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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

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Northern France Itinerary

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

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Over 5 days to a week in northern France, you can see many beautiful seaside towns, wander around historic villages and indulge in some excellent French food and drink.

Our itinerary for northern France 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.

Table of Contents

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 the region, 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 this route, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Lyon Itinerary

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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Tourist map of Normandy

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Planning to visit Normandy ? Download your Normandy Tourist Map complete with all sites and attractions, beaches, châteaux, parks & gardens…as well as top tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your trip. As well as providing a printable version, we advise you to download it on your smart phone so you can easily get around Normandy!

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18 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Northern France

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: August 30, 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 the North of 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.

In this travel guide I have put together to the most beautiful towns and villages to inspire you to visit Northern France in the future.

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Table of Contents

When to go to Northern France

Spring or Autumn are good times to visit Northern France; there are fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.

The roads in summer can be busy as tourists tend to use 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 runs 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 are 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.

Lyons-La-Foret

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!

Veules Les Roses

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 village’s name originated.

After exploring the village, enjoy lunch at the Hotel Douce France – the pretty courtyard befits 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

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 on, where we could 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.

Recommended Bayeux Tours

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 , which is a must-see while visiting Bayeux. Created to be displayed in the cathedral, the tapestry is now enshrined in its climate-controlled museum.

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 we did. 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 exploring the farmer’s market, wandering the well-lit streets in the evening, and sipping a cider on a restaurant patio at lunch. Bayeux is a perfect place to visit in Normandy. There are plenty of great places to stay, catering to all budgets. A particular favourite among guests is Hotel Reine Mathilde .

Etretat  is a beautiful town on the Alabaster Coast in Normandy.

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 on an Etretat walking food tour.

The best way to travel to Etretat is by train to Le Havre and then by local bus. A direct local bus makes travel from Paris to Etretat possible 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, 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.

Visit both Monet’s house and gardens on a guided tour.

This destination is a great place to visit on a day trip from Paris to Giverny 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.

Recommended Honfleur Tours

French impressionism in honfleur.

Honfleur became popular among 19th-century French artists, 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.

While in the north of 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, my Airbnb host, Evelyn, greeted me. The French often get a bad rap for being rude and unfriendly, but Evelyn 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 read my book 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 a bike from Givernon Rental Station , across from the train station or join a bike tour from Vernon .

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 a 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 trip to France would be complete without visiting the iconic French landmark, Mont St Michel, 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 was one of Europe’s major pilgrimage sites for centuries. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recommended Mont-Saint-Michel Tours

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 from Paris 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.

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. 

Taking a direct bus to Barfleur from Cherbourg is easy. 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.

Why Not Also Check Out 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Eastern France

The most beautiful towns and villages in brittany.

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 at, 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 shopfronts?

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; they even gave us little blankets to put over ourselves when it got 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. You can also see Menhirs on a guided segway tour.

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.

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.

No visible new construction has occurred at the centre of Locronan’s development since the 16th to 18th centuries. The Locronan authorities have tried 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” because flowers are everywhere – on window sills and in 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 depicting 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. 

After hiking on Brittany’s coast , we visited Locronan on a road trip through Brittany and Normandy.

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.

Rennes was a must-see town for me to visit. 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.

Recommended Rennes Tours

A creative and culinary hotspot.

Rennes is famous for being one of  France’s most lively cities . 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 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.

Saint-Pabu is a beautiful little coastal town located about 30 minutes from Brest. With only 2000 inhabitants, it is not busy and is 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, perfect for families or couples. Saint Pabu is not the place for nightlife, so you’ll love it here if you appreciate quiet and an experience close to nature.

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.

Chantilly is a good option if you want to visit a picturesque town in northern France. It is located 45 km north of Paris, in the Hauts de France region.

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. When I visit Chantilly, I always like to 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.

I have never seen any of these races during my visits to Chantilly, but the racecourse is spectacular even when empty.

Hardelot is an idyllic 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 exploring the Opal Coast, with its vast sandy beach and quaint little town.

Staying at the Hotel du Parc , packed with leisure facilities, was a great retreat after long sightseeing days.

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.

There are plenty of patisseries and little restaurants in the town. The real reason to come here is the outstanding beach, which 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”, the 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, several unique preserved villas from the 1920s show that it was the place to be seen by the Paris jet set.

Outdoor Activities in Le Touquet

Le Touquet’s golf course and its luxurious Le Manoir Hotel will impress golfers, 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 opposite the beach.

Saint Valery-sur-Somme

Saint Valery-sur-Somme is an utterly charming medieval town in  northern France . It is on the coast, near the mouth of the River Somme, and is just 75 minutes by car from Calais.

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. 

Saint Valery-sur-Somme has a rich history. 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

Metz is tucked away in northeastern France’s Lorraine region. It is 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 cobblestone streets galore. If you prefer to bike, 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

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

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Angela Price is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel. With over 35 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations. Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”

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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!

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

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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.

Explore more:

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8 Day Northern Italy and French Riviera Itinerary

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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Northern France

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In Northern France you take to the heights: but not the ones you might expect ! To the north, dazzling monuments stand out: the splendid Gothic cathedral of Amiens, Arras square with its Flemish Baroque influences, and Renaissance-inspired Chateau de Chantilly. Plus the most important military cemetery in France! All these sit alongside extraordinary cultural spots including the Louvre-Lens, an Art-Déco art museum, and giant aquarium Nausicáa.

Not to be missed

• Our selection

Northern France: what to do, what to see…

Stunning, surprising, full of life, vibrant... no wonder Northern France is so talked about. From the old city of Lille to the kite festival at Berck, and from Dunkerque to Wissant, there’s something here for everyone, and especially those who like surprises. It’s just as easy to enjoy a traditional meal and move on to the Villa Cavrois, or take in the Braderie de Lille market before visiting the museum. Families are spoilt for choice... and so are the memories. 

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More ideas for your stay

• Our recommandations (6)
• Nature and Outdoor Activities (18)
• Cultural Heritage (37)
• Remembrance Tourism (15)
• Well-being (3)
• Entertainment and Nightlife (3)

Cité internationale de la langue française: why you should go!

7 figures to know about the Louvre-Lens museum

A family trip to meet the wild seals of the Baie de Somme

Fabulous, fun and festive Arras – jewel of northern France

7 must-see architectural icons in Lille

5 escapes into nature in Northern France

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12 Best Places To Visit In Northern France

January 8, 2023 //  by  followmeaway2 //   2 Comments

Looking for places to visit in northern France? I’ve got you. I adore France and have visited many times, so let me share with you some of my favorite hidden gems in north France.   

If this is your first visit then I would recommend Chantilly, Honfleur, and Mont St. Micheal. If you have already been to the area then perhaps the lesser-known places like Etretat, Quimper, and Belle Island will be great for you. 

Northern France is a stunning vacation spot with so many picturesque towns and locations. In this article I will share what I feel are the must-see places in northern France to make the planning a little easier for you. 

So grab a coffee and let me walk you through some of the most beautiful parts of France. From castles to manors, royal coronations to spectacular gardens I’m telling you this part of the country may surprise you. 

Chantilly is only 50km or about 31 miles from Paris, it’s practically in the city’s backyard! It also tops our list of the Best Day Trips From Paris . 

There are many reasons to visit Chantilly, from the lightly tanned historic houses to the countryside which is perfect for walking but I like others am drawn here because of its famous Chateau. 

Now you all know I love a good castle and Château de Chantilly is breathtaking. The grounds, lake, and stables make this place even more special. 

What I love most about this place though is the art. 

Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, fifth son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe inherited the property at 8 years old. During his lifetime he grew one of the biggest art collections in the world, considered second only to the Louvre, Chntilly is the showcase for this art. 

And if you are feeling energetic there are some amazing walks in this area around the stunning countryside. 

If you are wondering where to visit in northern France I would start here as there is so much to see and It’s only a short distance from the city. 

If you are going to Paris here is the best time to visit.

Honfleur was one of those places that surprised me. I visited with a group when we took a River Cruise in France and this place blew me away. 

First off the town is just so colorful and vibrant with some incredible architecture. It is also one of those places where you feel incredibly welcome and comfortable, a feeling I don’t get often.

When you visit you will see why the French impressionist painters including Monet were so inspired by this place. Everywhere you go there is a vista worth painting. 

While you are here I highly recommend a visit to St. Catherine’s Church.  Built-in the 15th century by sailors, this church is the largest wooden church in all of France.

Honfleur is one of the most visited northern France attractions and in my opinion, should be top of your list. It is one of the most picturesque cities to visit in the north of France.

If you are looking for somewhere to visit on France’s north coast then may I suggest Etretat? You know how I love a dramatic view and this place has them in bucket loads. 

Where Etretat joins the sea is a rather stunning affair with phenomenal white cliffs dropping dramatically to the beach below. Make sure to add it to your France itinerary.

The two rock formations that I think you must see, are the Porte d’Aval arch and L’Aiguille (the Needle).  The Needle seems to come out of nowhere in the sea in an otherworldly fashion.  

The town surrounding these cliffs is also very charming and make sure you visit the Les Jardins D’Etretat. This experimental garden is more like an open-air museum of contemporary art and is so different from any other garden you have seen. 

The  Chapelle Notre Dame de la Garde is also somewhere I would recommend. It’s a beautiful church built in 1603 and set in a breathtaking area. The opening times here are brief so check before you go. 

A visit here is one of the best things to do in northern France. 

Mont St. Micheal

There are very few places like Mont St Micheal it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France. 

You will have probably heard of this place or seen pictures of it and you would be forgiven for thinking it seems to belong more in an episode of Game of Thrones than off the northern coast of France.

Mont St. Micheal is an island about 1 km off the coast of northern France containing a fortress and a small town. It has about 50 inhabitants and 3 million visitors a year. 

This place has held fortifications since the 8th century and once served as a prison. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The island is only accessible during certain times of the day so make sure you know this before you go. When the tide rises the bridge goes under water and the island can only be reached by boat. 

Oh and wear appropriate footwear there are lots of steps. 

Nord-Pas de Calais

I find this region interesting. Once the center for coal production, it is now a cultural and historic hub with so much to see. 

If you love the great outdoors then this is one of the must-see places in northern France for you. There are over 2175 miles of paths, trails, and hiking opportunities so bring your hiking boots and go exploring. 

Places to see in this region include the dramatic cliffs of Artois and Flanders, Grande Site des Deux Caps a protected isolated natural habitat, and the historic town of Nord. 

This area is also known for its pristine beaches and seaside resorts. Many believe it’s one of the friendliest places in France which I have to say I concur with. 

If you can I also recommend exploring some of the regional parks here  Avesnois Natural Park or Scarpe-Escaut Natural Regional Park are my absolute favourites. 

This is one of the best regions on the northern coast of France.

This small town in northern France is amazing because despite being involved in many, many wars, it has remained mostly unscathed. It’s a sleepy, small, and quiet city perfect for those who like to take it a little easier.

Places to visit here are the Notre Dame de Grace, which was originally built in 1064 and then remodeled in 1703. It’s absolutely beautiful. 

If you can come in August as this town comes to life then. A huge communal festival celebrates local culture, life, the history. Also, two music festivals happen during the summer months, Juventus which is a classical music festival, and BetiZFest which is an alternative music festival.

This is one of the north of France cities you won’t want to miss.

 The town is most famous for being the town where the first large-scale use of tanks in warfare was used. It’s now a testament to history and the fortitude of the community.

I adore Quimper it has all those fairytale vibes but is lesser known and therefore less busy. It’s cute, idyllic even, and just so very French. 

The 17th-century townhouses are just adorable and here I’m just going to tell you to explore and wander the streets. There is something to see around every corner, a perfect picture awaits you wherever you look. 

The Corentin Cathedral a medical church is a must-see here and if you have time do a walk around the local craft stalls I always find something interesting here. 

If the weather is on your side I would recommend getting a picnic and heading to the river, the views and sunsets are stunning. 

This is one of the best towns in northern France. 

La Roche-Guyon

I do love an interesting town and La Roche-Guyon is just that. The town seems to be carved into the mountain side and the castle aloft the town is a feat of human engineering. 

Things to see here include the Castle of La Roche-Guyon which is a medieval castle and an 18th-century manor house that the town seems to grow around. Here you can see medieval, renaissance, and classical styles all mixed. There are even underground tunnels to explore. 

The old village streets that line the area around the castle are also very picture-worthy. And I advise a walk along the Seine while you are here it’s so peaceful. 

You might want to also take a trip to Giverny which is where Monet’s house is located. It is only a few minutes away and well worth a visit to walk among the area which is now so gamut in his paintings. 

This is one of the best cities in northern France.

This incredible waterfront city in northern France probably has the best shopping you will find in the region. If you love shopping then this is the place in northern France for you.  

Here you can find shops and markets all around the city, with some amazing handcrafted items or clothes you cannot find anywhere else. On Saturdays, they even have a floating market garden which you access by boat and is a real experience. 

I’m not a shopper but I loved the Saint-Ley District. It’s full of shops and cafes and has a vibrant atmosphere. I also found the riverside terraces perfect for people and sunset watching. 

But the one place you absolutely must visit here is the Cathedrale Notre Dame d’Amiens. This staggering Gothic cathedral is known for its opulent decorations and carvings the like of which you are likely to see anywhere else. I can’t describe how beautiful and fascinating this place is. 

Lyons-la-Forêt

And we are back to another just stepped out of a fertile village because I honestly can’t resist them. It’s all timber-framed houses and flowers and has that classic French countryside vibe. 

Abbaye de Mortimer is the main attraction here. Built in 1134 is said to be the most haunted Abbey in northern France, of not all of France. 

A former Cistercian Monastery and consists of some intact parts and some ruins. I found it incredibly interesting and atmospheric. 

Also noteworthy is the outdoor markets on Thursday. The town takes on a different feel when the market day comes around and I loved immersing myself in French culture. 

Apart from being a small and fashionable resort in northern France Carnac has something that if you know me or follow me on socials will know I can’t resist. That is stones. 

Now I don’t just mean any old stones I’m talking about stones placed in positions by ancient people, and they don’t get much more ancient than these. At 6000 years old they predate Stonehenge in the UK by about 1000 years. 

The site is one of the most impressive standing stone sights in the world. We are not just talking about a few there are over 3000 on the site.  I was honestly spoilt for choice when I came here. 

The town is also well worth a visit and the beaches around here are some of the best in France. So if you can drag yourself away from the stones ( I couldn’t) there is lots more to see. 

Belle Island

I always love an island and an Island with the name Belle just feels like a no-brainer to me. Most say this is an island with two sides, one peaceful beach and countryside and the other jagged cliffs and a raging sea. I of course preferred the latter.

You will need to get a ferry to the island but it’s so worth it. Ferries leave from Quiberon, Port Navalo, or Vannes and take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours depending on where you leave from. 

Once you are there there is so much to do from the beaches, 58 in total, pretty towns, and a rugged coastline. The port of Sauzon, Port Coton. the Vauban Citadel and Cote Sauvageare are my tips. 

Hiking is very popular here and it will take you four days to hike around the island if that’s your preferred option. Car and bike hire are available as are buses. 

This island certainly lives up to its name and if you are looking for something a  little different then I highly recommend a visit here.

As you can see when it comes to northern France there is so much to see and do. From beautiful nature to cute villages, this area has so much to offer.

I hope this article has helped you narrow down your options and I look forward to hearing all about your travels. 

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Reader Interactions

February 21, 2019 at 4:49 am

One word. WOW! I love your photos. They make me want to book a ticket, say goodbye to everybody and visit each of the places on your list. Thanks for this! I’m putting all of them on my bucket list.

August 22, 2019 at 5:42 pm

Glad to see lovely Amiens get a mention, I think it is one of the most underrated cities in Northern France. You alluded to “Science Fiction” but your review didn’t follow up on that by talking about the Jules Verne historic house museum. Also the Musee de Picardie, which is the largest regional museum in France.

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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.

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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. 

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Regions of France – Map & Top Tourist Attractions

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

All About the French Regions

Have you ever heard that France is much more than Paris, its capital? Well, it’s true!

No other country has such a diversity of sights and scenery in such a compact area (547,030 sq. km) like France . From the north’s flat and fertile lands washed by the Atlantic Ocean to the sunny stone-built villages of the Mediterranean coast, France is a colorful country well worth exploring.

Since January 2016, France has been divided into 18 French regions: 13 regions of France are on the European continent, and 5 France regions are overseas. While some French regions like  Ile de France  remain as they were before the 2016 changes, other regions like Alsace, Champagne, and Bourgogne are today part of new, more extensive French regions such as  Grand Est  and  Bourgogne-Franche-Comté .

Despite the reduction in the number of regions, the regions of France still have their own distinctive character and particularities, which we will showcase in this article.

TIP: check out our best tips for planning a trip to France

Regions of France Map

The Map of France above shows the regions on France’s mainland and Corsica Island. This Regions of France Map does not include the regions of France Overseas. These regions are in the Caribbean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean and will be covered in the article about the French Overseas Territories .

The French regions are then divided into departments, which are administrative areas of France. There are 95 departments located in France Mainland, 2 in Corsica, and 5 departments Overseas. Next to the department names, we have included the department numbers (e.g., Ain (01)).

List of French Regions

Northern France : Normandy, Hauts de France, Ile-de-France

Southern France : Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Occitanie, Ile de Corse

Central France : Centre-Val de Loire

Eastern France : Grand Est, Auvergne-Rhône Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche Comté

Western France : Bretagne, Pays de la Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

French Overseas Territories : Mayotte, Martinique , Guyanne, Guadeloupe , Réunion Island, French Polynesia .

Tourist Map of France

This colorful tourist map of France comes with the names of the main cities in France and some of France’s main attractions (under the form of drawings) by region. On this France tourist map, you can also see the main rivers in France: Seine, Loire, Garonne, Rhône, Charente, and Ill.

What are the best regions to visit in France?

There are no best regions to visit in France, but some French Regions are more popular than others. The top tourist regions of France are Ile-de-France ( the region of Paris), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (the region of Provence and the French Riviera), Normandie , Centre-Val de Loire (the region of the Loire Valley Castles), and Grand-Est (the region of Alsace and Champagne).

Getting Around France

Getting around France is very easy, both by public and private transportation. The two most popular ways to explore France on public transport are by train and by car on a road trip.

France By Train

The main cities in France and the top Metropolitan France attractions are well connected by train thanks to TGV trains (fast trains).

From Paris, some great weekend getaways are possible with train journeys of just 4 hours or less – Click here to book your train tickets

France By Car

A self-drive vacation is also a good option in France, especially if you want to go beyond the main sights. The country has a good number of well-maintained highways, but we recommend driving the secondary roads too: most of the best  French road trips  go through secondary, scenic routes.

Whether you’re looking to hug the coast or drive through some of the world’s best vineyards or lavender fields, find your adventure with our France road trip planner e-books. All you need to supply is a car and a killer playlist.

TIP: DiscoverCars.com compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations to guarantee you the best price. Check out our best tips for hiring a car in France .

Regions in France (+ Metropolitan France Attractions)

The regions in France are incredibly varied, and they have much to offer: culture and heritage, traditions and gastronomic terroirs, sea or mountain, city or countryside. So pack your bags and let’s explore France’s regions and main attractions.

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Auvergne-rhône alpes.

Explore Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes by Car: Road Trip Lyon to Annecy

It’s impossible not to love the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Eastern France. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of the most varied regions in France, offering a wide range of different destinations to satisfy every traveler. This new region of France includes the pre-2016 regions of Auvergne and Rhône Alpes . The capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is Lyon .

Auvergne is the land of volcanoes and hot spas but also the land of Romanesque churches and good cheese.

Rhône-Alpes is home to picturesque stone-built villages frozen in time. It is also the region of two of  France’s most beautiful cities , Annecy and  Lyon , and the snowy peaks of the French Alps .

Protected natural reserves, almost a hundred volcanoes, walking trails, Romanesque churches, and more than 20,000 kilometers of waterways, all this and more is waiting for you in this blessed land. What are you waiting for to explore this corner of France?

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is divided into thirteen departments:  Ain (01), Allier (03), Ardèche (07), Cantal (15), Drôme (26), Isère (38), Loire (42), Haute-Loire (43), Puy-de-Dôme (63), Rhône (69D), Métropole de Lyon (69M), Savoie (73), Haute-Savoie (74). The main cities in the region are Lyon, Grenoble, Saint-Etienne, Chambéry, Valence, Annecy, and Clermont-Ferrand.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Top Tourist Attractions:   Lyon , the Volcanoes of Auvergne, famous  ski resorts in the French Alps  (Chamonix, Courchevel, Mérivel, Val d’Isère . .),  Annecy  and its lake, the spa town of Vichy, Clermont Ferrand, and Puy-en-Velay (a major pilgrimage site).

Bourgogne-Franche Comté

Explore Bourgogne-Franche-Comté by Car:

• Road Trip Route des Grands Crus
• Road Trip in the Jura

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté  in Eastern France is the land of world-famous wines, picturesque small towns , and snails . This new French region comprises the former regions of Bourgogne (Burgundy) and Franche-Comté . The capital city of the Bourgogne-Franche Comté region is Dijon .

The former region of Bourgogne  is famous for its Romanesque heritage, some of the  best vineyards of France , good gastronomy, beautiful Rennaissance and Medieval castles, and river tourism. Actually, Bourgogne has the largest network of inland waterways in France!

Franche-Comté , conversely, is well known for its diverse landscapes and large open spaces thanks to the wealth of the Vosges Massif , the Jura Mountains , and its many lakes and forests.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is definitely an excellent combination of heritage + gastronomy, and nature at its best.

The region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is divided into eight departments:  Côte-d’Or (21), Doubs (25), Jura (39), Nièvre (58), Haute-Saône (70), Saône-et-Loire (71), Yonne (89), Territoire de Belfort (90). The main cities in the region are Dijon, Besançon, Montbéliard, and Belfort.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Top Tourist Attractions:  Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges, the Jura, the picturesque Burgundy villages, the Royal Salt Works at Arc-et-Senans, Route des Grands Crus and other Burgundy wine routes, Cluny Abbey, Vézelay, Dijon, and Beaune.

B retagne (Brittany)

Explore Brittany by Car: Brittany Road Trip

We must admit that we have a crush on  Bretagne ; this French region is so varied and beautiful!

The westernmost region of France is a region of tradition, character, Celtic roots, and legends. It is a land of wild and unique landscapes, from rocky coastlines and cliffs to moorland and medieval towns. The capital city of the Bretagne region is Rennes .

But of course, there is much more! Brittany is also a land of sailors, isolated lighthouses, oysters, fantastic coastal walks, and mysterious prehistoric alignments. Brittany is magical, culture, crêpes & cider, traditional festivals, and, most of all, true nature.

Brittany is divided into four departments:  Côtes-d’Armor (22), Finistère (29), Ille-et-Vilaine (35), and Morbihan (56). The main cities in the region are Rennes, Brest, and Quimper.

Bretagne Top Tourist Attractions:  Rennes, Saint Maló, the Islands, GR34 (coastal multi-day hike), Carnac Alignments, Gulf of Morbihan, Emerald Coast, and the Pink Granite Coast.

C entre-Val de Loire

Explore Centre-Val-de-Loire by Car: Loire Valley Road Trip

The region of  Centre-Val de Loire , in Central France, gets its name from the Loire River, the longest river in France. Irrigated by the Loire and its many tributaries, this beautiful French region produces excellent wines perfectly complemented with savorous regional food. The capital city of the Centre-Val de Loire region is Orléans .

Beloved by Kings, Queens, and artists, the Loire Valley is also the cradle of the Renaissance in France and is world-famous thanks to its amazing Châteaux de la Loire and the remarkable gardens that line the river. The Loire Valley Castles are today one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.

Centre-Val de Loire is also one of the regions of France that attracts large numbers of bike tourists: it sees more than 1 million bikers per year! Indeed,  La Loire à Vélo  (the Loire by bike) is perhaps the best way to explore this beautiful region.

The region of Centre-Val-de-Loire is divided into six departments:  Cher (18), Eure-et-Loir (28), Indre (36), Indre-et-Loire (37), Loir-et-Cher (41), and Loiret (45). The main cities in the region are Tours, Orléans, and Bourges.

Centre-Val-de-Loire Top Tourist Attractions:  Loire Valley Castles, the Loire by bike, Chartres and Bourges Cathedrals, Loire Valley vineyards, the historical cities and towns of Tours, Blois, Chinon, and Anjou.

Corse (Corsica Island)

The island region of Corse (Corsica) is located on the Mediterranean Sea in Southern France. Corsica’s capital is the city of  Ajaccio .

Lying 200 kilometers from the French Riviera, the homeland of Napoleon Bonaparte is one of the most  beautiful French Islands , a mini-continent with hilltop villages and hiking trails, beaches, and idyllic turquoise waters.

Corsica is far away, but don’t hesitate to discover the extraordinary landscapes of this beautiful island! Corsica is best explored by car, and renting a car in Europe is very easy.

Corsica is divided into two departments: Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B).

Corsica Top Tourist Attractions:  Calanques de Piana, Calvi Citadel, its beaches, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, water sports.

Explore Grand Est by Car:

• Road Trip in Alsace
• Alsace Wine Route
• Champagne Road Trip from Paris

In Eastern France, Grand Est incorporates the former French regions of  Alsace , Champagne-Ardennes , and Lorraine . The capital city of the Grand Est region is Strasbourg .

Alsace is a land between the Germanic and Latin worlds, a mosaic of hills, mountains, and plains dotted with castles, vineyards, and picturesque villages. The Alsace Christmas Markets are some of the best Christmas Markets in France!

Champagne , on the other hand, is best known for its bubbles and historical cities like Reims and Troyes . Last but not least, Lorraine is world-known for its quiche, madeleines, and mirabelle plum.

Bordering Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, Grand Est is a place with many tourist attractions. It is also a land of memory, and it was the theater of some of the most important battles of WWI. In Grand Est, you are never far from the forest: the Vosges and the Regional Parks of Ardennes and Lorraine .

Grand Est is divided into ten departments:  Ardennes (08), Aube (10), Marne (51), Haute-Marne (52), Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Bas-Rhin (67), Haut-Rhin (68), and Vosges (88). The main cities in Grand Est are Strasbourg, Metz, Nancy, Reims, Mulhouse, and Colmar.

Grand Est Top Tourist Attractions:   Alsace Wine Route , the villages of Alsace, Alsace’s Christmas Markets, Champagne’s vineyards, Reims Cathedral, Verdun and other WWI historical sites,  Strasbourg , Colmar, Troyes, Nancy, the Vosges, and the Ardennes.

Hauts-de-France

Explore Hauts-de-France by Car:

• Road Trip in Northern France (near Paris)
• Road Trip from Calais to Paris

Hauts-de-France , in Northern France, is one of the lesser-known regions of France. And it is a pity because it is located just a stone’s throw from Paris. Stretching from just outside the northern suburbs of Paris right up to the coastline of the English Channel, the former Nord Pas-de-Calais and Picardie regions officially became the northernmost region of France with the regional changes in 2016. The capital city of the Hauts-de-France region is Lille .

The Hauts-de-France region is full of beautiful cathedrals, belfries, and citadels, and its plains bear witness to its mining history. It is also the region of the Channel beach resorts and relaxing seaside getaways on the Opal Coast .

Don’t miss beautiful Lille , with its Lille Stock Exchange , and Notre Dame d’Amiens Cathedral , one of the  Grandes Cathédrales  featuring the highest nave in France.

Hauts-de-France is divided into five departments:  Aisne (02), Nord (59), Oise (60), Pas-de-Calais (62), and Somme (80). The main cities in Hauts-de-France are Lille, Amiens, Roubaix, and the port cities of Dunkerque (Dunkirk) and Calais.

Hauts-de-France Top Tourist Attractions:  Amiens Cathedral, Domaine de Chantilly, Dunkirk, the seaside resort of Le Touquet, Lille, the Somme Bay & WW1 battlefields.

Ile-de-France

Unlike its neighbor, the Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France  is one of the most visited regions in France, mainly thanks to  Paris , France’s capital city. Its name means “Island of France” because, in Medieval times, the French Kingdom was not much bigger than Ile-de-France.

After visiting the top sites in Paris , venture beyond the Boulevard Périphérique to explore what Ile de France has to offer. Some attractions like the  Palace of Versailles  or  Disneyland Paris  are known to all, but there are many more interesting things to see and do in Ile-de-France.

Visitors can enjoy nature and relaxation in one of the four regional natural parks while history buffs can learn about the Kings and Queens of France in amazing historical sites such as Château de Fontainebleau and Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral .

Picturesque villages are never far from the capital, and places like Auvers-Sur-Oise and Bougival were immortalized by Van Gogh, Renoir, and the Impressionists.

Ile-de-France is divided into eight departments:  Paris (75), Seine-et-Marne (77), Yvelines (78), Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92), Seine-Saint-Denis (93), Val-de-Marne (94), Val-d’Oise (95). The main cities in Ile-de-France are Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, Saint-Denis, and Versailles.

Ile-de-France Top Tourist Attractions:  Paris,  Versailles , Château de Fontainebleau, Disneyland Paris, Château de Vincennes, Provins medieval city, and Saint-Denis Basilica Cathedral.

Normandie (Normandy)

Explore Normandy by Car:

• Road Trip Normandy WW2 Sites
• Normandy Road Trip from Paris

Normandy , in Northern France, is one of the most popular French regions on the tourist map of France. And for a reason! Normandy offers the visitor a stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and idyllic countryside. Normandy is also famous for its rich history, tower bells, cows, and cheese. The capital city of Normandy is Caen .

Normandy is a popular weekend getaway from Paris, and many hotels and restaurants thrive along the Normandy coast, especially around the towns of Deauville and Honfleur .

Normandy is also a land of medieval towns, fabulous castles , and artists. The Impressionist movement was born in Normandy, inspired by Monet’s “Impression” of the sunrise at Le Havre.

Normandy is divided into five departments:  Calvados (14), Eure (27), Manche (50), Orne (61), and Seine-Maritime (76). Normandy’s main cities are Le Havre, Caen, and  Rouen .

Normandy Top Tourist Attractions: Mont Saint-Michel , the Bayeux Tapestry,  D-Day Landing Sites , Honfleur harbor, Rouen and its Cathedral, chic Deauville,  picturesque villages , the Seine Valley and Monet’s Gardens in Giverny .

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Explore Nouvelle-Aquitaine by Car:

• Road Trip in the French Basque Country
• Dordogne Road Trip
• Road Trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz

It’s almost impossible to get bored in  Nouvelle-Aquitaine . Located in Western France, this is the French region of mountains and forests, prehistoric caves, beaches, medieval villages, and some of the  most beautiful castles in France . The capital city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is Bordeaux .

Its 720 kilometers of coast are a paradise for surfers, while people looking for a quiet vacation can enjoy no less than 30 spa towns, including Dax , France’s top spa town.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is also a delight for foodies, with excellent wines and brandies and around twenty Michelin-starred restaurants.

Sun, history, dynamism, and gastronomy . . . there’s a great French vacation for everyone in Nouvelle Aquitaine!

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is divided into twelve departments:  Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64), Deux-Sèvres (79), Vienne (86), and Haute-Vienne (87). The main cities in the region are Bordeaux, Limoges, and Poitiers.

Nouvelle Aquitaine Top Tourist Attractions:  Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin, the Arcachons Bassin, Saint Emilion, the Landes Forest, the Atlantic Pyrénées, Lascaux Caves,  Dordogne region , the Basque Country, La Rochelle, and Atlantic isalands.

Explore Occitanie by Car: Carcassonne and the Cathar Country Road Trip

Traveling to  Occitanie  is like returning to the basics: the land, the sea, and the sky. Lesser-known than its chic neighbor, Occitanie in Southern France, is a fantastic region to explore, nestled between the Pyrénées and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city of the Occitanie region is Toulouse .

Less frenetic than Provence and the French Riviera but definitely more affordable, Occitanie is a land of sunny stone-built villages, vertiginous citadels, great mountain hikes, and fascinating history. A land where its inhabitants like to take their time and enjoy the small pleasures of this life.

Occitanie does not lack lively cities like Roussillon, Toulouse, and Montpellier . History buffs will want to head to Rocamadour, Albi , and Carcassonne , the gate to the fascinating Cathar Country .

Occitanie is divided into thirteen departments:  Ariège (09), Aude (11), Aveyron (12), Gard (30), Haute-Garonne (31), Gers (32), Hérault (34), Lot (46), Lozère (48), Hautes-Pyrénées (65), Pyrénées-Orientales (66), Tarn (81), Tarn-et-Garonne (82). The main cities in Occitanie are Toulouse, Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan, and Béziers.

Occitanie Top Tourist Attractions:  Carcassonne and the Cathar Country, Albi, Toulouse, the Pyrénées, the Camargue, Rocamadour, Nîmes, Pont du Gard, the Valleys of the Cévennes, and Canal de Midi.

P ays de la Loire

Explore Pays de la Loire by Car: Road Trip Pays de la Loire from Nantes

Located in Western France,  Pays de la Loire  is a region of châteaux and vineyards, with  Nantes  as its capital.

Pays de la Loire is lesser known than the neighboring region Centre-Val de Loire, and perhaps it lacks top tourist attractions, but this does not mean that it is not an interesting region to be explored. Crossed from east to west by the Loire River and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Pays de La Loire showcases a stunning coastline, charming towns and villages, varied natural landscapes, and cultural cities.

Nantes , the Dukes of Brittany’s historic capital, is packed with interesting things to see and do, followed by the historic cities of Angers and Le Mans . The latter is best known for its legendary racetrack and prestigious 24-hour race.

History buffs will love to visit Fontevraud Abbey , the final resting place for a line of monarchs, starting with Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lionheart. Children will have a blast at Puy du Fou , one of the country’s most-visited theme parks, with medieval and fantasy-style shows.

Pays de la Loire is divided into five departments:  Loire-Atlantique (44), Maine-et-Loire (49), Mayenne (53), Sarthe (72), and Vendée (85). The main cities in the region are Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, and Saint-Nazaire.

Pays de La Loire Top Tourist Attractions:  the Atlantic Coast’s delightful landscapes, vineyards, 24 hours of Le Mans, Angers,  Les Machines de l’Ile in Nantes , Puy du Fou, Fontevraud Abbey.

P rovence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Explore Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur by Car:

• Road Trip Gorges du Verdon
• The Ultimate Lavender Route
• Road Trip Route du Mimosa
• French Riviera Road Trip
• The Ultimate Road Trip in Provence
• Road Trip in the Luberon, Provence

The region of  Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur , in Southern France, has everything to make visitors happy: the French Riviera’s sunny beaches and chic resorts, the endless lavender fields and stone villages of  Provence , picturesque marinas, secluded creeks with turquoise waters, great hikes and skiing in the wintertime, and excellent gastronomy. The capital city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is Marseille .

Bordering Monaco and Italy, cities like Nice and Cannes in Côte d’Azur are often the departure point of a French Riviera road trip or a stop on longer  trips to Italy .

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA between friends) is one of the most visited regions of France. It gets hot and crowded in the summer, but it is an excellent travel destination in spring or fall when the crowds are gone and the temperatures are mild.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is divided into six departments:  Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Hautes-Alpes (05), Alpes-Maritimes (06), Bouches-du-Rhône (13), Var (83), Vaucluse (84). The main cities in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are  Marseille ,  Nice , Toulon, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence .

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Top Tourist Attractions:   Marseille , the Alps Maritimes,  French Riviera  (St Tropez,  Nice , Cannes, Antibes),  villages of Provence , Aix-en-Provence,  Avignon , Arles, and the Calanques de Marseille-Cassis .

So there you have it, a quick guide to the regions of France and the best (Metropolitan) France attractions. What are your favorite France regions?

Read more about the French Regions

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12 Best Places To Visit In Northern France

May 28, 2022 by Claire Filed Under: France , Europe Leave a Comment

With over 89 million visitors each year, France tops the list of the most visited countries in the world. Yet, most parts of the Northern France region have remained off the maps as far as tourism goes making it one of the best parts of the country to visit especially if you’re yearning for unspoiled beauty.

From captivating castles, and resplendent vineyards to unrivalled natural beauty, and captivating hamlets full of culture and history, Northern France is undoubtedly the best-kept secret in this country. It’s also the birthplace of some of the most renowned historical figures in France such as Claude Monet and Joan of Arc.

If you’re curious to know where you should visit in this beautiful region, here is a list of the best places to visit in Northern France

• 1.2 Provins
• 1.5 Honfleur
• 1.7 Mont Saint Michel
• 1.9 Le Havre
• 1.11 Saint-Malo
• 1.12 Bayeux
• 2 Plan Your France Itinerary

You really couldn’t have a list of the best places to visit in northern France without including the country’s capital. While to many Paris is an obvious choice of destination, sometimes that means it can be underestimated. Paris is one of those great destinations that can be returned to many times, with each visit offering something new.

Paris reflects the city’s rich and cultural history. With plenty of museums and historical buildings, there’s plenty to see. And lets not forget, plenty of incredible places to eat too.

With easy connections to many countries around the world, Paris is easy to get to and makes a fantastic base for visiting the other beautiful places mentioned on this list.

READ ALSO: 35 Books Set In France

Located in the north-central of France, this fortified UNESCO town makes a great day trip from Paris . While this medieval town is known for hosting the best medieval fair in France, it is worth visiting all year round.

The main attraction Provins offers is the well-preserved, original fortification from the 12th Century. Visitors can climb up Tour Cesar which offers spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside.

Not all the sites are above ground though. While the original purpose of the underground tunnels remains a mystery, guided tours are available in the summer months.

READ ALSO: Things To Do in Provins

Located on the north-eastern edge of France, Lille is a significant commercial and cultural hub. But most importantly, it’s the capital of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. It’s just a few miles east of the Belgian border which makes it pretty easy to visit if you’re coming from Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, or England.

Although this city has a lot of attractions, it’s particularly a captivating locale to visit if you’re yearning for a historical and cultural adventure. The beautiful historical edifices and baroque buildings plus cobblestone streets in the Old Lille give you a taste of the Flemish heritage of the city. However, it’s probably the hearty cuisine and the jolly character of the locals that will make the memories of your visit here indelible.

The city boasts an amazing public transport system including a well-connected railway which makes it a delight to transverse through the city.

Charming medieval streets, a beautiful harbour, incredible gastronomic scene, and buildings that are steeped deep in history are the top traits that define Vannes. Pervaded by quaint timber houses dating back to the 13th century, Vannes is one of the largest towns in Morbihan, a department found within the region of Brittany.

With medieval and modern structures standing side by side, the difference in the architectural styles creates a stunning contrast between the past and the present. Built on the foundations of an embattled Roman city, Vannes is nestled within a majestic well-preserved wall that was extended in the 15th century to encircle new parts of this town.

Although there are a lot of things to see and do in the city, walking along the ramparts is by far one of the most incredible attractions in Vannes. There is a huge public garden in most parts of the ramparts where you can enjoy the sight of groomed flowers, pathways, and picturesque views of the fortified wall.

Honfleur, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in France is located south of Le Havre right on the estuary of the Seine River. The town’s main attraction is probably its old harbour , Vieux Bassin, which dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by colourful narrow buildings. Once jammed with commercial vessels and fishing boats, this port played a huge role as a commercial center, but today, the waters around the dock are filled with beautiful yachts.

Other notable attractions in Honfleur include its wooden main church and the beguiling views of the Seine estuary. The city is also pretty famous due to its association with renowned French artists and painters such as Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, and Eugène Boudin.

Home to the standing stones, one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Europe, Carnac is a resort town on the south coast of Brittany and an amazing place to visit for a dose of historic architecture, a laid back town centre, and amazing cuisine.

While visiting the town you should also look forward to the expansive sandy beaches that Carnac has to offer especially if you’re a sun and sand fanatic.

Mont Saint Michel

Set on a rocky islet and rising from the sea, Mont Saint Michel is one of the most beautiful sights in France and the third most visited attraction in the country.

Located slap-bang at the border between Normandy and Brittany, this captivating commune initially started out as a sanctuary around the year 708. Many centuries later, Mont Saint Michel, a magnificent structure that was allegedly built after a divine direction, is home to a stunning church , an ancient town and it boasts incredible views of the sea.

With its 1.7 mile-long ramparts, a beautiful port, a 13th-century castle, and a huge collection of half-timbered houses, Dinan looks like a town straight from a fairytale. This glorious Breton town is located in Northern Brittany and it’s one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in the region.

In addition to the town walls, other popular attractions in this town include the Donjon de la Duchesse Anne, the alluring cobbled streets of the old town, and the laidback harbour, among other architectural wonders. You can see why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in northern France.

Le Havre is a stunning port city perched at the mouth of the Seine River. While it’s not one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, it’s a UNESCO-listed city. Unlike most Normandy cities that were reconstructed to reflect their old self after destruction during wars, this city took a different direction. Most parts of Le Havre were totally destroyed during World War II.

When Auguste Perret was given the lead role in the reconstruction of the city, he introduced a new design and popularised the use of concrete in the country. This design shaped the city as it is today, and helped Le Havre earn a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aside from the unique architecture, Le Havre is home to some beautiful museums, pebbled beaches, and it has the busiest port in the Normandy region.

Conveniently located between Le Havre and Paris on the banks of the River Seine, Rouen is a city that oozes history, culture, and architectural charm. Its location played a major role in trade during the medieval times making it a favourite spot among merchants.

Between the 14th and the 15th century, a lot of traders settled around the area building astounding timber-framed homes and this brought exponential growth to the city. Today, most of these buildings are still intact and they’re part of the long-standing history of a vibrant art scene that Rouen has offered its visitors for centuries.

While the city boasts a lot of beautiful monuments and picturesque chill spots, it’s famous for a more sombre reason. It’s the city where a national heroine, Joan of Arc was executed.

This ancient coastal city is situated in Ille-et-Vilaine and remains to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Brittany region. It was designed as a citadel, with its gigantic walls and fortifications dating back to the 12th century.

However, save for the town walls, the Château de Saint-Malo, and Cathédrale Saint-Vincent de Saint-Malo, large parts of this town were destroyed during World War II. So much of what you’ll see here was reconstructed between 1948 and 1960.

Once a haven for the privateers (state-sponsored pirates), Saint-Malo gets some of the largest tides in Europe and this results in an ever changing landscape around the coastline.

The cradle land of the historical Bayeux Tapestry, this town is situated just a 2.5-hour train ride from the city of love. If you’re a history enthusiast then Bayeux will seem like an open museum with its medieval charm and countless artefacts in every corner.

To start with, Bayeux was the very first town to be liberated from the Nazis during the Normandy Invasion on 6th June 1944 which makes it a great base from where you can explore the D Day Landing Beaches . Despite the fact that its museums, as well as the memorials, have a gloomy tale to tell especially when it comes to the invasion of England and World War II, the streets of this town are the quintessential architectural heritage and a lively place to visit.

There you have it, 12 beautiful places to visit in northern France. Which will you visit first?

Plan Your France Itinerary

Looking for more amazing places to see in France? Why not check out some of these

• Provins: An Easy Day Trip From Paris
• 11 Beautiful Towns and Villages in Dordogne
• The Best Castles in Southern France
• 35 Books Set in France
• Wine Tasting in Corsica
• Famous Bridges in Europe
• The Ultimate European Bucket List

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I would give this 6 stars if the ratings went that high! This really was one of the highlights of our vacation. Due to scheduling issues, we ended up with ...

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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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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Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

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.

Looking for vacation ideas in France? Check out our 7-day France itinerary - you might like it!

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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Best of France Tour

Paris and versailles, 3-day guided normandy : d day beaches, mont saint-michel and loire valley chateaux from paris (nbc3), the treasures of france including normandy (8 days), european triangle rot, charms of burgundy and alsace, normandy, brittany & the loire valley (classic, 8 days), journeys: paris & normandy highlights national geographic journeys, paris explorer (8 days), paris, normandy and the loire.

“The accommodation was cozy and comfortable, and the meals were delicious.” Aria Patel, traveled in March 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Explore Paris with a panoramic bus tour
• Visit Château de Chenonceau and Chambord
• Cruise along the Seine and visit the Eiffel Tower

“This is my second trip with Eskapas. The first one was a small group tour fully escorted in Italy and it was wonderful.” Paul Chris D'souza, traveled in March 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• Skip the line at the Eiffel Tower
• Explore the Louvre with an audio guide
• Cruise the Seine with views of landmarks

“The tour was incredible. Easy to book through Tour Radar as well.” Christy Staveley, traveled in June 2023

• Visit three very different regions of France over three days: Normandy, Brittany and Touraine
• Explore Normandy, St Malo and Mont St-Michel
• Discover the world-famous Châteaux of the Loire Valley from Paris

“The tour visited some sites of great cultural beauty and historical significance.” raymcnab, traveled in April 2019

• Coach / Bus
• Marvel at the masterpieces of France's châteaux
• Ascend the Eiffel Tower where sweeping vistas await
• Walk among the wild hyacinths of Château d'Éporcé

“Great hotels, fun itinerary!” Tiffany Mullen, traveled in July 2024

• Stroll through Bruges' medieval streets
• Enjoy a boat cruise along the Seine
• See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham

“Enjoyed visiting every place on the itinerary!” Dai Yaxin, traveled in April 2024

• Sightseeing
• Stroll through Colmar's colorful streets
• Taste Champagne in a traditional cellar
• Visit the historic Hospices of Beaune

“Everything was wonderful. Shantell went above and beyond.” kathleenLevy, traveled in August 2019

• Pay your respects at the American Military Cemetery
• Step back in time and visit the D-Day Museum
• Delve into culture with visits to beautiful chateaus

“Bayeux was more French than Paris to me. Loved the town and the excursions to the D-Day Camp Omaha beach, American cemetery.” Mary Drobny, traveled in May 2024

• Experience D-Day beaches and memorials
• Discover Mont-Saint-Michel's medieval beauty
• Stroll through historic Rouen

“The tour was an incredible experience. Breathtaking scenery and fascinating history.” Mary Jordan, traveled in May 2024

• Learn the art of concocting the finest French perfumes
• Uncover the secrets of the artists quarter, Montmartre

“The driver was very experienced with narrow streets, and we had a wonderful experience.” judive josma trotman, traveled in August 2023

• Explore Paris with your CosmosGO app
• See the Bayeux Tapestry and Normandy beaches
• Tour castles of the Loire Valley

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