Have you ever wanted to know what are the best places to visit in Northern France? When you think of France, you tend to picture Paris or the sprawling southern cities of Marseille or Nice. How about Northern France, the general region where Paris and Versailles are located? Northern France, with its art, history, and natural beauty, is France’s best-kept secret. From the bustling streets of Lille to the iconic cliffs at Etretat , the North of France offers a distinct and unique experience for everyone.
So let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Northern France!
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Lille
Lille, right up near the border with Belgium, is the capital of the Hauts-de-France region. The city seamlessly combines old-world Flemish charm with modern vibrancy. Wander through the Grand Palais, where 17th century architecture meets trendy boutiques and cafes. Arts enthusiasts (and those just interested in the arts in general) can dive into it at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, a vast museum that houses a diverse collection spanning the Middle Ages to contemporary works. In fact, it’s one of the biggest art museums in France!
Amiens
Venturing south, Amiens hosts the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Amiens Cathedral is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic church with intricate architecture and towering spires. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, or explore the labyrinthine interior adorned with stained glass windows and beautiful sculptures.
Etretat
Read more: When is the best time to visit Etretat?
Nature takes centre stage at Etretat, a stunning coastal town in the Normandy region of Northwestern France. The dramatic limestone or chalk cliffs, shaped by the relentless forces of wind and waves, provide a captivating backdrop. Stroll along the cliffs at Etretat for mesmerising views, and take in the natural arches such as the Porte d’Aval and the Manneporte.
Make a plan and stay in Etretat to venture through the nearby towns. We booked our stay with Booking.com
Bayeux
History comes to life through the world-renowned Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-metre long embroidered cloth that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The tapestry provides a mostly visual glimpse of life and warfare in Medieval France and England and can be found at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.
Recommended activity: American D-Day sites Half day tour
Honfleur
Nestled along the river Seine estuary, Honfleur is a picture-perfect town with vibrant colourful and narrow timber-framed houses and a charming harbour. Stroll along the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbour), where seafood restaurants and art galleries line the waterfront, and rival views of Nyhavn in Copenhagen. Or visit the Eugene Boudin museum, which houses a collection of pre-impressionist and impressionist works. This includes paintings from Eugene Boudin himself, who was one of the pioneers of the Impressionist movement and Claude Monet’s mentor.
Rouen
Rouen, the capital of Normandy, is steeped in culture and history. The imposing Rouen cathedral, another Gothic masterpiece, and the Gros Horloge (the medieval clock tower) are must-visits. Also, check out the Place du Vieux Marche (the Old Market Place) in the city centre, where the martyred saint Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) was burned at the stake. There is now a modern church of the same name that stands overlooking the square where Joan of Arc met her untimely end.
Tip: Rouen is a great spot for your road trip stopover through Northern France.
Mont Saint-Michel
No visit to Northern France is complete without a visit to the enchanting Mont Saint-Michel! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tidal island surrounded by a vast bay and topped with a medieval abbey, which overlooks the bay like a fairytale castle. During low tide, you can walk across the bay to the island for a short 2.7km (1.6 mile) walk with a local expert. It is highly recommended that you book a guided walk, as going across by foot can be dangerous.
Mont Saint-Michel is known for its big tidal variations and quick sand, which means there’s a slight chance you could become stuck as the tide can come in very quickly.
For a 7-day forecast of tidal checks, you can use this website and always make sure you do your own research beforehand.
Saint Malo
Saint-Malo, a historic coastal port town, boasts well-preserved city walls called Les Remparts. The town sits across the English Channel and is one of the most visited sites in Brittany, the most North-western region in France. Take a leisurely walk across the fortified walls for panoramic views of the sea and historic town, and see Saint-Malo castle. For an easy route, check out this 2.3km All trails loop around Saint Malo.
Giverny
Ah, Giverny! This was and still is the site of Claude Monet’s house and gardens; this was where Monet lived and painted for more than 40 years. Visit Monet’s house and gardens to witness the iconic water lilies, willow trees, and Japanese bridge come to life. Also, check out the Musee des Impressionnismes (Museum of Impressionism) for more of Monet’s works alongside other Impressionist artists.
Reims
As you can see, Northern France is an underrated region that invites much exploration and discovery. Whether you’re drawn to medieval history, artistic inspiration, or the beauty of nature, this relatively untouched corner of France offers a unique and memorable experience to those willing to immerse themselves in the region’s timeless beauty and charm.
When planning your trip, don’t forget to book ahead to save money. We recommend at least one month or more in advance to grab a great deal.
