Places To Visit in Northern France: The Top 3 Regions You Need To Explore

For most visitors to France, Paris and the French Riviera are top of the list. Few venture north of the capital. Many of those who do simply pass through making tracks for Brussels or Amsterdam. But, once you’ve seen the best places to visit in Northern France, you’ll realise their mistake.

One of Europe’s most historically significant regions, Northern France has played its part in shaping a continent for centuries. Once home to the Normans whose conquests took them from the northern reaches of Scotland to modern day Tunisia, Israel and as far west as the Anatolian plateau, Northern France was, more recently, the site of some of the bloodiest battles of the First and Second World Wars.

Our guide to the best places to visit in Northern France combines this history with vibrant cities, sublime coastal towns and miles of uninterrupted scenery. In a region which inspired some of France’s most revered artists, it’s no surprise that beauty is in abundance.

When to Visit Northern France

The Cote D’Azur may be France’s summer sun hotspot, but summers in Northern France can be pretty warm too. May to September is the best time to visit. Whilst good weather might not be quite as guaranteed as it is down south, this is your best chance to experience the places to visit in Northern France without getting wet. On the coast, temperatures average around 18°C (64°F), though can often be higher.

Winters in Northern France can be a little more changeable. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit, just be prepared for the occasional downpour.

If wartime history is what’s driving you to Northern France, you may wish to time your visit to coincide with major celebrations. VE Day (8th May), D-Day (6th June) and Armistice Day (11th November) all herald widespread commemoration.

Getting to Northern France

Exploring the best places to visit in Northern France is a great addition to a longer European adventure. This is particularly true if you’re spending some time in the UK. High-speed Eurostar trains link London St Pancras with Lille-Europe in under 90 minutes. If you’re bringing a car, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is a drive-on, drive-off train linking Folkestone, England with Calais, France in just over half-an-hour.

Ferries run frequently between Dover, England, Calais and Dunkirk with a crossing time of ninety minutes. There are also ferry connections from Portsmouth and the Channel Islands to Saint Malo.

Travel Tip: Ticking off some of the best places to visit in Northern France also ties in perfectly with our Belgium itinerary or a Paris city break.

If you’re traveling from further afield, the chances are you’ll arrive at one of Paris’ two major airports. Charles de Gaulle (CGD) and Orly (ORY) are within easy reach of all the great places to visit in Northern France. From within Europe, Paris Beauvais (BVA) is a handy alternative.

The Best Places to Visit in Northern France

1. Cote d’Opale

Like many Brits, the Cote d’Opale holds a special place in my heart. The closest point of continental Europe to the UK, the cliffs around Calais were my first glimpse of foreign land. These days, I’m as guilty as most for rolling off the ferry and pushing south towards Paris or making a break for the Belgian border.

But with beaches galore, a breath-taking landscape and fascinating wartime relics, the Cote d’Opale is so much more than somewhere to be passed through. This 120-km stretch of North Sea coast is easily one of the top places to visit in Northern France.

Where to Go

Calais

If your journey to the best places to visit in Northern France begins at the Port of Calais, it would only seem right to spend a little time in the city itself. Calais has a reputation for being a workaday port town, and whilst that’s true to an extent, it has its fair share of iconic landmarks you won’t want to miss.

Pay a visit to the Hotel de Ville whose iconic red and white belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to go inside and admire the incredible stained glass windows. Take a wander past the lighthouse to the headland which runs alongside the port to take in the views from the ruins of Fort Risban. Round off your time here with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts before grabbing lunch at classic French bistro Histoire Ancienne.

Dunkirk

If you haven’t seen the Christopher Nolan film Dunkirk yet, when you’re planning a trip to the top places to visit in Northern France is the time to watch it. One of the most important sites during the Second World War, Dunkirk is a history lovers dream.

From 26th May to 4th June 1940, the brutal Battle of Dunkirk claimed the lives of over 20,000 servicemen. When Dunkirk fell to German forces, over 338,000 British and French troops were rescued from the beaches by boat in a mammoth evacuation codenamed Operation Dynamo.

To learn more about the city’s role in the war, take a tour of the battlefield and beaches. If time’s a little tight with so many great places to visit in Northern France, stop by the Operation Dynamo Museum instead.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Now France’s largest fishing port, the ancient Roman port city of Boulogne couldn’t be more different to Calais or Dunkirk. Quiet, genteel and laid-back, Boulogne is one of the best places to visit in Northern France for relaxed beach vibes with plenty of history thrown in.

Start off by joining a walking tour of the Old Town. Boulogne was founded by the Romans as a base for the Britannic Fleet, the city grew significantly during the medieval period. Take a look around the 13th century castle, and once you’ve quenched your thirst for history, head for the beach.

If you can tear yourself away from unwinding on the sand, try to find time to visit Nausicaa. France’s national sea center is the largest aquarium in Europe with over 1,600 species on display. Round off your time in Boulogne tucking into fresh fish at Le Chatillon.

Where to Stay

Boulogne is our favorite place to stay on the Cote d’Opale. For beach views, book a studio at Evancy aparthotel. If you prefer a more traditional stay, Au Coin Du Spa is an excellent boutique B&B tucked away in a quiet street a short walk from the Old Town.

If you’re after some beachfront R&R to unwind whilst discovering the top places to visit in Northern France, the resort town of Berck-sur-Mer, just south of Boulogne, will suit you perfectly. Hotel Regina is right by the beach, with a full service spa and indoor pool for when the North Sea’s that little bit too chilly.

2. The Somme

First inhabited by Gauls in the 5th century BC, the lush valley flanking the Somme River has a dark history. In 1066, William the Conqueror assembled the fleet which would go on to put England under Norman control in the mouth of the Somme.

The 400 years which followed saw countless battles between the French and English on these lands. Almost 900 years later, with the two countries fighting on the same side, it was the events of 1916 which made the Somme a household name.

Where to Go

The Battlefields

In late 1915, Britain and France hatched a plan which they thought would ensure a fast and efficient victory over Germany. That plan was to attack on every front. On 1st July 1916, commanded by the infamous Douglas Haig, British forces launched an offensive in the Somme.

Haig’s plan didn’t play out as expected. On the first day of battle alone, 19,240 British soldiers were killed, the worst loss ever suffered in a single day. Over the course of the next four months, over 145,000 Allied troops lost their lives.

Pay your respects to them by taking a tour of the Somme’s battlefields. Aside from Thiepval, the Somme’s largest memorial and one of the most moving places to visit in Northern France, make a stop at Newfoundland Park. Occupying the former Beaumont-Hamel trenches, it pays homage to the Canadian soldiers who served here. Lochnagar Crater, formed by a landmine laid on the first day of battle, is a tragically impressive sight. Conclude your exploration of the battlefields at Musee Somme 1916 in Albert.

Amiens

The largest city in the Somme region, Amiens is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Northern France. Home to an impressive 13th century Gothic cathedral, Amiens hosts more than 60 listed historic buildings and monuments.

Iconic French novelist Jules Verne spent much of his later life in Amiens until his death here in 1905. Make a stop at Maison de Jules Verne where he lived for over 30 years. Musee de Picardie, the regions top archaeological museum is well worth a visit, as is neighboring Musee de Amiens.

Whatever you do, don’t leave Amiens without sampling the city’s signature dish: ficelle picarde. These rich crepes are stuffed with ham, mushrooms and shallots, and doused in a creamy bechamel sauce. La Source, near the cathedral, do one of the best in town.

Where to Stay

Amiens is the place to stay in the Somme. Hotel le Prieure, in the shadow of the cathedral, is our top pick. For a great value stay in Amiens, Hotel de Normandie is an excellent budget option within walking distance of all the sights.

If wartime history is driving you to the places to visit in Northern France, you might prefer to stay closer to the battlefields. Hotel & Restaurant de la Basiluque in Albert and Hotel Le Prieure in Rancourt are our favorites.

3. Normandy

When you think of Normandy, you probably think beaches. And those, Normandy has in abundance. But this region, the size of a small country, has so much more to offer besides, making it a a must whilst you’re seeking out the best places to visit in Northern France.

Where to Go

Rouen

Normandy’s thriving capital may have a laid back feel, but around every turn, there are stark reminders of just how much this city has shaped history. Once the seat of Norman rulers, Rouen was a cradle of power.

Take a guided tour of the medieval Old Town to uncover the history for yourselves. You’ll get the chance to see inside the imposing Gothic cathedral, explore Rouen’s oldest churches and marvel at Gros-Horloge.

Be sure to leave enough time for a day trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny. If you’re not driving, take the train to Vernon. Buses run from the station to Giverny. Back in Rouen, pay a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts to see some of Monet’s masterpieces with your own eyes.

Before you leave Rouen, there’s one final stop to make. The Patron Saint of France, Joan of Arc, died in the city on 30th May 1941 at the tender age of 19. Her life of divine guidance is honored at the Historical Jeanne d’Arc Museum.

Honfleur

Unequivocally one of the most photogenic places to visit in Northern France, the picture-perfect coastal town of Honfleur sits at the confluence of the River Seine. A glimpse of its harbor will leave you with no doubt as to how it provided inspiration for many of Monet’s finest works.

Vieux Bassin itself is best explored in the early mornings or evenings; crowds of day trippers from Paris do tend to make things a little too busy during the day. Once they’ve headed back to the city, take up residence at one of the many restaurants which line the harbor for an al-fresco dinner.

Travel Tip: Choose your restaurant carefully. As with any tourist hotspot, some capitalise on the location with high prices and subpar food. Le Vieux Honfleur is our top recommendation. Oysters and scallops are the stars of the show.

Pass the daytimes in Honfleur browsing the boutiques and exploring its excellent selection of museums. La Mora is the place to go to learn more about William the Conqueror, taking its name from his flagship Mora. The Naval Museum, on Vieux Bassin, is another must for history lovers.

Given Honfleur’s location, with direct access to Paris via the Seine, the town was a vital first line of defence. During the Hundred Years War (1337-1453, but I suppose the 116 Years War doesn’t have quite the same ring to it), Honfleur was captured twice by the English.

Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Eugene Boudin Museum. Born in Honfleur in 1824, many of his paintings were inspired by the town and surrounding coastline.

Around Bayeux

There’s far more to Bayeux than the Tapestry, which is good news given that you won’t be able to see it until October 2027. Once the Bayeux Tapestry Museum reopens, it’s well worth coming back to see it and tick off a few more places to visit in Northern France whilst you’re at it.

In the meantime, the Museum of the Battle of Normandy tells the story of Bayeux’s more recent history. The beaches just north of the town saw some of the most important events of World War Two.

On 6th June 1944, Allied Forces launched an invasion of German-occupied Normandy. This date would later become known as D-Day. Over 5,000 vessels and more than 160,000 troops took part in what was the largest naval invasion in history. Take a full day tour to see the sites with your own eyes.

Bayeux also serves as a great base for visiting one of the most iconic places to visit in Northern France. At the western tip of Normandy lies Mont St Michel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17-acre tidal island is the most visited site in France outside of Paris.

Take a day trip from Bayeux to cross the causeway and explore the island. If you have the chance to visit the United Kingdom too, head to Cornwall to check out Mount St Michael, Mont St Michel’s English counterpart.

Where to Stay

Given Normandy’s size, a multi-center approach is the best way to see it all. Start off with a couple of nights in Rouen. Hotel Cardinal, right by the cathedral, is our top pick. If you feel like treating yourself, stunning Hotel de Bourgtheroulde offers unparalleled luxury.

Allow at least one night in Honfluer. You’ll want to stay as close to the Vieux Bassin as possible. Hotel le Dauphin les Loges is a refreshingly understated great value spot in a town overrun with luxury properties. If you do want the full Honfleur experience (which comes at a price), L’Absinthe is our recommendation.

Spend your last few days in Bayeux. Just like Honfleur, prices here do tend to be on the higher side, but there are a few exceptions. Hotel Le St Patrice and Hotel de Brunville are our top picks. If you are craving opulence, Villa Lara won’t disappoint.

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