Best Places To Visit In Northern France

By Peter17 mins read

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:

Lille

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.

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Saint-Malo

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.

Bayeux

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.

Le Havre

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.

Caen

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.

Honfleur

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.

Reims

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.

Epernay

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.