Tegan from Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Metz is tucked away in northeastern France’s Lorraine region, a delightful town sometimes known as “the Bride of France.” We visited Metz as part of a road trip from Paris through the Loire Valley to Strasbourg , and Metz was a definite highlight of the trip.

Perhaps best known for its Gothic cathedral , Metz is full of historical places to explore. From the Gare de Metz-Ville, built for transporting Kaiser Wilhelm II’s soldiers during World War I, to the historic Place Saint-Louis , which features architecture dating back to the 14th century.

The Porte des Allemands towers date back to medieval times and is open to the public, and the Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains , the oldest church in France (dating back to 390 CE!)

Beautiful Views from Temple Neuf

You can’t miss strolling along the river, admiring the charming architecture along its banks, and visiting the Esplanade Park.

Don’t miss the view of the picturesque Temple Neuf on the small Île du Petit-Saulcy in the middle of the river.

Metz is an eminently walkable city with green spaces, walking paths, and narrow cobblestoned streets galore.

Maybe you prefer to bike, and if so, Metz has reinvented itself recently as a major biking hub , which we enjoyed while there.

If you want to spend more than one day in Metz, La Citadelle Metz MGallery is an up-market hotel in the heart of the city.

Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Covered Market between Tuesday and Saturday.

You will find a splendid variety of stalls selling bread, cheese, charcuterie, and other local delicacies.

Check out the small cafes and eateries serving Lorraine’s regional specialities and international options like pizza or sandwiches. Metz is also a great place to try Quiche Lorraine , the region’s best-known dish. 

Want to continue this road trip from Metz? Check Out the 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Eastern France to Visit on a Road Trip

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Faith Coates

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Love this and since I am currently in N. France under curfew (sigh) I am hanging onto this post so I can visit all these lovely places. I had no idea there were so many, but I should have known as every time I do manage to get out the beauty of N. France is just jaw dropping. I think I'm going to have a very busy spring and summer.

WhereAngieWanders

I am glad you found the post useful. There are certainly a few more places I need to check out in the future. The beach at St Pabu for one!

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France’s dense rail network makes it an amazing country to explore by rail. If you only have 1 week in France you can still pack in several incredible highlights by train. There’s a lifetime of things to see and do in France, but first time visitors should keep their journey focused around the capital and the North.

Itinerary highlights

The streets, sights and museums of Paris; the Palace of Versailles; the history of Normandy; the home of Claude Monet; the beaches of D-Day; and the monastery at Mont Saint Michel.

Days 1 - 2: Paris

Venture to the top of the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views over Paris.

Walk the Champs-Élysées  to do some serious shopping.

Take an open-top boat cruise on the Seine .

Visit the Mona Lisa in the Louvre museum .

Walk the cobbled streets of Montmarte and take in the views from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica .

Day 3: Versailles

Savor Parisian pastries from a neighborhood bakery and stock up on picnic snacks before boarding the train.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent  Palace of Versailles .

Enjoy a lovely picnic in the Louis XIV's pristine gardens.

Day 4: Rouen

Explore the ancient centre of Rouen , the capital of Normandy.

Visit the impressive  Cathédrale Notre-Dame .

See Joan of Arc’s place of execution, the  Place du Vieux-Marché .

Visit the house and gardens of  Claude Monet  in nearby Giverny.

Day 5: Bayeux

Take an early train to Bayeux, with a stop in Caen for lunch and to see Abbaye aux Hommes .

Check out the famous Bayeux Tapestry , a 70-metres long cloth depicting historic events from the 11 th century.

Day 5: D-Day Beaches

Spend the day reliving the invasion of Normandy in 1944.

Take a short bus ride to Arromanches-les-Bains where you can visit the D-Day museum.

Visit Omaha Beach and the D-Day memorial.

Day 7: Mont Saint-Michel

Explore the island of  Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in France.

Take your time visiting the ancient  Mont Saint-Michel Abbey .

Consider a guided tour of the island to learn about its history.

Return to Paris by train in less than 4 hours (via Rennes).

Is 1 week in Northern France enough for me?

If you only have 1 week to spend in France, then it pays to narrow down your trip according to your interests. This itinerary offers enough diversity to give you a taste of the country, with art, history and architecture that will have you planning a return journey.  With fast TGV and regional train connections, a Eurail Pass will help you make the most of your 1 week in France.

Related Pages

European highlights itinerary.

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France Itinerary

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Discover amazing adventures through Northern France visiting places like Paris, Rouen and Normandy . Most travellers enjoy exploring our Northern France trips in July, making it the most popular time of the year. You can also visit this region while having a Seine river cruise .

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Oh it was incredible! Everything went so smoothly with no hiccups at all. We loved the hotel in Paris . It was a small hotel with a great breakfast. We also appreciated being close to metro. Our guide Anne was best of all. There are no words to adequately describe her contributions. Till the next time… Debby

Paris and Versailles

The guide Sirene was excellent during Versailles Tour! Everyday we had a different guide. Everything scheduled went off without a hitch. Customer service was very helpful and answered my pre-trip questions. Our hotel André Latin was very close to all the main attractions hot very small rooms for solo travelers. I fully recommend this tour.

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The Treasures of France including Normandy (8 Days)

Jo was amazingly organized, knowledgeable and timely. Always smiling and happy to introduce our group to new sites and information. Her communication and first and foremost excellent; always giving us "heads up" before the action took place. I and three other tour companions were gluten intolerant (gluten free/sans gluten), she was absolutely sensitive to all of our allergy needs even providing bread and snacks when we were unable to eat what others on the tour were. That to me is ABOVE and BEYOND what was expected and most certainly greatly appreciated. She was so very approachable, friendly and fun to travel with.

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Unbelievable scenery and Laura our guide was very knowledgeable. Visit to bouvet ladubay exceptional. Everything great

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Value for money and guides made it a good tour.

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Fabulous leaders and incredible route - pathways along the river or back country roads or cycling through small cute towns. Mostly flat - and very nicely paced with coffee and photo stops, or lunch, or a chateau visit! Only reason this didn’t get excellent from me was some of the hotels could have been better (and their free breakfasts)

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The tour was interesting, fun, and just the right balance of group and independent activities. The tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and very organized!

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The local expert guides were of variable quality. The Louvre guide was one of the best ever. The Versailles guide was awful. One of us needed to use a CPAP machine and COSMOS was almost nasty in their reply as to whether the hotels could accommodate it. They made no guarantee that power would be available, and provided a disclaimer of any responsibility. We brought our own power adapter, plug adapter and extension cord...and distilled water (because no one was able to tell us were in Paris we could get distilled water...not an exaggeration). In the end, everything worked out. However, the stress and uncertainty were an issue before every different hotel. For this reason we would not use COSMOS again.

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This trip was for my 80th birthday. The tour director and specialists gave us insights you wouldn’t get going alone especially the Normandy optional tour. There was enough free time to go off on your own. I discovered profiteroles are my new favorite dessert.

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We loved the itinerary and the extra sites we visited, also. Our CEO Alexiane did well. We would have like to hear more history of the places we saw. Alexiane took care to provide for the needs of individuals on our tour. That was especially helpful for me. Our bus driver, Frederick, was excellent and caring, too.

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I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff

What people love about Northern France Tours

I was very pleased with all aspects of my trip ie. hotel, tour guides and transportation provides for the excursions as well as my driver to the airport on my date of departure. My only compliant is with the transportation from the airport on the date of my arrival since he left because I wasn’t able to make it to the arrival lounge within an hour for meetup because of the time it took from departing the plane, going through customs and waiting on my baggage. The driver did try to contact me but it was over WhatsApp and do t receive notifications since I rarely if ever use that app and Eskapas didn’t let me know to expect communications through that app. Other than the initial dissatisfaction with that and having to get other transportation as well as an added expense for an Uber I was very satisfied with the rest of the experience.

It was a really good experience. This is my second trip with Eskapas. The first one was a small group tour fully escorted in Italy and it was wonderful. This trip is independent and you are joining at the meeting point to daily group ours. If you have send of orientation, it may be difficult so I recommend yo to take a taxi to reach out to the meeting points. Usually it costs 15-20Euro. The company upgraded our hotel to New Hotel Le Voltaire 4* ,, located in 11th Arrondissement, close to Bastille. It is a correct one, decent breakfast. Don't miss Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise which is close proximity.

Overall a great tour. Much more than we expected. Highly recommend instead of trying to visit a foreign country without a tour guide and driver-- both of whom were fabulous !!

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Northern France

Northern France is often overlooked when planning a French getaway ,  while Southern France never fails to be a popular choice for family holidays and romantic retreats. However, here at Oliver’s Travels we know the wonders of Northern France and everything it has to offer! From exquisite beaches and beautiful vineyards to towns dripping in culture and the birthplace of Camembert, there’s something for everyone. We’ve chosen our favourite places to visit in Northern France, including some luxury chateaux , and shared the best things to do in each destination so you can soak up the splendour of this lovely region.

Best for culture: Lille

No longer just a Eurostar stop between London and Brussels, Lille has emerged as a destination in its own right. Head southeast from Calais to Lille, where you’ll discover the jewel in Nord-Pas-de-Calais’s crown has a surprising cultural scene, fine restaurants and a quaint old town.

Top 3 things to do in Lille:

• Gawp at the elaborately ornate Vieille Bourse, housed in the Grand Place, formerly the 17th-century stock exchange.
• Wander the winding streets of Vieux Lille, lined with red-brick Flemish buildings, a neo-gothic cathedral and lovely little eateries.
• Take a day trip to Arras, with its glorious mix of Art Deco, Baroque and Flemish architecture and network of underground war tunnels.

Best for history: Dunkirk

Dunkirk became famous for the epic 1940 evacuation of Allied troops, when 338,226 soldiers were improbably rescued, and today has a number of museums and war memorials.

Top 3 things to do in Dunkirk:

• Stand on the Eastern Jetty, which still juts out over the sea as it did in May 1940, and the beaches of Dunkirk, where queues of thousands of young men snaked down to the shore. It may be near-impossible to summon up the desperation felt by the troops, but it doesn’t make the effort any less important.
• Spend an afternoon at Musée Dunkerque 1940 to gain a proper understanding of the evacuation.
• Visit the British memorial on the Route de Furnes, which commemorates the 4,528 men who didn’t make it and have no known graves, and the attendant cemetery, home to 793 marked graves from the episode.

Best for foodies: Calais

Top 3 things to do in Calais:

• Swim in the gently sloping Blériot Plage, or explore the necklace of beaches strung along the Côte d’Opale, from the cliff-edged Cap Blanc-Nez to Cap Gris-Nez, with a lighthouse on its craggy headland.
• While the town itself is peppered with creative restaurants (Le Grand Bleu, Restaurant Aquar’Aile , Histoire Ancienne ), the surroundings farms of Nord-Pas-de-Calais channel the field-to-fork movement. Sign up for a local gastronomy tour of Sept Vallées to loop around local food producers cradled among valleys, such as La Halte d’Autrefois and La Chocolaterie de Beussent .
• Ascend the 78m-high, Unesco-listed belfry of Calais’ Hôtel de Ville for sweeping views over the city.

Best for scenic strolls: Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer has a pretty cobblestoned quarter – the ville haute, or upper town – with medieval walls wrapping around a grand, domed basilica and web of narrow streets.

Top 3 things to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer:

• Within the walled upper town is the twelfth-century belfry – Boulogne-sur-Mer’s oldest monument; visit only by guided tour of the Hôtel de Ville.
• Wander around the domed Basilique Notre-Dame, built in the nineteenth century by the daring Father Haffreingue, who didn’t have any architectural knowledge or seek any advice – yet somehow it works.
• One of the best things to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer is to ramble the ramparts, a 45-minute route dotted with rose beds and wooden benches, overlooking the city below.

Best for romantics: Picardy

Top 3 things to do in Picardy:

• Head to Amiens to see its 138.8ft-high cathedral – the tallest in France, with gothic flourishes and stained glass. Afterwards, call by one of the local pâtisseries to try the delicious macarons d’Amiens.
• Visit the fields and villages of the Somme, where the main battle lines of the First World War were drawn. Vimy Ridge, north of Arras, is ridged with lines of preserved trenches, while the Circuit de Souvenir follows poignant sites in the countryside around Albert.
• Château de Chantilly opens up on the shores of a glassy lake like a pop-up book; inside, Musée Condé holds a collection of sublime paintings. Stroll the manicured parkland or venture into the Forêt de Chantilly.

Now that you’ve seen our favourite places to visit in Northern France, why not check out our villas in Northern France and plan your next trip? Need a hand? Contact our lovely concierge team for more information or help with your booking! For any more ideas of things to do on your Northern France holiday, check out Bookmundi’s tours and trips. 

Looking for a full list of villas to rent this year? Check out our villa holidays page here.

Northern France Travel Guide Top 11 villas in Northern France Top 10 villas in Normandy Best foodie experiences in Brittany

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Featured header image by  verrier.claude .

France isn’t a country that has incredible cities and towns in short supply. In fact, it’s almost unheard of for anyone to come back from France, especially North Western France, without being well and truly blown away!

But there’s a lot to be gained from straying a little further than the usual tourist trail. Paris is fantastic and Bordeaux is incredibly beautiful (this is a great travel guide to Bordeaux ), but it’s not until you discover a hidden gem that you understand just how quaint and picturesque the north of France can really be.

Being such a short distance from the UK, and with regular cross channel ferry services from Brittany Ferries, it’s easy to see the attraction of Northern France. So whether you’re considering a short break or an extended holiday, consider one of the following towns; you may not have realized this side of France even existed!

Pro tip:  Stay connected throughout France with a TEP Wireless device;  portable wifi in France  is the best way to enjoy unlimited internet (on up to 5 devices at a time)  without having to rely on local SIMs or unsecure public hotspots. 

10 Picturesque Towns In North Western France to Explore (Brittany Region)

Slowly but surely, the reputation of Ars-en-Ré is beginning to spread and it really isn’t going to be much of a secret for a great deal longer.

An absolutely gorgeous little town where bicycles are the order of the day, it’s a picture-perfect French seaside town that looks and feels absolutely nothing like anywhere else you’ve ever been.

It used to be an important trading spot for sailors many centuries ago, but today represents a dreamy weekend and summer holiday destination for those well and truly in the know.

Boasting a variety of buildings and cobbled streets which in many cases haven’t been touched in over eight centuries, Dinan presents visitors with an unspoiled snapshot of the region’s past.

There is absolutely no more satisfying way of spending a day here than aimlessly wandering the streets, finding a charming café terrace at which to take a seat and simply watching the world go by!

Photo credit:  Peter  via Flickr .

The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village of Domfront represents the perfect base for a trip of deep exploration around the surrounding countryside.

Lose yourself (not literally!) in Andaines Forest, stroll around the Charles Leander Museum   and leave as much time as necessary to lap up the local delicacies back in town. There are also some amazing horse riding opportunities nearby, if you’re into the equestrian way of life!

A picture postcard shot of Brittany at its finest, Locronan is considered by locals and travellers alike to be a front runner for the most stunning village in the country. It’s another prime example of a place that has been beautifully preserved and spared the trappings of the modern age.

Though generally something of a day-trip location, book yourself into one of the charming local guest houses for an extended stay and chances are you’ll see why local pride really is on another level.

Getting there: Brittany Ferries run regular ferries from Plymouth to Roscoff – only 60 miles from Locronan.

Photos (from top) by  Peter Stenzel  &  verrier.claude

Flanked by a stunning ancient forest and with a truly enchanting waterfront setting, Paimpont represents a truly delightful daytrip for the whole family.

Legend has it that the forest of Brocéliande was once the home of Merlin the Wizard and King Arthur ; a true land of fantasy and mystery.

Each of the seasons brings something uniquely stunning to the landscape of Paimpont, though for obvious reasons it is best enjoyed in the warmer months of the spring and summer.

Rochefort-en-Terre

No longer a matter of personal opinion, Rochefort-en-Terre has won the official accolade of being declared one of the most stunning villages in the whole of France.

The town’s tradition of prominently and lavishly displaying flowers at all times dates back to the turn of the 20th century and is still vigorously followed to this day. The combination of medieval architecture and stunning floral displays paints a picture that is simply breathtaking.

More information: The official tourist website of Rochefort-en-Terre has more information on where to sleep, eat, and things to do. In the top right hand corner is a button to read in English. 

Photos by  Peter Stenzel

Famed the world over for its prehistoric aligned megaliths which are thought to date back to the same kind of era as Stonehenge, you really don’t have to be a history buff to get a real kick out of Carnac.

The whole place has an unmistaken air of mystery and history in equal measures, while the Quiberon Bay seaside resort promises more family fun than you’ll ever need while in town.

Roscoff is a simply stunning little French seaside town that occupies a prime plot on the Morlaix Bay peninsular, and another town on this list which is easily accessed via the ferry. Brittany Ferries run ferries direct from Plymouth into Roscoff .

Known across the country as one of the most distinct and character-filled villages in France, it is an absolute hit with locals and knowledgeable international visitors alike.

There’s a lovely harbour, fabulous beaches and a perfectly preserved old town centre with many buildings that haven’t changed in over 400 years. Taking the relaxing boat ride to the nearby Île de Batz is also highly recommended.

Photo credits from top:  Kevin Grandjean ,  Jeanne Menjoulet  &  Guillaume .

Charming, charming and charming once again…that’s really the only realistic way of describing Auray!

It’s the quintessential picture postcard snapshot of a wonderfully traditional way of living, with cobbled streets and the historic port bringing to life generations of local history.

Auray also has a reputation for being home to some of the most decadent dining in the region and there’s even an annual oyster festival, which is definitely worth stopping by for!

A place that has been inspiring artists for generations (and it’s not exactly difficult to see why), Pont-Aven is a fantastically pretty and vibrant town in which to spend a day or two.

Things really burst into life in August in particular, where the famed flower festival sees these already stunning streets transformed into a scene fresh from the pages of a fairy tale!

Pont-Aven is tiny enough to be explored in an afternoon, though is more than worth considering spending a night or two soaking up.

OUR FAVORITE FRANCE GUIDES. CLICK PHOTO TO LOOK INSIDE ↓

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind  Waking Up Wild ; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

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29 Comments

Every place looks gorgeous Meg. I house sat for a guy who then did a house sit in farm country, France style. He raved about the place. As for bicycles being a hit in one town; I am in. I could easily bike around without driving a bit and it gets ya here to there faster compared to using my own 2 feet. Lovely list.

So glad you enjoyed the post Ryan – I would LOVE to do a house-sit in this region! Yes, bicycles are actually a hit in the North in general, it’s a really great way to get around, and totally adds to the atmosphere of the experience!

Amazing pictures! Amazing places to visit! Thank you for this glimpse into this wonderful journey an thanks for the tips!

Thanks Fernanda! I hope you have the chance to visit the North of France at some stage soon!

This is an article on Brittany or La Bretagne. Title Northern France is misleading. When one mentions Northern France it is Lille Roubaix Tourcoing, Thieriarche, etc. Not towns in Brittany. I am not being fastidious I live here.

Thanks for sharing your feedback :) We still consider Brittany to be part of Northern France, even though it may not be as North as towns like Lille (which is a fabulous town also, I really loved my time there :)

Have a great weekend!

I agree, and found this disappointing and unhelpful. I will arrive in Calais and was hoping for tips about places in Northern France that I might not know. Normandy is full of pretty places and we wondered whether we had missed others on our way there.

I was reading about As en Rae then discovered it’ s near Bordeux, nowhere near Northern France, this I agree for a professional blogger is tres annoying

I have adjusted the title to clarify that the towns mentioned are north western, and provide further geographical clarity beyond simply saying the north. Thanks for the feedback :)

Those pictures are gorgeous! And each place looks like it would make for a great day’s walk around or a charming week’s stay.

GLad you enjoyed the post Jeanine! Absolutely – it’s like stepping into a fairytale when wandering through these towns!

The pictures are gorgeous. They remind me so much of the Cotswolds in the UK! I looked at the map and took a long time to find these towns. Actually, I only found Roscoff and Dinan and they are in Bretagne, just as TK said. But they are definitely not part of southern France which is what we have visited. We will go to these areas next! France is so beautiful.

It does look a little like to Cotswolds doesn’t it! I’m glad we could introduce you to a couple of towns you hadn’t heard of before – these are definitely underrated gems, which is what we were going for :)

I am sure there are just too much historical and magical town and sites in France it would take a long time to complete! I would love to visit Paimpont, the forest of King Arthur, and Wizard? It’s totally up my alley! @ knycx.journeying

Very true – France is full of incredible little charming towns, you could probably spend a lifetime exploring here! If you’re a fan of the King Arthur stories / legend, a visit to Paimpont would definitely be for you!

We know that the countryside of France is brimming with picturesque villages and towns. Most of them pristine and untouched by tourism and commercial trappings. The fact that very few of the places you have listed are know is vindicative of this fact. We hope to go beyond Paris and explore these beautiful gems of France. This list is definitely a good place to start as each of these places seem as if they have emerged from the pages of a fairytale.

Absolutely – they’re very authentic and well off the usual tourist trail. It’s fabulous that a very old world version of France still exists, obviously with modern communities, but a very charming timelessness about the towns themselves.

I hope you have the opportunity to spend time visiting this region soon!

These all look so cute! I’d skip Paris any day and explore these towns. I loved the south while exploring the canals!

Right! So much more character and authentic charm than the bigger cities which have become increasingly commericalized :)

I grew up in Paris and yet haven’t ever been in any of these places. And you are so right the North if France is really easy to reach from the UK. And all these villages seem very character and charming. Maybe it’s time for a Road trip?

Glad we could give you a couple of ideas for a road trip Katharina; can highly recommend each and every one of these!

Oh wow! I think that I only knew about Dinan before reading this post! This reminds me of my long “French Small Towns” Bucket list, I should explore less Paris and more around!

Glad we could introduce you to some new French towns for your bucketlist :)

THIS is the France I knew as a kid – exactly the kinds of places I want to rediscover one day on some random drives. Merci! Ca, c’est bon.

Sounds like an incredible childhood! Glad the post could take you on a trip down memory lane :)

I am searching for a small French town, Nemo. Have you heard of it? Would love to come and walk or bike these wonderfully beautiful places.

Hi Harlene, I have not heard of Nemo in France. I’ll let you know if I manage to find any information about it though :)

These all look so cute! I’d skip Paris any day and explore these towns. I loved the south while exploring the canals!

Glad we could introduce you to each of them Jasy! Absolutely, each of these win out over Paris in my book any day :D

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North Coast of France: The Ultimate Road Trip From Dieppe to Calais

 Tripsavvy / Christine Wehrmeier

The north coast of France is often ignored, but passing up this seaside paradise means missing a real treat. It’s a fabulous area with a long sweeping coastline, charming villages, and gorgeous landscapes. This neglected treasure of coast is ripe for a road trip.

There are two ways to do this driving tour. If you’re starting in Paris , this tour makes an excellent few days outside the capital . All of the destinations are within a three-hour drive from Paris, so you can easily do the entire route or simply pick the parts that most stand out to you. If you’re coming from the U.K. via ferry, it’s a perfect short break that delivers the best of France in a nutshell.

This route starts in the town of Dieppe in Normandy, which is about two and a half hours from Paris by car or four hours from Newhaven, U.K., by ferry service from DFDS . The destination city of Calais is only two hours away if you were to drive straight there, but this guide highlights all of the charming towns and attractions to stop in along the way.

Day 1: Dieppe

If you're coming from the UK, take the DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, leaving at 9.30 a.m. and arriving in France at 2 p.m. local time. 

If you're coming from Paris, the 195-km (121-mile) drive will take around 2 hours 30 minutes. 

Walk along the small streets parallel to the English Channel starting at the Estran-Cité de la Mer, the local museum of the sea. Seventeenth-century houses made of white brick line the Grande Rue; continue onto rue de la Barre where number 4 housed a pharmacy in 1683. Voltaire lodged here with his friend the apothecary when he came back from exile in England in 1728 then went to live with his lover Emilie du Châtelet in Champagne. Other houses date from the 18th century.

The old section ends at the Château, originally a huge circular tower that was part of the 14th-century fortifications of this once vital seaport. Today the massive stone structure with its rounded defensive walls and small windows high up above the surrounding countryside houses a good museum. Ship models, maps, and instruments along with Dutch paintings and furniture catch and keep your imagination. But don’t miss the superb collection of Dieppe ivories, made from the ivory imported from Africa and the Orient. The 17th century saw 350 ivory carvers in Dieppe, but today you’ll only see a small workshop in the museum.

Beyond the Château, you come to the Memorial to August 19, 1942. It commemorates the date when a force of 7,000 soldiers—mostly Canadians—was launched from the U.K. against the Germans in northern France. It was a disaster, as 5,000 men were killed or taken prisoner. But lessons were learned and during the later Normandy D-Day Landings , artificial ports were towed over, while heavily defended harbors like Dieppe, were avoided.

Eat in Dieppe, where the tang of the ocean means fish or shellfish. Oysters or a huge plateau de fruits de mer at the Comptoir à Huîtres will hit the spot in this simple restaurant.

The Café des Tribunaux is a large brasserie-style café that started as an inn at the end of the 17th century. It was the favorite place for the Impressionists and was painted by Sickert, who spent his summers in Dieppe in the 1890s, moving there permanently from 1896 to 1905. It’s a great place for people watching while sitting on the terrace with a cold beer or glass of wine.

If you want to stay in Dieppe and like sea views, try the Inter-Hotel de la Plage . It looks just like a pleasant seaside hotel and has rooms for every budget, although the sea view options are more expensive. There’s no restaurant, but with plenty of choice in Dieppe, this is no hardship.

Outside Dieppe, the Auberge du Clos Normand is everything you want from a former coaching inn. Today it’s a delightful old building with wooden balconies, rooms overlooking a farm, a restaurant with an old tiled floor, and brick walls.

Day 2: Houses, History, and an Estuary in the Somme

Franz-Marc Frei/Getty Images

Dieppe is on what is known as the "Alabaster coast" ( Côte d'Albâtre ), an 80-mile-long stretch of white cliffs and wonderful beaches along the seashore. Just southwest of Dieppe on the D75 highway, the road takes you to the charming little resort of Varengeville-sur-Mer, where half-timbered houses stand shyly behind thick hedges.

The gardens of the Le Bois des Moutiers estate were an extension of the house, designed by the architect's collaborator, Gertrude Jekyll. It’s a little piece of English architectural and cultural history, open to the curious from mid-March to mid-November. 

A piece of French history awaits at the Manoir d’Ango , built as a summer palace for the naval advisor to Francois I and privateer, Jehan Ango, between 1535 and 1545. Walk through the forbidding and huge wooden gate and you step into an Italian Renaissance jewel, built around a large internal courtyard with a pigeonnier in the middle. It’s open from April 1 to November 1.

Eat in Varengeville on the terrace at the charming Auberge du Relais .

Drive back through Dieppe and along the coast road, the D925. Go through the small seaside resort of Le Tréport and on to the golden beaches of Mers-les-Bains, a typical resort of Victorian villas that don’t seem to have changed since the 19th century. The coast road continues up through Picardy to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a charming seaside town where William, Duke of Normandy , embarked on his journey to conquer England in 1066.

Saint-Valery still has its medieval citadel in the upper town, while the lower town has quays running along the estuary lined with brightly colored houses, restaurants, and hotels.

You can imagine the past life at the Écomusée Picarvie  with its collection of tools, photographs, and artifacts. Or just spend the afternoon doing all those things people do in seaside resorts: dig for shellfish, take a boat trip, cycle through the surrounding countryside with a guide. But be careful; the Somme estuary has strong tides that ebb and flow, creating dangerous currents.

Opposite, Le Crotoy is a pretty former fishing hamlet that faces south, giving you wonderful views and a landscape that inspired the likes of Jules Verne, who wrote "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" here; French author Colette; and the Impressionist painters, Sisley and Seurat.

Take the road north along the coast, through now silted-up fishing hamlets that seem left in a time warp. You’ll arrive at the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre , a magical place of sand dunes and pine forests where you can hire binoculars and walk through the paths stopping at the observation posts and looking at the remarkable collection of nesting birds here through powerful telescopes.

In Saint Valery, book at La Table des Corderies , where the chef Sebastien Porquet champions the freshest local products.

Or, drive to Le Crotoy for dinner overlooking the glorious bay and dining on more excellent local, seasonal dishes at Bellevue .

The Hotel Picardia is a chintz-filled gem of a place that's set in a 19th-century building. With only 18 rooms (seven are family rooms) and close to the waterfront, this is a traveler favorite, so book well in advance.

Day 3: Glorious Gardens, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to Montreuil-sur-Mer

From St-Valery, head northeast into the countryside. Make for Crécy-en-Pontheiu which you’ll get to by driving on the D111 through the Crécy Forest. All that is left from the famous battle of 1346 is the Moulin Édouard III northeast of Crécy on the D111 towards Wadicourt. This was where Edward III watched the battle.

The gardens of the delightful Abbaye de Valloires  are your destination this morning. From Wadicourt, continue on the D111 to Dompierre-sur-Authie. You’ll enjoy the drive through the beautiful Authie valley before you reach this peaceful spot. The gardens stretch out from the ancient abbey, its warm stone walls forming the perfect backdrop for a series of five themed gardens. Have a typical and local lunch in the abbey restaurant.

If you’re a garden fan, cross over the river and take the D119 that runs along the opposite bank of the river Authie to Auxi-le-Chateau. From here take the D941 to Frévent, then the D82 to Séricourt. This is a wonderful, slightly eccentric private garden. The garden's 29 themes take you on a walk through war and peace, down a shaded alley of white cedars and under roses and clematis trained on a pergola. Séricourt is one of the top gardens in all of France .

From Séricourt, take the D340 to Hesdin and Montreuil-sur-Mer for tonight’s stop in the delightful small town abandoned by the sea.

If you're staying at the Château de Montreuil , eat at the Michelin-starred restaurant for a memorable meal or choose from various other options in the area . 

The Château de Montreuil sits behind a front gate in its own gardens. It’s a gracious, 3-story white-washed building looking more like an Edwardian stately home than a top château hotel . Inside the rooms are a mix of periods and styles; choose the Tudor age in the room with a four-poster bed, or choose to stay in this century with a more contemporary design. 

Day 4: Montreuil-sur-Mer to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Montreuil itself is a sizable town. Once one of the major medieval ports of France, it lost all purpose when the river Canche silted up in the 15th century, leaving the town to remain in a time warp, ignored by the rest of the country. Today it's a quiet, pretty place with historic ramparts, a citadel that played a part in World War I, good shops and restaurants, and a fabulous view over the river.

Spend the morning here then drive the short distance to Étaples, a working fishing port with an intriguing attraction about the local fishing industry, the Maréis La Corderie .

Aux Pêcheurs d’Étaples is the place for excellent fish and seafood. You’ll find it above the fish market on the quayside.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has always been a magnet for both Brits and vacationing Parisians. It’s a gracious, relaxed seaside town with a whole range of sporting activities from water sports to horse-riding. It is also a top golfing destination. Le Touquet has always been one of the top seaside resorts in France, once attracting the likes of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward.

There are plenty of dining choices in Le Touquet for all budgets. If you stay at Le Westminster, you must eat in the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Pavillon . Otherwise, try Le Café des Arts  where the French classics are first-rate, served in a casual, relaxed restaurant. 

Le Westminster is the top hotel in the area, a glorious embodiment of the elegant Edwardian age. It's kept its popularity; signed photos of all the stars and celebrities who stay here line the walls of the public corridors. 

If you want to be outside the main town in a delightful forest and next to a top golf course, choose Le Manoir with its very English-club-like feel. 

Day 5: Le Touquet to Wimereux

Drive along the Opal Coast ( Côte d'Opale ) then take the turn to Hardelot-Plage. Stop at the unusual attraction of Hardelot Château . Built on 13th-century foundations, it was the brainchild of Sir John Hare who used Windsor Castle as his inspiration to rebuild it in the 1830s. With its mix of French and English influences, it celebrates the  entente cordiale agreements between France and the U.K. Today, Hardelot Château has a delightful, domestic Edwardian interior that comes as a contrast to the very castle-like stone exterior. 

In 2016, a new 338-seater Elizabethan Theatre was opened on the grounds. The theatre is open all year round and is immensely adaptable for theatre and music. The main attraction is the Theatre Festival which runs from mid-June to mid-July each year.

The Brasserie L’Ocean  looks over the sea from the large picture windows of the restaurant and from the outside terrace.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a very short drive along the coast. The seaside town is lively with a top attraction, the Nausicaá aquarium . This is a great place for families with tank after tank of hammerhead sharks, jellyfish, turbot, and rays. Don’t miss feeding time for the sea lions who always put on a great show and the delightful penguins.

Take time to walk away from the harbor and the seaside up to a surprisingly interesting medieval upper town. You can walk around the old medieval walls with their paths, rose beds, and garden benches to take time to look at the view.

If you're staying at La Matelote , you won't want to eat anywhere else. The restaurant is well known locally and is always full of locals as well as hotel guests. 

In Boulogne itself , there are two good possibilities. In the upper town of Boulogne, book at L’Enclos d eL’Evêché . This charming bed and breakfast has just three rooms which are chic and decorated with great flair. There’s an excellent breakfast as well.

The town’s best hotel is the long-established and very comfortable La Matelote . Opposite Nausicaá, it’s been beautifully renovated and now has a pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, and sauna. If you can, book a room with its own balcony onto the sea.

Outside Boulogne at Wimereux, book at one of the most popular and well-known hotels along this stretch of coast. The Hotel Atlantic has a lovely seaside feel, with rooms overlooking the ocean. It has a spa and the 1-Michelin star restaurant, La Liegoise. 

Day 6: Wimereux to Calais

After a good breakfast, drive up the coast past windy sand dunes to the headland: Cap Gris-Nez. All along this part until Cap Blanc Nez, numerous turn-offs from the road take you to walking paths with stunning views towards England. At Wissant, you get to the long sandy beaches where Julius Caesar launched his assault on England in 55 BC.

Your final drive takes you up to Calais , the port which most people just use as a starting point for their journey through France. But Calais is a surprising place with lots of history, and the town has worked hard to restore its historic buildings to their former charm.

Stop off at Le Côte d’Argent on the seafront for top seafood in a modern, spacious restaurant.

Calais has some delightful surprises. The major don’t-miss attraction is the Lace Museum , officially the Cité Internationale de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais . Calais was once a great lace-making center and this museum takes you through the story. There’s something for everyone: fashion from the past and the present, demonstrations of lace making on a huge industrial machine bought in England, and videos that fascinate with their detail on making the patterns.​

The Calais Town Hall and Belfry is a gloriously extravagant building and looks much older than it is. In the garden, one of Rodin’s Burghers of Calais statues is the pride of the place. It commemorates the incident in 1347 when Edward III of England captured Calais and threatened a mass execution of the citizens. He changed his mind, instead deciding that six of the main leaders should be executed. This was too much for Edward’s wife, Queen Philippa of Hainault, who successfully pleaded for their lives. 

There’s a lot more to see in Calais: the huge Notre-Dame church where a young Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux in 1921 and the statue of the couple outside; the excellent Fine Arts Museum ; and the old-fashioned but evocative Musée de Mémoire , telling the story of occupied Calais during World War II.

And that’s all to do before you go shopping , which Calais is famous for.

The rue Royale in the medieval fortified part of town is full of restaurants and bars. Book at the Histoire Ancienne , a family-owned and run bistro-style restaurant that serves classic dishes in a friendly relaxed venue.

The old-fashioned but well renovated Hotel Meurice is near the beach and just a few minutes' walk into the center of town. A grand staircase at the entrance sets the scene, and the hotel is particularly popular with British visitors. It has a good bar that buzzes into the late evening.

We end here but if you want to go further, head up to Dunkirk  near the Belgian border where the remains of Operation Dynamo in World War II still lie along the beaches.

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