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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.

The Ultimate 5 to 7 Days in Northern France Itinerary

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

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 northern France, sunbathing on the beaches, exploring the seaside towns and eating wonderful seafood, it’s best to stick to the Normandy coast and travel around at your leisure by car.

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

Getting To & Around Northern France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 to 7-Day Northern France Itinerary

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

Day 1 – Saint-Malo

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Saint-Malo

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Mont-Saint-Michel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Honfleur

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Rouen

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Rouen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Dieppe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Le Touquet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Lille

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7 – Lille

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

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

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7 Day Northern France Tours & Trips

Find all the best 7 day adventures heading to Northern France, stopping at places like Paris and Strasbourg. There are 120 trips that go to Northern France, with the most popular time to go being October, which has the most number of tours.

120 Northern France 7 day tour packages with 253 reviews

• Self-Guided Cycling

Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

Bike was good. Holtels were good. First half of the route (Nevers to Sancerre) was good. Second half (Sancerre to Orleans) not so good (power station, often away from the river, uninteresting countryside).

Alsace on E-bikes guided cycling tour

The Channel Islands Small Group Tour

Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy

Cycle the Loire Valley

Fabulous leaders and incredible route - pathways along the river or back country roads or cycling through small cute towns. Mostly flat - and very nicely paced with coffee and photo stops, or lunch, or a chateau visit! Only reason this didn’t get excellent from me was some of the hotels could have been better (and their free breakfasts)

• River Cruise

Cruise on the Marne Canal from Paris to Epernay (port-to-port cruise)

Bicycling Brittany and Normandy

Experience Plus does an excellent tour job. Each morning one guide goes out and marks the route with chalk arrows. Although they give you a map and also provide a GPS track for the route there is no need to use them. Just follow the arrows and enjoy the scenery.

• Wine tasting

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

• In-depth Cultural

From London To Paris

Value for money and guides made it a good tour.

The Meandering Seine (port-to-port cruise) (from Honfleur to Paris)

The crew and the itinerary were excellent.

The Doubs valley and Burgundy (port-to-port cruise)

• Hiking & Trekking

Burgundy Vineyard Trails

• Christmas & New Year

Paris and Versailles

Great experience all around. Was pleased with accommodations and tour guides. Will definitely book a tour with this company in the future!

French Impressionism Along the Banks of the Seine

• Coach / Bus

ANZAC on the Western Front: Dawn Service (Southbound) 2025

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about 7 Day Northern France Tours

An excellent tour of the region! Would highly recommend to all bikers. This was my 7th tour with EP and one of the most enjoyable.

Other Durations in Northern France

• 10 day Tours (81)
• 2 week Tours (22)
• 3 week Tours (8)

Other Regions in France

• Southern France (370)
• Provence (121)
• Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees (88)
• Normandy (87)
• Alsace & Lorraine (72)
• Bordeaux & Dordogne (61)
• Loire Valley (46)
• Pays de la Loire (46)
• French Riviera (39)
• Burgundy (37)
• Ile de France (28)
• Corsica (17)
• Champagne (12)
• Beaujolais (6)
• Brittany (5)

TRAVEL CONSULTATION

• Northern France Tour - Small Group

Exquisite wine and charming countryside

From 9 days

Small group tour

6-12+ hours

Destinations

Things You'll See During Your Tour

Join a small group and embark on a Northern France Tour with Tourlane. Whether it’s fresh oysters in Normandy, or crisp white wine in the Loire Valley, each stop on your tour is packed with artisan delicacies. After landing in Paris, make your way through the cozy countryside of Northern France on a premium mini-coach, where you’ll discover medieval villages and grand chateaus that ooze sophistication. With Tourlane, you’re able to book everything in advance from the comfort of your own home - transfers, accommodations, and guides are all included!

1. Honfleur

Start your tour in Honfleur, in the idyllic gardens of Claude Monet. Cross the water lily bridge made famous by this pioneer of impressionism and learn about a great artist’s life. Continue with the flora theme at the historic Arboretum d’Harcourt at Château d’Harcourt alongside your experienced tour guide. Later, visit one of the local orchards for a cup of fresh cider and see the sunset over Honfleur’s 17th-century harbor.  In the evening, drink some local wine and watch the sunset in downtown Honfleur.

2. Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy

If Normandy’s windswept beaches could talk, the story would take your breath away. Visit the spot where Allied troops landed on D-Day, 1944 and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers at the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer. You will spend a night in the charming town of Arromanches-les-Bains, within walking distance of the beach. 

3. Mont Saint-Michel

Cross the tidal causeway to the extraordinary Mont Saint-Michel, a tiny island town overlooked by a medieval abbey. This magical place is one of the most spectacular sights nationwide. You’ll be spellbound by the way the fairytale-like settlement rises so steeply out of the water in the distance. Next, it’s back on the private coach to visit Menhir de Champ-Dolen - a registered monument that is also the tallest stone in Brittany. 

Get a taste of how village life is in northern France in Dinan, where half-timbered houses line cobbled streets. We recommend exploring its beautiful medieval alleys, and taking a river cruise. Snap a selfie with the 13th-century ramparts before the sun goes down and it’s time for a traditional crêperie dinner. 

5. Angers and Chinon

Next, you’ll head south to the Loire Valley. What was once a strategic stronghold for French kings is now the ultimate destination for indulgent food, wine, and landscapes. In the daytime, you’ll get to know the medieval city of Angers, home to a spectacular cathedral and a vibrant central district. After this, Chinon is next up - a delightful historic town in the heart of the Loire Valley, home to Chinon wine that is well worth sampling. During your two-night stay in Chinon, you will also visit the Château de Villandry - an impressive country house set among extensive, opulent gardens. 

6. Maintenon

During the day, your tour will involve a visit to one of the highlights of the entire northern France tour - the Château de Chenonceau. This truly unique castle is actually built above water! The River Cher runs below its majestic arches, a sight you’ll remember long after your trip is over. You’ll also have time to explore the luscious gardens. Finally, you’ll spend a night in the historic town of Maintenon.

7. Chartres

On your way back to Paris, you’ll have one final stop - a visit to Chartres Cathedral, which is a fitting finale for our tour and the icing on the cake. This is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in France – and a beautiful final image to end your northern France tour with. Finally, your guide will drop you in Paris, ready for your return flight home. 

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Useful Information for Your Northern France Tour

Where does this tour start and finish, do i need a visa for this tour, what is france's official currency, what timezone is france located in, what languages do they speak in france, you may also like these offers.

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France’s dense rail network makes it an amazing country to explore by rail. If you only have 1 week in France you can still pack in several incredible highlights by train. There’s a lifetime of things to see and do in France, but first time visitors should keep their journey focused around the capital and the North.

Itinerary highlights

The streets, sights and museums of Paris; the Palace of Versailles; the history of Normandy; the home of Claude Monet; the beaches of D-Day; and the monastery at Mont Saint Michel.

Days 1 - 2: Paris

Venture to the top of the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views over Paris.

Walk the Champs-Élysées  to do some serious shopping.

Take an open-top boat cruise on the Seine .

Visit the Mona Lisa in the Louvre museum .

Walk the cobbled streets of Montmarte and take in the views from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica .

Day 3: Versailles

Savor Parisian pastries from a neighborhood bakery and stock up on picnic snacks before boarding the train.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent  Palace of Versailles .

Enjoy a lovely picnic in the Louis XIV's pristine gardens.

Day 4: Rouen

Explore the ancient centre of Rouen , the capital of Normandy.

Visit the impressive  Cathédrale Notre-Dame .

See Joan of Arc’s place of execution, the  Place du Vieux-Marché .

Visit the house and gardens of  Claude Monet  in nearby Giverny.

Day 5: Bayeux

Take an early train to Bayeux, with a stop in Caen for lunch and to see Abbaye aux Hommes .

Check out the famous Bayeux Tapestry , a 70-metres long cloth depicting historic events from the 11 th century.

Day 5: D-Day Beaches

Spend the day reliving the invasion of Normandy in 1944.

Take a short bus ride to Arromanches-les-Bains where you can visit the D-Day museum.

Visit Omaha Beach and the D-Day memorial.

Day 7: Mont Saint-Michel

Explore the island of  Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations in France.

Take your time visiting the ancient  Mont Saint-Michel Abbey .

Consider a guided tour of the island to learn about its history.

Return to Paris by train in less than 4 hours (via Rennes).

Is 1 week in Northern France enough for me?

If you only have 1 week to spend in France, then it pays to narrow down your trip according to your interests. This itinerary offers enough diversity to give you a taste of the country, with art, history and architecture that will have you planning a return journey.  With fast TGV and regional train connections, a Eurail Pass will help you make the most of your 1 week in France.

Related Pages

European highlights itinerary.

2 Weeks In France For Families

10 days in Europe: the World War II sites

France Itinerary

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Athens, Attica

Auckland, Auckland Province

Barcelona, Catalonia

Brooklyn, New York State

André Fernandes

Laura Baldwin

Andrew Evans

Tara Turner

Exploring northern france, the ultimate itinerary.

• By Tiplr Magazine
• February 14, 2019

The best way to travel through these regions is by car. You’ll find that the locals are very friendly and are more than willing to be your friend, host, or counselor as you explore their secret villages. You can try different travel combinations, including hitchhiking, which is popular in France (you can find plenty of information on the  Hitchwiki Website ),  renting a car , or using  Bla Bla Car .

Our Northern Coast itinerary takes you through four regions: Nord Pas de Calais, Picardie, Normandie , and Bretagne. You’ll begin in Lille, a picturesque city that is filled with students and universities. Then you’ll make your way to Dunkerque  (Dunkirk) for Carnival! This crazy, fun traditional celebration falls on a different day every year, according to the Easter calendar, but there are other fun events that take place during other times of the year.

After Dunkerque, you’ll pass through the village of  Montreuil Sur Mer , which has Medieval sights and tasty traditional meals. Then you’ll discover the historical heritage of northern France when you reach  Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme , a gorgeous Medieval village. From there, take the steam train along the coastline.

Étretat  is the next town you will visit, and it will likely charm and inspire you the way it did Claude Monet. The famous French artist was so struck by Etretat’s landscape that he went there yearly and painted the town’s cliffs. After you’ve seen one of the most beautiful sunsets in France, head to  Le Havre , located near the town of Honfleur, for a glass of  calvados  (an apple or pear brandy).

History buffs will particularly enjoy a tour on D-Day beaches in  Caen , one of the best cities in Normandy. Then you can visit mystical  Mont Saint Michel , home to the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, an enormous abbey that looks like it’s straight out of a fantasy movie.

Next, you’ll arrive in Bretagne (Brittany), the last region on this itinerary, and visit Cap Fréhel . There are no towns or villages here, only two lighthouses, so this is the perfect spot to relax and hang out on the breathtaking cliffs. The road trip ends in  Saint Malo , the city of pirates! Walk the gorgeous beaches or explore the port city’s historical center and see the 700-year-old fortress.

By the end of this road trip, you’ll find that you won’t want to stop seeking new adventures.

France is a country that has so much history and culture, so why limit yourself and only stay in Paris? Broaden your horizons and take this road trip through the Northern Coast for an authentic, unique French experience. 

Here is some additional information that you may need to start this road trip:

• Length of trip : 767 km (477 miles)
• Living expenses for two people : €80 ($90 USD) for gasoline, €50–60 ($55–65 USD) per night to sleep in B&Bs or small hotels. Food is cheaper in the smaller villages and costs around €15–20 ($20–25 USD) for a full meal, including wine or beer. Normandy’s countryside has farms that sell apples, cheese, and cider and wine. These local products cost less than they do in cities.
• Useful links :  Normandy Tourist Office Website ,  Nord Pas de Calais Tourist Office Website ,  Brittany Tourist Office Website .

Cover Photo by  Pedro Lastra  on  Unsplash

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Northern France Itinerary for a 3-Week Road Trip

France is such a beautiful country, with so many landmarks and famous places. We ticked off a few of them on this Northern France itinerary. Last year we went on a France Spain Portugal road trip , this time we didn’t go as far South and did a Northern France tour. Northern France has so much to offer from Honfleur to Giverny to Parc Astérix. At the end of our North of France road trip we added a little bit of Germany and Luxembourg. We just love going on road trips and France is perfect for it.

Northern France Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Villeneuve-d’Ascq

Day 2: Explore Lille

Day 3: explore villeneuve-d’ascq.

Day 4: Drive from Villeneuve-d’Ascq to Pont-L’Évêque (341 kilometers/212 miles, about 3.5 hours)

Day 5: Explore Pont-L’Évêque and the lake

Day 6: Explore Honfleur

Day 7: Drive from Pont-L’Évêque to Les Barils (122 kilometers/76 miles, about 2 hours)

Day 8 + 9: Explore Domaine Les Bois-Francs Center Parcs

Day 10: Drive from Les Barils to Plailly (193 kilometers/120 miles, about 3 hours)

Day 11: Explore Parc Astérix

Day 12: Drive from Plailly to Noyon (72 kilometers/45 miles, about 1 hour)

Day 13: Explore Noyon

Day 14: Explore Clairière de L’Armistice

Day 15: Drive from Noyon to Bezannes (124 kilometers/77 miles, about 2 hours and 10 minutes)

Day 16 + 17: Explore Reims

Day 18: Drive from Bezannes to Ringsheim (403 kilometers/250 miles, about 4 hours), crossing the border with Germany

Day 19: Explore Europa Park

Day 20: Explore Rulantica

Day 21: Explore Europa Park

Day 22: Drive from Ringsheim to Luxembourg-city (279 kilometers/173 miles, about 3 hours and 10 minutes), crossing the border with France and Luxembourg

Day 23: Going Home

Day to Day Itinerary

This Northern France road trip itinerary gives plenty of time to explore the attractions at each stop or you can take one rest day and one day for exploring.

Day 1: Arriving in France

On the first day you arrive in France either by car (like us) or by plane. If you arrive by plane drive from the airport to Villeneuve-d’Ascq. We started at our home in Utrecht and drove South via Breda and Antwerpen.

Lille is close to Villeneuve-d’Ascq. We opted to take the metro from Villeneuve-d’Ascq to Lille center. We started our day at Marché de Wazemmes. Then we went on to explore the old city of Lille (Vieux Lille). The Église Saint-Maurice has beautiful stained glass windows. There are beautifully decorated old buildings to be admired and you can go shopping. Or visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the museum with the second largest art collection (after the Louvre).

We had a rest day, but you can explore Lille a second day or spend your day in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. Visit the Musée d’Art Moderne Lille Métropole, in short the LAM. A museum with modern art.

Day 4: Backroads, Rouen, Étretat or Le Havre

We opted to take the backroads to Pont-L’Évêque, which sadly was a bit of a boring ride. We had better taken the toll roads and either stopped at Rouen, Étretat or Le Havre to explore in the afternoon. Rouen with its cathedral and old town full of history. Étretat with its white cliffs on the coast and Le Havre with beaches and museums.

Day 5: Pont-L’Évêque

We had a rest day, but went shopping for sweets and cheese in Pont-L’Évêque. Our hotel was on the shore of Lac de Pont-L’Évêque. So a whole day on the water is also an option.

Day 6: Honfleur

It’s time to explore the world famous port city of Honfleur . It’s a beautiful old city. Expect lots of tourist crowds. We went on a boat tour on the Seine, with a view on Le Havre and the Pont de Normandie. We wandered around the Port de Honfleur and the old town, stepping inside the Église Sainte-Catherine. This church is the oldest wooden church of France.

Day 7: Pont-L’Évêque + Livarot + Camembert

Today is all about cheese and calvados. First visit the Calvados Père Magloire Experience in Pont-L’Évêque. An interactive exposition on the history and production of calvados. At the end there’s a tasting of the famous Normandic apple cognac. There’s an entrance fee.

After this experience drive over to Livarot and stop at Graindorge E Fromagerie. This is a cheese factory with a cheese shop and exposition on site. They produce 4 different cheeses here, all from this region. You get to see every step of the cheese making process. The cheeses produced here are Camembert, Neufchâtel, Pont-L’Évêque and Livarot. There’s no entrance fee. At the end is a small restaurant and shop. You can sample the cheeses here and buy them to take home with you.

Third drive to the small village of Camembert. Here’s where the famous Camembert cheese was invented. There’s a small museum on the history and production of the Camembert and you can do a tasting of different Camemberts.

Day 8 + 9: Domaine Les Bois-Francs Center Parcs

We went to Aqua Mundo twice on both days, to swim and have fun. We didn’t leave the resort. But there’s plenty to do in this region. Yuri wanted to visit water parks on our trip. This was the first of two, so we spent our time in the water.

Day 10: Giverny

Giverny is as beautiful as you think it will be. I loved it. It’s also as crowded as you think it will be. We visited the house and gardens of Monet and the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny. The museum is small, but has some beautiful works of art on display. The gardens in front of the museum are also worth your time, just not as beautiful as Monet’s gardens. The gardens and house of Monet are truly beautiful and well kept. Loved visiting them both.

We got our tickets at the museum, there was almost no line there, and at the house and gardens was a long waiting line. They have combination tickets for the museum, house and gardens. The gardens and house of Monet have a special entrance for people who already have a ticket. Both the museum and this entrance had no waiting line.

Day 11 + 12: Parc Astérix

We loved Parc Astérix, this theme park is a new favorite of ours. We spent a day and a half here. There are rides for all ages and all in theme with Astérix and Obélix, the comic book characters. In the evening, at the parks closing, there’s a lights, music and fireworks show. The park also offers shows, next to rides. The shows are in French, but we could still follow them and had fun. (Only Paul speaks and understands French from the 3 of us).

Day 13: Noyon

We had a rest day, but Noyon has two small museums you can visit. Musée de Noyonnais and the Musée Jean Calvin.

Day 14: Mémorial de L’Armistice

There’s a small museum and memorials in the forest near Compiègne. This is where the World War One armistice was signed. The train wagon is placed inside a memorial building and there’s a museum behind it. The museum covers the First and Second World War and the history of the  armistice wagon. Hitler also used the same train wagon to sign the surrender of France to Germany in the Second World War. He then had it towed to Berlin. It burned down in Germany. So this wagon is not the original, but from the same series. The train tracks are still there, and two other memorials for World War One are also on site.

Day 15: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Noyon + Abbaye d’Ourscamp + Caverne du Dragon

Our hotel was across from the cathedral. We visited early in the morning, it’s a beautiful large cathedral with no crowds. The Abbaye d’Ourscamp consists of several buildings and is still in use. We visited when the monks had a service at noon. The ruins of one building of the abbey are beautiful, but fenced off, because it’s not stable anymore. The abbey is in the town of Chiry-Ourscamp, South of Noyon.

The Château de Coucy is en route to the Caverne du Dragon. We just admired it from the car, but you can make a stop here if you want.

The Caverne du Dragon is in the town of Oulches-la-Vallée-Foulon on the Chemin des Dames. A quarry where during the First World War German and French soldiers took up residence. On the planes above and in the quarry heavy fighting took place and thousands of soldiers died. There was a guided tour through the quarry. The tour was in French, but we had audioguides in Dutch (other languages were available).

Day 16 + 17: Reims

We had a rest day on day 16 and visited Reims on day 17. There are enough attractions to easily spend two days in Reims. Don’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, the entrance was free, since there was a religious day on the day we visited. An imposing cathedral, with beautiful glass stained windows. In this cathedral lots of kings and emperors were crowned and Jeanne d’Arc is remembered. The cathedral is still being restored from damages done during both World Wars. The Palais du Tau was closed when we visited, but was definitely on our list. There are a lot of Champagne houses in the city that provide tours.

Day 18: Driving Day

Drive from Bezannes to Ringsheim, it will take up half the day to more, depending on how busy the traffic is. You enter Germany.

Day 19 till 21: Europa Park + Rulantica

Europa park is the largest theme park in Europe and holds the second place in visitor numbers. Rulantica is their second park, and this is a water park. We spent one day at both parks and had one rest day. You can however easily spend two days at Europa park. We didn’t have enough time to do all the rides and shows in one day. Rulantica is a beautiful water park, which is good for a full day of water fun.

Day 22 + 23: Luxembourg-city

You can explore Luxembourg-city in the evening on day 22 and on the morning of day 23 before going home.

Where to Eat

France is known for its delicious pastries and cheeses and we tried out many of them. I’ll list them per place we visited.

Lille + Villeneuve-d’Ascq

In Lille visit the Marché du Wazemmes, it’s a roofed cast iron hall with stalls selling local cheeses, sausages and so on. We bought several things to go and had a small breakfast for lunch in the market hall.

They have delicious cakes at Elizabeth’s in Vieux Lille. We sat down here. Maison Georges Larnicol had really delicious macarons in the center of Lille.

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq we had dinner at Buffalo Grill and at Restaurant Délices d’Asie. The first is a chain in France with American cuisine, we love eating there. The second had an Asian all-you-can-eat buffet. They had sushi, fish, fried rice and more. You could also pile (raw) food on a plate, which they prepared for you with a sauce to your liking in a wok.

Pont-L’Évêque + Honfleur

At our hotel we enjoyed the breakfast buffet on our last morning, it was a buffet with lots of choice. We also enjoyed a 3-course menu for lunch and had drinks a few times at the Eden Park Hotel Restaurant. The 3-course menu was super delicious and of good quality. The restaurant had a perfect view on the lake. They had chairs placed outside on the grass with a view on the lake. I can recommend the Coupe Madame cocktail.

Chocolaterie Mérimée Emmanuel has delicious macarons and chocolate. La Fromagerie d’Annabelle has lots of choice in cheeses. L’Epi d’Or is a boulanger and pâtissier and has delicious cakes and bread. These are all in the town of Pont-L’Évêque.

In Honfleur we had lunch at Restaurant Le Crystal. Good food with fish and other French cuisine.

Livarot + Camembert + Les Barils + Giverny

In Livarot Le Bar a Fromages at Graindorge E Fromagerie has several cheese plates you can sample. Such delicious regional cheeses! There’s also a shop where you can buy the cheeses and more.

At La Maison du Camembert in Camembert you can buy different Camembert cheeses and other regional products.

In Giverny we had hotdogs and fries with sausages for lunch on a bench. We got them from the take out window at Les Nymhéas restaurant. The service was really slow, but the hotdogs were large.

At Center Parcs we got dinner one evening from Quick. A French fast food chain.

Parc Astérix

We had the breakfast buffet each morning at our hotel Les Trois Hiboux.

In the park we had crépes au Nutella and a gaufre au sucre as a lunch twice. For dinner we had sandwiches with chips at La Guinguette. We had loaded fries at Fritapopoulos for lunch.

Noyon + Bezannes + Reims

In Noyon we got take out pizza at Pizza King. They tasted good. We had lunch and dinner at Le Palais D’Asie, all delicious. Misto Burger had some good burgers. At Boulangerie Roland we got pastries, bread, quiches, sandwiches several times and they were all delicious.

In Bezannes we had dinner at La Boucherie restaurant. An American style restaurant with French dishes. My burger and Paul’s steak were both delicious. We had lunch at Quick on a Sunday, since almost everything else was closed. We had a cocktail at the hotel bar, which were good.

Across our hotel were 4 restaurants, 3 of them were closed due to vacation, but Chevallier was open on weekdays. This is a pastry shop and they had such delicious cakes, sandwiches, quiches and cookies, The staff was super friendly.

In Reims we sat down at Bubble Coffee and had milkshakes and waffles here. Both were delicious. We had lunch at Paul. Paul is a pastry chain with stores throughout France. (My husband Paul always loves eating here, since the store has his name). At Le Grand Café we had a mixed board with cheese, meat and fish. I had a glass of champagne, after all we were in the Champagne region.

Ringsheim + Europa Park + Rulantica

We had dinner twice at Kebab House, which was close to our hotel. They had good kebab. We got cake from Eugen Bosch Bäckerei und Lebensmittel for Paul’s birthday. Good cakes, but it isn’t that hard to get those in Germany at a bakery. All days we had the breakfast buffet at our hotel, which had enough choice.

At Europa park we had lunch with hotdogs from Moby Dick Hot Dogs. Paul had a Chili Hot Dog and Yuri and I had a regular hotdog. We had dinner at Foodloop. Which is a super fun and somewhat spectacular restaurant. Your food and drinks arrive at your table on rollercoaster rails. The food was good and it was fun to watch. We had delicious Carte D’or ice cream at a Gelateria.

At Rulantica we had our lunch with burgers at Snekkjas. We had twice non-alcoholic cocktails at Skogbar. Where you ordered your drinks at a bar in the water, and could also drink in the water. The cocktails were good. We had dinner with pasta and pizza at Lumålunda. All food tasted good.

Luxembourg-City

We had dinner with burgers at Jakob’s House. It was expensive, but had a good vibe. We also had sangria here. The restaurant was at the Rives de Clausen, a street full of restaurants and bars.

Where to Stay

We booked all our stays with wifi and an electrical hook-up. We have a fully electrical car, so we need the last one.

Villeneuve-d’Ascq + Pont-L’Évêque

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq we stayed 3 nights at Tulip Inn Lille Grand Stade Residence. We had a studio with three single beds. It was a simple room, but with a small kitchen. There was paid parking in a parking garage under the building. Sadly the electrical hook-up in the parking garage did not work. Lots of restaurants and a grocery store nearby. We had the room including the breakfast buffet. This hotel is also perfect as a stopover hotel on the way South .

Eden Park Hotel Restaurant in Pont-L’Évêque was perfect. The hotel is situated on Lac de Pont-L’Évêque, the restaurant and part of the rooms had a view on the lake. Next to the shore of the lake was grass and the hotel had placed beach chairs there. It was so relaxing to sit on them. We had tea and coffee facilities in our room. There was an electrical hook-up on the hotel’s parking lot. The restaurant at the hotel was super good. It was a bit further away from the town of Pont-L’Évêque. We had 3 good nights here with airconditioning.

Les Barils + Plailly

At Domaine les Bois-Francs Center Parcs we stayed a weekend (3 nights) in a renewed comfort cottage. It’s a holiday rental with a kitchen and terrace. It has a waterpark, Aqua Mundo, which is guaranteed to give hours of fun. There’s also an arcade hall, bowling alley, indoor play area, a spa and more fun things. There were no electrical hook-ups, but you could charge your car at a regular socket, free of charge.

In Plailly we stayed at Les Trois Hiboux Hotel. One of 3 hotels of Parc Astérix. We had 2 nights here and entrance to the park. You entered Parc Astérix at the back. We had 30 minutes early entrance as hotel guests. The room was basic, but good and the breakfast buffet was included. There were electrical hook-ups at the parking place and it was free of charge to use.

Noyon + Bezannes

In Noyon we had 3 nights at Cit’Hotel – Hotel le Cèdre. It’s across from the cathedral of Noyon. We had a room with a view on it. Our room was a comfort 3 persons room. It was in the city center of Noyon so lots of restaurants, cafés and stores around the corner. The hotel had it’s own parking lot with electrical hook-ups. We had a small fridge and coffee and tea facilities in our room.

In Bezannes we stayed 3 nights at Golden Tulip Reims. They had a lot of electrical hook-ups and they’re own fenced parking lot. Our room had airconditioning, a small fridge and a coffee maker. There was a small (cold) swimming pool with hot tub (with cold water). The hotel had a bar with seats inside and out.

Ringsheim + Luxembourg-City

In Ringsheim we stayed at Hotel la Toscana, just 5.2 kilometers/3.2 miles away from Europa park. We had a family room with airconditioning a small terrace. We had coffee and tea facilities. The room was including the breakfast buffet. The hotel had their own parking lot with electrical hook-ups. We spent 4 nights at this hotel.

In Luxembourg-city we stayed one night at Novotel Suites Luxembourg. The parking on their terrain costs €17.00 per day. They have electrical hook-ups. They didn’t work properly when we stayed, but they were fixing it. Our room with Queensize bed and a single bed had airconditioning, a microwave, a small fridge and coffee and tea facilities.

When to Visit

We did this road trip last July and August and it was hot. We had warm weather the whole 3 weeks. Almost the whole of Europe experienced hot, dry weather this Summer.

Typically the coast in Northern France has a sea climate. The rest has a transitional climate.

Honfleur, and that part of Normandy near the coast, has a climate that is normally cool and wet year round, with rain and wind. Especially during Fall and Winter. Summer is the least rainy season. Lille has a cool and humid climate.

The area of Normandy with Les Barils and Giverny and the area around Paris (Plailly + Noyon) has a temperate climate. So on average the temperatures are quite cool, however there can be hot days in Summer and cold spells in Winter. There’s less rainfall compared to the coast, but just as much sun days.

The Northeast (Reims + Ringsburg + Luxembourg-city) has a moderately continental climate. Which means a relatively warm Summer and a cold Winter.

You can drive this route all year long. However Rulantica closes in the Winter months.

Hiring a Car and Airports

We drove the route with our own car. For this road trip we didn’t rent a car, but we have excellent experiences with Hertz and Alamo.

When arriving by plane before embarking on this road trip: Lille has an international airport, Lille Lesquin Airport, which is 11 kilometers/7 miles away from Villeneuve-d’Ascq and 308 kilometers/191 miles away from Luxembourg-city. Luxembourg Airport is located 8 kilometers/5 miles away from Luxembourg-city and 316 kilometers/196 miles away from Villeneuve-d’Ascq.

• When visiting at the end of July and in August, keep in mind that there will be restaurants and stores closed due to vacation. We experienced this especially in Noyon and Bezannes. Half to more were closed for 3 to 4 weeks.
• France, Germany and Luxembourg use the Euro.
• In the smaller cities and towns restaurants and shops close at 1.30pm or 2pm. Dinner is after 7pm.
• France has toll roads. You can pay at the toll booths (cash or card) or have a special box for it in your car.
• A list of cities in France, where you have to have a special emission sticker on your car, you can order that sticker here . Germany has this also, here is more information about where. 

Alternative Itineraries

Skip Europa park and Luxembourg, make it a just France trip.

Day 18: Going Home

Instead of Europa park and Luxembourg more of France.

Day 18: Drive from Bezannes to Nancy (247 kilometers/  miles, about 3 hours)

Day 19: Explore Nancy

Day 20: Drive from Nancy to Colmar (149 kilometers/  miles, about 2 hours)

Day 21: Explore Colmar

Day 22: Explore Mulhouse

That Concludes Our Northern France Itinerary

Hope you enjoy this road trip through beautiful Northern France as much as we’ve done!

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13 comments.

The pics look sooo cool!One of my friends is planning a trip to France this summer, I will definitely share this blog with him. He can probably follow your itinerary as is !Thanks for sharing !😊

ANUKRATI DOSI

Wow! What an adventurous road trip.

What a great 3 weeks – I’d love to visit Monet’s Garden and I could eat Cambembert on crackers until the cows come home!

What an awesome roadtrip! I had planned a much shorter one through northern France pre-covid, but it got canceled. I’d love to reschedule it one day and this definitely encourages me to do so!

Wow! 😯 I’m definitely saving this for later! Lots of great options.

Great post! Looks like nice slow travel and great food! I love it, and will bookmark it, because it is not far from home!

Alan Josephs

The Calvados Experience looks amazing.

Wow, what a comprehensive itinerary for an extended stay in France! Thank you for taking the time to put this together and make it easier for future travelers 🙂

I love your itinerary because it includes many non-touristy places such as Noyon. While reading, I remembered the times I went to some of the places like Center Parks, Parc Asterix, Lille, etc. I have a good memory of Parc Asterix.

I embarrassingly have never considered doing a road trip in France before. After reading your experience it sounds like in need to re-consider it as you were able to get so much done!

This is a great itinerary! I’ve only explored a little bit of Northern France, mostly Southern, but it’s been on my list to explore the north more. It looks beautiful! Super helpful post!

I love how France offers so much to see, especially the north being quite different from the south. Thank you for putting this together!

I’d definitely love to see more of France. I’ve only been to Paris thus far, but eating sweets and cheeses in Pont-L’Évêque and exploring Honfleur to see the harbor sounds like an amazing time.

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Artistic and Architectural France Cathedral Tour

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• September 17 – 28, 2024
• $10,995.00 + air
• Single Supplement: $1295.00

Come with us on an Exquisite Historical Tour of Northern France

On this Northern France experience, you will explore the magnificent evolution of artistic and architectural styles by examining the stunning cathedrals and churches in and around Paris.

Keep reading more about this exceptional tour, but we’d also like to invite you to explore our other Historical and Cultural Tours in Europe and our Historical and Cultural Tours in Africa .

A Northern France Tour Through Art, Architecture, and Cathedrals

Since the Christianization of Europe in the 4th century, cathedrals have served both as centers of ecclesiastical authority and marvels of architectural genius and innovation. The resurgence of the Church as a central authority and increased overall prosperity led to the active construction and reconstruction of many truly awe-inspiring cathedrals.

Join Far Horizons on a captivating 12-day tour in Northern France and experience the birthplace of this architectural evolution from robust Romanesque to soaring Gothic architecture. Led by renowned Professor William R. Cook, popular lecturer for The Great Courses (formerly The Teaching Company), we will explore stunning sites in Chartres, Bourges, Vezelay, Amiens, Reims, and, of course, picturesque Paris. Steep yourself in the history and culture that gave rise to these monumental tributes to the heavens…

Of course, a sojourn through France must include that country’s exceptional food and drink! So along the way, experience sumptuous French cuisine along with luscious regional wines including the champagne of Troyes.

This trip is not to be missed! If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to  get in touch .

Northern France Cathedral Tour Led by:

Dr William R. Cook

State University of New York – Geneseo Department of History

Why Take this Historical Tour of Northern France?

• Led by Dr. William R. Cook, lecturer for The Great Courses
• Visit eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Enjoy three nights in the center of Paris
• Experience a behind-the-scenes view of preservation work at Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
• Specially-arranged Champagne lunch at a family winery
• Limited to 14 participants

Tour of Northern France Itinerary

Day 1 travel to france.

Depart for Paris, France.

Day 2 Arrive in France and transfer to the Victoria Palace Hotel

Arrive at Charles de Gaulle International airport and independent transfers to our hotel. For the next three nights, experience the Old World elegance of the Victoria Palace Hotel   located in the heart of Paris. The afternoon is free to relax after our flight, perhaps replenishing ourselves with a coffee in one of the many cafés nearby. Once rested, enjoy our welcome dinner in an elegant local restaurant. (D)

Day 3 Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs and Notre Dame

Our exploration of the sanctuaries of France begins with the fascinating Priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, a treasure of medieval architecture. This imposing Romanesque structure was discovered to be built over a chapel dating to the 5th century Merovingian dynasty, revealing the site’s long history as a place of worship. Next, we head to Musée National du Moyen-Âge: thermes et hôtel de Cluny, housing an important collection of medieval artifacts including tapestries, sculpture, manuscripts and stained glass. 

This complex provides a unique glimpse into the civic architecture of medieval Paris, as it combines both Gothic and Renaissance elements. The afternoon will be spent walking through the historic section of Paris, with UNESCO World Heritage status, where we see iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, a masterpiece of French Gothic style. Built on a site that has been occupied since Roman times, this immense construction became a meeting place for the craftsmen’s guilds and a place of education renowned throughout Europe. The evening is free to savor la cuisine française on our own. (B/L)

Day 4 Tour Basilique Saint-Denis and Sainte-Chappelle

Today begins with a visit to the inspiring Basilique Saint-Denis, the purported birthplace of Gothic architecture. The cathedral that once stood here, built circa 1143, was the first example of the ‘new style’ in Europe, but was massively damaged during the French Revolution. Restoration work conducted in the 19th century has exposed the authentic Gothic style of the choir and west front. 

Next we visit Sainte-Chappelle.  Consecrated in 1248, this aptly named ‘Holy Chapel’ was built to house Louis the IX’s collection of relics of Christ and boasts a colorful interior and impressive stain glass that brings the immensity of the heavens to earth. Move on to the intriguing Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Built on the outskirts of medieval Paris, this site once served as the burial place of Merovingian kings. After its foundation in the 6th century, this Benedictine abbey went on to become one of the richest in France. If available, enjoy a private tour of the restorative work being done by the American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés, our donation project . (B/L/D)

Day 5 Visit Chartres

This morning we venture south of Paris, to Chartres. This picturesque town marks the point at which the Eure River divides into three branches, effectively speckling the town with bridges. We spend the day exploring the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, with UNESCO World Heritage designation. Built upon a site that once was a place of pagan worship, the cathedral is the first example of a ‘classic’ cathedral and is the high point of Gothic architecture in the region. 

The majority of the original stained glass windows are still intact, and there have been only minor changes in the architecture since the early 13th century when it was completed. Many features, which first appeared in the Chartres Cathedral, were later developed to become hallmarks of the High Gothic style. 

Long on the pilgrimage route, it is venerated for its famous relic, the Sancta Camisa, said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ’s birth. Once we have finished our explorations for the day, we overnight at the Le Grand Monarque Hotel and Spa for one night. Dinner tonight is on our own. (B/L)

Day 6 The Royal City of Bourges

Our drive from Chartres takes us to Bourges, a Royal City since the year 1100, and home to the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges. Completed in the 13th century, and once the northeastern corner of the Gallo-Roman walled city, the location of this sanctuary has been a place of Christian worship since the 3rd century. 

Exemplifying a supreme form of Gothic art, this architectural masterpiece demonstrates the power of Christianity in medieval France. Supported by flying buttresses, the western façade is the largest of all the Gothic edifices in France. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, this structure is an important example in the evolution of Gothic architecture. After lunch, move on to Autun. 

The Romanesque Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d’Autun was constructed in the 12th century in response to the large number of pilgrims passing through on their way to Santiago de Compostela. We continue on to Vézelay where we overnight at the Hotel de la Poste et Lion d’Or for one night. (B/L/D)

Day 7 The Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay

Rising on a rock from a deep valley, the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay, founded in 864, is a masterpiece of Romanesque art and architecture. Both this abbey church and the hill upon which it stands were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. 

Gaining its fame for housing relics of Mary Magdalene, this site remains an important place of pilgrimage despite the exposure of its holy artifacts as fakes. Unlike its contemporaries, the subject of Vézelay’s tympanum, a decorative structure above the entrance, is the Pentecostal Mission of the Apostles. 

This depiction of the events of the Pentecost serves as a spiritual defense of the Crusades and is a prime example of politics meeting religion in architecture.  Continue to Montbard to visit the Abbaye de Fontaney, one of the oldest and most complete Cistern abbeys. This Romanesque structure was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1981. In the afternoon, we move on to Troyes, a charming medieval town that overlooks the picturesque River Seine, where we settle into the Hotel Mercure for one night. (B/L)

Day 8 Troyes Houses Cathedral

Located along the Seine, Troyes is home to the multifaceted Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Troyes. This complex has known many constructions, but work on its Gothic incarnation began in 1208 and continued into the 17th century. The cathedral is particularly well known for its striking stained glass dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries. 

Lunch and the afternoon are on our own to explore Troyes’ lovely medieval old town featuring narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful, half-timbered houses, mostly dating to the 16th century. Afterwards, we transfer to Reims where we overnight for two nights.  (B/L)

Day 9 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

A textile town in medieval times, Reims’ wine production took over in the 15th century as the industry of choice and has remained a tradition; the town is currently home to many top champagne houses. The medieval roots of the city are far from lost, however, as the overwhelming Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims provides imposing evidence. 

This cathedral, begun in 1211, was designed for royal coronations, which meant that no expense was spared in its decoration. Its ornate façade is a reflection of the intersection of religion, art and power. Although it was built in stages between the 13th and the 15th centuries, the structure has a unity of style that represents the height of the mature French Gothic style and has UNESCO World Heritage status. 

A short distance away, at the south end of town, is the largest Romanesque church in France, the Basilique Saint-Remi de Reims. Founded in the 11th century, this building was constructed over the burial site of St. Remi, renowned for baptizing the King of the Franks, Clovis I, an act which lead to the conversion of the entire Frankish people. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Touring Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon

We begin today in nearby Laon. Once a royal city, the surrounding woodlands were favored by kings for their superior hunting grounds. Here, we view the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon, built during the 12th and 13th centuries. It is one of the most important and stylistically unified examples of early Gothic architecture. Known for its imposing towers, the pointed arches in the luminous white interior show the way up to Heaven.

Next, we continue on to Amiens to begin our explorations of the compelling Cathédrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Erected between 1220 and 1270, this is the largest of all Gothic cathedrals and is the tallest religious building in France. Its western portals are famous for their elaborate sculptures, creations which have influenced church sculpture throughout Europe. During the 1990s, a laser cleaning process revealed that the western façade was originally painted with vibrant colors. Fortunately, lighting techniques were developed to project these colors with precision directly on the façade, recreating in a stunning display the edifice’s 13th century effect on churchgoers, which we will have the option of viewing later this evening.  Overnight for one night at the Mercure Amiens Cathedrale Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 11 Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Beauvais

Travel west to Beauvais, home to the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Beauvais. Begun in 1225, this ambitious construction features the highest vault in Gothic architecture. Despite many structural complications, work on the cathedral continued sporadically well into the 16th century, but ultimately the structure was left in its current, unfinished state. 

Next, we move to Rouen, an ancient capital of the Duchy of Normandy founded on a Roman settlement. Despite modernization, Rouen has maintained many medieval treasures in its ‘old’ district including half-timbered buildings and a clock (set in a Renaissance arch). 

The glorious Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen springs up from 12th-century foundations, revealing soaring Gothic arches, intricate Flamboyant carving and two towers that flank the façade. A short distance away, we view Église Saint Maclou, considered one of the best examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in France; its construction began sometime after 1432 during the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles. 

Nearby we find the Abbaye Saint Ouen de Rouen, which has both Merovingian and Carolingian origins. Construction of the current structure began in 1318, work was slowed, however, by the Hundred Years War. The abbey church’s slow evolution is highlighted by the western façade, which dates to the 19th century and reflects a Neo-Gothic style. After our visit, we head back towards Paris and overnight near the airport for one night. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)

Day 12 Travel Home

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for our departure home. (B)

Tour Information

Tour cost & inclusions.

Price is based on double occupancy and includes:

• Internal flights during the trip (if applicable)
• The accompaniment of your scholar throughout the entire trip
• Local English-speaking guide
• Hotel accommodations (3 or 4 stars; or best available based in the area)
• Ground transportation
• Airport transfers for arrivals and departures
• Most meals as noted in the itinerary
• Entry fees to all included sites and museums
• Gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant and hotel staff
• Coordination for any private presentations or tours

Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.

Single Supplement

Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

• International round trip airfare
• A separate donation check of $150.00 per person to a designated donation project
• Passport or visa fees
• Required vaccines or tests
• Airport or departure taxes
• Alcoholic drinks, beverages or food not included on set menus
• Excess baggage charges
• Personal tips and hotel incidental expenses
• Laundry or other items of a personal nature

Donation Checks

As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.

Registration

A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.

Cancellation

Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.

Air Ticketing

International round trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like for us to handle your air ticketing.

Private Tours and Talks

The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

Walking and Standing

Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.

Expectations During Travels with Far Horizons

This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible, while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days where we have very long drives and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. At times we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will not be haute cuisine and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.

Itinerary Changes

Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read as well as patience, flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.

Travel Insurance

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

15 Best Places to Visit in Northern France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Honfleur

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

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

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

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

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

5. La Roche-Guyon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Saint-Valery-sur-Somme

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

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

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

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

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

9. Lyons-la-Forêt

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

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

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

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

10. Beuvron-en-Auge

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

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

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

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

11. Le Havre

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

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

One that mesmerises all-comers is St.

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

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

• 12.  Vannes

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

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

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

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

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

13. Bayeaux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Beauvais

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

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

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

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

15 Best Places to Visit in Northern France:

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

A 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

France Travel Blog

Best Places To Visit In Northern France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>Related: Things To Do in Caen

Mont Saint-Michel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>Related: Things To Do In Reims

Hautvillers

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

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

Best Places To Visit In Northern France – Summary

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

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

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

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Best Places to Visit in Northern France

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

Visit North of France

In general, Northern France is still rather unknown among international tourists, as its offer differs somewhat from the ‘classic’ holidays in France. However, once you visit North of France, it’s difficult not to fall in love with this part of the country, with a rich and diverse historical heritage and a range of natural environments unrivaled by any other regions in France .

Whether you plan to spend your holiday sightseeing, road tripping, or simply relaxing by the sea, north France is an ideal destination.

Ile-de-France is France’s cultural and political heart. It offers a unique backdrop for any trip to Paris, with countless historical monuments, magnificent châteaux, picturesque villages, and beautiful countryside.

Normandy offers visitors a stunning coastline, picturesque harbors, and elegant seaside resorts.  It is also the land of Impressionism, a movement inspired by Monet’s ‘impression’ of the sunrise at Le Havre.

Hauts-de-France is a region of awesome cathedrals, belfries, castles, and WW sites, but it is also a land of wide-open spaces, wild coasts, and beautiful countryside.

For this article, we asked some fellow travel bloggers and friends about the best places to visit Northern France. From cities and top sights to hidden gems, here’s the list of the best places in Northern France and the top things to do in Northern France.

Related posts

>> Explore Northern France by car

>> Explore Northern France by train

Best Things to Do in Northern France

If you’re wondering where to go, and what to do in Northern France, this list of best things to do in Northern France may give you some holiday inspiration.

Eiffel Tower (Paris, Ile-de-France)

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic site of Paris and France and a must of any first trip to Paris. Built between 1887 – 1889 for the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower had such a success that the City decided to keep it. Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited sights in Paris, with more than 7 million visitors annually.

Is it worth going up the Eiffel Tower? We say YES! Apart from the great views of Paris from above,  the permanent exhibition about its construction and the most curious facts is fascinating, plus there’s always something cool going on on the second floor.

If you want to visit the Eiffel Tower during your next trip to Paris be sure to book your tickets well in advance.

>> Click here to book your Eiffel Tower tickets

Versailles Palace & Gardens (Yvelines, Ile-de-France)

Another of the best places to see in Northern France is the Palace of Versailles and its surrounding gardens.

Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, and for a reason. The Palace, home to three French Kings, is a jewel of French Baroque architecture and the center of the royal power from 1682 to 1789.

When visiting Versailles , keep some time to explore the beautiful gardens, with their fountains, grooves, and the Grand Canal. Versailles Gardens are a masterwork of André Le Notre and one of France’s finest examples of French-style gardens.

>> Book your tickets to Château de Versailles

Dunkerque (Nord, Hauts-de-France)

Dunkirk (Dunkerque), the northernmost city of France just 10km west of the border with Belgium boasts a number of attractions that make this itself a destination rather than just a ferry port.

Widely known as the scene of an incredible evacuation of over 330,000 British and French soldiers during World War II the town of course has military and maritime connections. The fabulous and recently refurbished Operation Dynamo Museum is one particular highlight but do also head to the town’s harbor area.

Dunkirk also boasts the magnificent 4km long Malo Les Bains beach and adjacent Digue de Mer promenade . Linking Dunkirk to the neighboring village of Leffrinckoucke these are perfect for family days out, followed by a hearty meal in one of the many splendid restaurants and a leisurely stroll. For the more active these are also ideal for cycle rides or even sailing and kitesurfing.

Other cultural highlights include the LAAC Modern Art Museum and FRAC collection of over 1,500 contemporary artworks.

Suggested by Paul | thetwothatdo.com

>> Click here to book your hotel in Dunkerque

Giverny (Eure, Normandie)

Just over an hour northwest of Paris is Giverny in Normandy, the home, gardens, and water lily pond of French impressionist painter Claude Monet. 

A  day trip to Giverny  makes a great excursion from Paris, and you can see so much in a little amount of time. At Giverny, you’ll be able to tour Monet’s house and painting studio , visit his overwhelmingly beautiful flower gardens and walk around his famous water lily pond. It was here at his home in Giverny where Monet painted his famous  Water Lilies  series, and you can see that exact pond for yourself. 

During this quick and easy day trip, you’ll be able to learn all about Monet’s life and his quest for artistic perfection, as well as get to appreciate his love of gardening. There are over 100 varieties of trees, plants, and flowers on Monet’s property, and different times of year yield different blooming experiences. However, the most popular times to visit are in May to see the Japanese Bridge covered in purple wisteria, and July to see the water lilies in full bloom.

Suggested by Ashley |My Wanderlusty Life

>> Click here to book a half-day tour to Giverny from Paris

Amiens (Somme, Hauts-de-France)

Amiens is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern France, set only 120 km from Paris. This lovely place is known for its flower canals or floating gardens and the largest cathedral in France.

Flower canals or hortillonnages are intertwined around the river Somme and can easily be visited by foot or by boat. The path is filled with artistic bridges, educational trail, and some art installations through the islands that happen at the Festival of gardens. It’s 7 km long starting near the Saint-Leu district and the cathedral where the boat can be arranged also. At this spot, the water market takes place every Saturday.

Amiens cathedral is characterized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the stained glass makes a colorful impression. Not only Amiens deserves a visit but also Samara, an archeological park in the surroundings which takes you in prehistoric times.

Amiens can easily be reached by train or by bus specially Flixbus which takes 3 hours.

Suggested by Gabi |Underflowerysky.com

>> Click here to book your hotel in Amiens

Lille (Nord, Hauts-de-France)

Lille , the so-called capital of French Flanders, is one of the best places to visit in Northern France.

One of the criminally underrated cities in France , it owes much to its location near the Belgian border, feeling more Flemish than French, from its architecture to its food. Picture large cobblestoned squares lined with extravagant Flemish Baroque buildings you will have the measure of the place.

Take a  self-guided walking tour of Lille  to discover the best that the city has to offer.  Browse the bookstalls in the porticoed courtyard of La Veille Bourse , formerly the city’s stock exchange. Pay your respects at the  Notre Dame de la Treille , an intoxicating mix of Gothic and contemporary architecture and Lille’s spiritual beating heart.  In stark contrast,  L’Église Saint Etienne , one of France’s largest Jesuit churches, is the epitome of elegant simplicity.

Art aficionados won’t be disappointed: Lille is home to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, a fine art gallery, second only to Paris’s Louvre in size and stature.

Finally, no visit to Lille is complete without sampling merveilleux, little cakes of melt-in-the-mouth meringue liberally covered in fresh cream and chocolate shavings.

Suggested by Bridget | The Flashpacker

>> Click here to book your hotel in Lille

Etretat (Seine-Maritime, Normandie)

One of the most beautiful natural sights North of France is Etretat, located in Normandy. The small town is niched in a valley ending on a beach, where, on both sides, magnificent white cliffs are sculpted by the sea. There are arches, sea stacks, and tunnels cut into the 50 to 80m high walls of chalk.

It is easy to understand why it has inspired many artists through the centuries, such as Claude Monet.

Wear walking shoes to go explore some of the most beautiful sights:

• The top of the cliffs and their impressive views to see the rock formations: l’Aiguille Creuse (the Hollow Needle) and the arches such as Manneporte…
• The pebble beaches at the bottom of the cliffs, reaching the hidden ones via tunnels (at low tide only)
• The old town with brick houses typical of the region
• The fun gardens mixing art and nature

Etretat is 2h30min away from Paris by car and not easily accessed by public transportation. It deserves at least 2 days for you to discover its beauty.

Suggested by Claire | Zigzag On Earth

>> Click here to book your hotel in Etretat

Bayeux (Calvados, Normandie)

No trip to North France is complete without a visit to Bayeux . This pretty town may not be large, but it boasts plenty of worthwhile sights.

The town’s attractive center is dominated by the imposing Cathedral de Notre Dame , which dates back to the 11th century. The Gothic-style cathedral features two massive spires and its interior houses a crypt with restored frescoes from the 15th century.

A bigger drawcard, though, is the Bayeux Tapestry, a 70 meter-long embroidery that depicts the Battle of Hastings, when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066.

Housed in a special glass cabinet in a purpose-built museum, the Tapestry consists of 50 scenes stitched on linen panels. It served as a pictorial book to explain the events of the battle to a largely illiterate population.  The Tapestry was commissioned in 1077 and remarkably, has survived for over 1000 years. It has been classified by UNESCO as a ‘memory of the world’.

You can visit the Bayeux Tapestry in the Centre Guillaume-le-Conquerant-Tapisserie de Bayeux , close to the center of Bayeux and just a 10-minute walk from the train station. Entry costs less than €10 per adult, and audio guides with commentary are available.

Suggested by Carolyn | Holidays to Europe

>> Click here to book your hotel in Bayeux

Mont Saint-Michel (Manche, Normandie)

Perched on top of a rocky island just off the coast of Normandy, this Benedictine abbey the most spectacular location of any abbey in France.

It seems like a more appropriate spot for a fortress than for a place of worship, and over the centuries Mont Saint-Michel has served as both. Attacked by English soldiers on multiple occasions in the Hundred Years’ War, it was never conquered.

A small medieval town grew up around the abbey, and it became one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Europe, second only to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, it has long been recognized as one of the most important landmarks in France.

The waters around Mont Saint-Michel have silted so much that it’s only really an island at high tide. Nevertheless, you are strongly recommended not to attempt to reach Mont Saint-Michel by crossing the mudflats, as the deep mud and quicksand can be very dangerous. Use the designated footbridge instead.

Mont Saint-Michel is one of the top places to visit in North France. The nearest train station is at Pontorson, and from there you can continue by bus to Mont Saint-Michel.

Suggested by Wendy | The Nomadic Vegan

>> Click here to book a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris

Vaux-le-Vicomte (Seine-et-Marne, Ile-de-France)

The castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte , near Paris, has a troubled history in France. Its past is scattered with conflicts, rumors, and jealousy.

The castle’s construction finished in 1661. Fouché, its owner, was then Louis XIV’s Finance Secretary. During a party, guest Louis XIV discovered that Vaux-le-Vicomte was more beautiful and expensive than his own castle of Versailles and retaliated: Fouché was sent to prison two months later. 

Visiting Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the top things to do in Northern France and a great experience. Everything is in perfect condition in the castle. You wander from room to room, jumping back centuries. You get the same luxury and details as in Versailles but without the crowd. The gardens are wonderful in the summer. 

Vaux-le-Vicomte is easy to access: you can drive or take the P train from Paris, get off at Verneuil-l-Etang about an hour later and hop on a shuttle aligned on the train schedule.

You can find more information about the castle with this guide to visiting Vaux-le-Vicomte .

Suggested by Kenza | Cups of English Tea

Compiegne (Oise, Hauts-de-France)

Just 45 min train outside of Paris, the imperial city of Compiègne is well known for its palace, its spectacular forest, and for the role it played in both World Wars. 

In the center of the town is the Château De Compiegne , the summer residence of former French royalties. Adjacent to the palace, the 700 hectares parc is crossed by the Beaux-Monts alley, a 5km promenade leading to a hill with a spectacular view of the forest and the palace.

In the Compiegne forest also took place two major events of the 20th century.  In 1918, the Armistice was signed in a train wagon on the Clairiere de l’Armistice, ending the 1st World War. And in 1940, Hitler chose that same location to impose his terms on defeated France. The train carriage is now a memorial.

In the city center, don’t miss the imposing Hôtel de Ville , and the Unesco World Heritage Saint Jacques Church . In between the two, stop by Les Picantins , a pastry store selling the delicious local specialty of the same name: three hazelnuts covered in caramel and chocolate. 

Suggested by Emma | Bonjour Sunset

Honfleur (Calvados, Normandy)

One of the most picturesque cities in Northern France, Honfleur is known for cobbled streets and half-timbered houses typical of the Normandy region.

Honfleur’s beauty inspired artists over the centuries and in particular the masters of Impressionism including Monet. They painted the colorful town centered around its safe harbor – Le Vieux Bassin – on the Seine estuary where reflections shimmer in the water. Later they would retire to the cafes and bars and no doubt enjoyed some of the famed local seafood dishes and cider. 

When you visit Honfleur, make time to visit the  Sainte-Catherine church . This is the largest wooden church in France and has stood in place for over 400 years. The separate bell tower keeps watching over the town and its regular produce markets where you can pick up delicacies of the region, especially the famed Normandy Camembert.

On the last Sunday of each month, Honfleur hosts a wonderful brocante market where, if you’re lucky, you can find wonderful antique bargains. 

Suggested by Kathy | Untold Morsels

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10 Best Places In The North Of France To Visit

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

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

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

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

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

 1.) Le Havre

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

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

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

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

Read more: Best places in France to visit

 2.) Caen

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

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

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

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

3.) Mont Saint-Michel

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: How to visit Mont Saint-Michel

 4.)  Brest

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

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

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

Read more: Best hikes in France

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

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

 6.)  Paimpont

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

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

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

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

Read more: Best places in Brittany to visit

7.) Combourg Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’ll love it. 

 9.)  Belle Island

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

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

Read more: Best places to visit in France

10.) Rest of France

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

It is a stunning country. 

20 Stunning Places To Visit In France

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Countryside Tours

France countryside self-drive tours.

Our itineraries are crafted for independent travelers who enjoy driving around , exploring a region on its back roads and being pleasantly surprised by unexpected sceneries .

French geography is varied, for a small country. You only have to drive for an hour to enjoy a different type of  landscape  and panoramic views .

We will recommend our favorite scenic roads and the best photo stops. 

Our self guided tour under the theme "Sceneries"

Marc Schaffner - Morbihan Tourisme

Slow Travel to Normandy, Brittany & Paris

This itinerary will uncover the treasures of the North-West of France, at a very relaxed pace...so you really have the time to meet with locals.

Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley Tour

From the landing sites in Normandy to Mont Saint Michel on to Brittany ending in the Loire Valley, this itinerary will have you discover all the history, traditions and gastronomy of the North-West of France.

Alexandre Lamoureux - CRT Bretagne

The Best of Brittany Tour

If you've always dreamt of visiting Brittany, it's time to go ! This 13 day itinerary will take you along the coasts and across the rolling hills of Brittany. From the Morbihan Gulf to Pont Aven, drive to the tip of Brittany in Finistère, then enjoy the north coast from the pink granite beaches back east to Rennes, Saint Malo and Mont Saint Michel area.

Hunawihr town in fall Tristan Vuano - ADT Alsace

The Best of Eastern France

This itinerary takes you to Eastern France from North to South. After spending a few days in Paris, you will enjoy the Alsace region on the German border and then drive your way south all the way to Provence. The best itinerary to discover l'Est de la France !

Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley ADT Touraine - Jean-Christophe Coutand

France for Wine Lovers

This itinerary is designed for gourmet travelers who aim at discovering and learning more about French wines. Our tours also mix heritage, culture, nice walks, gardens, etc. In this tour, you will stay in wineries, by vineyards & in wine towns. An absolute must for wine lovers !

france itinerary 4 weeks CRT Bouches du Rhone

Self-Driving around France - from Paris to Nice

Spend about a month traveling from Paris to Nice on the French Riviera and get a real feel for the authentic France!

Castelnaud castle and the Dordogne river Sarlat TO

A Genuine Trip to the South West of France

Explore the South West of France: fortresses clinging to the cliffs in the Cathar Country and Dordogne, many “most beautiful villages of France”, and a very rich and unique gastronomy. This is where to experience the authentic France.

Local sheep from Basque Country Sare Tourist Office

From Paris to Biarritz on the back roads

From Paris to Toulouse, this trip will allow you to explore these unique regions by the backroads. Take the time to visit some of the hidden castles of the Loire Valley, enjoy duck confit in Dordogne, and discover the typical villages of the Basque Country.

Traditional costumes from the Basque Country OT Hendaye

Focus on the South West of France

From the Unesco city of Bordeaux and the surrounding world-famous vineyards, to the mythical beach towns of Biarritz and St Jean de Lu z, feeling the fresh air of the Pyrenees foothills, and ending in the mysterious medieval town of Carcassonne . . . what a program!

Provence landscapes Benoit Dignac - ADT Avignon

Southern France from West to East

This unique self-drive itinerary will have you cross the South of France from its Western coast in the Basque Country to beautiful Provence, with its cicadas and lavender fields.

Basque Country typical architecture CDT Pays Basque

The Authentic South West of France

This self-drive itinerary will take you to the South West of France, from the Basque coastline to authentic Dordogne, ending in the bustling city of Bordeaux.

Provence cuisine ADT Provence

Provence Gastronomy in a Day

This day is crafted for gourmet travelers only. Get acquainted with Provence gastronomy and gorgeous landscapes. How to Get There This day tour starts in Avignon, Provence and requires for travelers to have car. From Paris, you can take a high-speed train to Avignon (about 3hrs).

Mont Saint Michel Mont Saint Michel

A Day in Mont Saint Michel

Spend a memorable day exploring the mythical Mont Saint Michel! How to get there This tour starts in Avranches, near Mont Saint Michel. You may take a train or a bus from Paris. If you stay in the area, we may also meet you directly in Mt St Michel parking lots. Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited sites in France and many travelers are caught in the crowds. We will plan your day for you to enjoy this unique site at its best. ppen in the morning or in the afternoon.

Castelnaud medieval castle in Dordogne CDT Dordogne

Southern France during the Middle Ages

Experience medieval France in three of the richest heritage regions in the South of France.

on the Loire River David Darrault

Northern France Must Sees & Hidden Beauties

This is the best itinerary to thoroughly discover the Northern part of France: Burgundy vineyards, Loire Valley castles, Normandy WWII history . . . and ending in the most famous and beautiful capital in the world - Paris.

Stroll in Provence C.Dutrey - Provence Tourisme

Riviera sceneries, hidden Provence & majestic Paris

From the colors and fragrances of the South-East of France, to the beautiful monuments, restaurants and concerts in Paris, this trip will awaken all your senses.

Enjoy the French sweet life ADT Touraine - Stevens Frémont

From Paris to Nice at your own pace

For independent travelers who want to thoroughly explore la belle France - from Paris, through the vineyards of Burgundy, the charming landscapes of Provence, and on to the sunny Riviera!

You may not believe it but this is a Paris street... David Lefranc - OT Paris

Northern France at your own pace

This itinerary gives you the perfect tour of Northern France, including Paris, the Loire Valley castles and gastronomy, and ending in Normandy with the landing sites, the hinterland and beautiful Giverny.

Honfleur - Chateaux of the Loire tour - loire valley castles tour OT Normandie

Chateaux of the Loire & Norman History

From the Loire Valley castles, the famous village of Mont Saint Michel surrounded by water, the landings beaches and the Norman countryside . . . to end the trip at Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny: you’ll have to keep your eyes wide open!

French old buildings David Lefranc - OT Paris

Paris Beauties & Provence Secrets

Explore two very typical and stunning regions of France and get a real feel for our beautiful country.

La Concorde in Paris David Lefranc - OT Paris

Heritage, Wine & Back Roads

Get a taste of the real France in very typical regions, famous for their cultural heritage as well as their sweet way of life.

Burgundy cheeses Alain Doiré

From Marseille to Paris away from the Crowds

Explore Eastern France, from South to North . . . colorful Provence, Burgundy vineyards, and of course the city of lights: Paris! We recommend that our travelers fly into Marseille and out of Paris (which is not always more expensive and much more convenient than Paris on both ends).

Chambord castle FJFY

Sceneries, Wineries & Castles in the Heart of France

Explore and fully experience two "very French" regions, both famous for their gastronomy, wines, beautiful landscapes and very rich heritage.

Burgundy wine tasting ©Alain Doiré

The Center of France on the Back Roads

Exploring by the back roads is the best way to experience France and immerse yourself in the culture. Get a real feel for the authentic France, and enjoy at your own pace.

Langeais town in the Loire Valley David Darrault

Normandy & the Loire Valley Loop

Normandy & the Loire Valley are 2 regions of France you should not miss: the climate is mild, the people are very welcoming and history is around every corner.

Cochise - OT Vallée de la Dordogne Cochise - OT Vallée de la Dordogne

The diversity of French Landscapes

Let yourself be carried away by three of the most iconic regions of France. From the Vallée de la Loire's "sweet life" to Dordogne's castles and Provence's colorful landscapes, you'll have a most enjoyable and memorable journey!

La Liodière restaurant & chef ADT Touraine - Jean-Christophe Coutand

Scenic Roads & French Cuisine

Travel through three of the most fascinating regions in France. Let your friendly hosts introduce you to the French "sweet life" in their charming B&Bs.

A market in Provence R.Cintas-Flores-Provence Tourisme

Provence's Scents & the Riviera's Shades

Enjoy the sweet scents, vivid colors, flavorful tastes, sunshine and warm wind of Provence & the Riviera. To save time and energy, we recommend you fly in and out of Marseille (or Nice) International Airport. Otherwise, we can also help with TGV train tickets.

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Laura and Emilie planned such a professional, authentic and fantastic trip that it has become one of my favorite vacations! Excursions, accommodations, and suggested activities were flawless -- such that the only difficult decision for us was what to select from scrumptious French cuisine. I was hesitant at first to trust an unknown online trip …

Laura and Emilie planned such a professional, authentic and fantastic trip that it has become one of my favorite vacations! Excursions, accommodations, and suggested activities were flawless -- such that the only difficult decision for us was what to select from scrumptious French cuisine. I was hesitant at first to trust an unknown online trip planner, but I'm so glad I did. Knowing France from the inside made all the difference. The specific tips about traveling in France made our first driving experience actually enjoyable! We drove out of Paris, visited Normandy, Mont St. -Michel, Loire Valley, Provence, Burgundy and Nice!

From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime! We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and …

From Bordeaux, Medoc wineries, Basque country of France and Spain, Carcassone, Dordogne, pre-historic caves, beautiful medieval towns and villages, switch-back mountain roads, sunshine, truffles, food & wine and gracious b&b hosts to final flight home, this was the trip of a lifetime! We drove over 3,200 kms with the help of our included gps and cell phone package. Emilie provided all of the details, maps, recommendations that you could ever want and never hope to experience all of them -- but, what excellent choices! We have travelled in France on our own before and on tours. This was number One! We are in our mid 70's and were able to mange this trip with ease. Thanks for everything, Emilie!

An experience OF France, not just a trip TO France. For over 30 years my wife has dreamed of visiting the Loire region of France. Emilie and Laura not only made this a reality, they made it truly a dream trip. The multi-hundred page guidebook not only guided our daily itinerary, it prepared us for what we needed to know for a successful self-guided …

An experience OF France, not just a trip TO France.

For over 30 years my wife has dreamed of visiting the Loire region of France. Emilie and Laura not only made this a reality, they made it truly a dream trip.

The multi-hundred page guidebook not only guided our daily itinerary, it prepared us for what we needed to know for a successful self-guided tour throughout the region. This was invaluable, as we learned many of the cultural things we needed to know to most fully participate in the experience of French life.

And to speak of the itinerary... WOW! The choices and details, from how to see Chenonceau from every angle, to the private vineyard tour and wine tasting, to the little-known liqueur distillery, to the personal touches based on our wishes. Even now, as we look back at our pictures and think on our memories, it seems a dream. Friends, some of whom had visited France, marveled at our pictures and stories.

We can't wait for our next experience of France. And we look forward to Emilie and Laura being our guides.

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Hi there 👋 I’m Emilie. Your dream trip?

North Coast of France: The Ultimate Road Trip From Dieppe to Calais

 Tripsavvy / Christine Wehrmeier

The north coast of France is often ignored, but passing up this seaside paradise means missing a real treat. It’s a fabulous area with a long sweeping coastline, charming villages, and gorgeous landscapes. This neglected treasure of coast is ripe for a road trip.

There are two ways to do this driving tour. If you’re starting in Paris , this tour makes an excellent few days outside the capital . All of the destinations are within a three-hour drive from Paris, so you can easily do the entire route or simply pick the parts that most stand out to you. If you’re coming from the U.K. via ferry, it’s a perfect short break that delivers the best of France in a nutshell.

This route starts in the town of Dieppe in Normandy, which is about two and a half hours from Paris by car or four hours from Newhaven, U.K., by ferry service from DFDS . The destination city of Calais is only two hours away if you were to drive straight there, but this guide highlights all of the charming towns and attractions to stop in along the way.

Day 1: Dieppe

If you're coming from the UK, take the DFDS ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, leaving at 9.30 a.m. and arriving in France at 2 p.m. local time. 

If you're coming from Paris, the 195-km (121-mile) drive will take around 2 hours 30 minutes. 

Walk along the small streets parallel to the English Channel starting at the Estran-Cité de la Mer, the local museum of the sea. Seventeenth-century houses made of white brick line the Grande Rue; continue onto rue de la Barre where number 4 housed a pharmacy in 1683. Voltaire lodged here with his friend the apothecary when he came back from exile in England in 1728 then went to live with his lover Emilie du Châtelet in Champagne. Other houses date from the 18th century.

The old section ends at the Château, originally a huge circular tower that was part of the 14th-century fortifications of this once vital seaport. Today the massive stone structure with its rounded defensive walls and small windows high up above the surrounding countryside houses a good museum. Ship models, maps, and instruments along with Dutch paintings and furniture catch and keep your imagination. But don’t miss the superb collection of Dieppe ivories, made from the ivory imported from Africa and the Orient. The 17th century saw 350 ivory carvers in Dieppe, but today you’ll only see a small workshop in the museum.

Beyond the Château, you come to the Memorial to August 19, 1942. It commemorates the date when a force of 7,000 soldiers—mostly Canadians—was launched from the U.K. against the Germans in northern France. It was a disaster, as 5,000 men were killed or taken prisoner. But lessons were learned and during the later Normandy D-Day Landings , artificial ports were towed over, while heavily defended harbors like Dieppe, were avoided.

Eat in Dieppe, where the tang of the ocean means fish or shellfish. Oysters or a huge plateau de fruits de mer at the Comptoir à Huîtres will hit the spot in this simple restaurant.

The Café des Tribunaux is a large brasserie-style café that started as an inn at the end of the 17th century. It was the favorite place for the Impressionists and was painted by Sickert, who spent his summers in Dieppe in the 1890s, moving there permanently from 1896 to 1905. It’s a great place for people watching while sitting on the terrace with a cold beer or glass of wine.

If you want to stay in Dieppe and like sea views, try the Inter-Hotel de la Plage . It looks just like a pleasant seaside hotel and has rooms for every budget, although the sea view options are more expensive. There’s no restaurant, but with plenty of choice in Dieppe, this is no hardship.

Outside Dieppe, the Auberge du Clos Normand is everything you want from a former coaching inn. Today it’s a delightful old building with wooden balconies, rooms overlooking a farm, a restaurant with an old tiled floor, and brick walls.

Day 2: Houses, History, and an Estuary in the Somme

Franz-Marc Frei/Getty Images

Dieppe is on what is known as the "Alabaster coast" ( Côte d'Albâtre ), an 80-mile-long stretch of white cliffs and wonderful beaches along the seashore. Just southwest of Dieppe on the D75 highway, the road takes you to the charming little resort of Varengeville-sur-Mer, where half-timbered houses stand shyly behind thick hedges.

The gardens of the Le Bois des Moutiers estate were an extension of the house, designed by the architect's collaborator, Gertrude Jekyll. It’s a little piece of English architectural and cultural history, open to the curious from mid-March to mid-November. 

A piece of French history awaits at the Manoir d’Ango , built as a summer palace for the naval advisor to Francois I and privateer, Jehan Ango, between 1535 and 1545. Walk through the forbidding and huge wooden gate and you step into an Italian Renaissance jewel, built around a large internal courtyard with a pigeonnier in the middle. It’s open from April 1 to November 1.

Eat in Varengeville on the terrace at the charming Auberge du Relais .

Drive back through Dieppe and along the coast road, the D925. Go through the small seaside resort of Le Tréport and on to the golden beaches of Mers-les-Bains, a typical resort of Victorian villas that don’t seem to have changed since the 19th century. The coast road continues up through Picardy to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a charming seaside town where William, Duke of Normandy , embarked on his journey to conquer England in 1066.

Saint-Valery still has its medieval citadel in the upper town, while the lower town has quays running along the estuary lined with brightly colored houses, restaurants, and hotels.

You can imagine the past life at the Écomusée Picarvie  with its collection of tools, photographs, and artifacts. Or just spend the afternoon doing all those things people do in seaside resorts: dig for shellfish, take a boat trip, cycle through the surrounding countryside with a guide. But be careful; the Somme estuary has strong tides that ebb and flow, creating dangerous currents.

Opposite, Le Crotoy is a pretty former fishing hamlet that faces south, giving you wonderful views and a landscape that inspired the likes of Jules Verne, who wrote "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" here; French author Colette; and the Impressionist painters, Sisley and Seurat.

Take the road north along the coast, through now silted-up fishing hamlets that seem left in a time warp. You’ll arrive at the Parc Ornithologique du Marquenterre , a magical place of sand dunes and pine forests where you can hire binoculars and walk through the paths stopping at the observation posts and looking at the remarkable collection of nesting birds here through powerful telescopes.

In Saint Valery, book at La Table des Corderies , where the chef Sebastien Porquet champions the freshest local products.

Or, drive to Le Crotoy for dinner overlooking the glorious bay and dining on more excellent local, seasonal dishes at Bellevue .

The Hotel Picardia is a chintz-filled gem of a place that's set in a 19th-century building. With only 18 rooms (seven are family rooms) and close to the waterfront, this is a traveler favorite, so book well in advance.

Day 3: Glorious Gardens, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to Montreuil-sur-Mer

From St-Valery, head northeast into the countryside. Make for Crécy-en-Pontheiu which you’ll get to by driving on the D111 through the Crécy Forest. All that is left from the famous battle of 1346 is the Moulin Édouard III northeast of Crécy on the D111 towards Wadicourt. This was where Edward III watched the battle.

The gardens of the delightful Abbaye de Valloires  are your destination this morning. From Wadicourt, continue on the D111 to Dompierre-sur-Authie. You’ll enjoy the drive through the beautiful Authie valley before you reach this peaceful spot. The gardens stretch out from the ancient abbey, its warm stone walls forming the perfect backdrop for a series of five themed gardens. Have a typical and local lunch in the abbey restaurant.

If you’re a garden fan, cross over the river and take the D119 that runs along the opposite bank of the river Authie to Auxi-le-Chateau. From here take the D941 to Frévent, then the D82 to Séricourt. This is a wonderful, slightly eccentric private garden. The garden's 29 themes take you on a walk through war and peace, down a shaded alley of white cedars and under roses and clematis trained on a pergola. Séricourt is one of the top gardens in all of France .

From Séricourt, take the D340 to Hesdin and Montreuil-sur-Mer for tonight’s stop in the delightful small town abandoned by the sea.

If you're staying at the Château de Montreuil , eat at the Michelin-starred restaurant for a memorable meal or choose from various other options in the area . 

The Château de Montreuil sits behind a front gate in its own gardens. It’s a gracious, 3-story white-washed building looking more like an Edwardian stately home than a top château hotel . Inside the rooms are a mix of periods and styles; choose the Tudor age in the room with a four-poster bed, or choose to stay in this century with a more contemporary design. 

Day 4: Montreuil-sur-Mer to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Montreuil itself is a sizable town. Once one of the major medieval ports of France, it lost all purpose when the river Canche silted up in the 15th century, leaving the town to remain in a time warp, ignored by the rest of the country. Today it's a quiet, pretty place with historic ramparts, a citadel that played a part in World War I, good shops and restaurants, and a fabulous view over the river.

Spend the morning here then drive the short distance to Étaples, a working fishing port with an intriguing attraction about the local fishing industry, the Maréis La Corderie .

Aux Pêcheurs d’Étaples is the place for excellent fish and seafood. You’ll find it above the fish market on the quayside.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has always been a magnet for both Brits and vacationing Parisians. It’s a gracious, relaxed seaside town with a whole range of sporting activities from water sports to horse-riding. It is also a top golfing destination. Le Touquet has always been one of the top seaside resorts in France, once attracting the likes of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward.

There are plenty of dining choices in Le Touquet for all budgets. If you stay at Le Westminster, you must eat in the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Pavillon . Otherwise, try Le Café des Arts  where the French classics are first-rate, served in a casual, relaxed restaurant. 

Le Westminster is the top hotel in the area, a glorious embodiment of the elegant Edwardian age. It's kept its popularity; signed photos of all the stars and celebrities who stay here line the walls of the public corridors. 

If you want to be outside the main town in a delightful forest and next to a top golf course, choose Le Manoir with its very English-club-like feel. 

Day 5: Le Touquet to Wimereux

Drive along the Opal Coast ( Côte d'Opale ) then take the turn to Hardelot-Plage. Stop at the unusual attraction of Hardelot Château . Built on 13th-century foundations, it was the brainchild of Sir John Hare who used Windsor Castle as his inspiration to rebuild it in the 1830s. With its mix of French and English influences, it celebrates the  entente cordiale agreements between France and the U.K. Today, Hardelot Château has a delightful, domestic Edwardian interior that comes as a contrast to the very castle-like stone exterior. 

In 2016, a new 338-seater Elizabethan Theatre was opened on the grounds. The theatre is open all year round and is immensely adaptable for theatre and music. The main attraction is the Theatre Festival which runs from mid-June to mid-July each year.

The Brasserie L’Ocean  looks over the sea from the large picture windows of the restaurant and from the outside terrace.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a very short drive along the coast. The seaside town is lively with a top attraction, the Nausicaá aquarium . This is a great place for families with tank after tank of hammerhead sharks, jellyfish, turbot, and rays. Don’t miss feeding time for the sea lions who always put on a great show and the delightful penguins.

Take time to walk away from the harbor and the seaside up to a surprisingly interesting medieval upper town. You can walk around the old medieval walls with their paths, rose beds, and garden benches to take time to look at the view.

If you're staying at La Matelote , you won't want to eat anywhere else. The restaurant is well known locally and is always full of locals as well as hotel guests. 

In Boulogne itself , there are two good possibilities. In the upper town of Boulogne, book at L’Enclos d eL’Evêché . This charming bed and breakfast has just three rooms which are chic and decorated with great flair. There’s an excellent breakfast as well.

The town’s best hotel is the long-established and very comfortable La Matelote . Opposite Nausicaá, it’s been beautifully renovated and now has a pool, Jacuzzi, hammam, and sauna. If you can, book a room with its own balcony onto the sea.

Outside Boulogne at Wimereux, book at one of the most popular and well-known hotels along this stretch of coast. The Hotel Atlantic has a lovely seaside feel, with rooms overlooking the ocean. It has a spa and the 1-Michelin star restaurant, La Liegoise. 

Day 6: Wimereux to Calais

After a good breakfast, drive up the coast past windy sand dunes to the headland: Cap Gris-Nez. All along this part until Cap Blanc Nez, numerous turn-offs from the road take you to walking paths with stunning views towards England. At Wissant, you get to the long sandy beaches where Julius Caesar launched his assault on England in 55 BC.

Your final drive takes you up to Calais , the port which most people just use as a starting point for their journey through France. But Calais is a surprising place with lots of history, and the town has worked hard to restore its historic buildings to their former charm.

Stop off at Le Côte d’Argent on the seafront for top seafood in a modern, spacious restaurant.

Calais has some delightful surprises. The major don’t-miss attraction is the Lace Museum , officially the Cité Internationale de la dentelle et de la mode de Calais . Calais was once a great lace-making center and this museum takes you through the story. There’s something for everyone: fashion from the past and the present, demonstrations of lace making on a huge industrial machine bought in England, and videos that fascinate with their detail on making the patterns.​

The Calais Town Hall and Belfry is a gloriously extravagant building and looks much older than it is. In the garden, one of Rodin’s Burghers of Calais statues is the pride of the place. It commemorates the incident in 1347 when Edward III of England captured Calais and threatened a mass execution of the citizens. He changed his mind, instead deciding that six of the main leaders should be executed. This was too much for Edward’s wife, Queen Philippa of Hainault, who successfully pleaded for their lives. 

There’s a lot more to see in Calais: the huge Notre-Dame church where a young Charles de Gaulle married Yvonne Vendroux in 1921 and the statue of the couple outside; the excellent Fine Arts Museum ; and the old-fashioned but evocative Musée de Mémoire , telling the story of occupied Calais during World War II.

And that’s all to do before you go shopping , which Calais is famous for.

The rue Royale in the medieval fortified part of town is full of restaurants and bars. Book at the Histoire Ancienne , a family-owned and run bistro-style restaurant that serves classic dishes in a friendly relaxed venue.

The old-fashioned but well renovated Hotel Meurice is near the beach and just a few minutes' walk into the center of town. A grand staircase at the entrance sets the scene, and the hotel is particularly popular with British visitors. It has a good bar that buzzes into the late evening.

We end here but if you want to go further, head up to Dunkirk  near the Belgian border where the remains of Operation Dynamo in World War II still lie along the beaches.

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Cultural Heritage

Reading time: 0 min Published on 11 March 2024, updated on 16 April 2024

Thirsty for culture? All over France, new museums, art centres and other hybrid venues are now preparing to receive their first visitors. Travel through the epic history of books and images at the Dominican Convent of Colmar, plunge into the cauldron of contemporary creativity at Luma Arles deep in Provence, explore ancient Gaul at NarboVia in Narbonne or take an impressionist stroll through Les Franciscaines de Deauville and the Abbaye de Fontevraud... We reveal the most iconic new cultural venues of today, which you should definitely experience just as soon as health crisis restrictions allow!

Cité Internationale de la langue française at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, Hauts-de-France

Less than 100 km from Paris, in the Hauts-de-France region, the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, a listed historic monument, occupies a unique place in French history. It was within its walls that King François I signed an eponymous ordinance in 1539 establishing the use of French as the official language of law and justice. Nearly 700 years later, the building, which has been abandoned since 2014 and then restored, is opening a new page in its tumultuous history by becoming a centre for the dissemination of French-speaking cultures with the opening, in Autumn 2023, of the Cité Internationale de la langue française. An architectural work consisting of a contemporary-style glass roof with hanging words (in French, of course), the castle will house 1600m² of exhibitions, artists' workshops in residence, educational activities and an innovation laboratory.

Visit the Cité Internationale de la langue française at the Château de Villers-Cotterêts in Hauts-de-France (scheduled to open in 2023).

The Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne: a dive into the vineyards

Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2015, the 1247 Climats de Bourgogne , these micro wine-growing areas that make the Burgundy vineyards famous throughout the world, now have a dedicated cultural venue... or rather three! Spread over the sites of Chablis, Beaune and Macon, the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne is open to the public since spring 2023.

The capital of Burgundy wines , known for its hospices which host a prestigious auction every autumn, Beaune is the reference interpretation centre for the Climats and wines of Burgundy, but each site offer immersive sensory experiences and a fun trail dedicated to children to learn all about the Burgundy vineyard.

At Beaune, the eco-built building in the heart of a 10-hectare park takes the form of a vine tendril leading visitors to a panoramic terrace, more than 20 metres above the ground. Further north, in the village of Chablis, it is in the historic cellar of Petit Pontigny, dating from the 12th century, surrounded by a garden that visitors is immersed in the wine-growing landscapes of northern Burgundy (Chablisien, Grand Auxerrois and Châtillonnais). On the banks of the Saône, the Cité des Climats de Macon is visible from afar with its contemporary wine press screw rising above the exhibition areas. Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, Côtes du Couchois, the vineyards of southern Burgundy will hold no secrets for you.

Visit the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne (@citeclimatsvinsbourgogne)

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