Looking for places to visit in northern France? I’ve got you. I adore France and have visited many times, so let me share with you some of my favorite hidden gems in north France.
If this is your first visit then I would recommend Chantilly, Honfleur, and Mont St. Micheal. If you have already been to the area then perhaps the lesser-known places like Etretat, Quimper, and Belle Island will be great for you.
Northern France is a stunning vacation spot with so many picturesque towns and locations. In this article I will share what I feel are the must-see places in northern France to make the planning a little easier for you.
So grab a coffee and let me walk you through some of the most beautiful parts of France. From castles to manors, royal coronations to spectacular gardens I’m telling you this part of the country may surprise you.
12 Best Places To Visit In Northern France
Chantilly
Chantilly is only 50km or about 31 miles from Paris, it’s practically in the city’s backyard! It also tops our list of the Best Day Trips From Paris.
There are many reasons to visit Chantilly, from the lightly tanned historic houses to the countryside which is perfect for walking but I like others am drawn here because of its famous Chateau.
Now you all know I love a good castle and Château de Chantilly is breathtaking. The grounds, lake, and stables make this place even more special.
What I love most about this place though is the art.
Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, fifth son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe inherited the property at 8 years old. During his lifetime he grew one of the biggest art collections in the world, considered second only to the Louvre, Chntilly is the showcase for this art.
And if you are feeling energetic there are some amazing walks in this area around the stunning countryside.
If you are wondering where to visit in northern France I would start here as there is so much to see and It’s only a short distance from the city.
If you are going to Paris here is the best time to visit.
Honfleur
Honfleur was one of those places that surprised me. I visited with a group when we took a River Cruise in France and this place blew me away.
First off the town is just so colorful and vibrant with some incredible architecture. It is also one of those places where you feel incredibly welcome and comfortable, a feeling I don’t get often.
When you visit you will see why the French impressionist painters including Monet were so inspired by this place. Everywhere you go there is a vista worth painting.
While you are here I highly recommend a visit to St. Catherine’s Church. Built-in the 15th century by sailors, this church is the largest wooden church in all of France.
Honfleur is one of the most visited northern France attractions and in my opinion, should be top of your list. It is one of the most picturesque cities to visit in the north of France.
Etretat
If you are looking for somewhere to visit on France’s north coast then may I suggest Etretat? You know how I love a dramatic view and this place has them in bucket loads.
Where Etretat joins the sea is a rather stunning affair with phenomenal white cliffs dropping dramatically to the beach below. Make sure to add it to your France itinerary.
The two rock formations that I think you must see, are the Porte d’Aval arch and L’Aiguille (the Needle). The Needle seems to come out of nowhere in the sea in an otherworldly fashion.
The town surrounding these cliffs is also very charming and make sure you visit the Les Jardins D’Etretat. This experimental garden is more like an open-air museum of contemporary art and is so different from any other garden you have seen.
The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Garde is also somewhere I would recommend. It’s a beautiful church built in 1603 and set in a breathtaking area. The opening times here are brief so check before you go.
A visit here is one of the best things to do in northern France.
Mont St. Micheal
There are very few places like Mont St Micheal it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France.
You will have probably heard of this place or seen pictures of it and you would be forgiven for thinking it seems to belong more in an episode of Game of Thrones than off the northern coast of France.
Mont St. Micheal is an island about 1 km off the coast of northern France containing a fortress and a small town. It has about 50 inhabitants and 3 million visitors a year.
This place has held fortifications since the 8th century and once served as a prison. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island is only accessible during certain times of the day so make sure you know this before you go. When the tide rises the bridge goes under water and the island can only be reached by boat.
Oh and wear appropriate footwear there are lots of steps.
Nord-Pas de Calais
I find this region interesting. Once the center for coal production, it is now a cultural and historic hub with so much to see.
If you love the great outdoors then this is one of the must-see places in northern France for you. There are over 2175 miles of paths, trails, and hiking opportunities so bring your hiking boots and go exploring.
Places to see in this region include the dramatic cliffs of Artois and Flanders, Grande Site des Deux Caps a protected isolated natural habitat, and the historic town of Nord.
This area is also known for its pristine beaches and seaside resorts. Many believe it’s one of the friendliest places in France which I have to say I concur with.
If you can I also recommend exploring some of the regional parks here Avesnois Natural Park or Scarpe-Escaut Natural Regional Park are my absolute favourites.
This is one of the best regions on the northern coast of France.
Cambrai
This small town in northern France is amazing because despite being involved in many, many wars, it has remained mostly unscathed. It’s a sleepy, small, and quiet city perfect for those who like to take it a little easier.
Places to visit here are the Notre Dame de Grace, which was originally built in 1064 and then remodeled in 1703. It’s absolutely beautiful.
If you can come in August as this town comes to life then. A huge communal festival celebrates local culture, life, the history. Also, two music festivals happen during the summer months, Juventus which is a classical music festival, and BetiZFest which is an alternative music festival.
This is one of the north of France cities you won’t want to miss.
The town is most famous for being the town where the first large-scale use of tanks in warfare was used. It’s now a testament to history and the fortitude of the community.
Quimper
I adore Quimper it has all those fairytale vibes but is lesser known and therefore less busy. It’s cute, idyllic even, and just so very French.
The 17th-century townhouses are just adorable and here I’m just going to tell you to explore and wander the streets. There is something to see around every corner, a perfect picture awaits you wherever you look.
The Corentin Cathedral a medical church is a must-see here and if you have time do a walk around the local craft stalls I always find something interesting here.
If the weather is on your side I would recommend getting a picnic and heading to the river, the views and sunsets are stunning.
This is one of the best towns in northern France.
La Roche-Guyon
I do love an interesting town and La Roche-Guyon is just that. The town seems to be carved into the mountain side and the castle aloft the town is a feat of human engineering.
Things to see here include the Castle of La Roche-Guyon which is a medieval castle and an 18th-century manor house that the town seems to grow around. Here you can see medieval, renaissance, and classical styles all mixed. There are even underground tunnels to explore.
The old village streets that line the area around the castle are also very picture-worthy. And I advise a walk along the Seine while you are here it’s so peaceful.
You might want to also take a trip to Giverny which is where Monet’s house is located. It is only a few minutes away and well worth a visit to walk among the area which is now so gamut in his paintings.
This is one of the best cities in northern France.
Amiens
This incredible waterfront city in northern France probably has the best shopping you will find in the region. If you love shopping then this is the place in northern France for you.
Here you can find shops and markets all around the city, with some amazing handcrafted items or clothes you cannot find anywhere else. On Saturdays, they even have a floating market garden which you access by boat and is a real experience.
I’m not a shopper but I loved the Saint-Ley District. It’s full of shops and cafes and has a vibrant atmosphere. I also found the riverside terraces perfect for people and sunset watching.
But the one place you absolutely must visit here is the Cathedrale Notre Dame d’Amiens. This staggering Gothic cathedral is known for its opulent decorations and carvings the like of which you are likely to see anywhere else. I can’t describe how beautiful and fascinating this place is.
Lyons-la-Forêt
And we are back to another just stepped out of a fertile village because I honestly can’t resist them. It’s all timber-framed houses and flowers and has that classic French countryside vibe.
Abbaye de Mortimer is the main attraction here. Built in 1134 is said to be the most haunted Abbey in northern France, of not all of France.
A former Cistercian Monastery and consists of some intact parts and some ruins. I found it incredibly interesting and atmospheric.
Also noteworthy is the outdoor markets on Thursday. The town takes on a different feel when the market day comes around and I loved immersing myself in French culture.
Carnac
Apart from being a small and fashionable resort in northern France Carnac has something that if you know me or follow me on socials will know I can’t resist. That is stones.
Now I don’t just mean any old stones I’m talking about stones placed in positions by ancient people, and they don’t get much more ancient than these. At 6000 years old they predate Stonehenge in the UK by about 1000 years.
The site is one of the most impressive standing stone sights in the world. We are not just talking about a few there are over 3000 on the site. I was honestly spoilt for choice when I came here.
The town is also well worth a visit and the beaches around here are some of the best in France. So if you can drag yourself away from the stones ( I couldn’t) there is lots more to see.
Belle Island
I always love an island and an Island with the name Belle just feels like a no-brainer to me. Most say this is an island with two sides, one peaceful beach and countryside and the other jagged cliffs and a raging sea. I of course preferred the latter.
You will need to get a ferry to the island but it’s so worth it. Ferries leave from Quiberon, Port Navalo, or Vannes and take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours depending on where you leave from.
Once you are there there is so much to do from the beaches, 58 in total, pretty towns, and a rugged coastline. The port of Sauzon, Port Coton. the Vauban Citadel and Cote Sauvageare are my tips.
Hiking is very popular here and it will take you four days to hike around the island if that’s your preferred option. Car and bike hire are available as are buses.
This island certainly lives up to its name and if you are looking for something a little different then I highly recommend a visit here.
As you can see when it comes to northern France there is so much to see and do. From beautiful nature to cute villages, this area has so much to offer.
I hope this article has helped you narrow down your options and I look forward to hearing all about your travels.
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