18 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Northern France

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Taking the car? Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs between Folkestone and Coquelles, near Calais (35 minutes).

Don't forget that if you are a UK resident and holidaying in France, you can shop Tax-Free!

P&O Ferries runs daily services between Dover and Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne.

DFDS Ferries runs from Newhaven to Dieppe, and Brittany Ferries runs a Portsmouth to Le Havre route and a Poole to Cherbourg route.

Book your tickets with Direct Ferries.

Driving from the UK: Your 2026 Roadmap to Northern France

For many British travellers, the journey begins at Coquelles, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle terminal near Calais. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore the Hauts-de-France and Normandy regions.

Top Tips for 2026 Travellers to France

The "Autoroute des Anglais": The A26 and A16 are your primary lifelines. While the A16 toward Boulogne is toll-free mainly for the first few miles, expect to pay approximately €15–€25 in tolls (Péage) as you head deeper into Normandy or toward Paris. To save time at the booths, use an Emovis Tag (Telepeage) so you can drive straight through the "t" lanes.

Essential Gear: Don’t forget that French law requires a UK sticker on your car (replacing the old GB ones), a warning triangle, and a reflective hi-vis jacket for every passenger inside the vehicle (not in the boot!).

The Crit’Air Rule: If your road trip includes major cities like Lille, Rouen, or a detour into Paris, you must display a Crit’Air sticker (Air Quality Certificate) on your windscreen. These cost about €4.61 and must be ordered online in advance—don't risk the €68 fine!

Navigation Hack: While GPS apps that show where a speed camera is coming up are great, remember that it is illegal in France for sat-navs to show the exact location of speed cameras. Ensure your "Speed Camera Alerts" are disabled to avoid a potential €1,500 fine.

Travelling within France

The French national rail network (SNCF) connects Lille, Boulogne, Dunkirk, and Calais with Paris Gare du Nord. 

A car or motorhome is best for exploring the northern region.

Visiting Northern France from another European country

Fly into Paris, pick up a rental car and be in Northern France in 2-3 hours.

Northern France Map

This travel map will help you plan the perfect trip in Northern France:

The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Normandy

According to the Plus Beaux Villages de France Association, Barfleur, Lyons-La-Foret, and Veules Les Roses are three of the six prettiest villages in Normandy. The prestigious title is awarded to highly picturesque villages in rural areas with populations under 20,000 and rich cultural heritage.

The other three villages in Normandy that share this title are Beuvron-en-Auge, Le Bec-Hellouin and Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.

Lyons-La-Foret

Best Time to Visit	May-September
Must-Eat Speciality	Apple Tart with Isigny Cream
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	2h 20m via A16 & A28
Travel Time (from Paris)	1h 30m (Car)

We're always a little sceptical about beautiful towns or villages, but Lyons-la-Forêt, situated in the heart of Normandy's largest forest, does live up to the hype. This charming village near Rouen is worth the effort to reach.

A former residence of the Dukes of Normandy, it is now primarily a tourist destination. Timber-clad buildings surround the square, and cafes, antique shops, and fountains are everywhere, with beautifully kept flowers, making it look like a set from a fairy tale. 

We visited Lyons-la-Forêt purely because people said it was pretty, but there are a couple of things worth seeing in the village. The composer Maurice Ravel lived there, and his beautiful house is worth seeing. The picturesque Church of St. Denis and the convents beside the Lieure River are also worth visiting. 

Royal connections

The village was built on the site of a 12th-century castle, making it historically significant and linked to the courts of Paris. The poet from Louis XIV's court once lived here. 

We ate lunch at Café de la Halle, right on the square, and it's an excellent place for people-watching. If you're motorhoming in France, like we were, there's a great campsite within easy walking distance, on the village's outskirts.

Alternatively, there is a lovely-looking hotel in the centre called La Licorne, which appears to have a pool or spa - a well-deserved treat on a hot day!

Travel Blogger Tip: If you’re visiting on a Sunday, arrive before 10:00 AM. The village is tiny, and the central square fills up fast with locals grabbing coffee; parking becomes a nightmare by midday.

Veules Les Roses

Best Time to Visit	June (Rose season)
Must-Eat Speciality	Veulaise Oysters
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	2h 10m via A16
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 20m (Car)

The pretty Veules-Les-Roses is undoubtedly worthy of a place in the "Plus Beaux" list of the most beautiful French villages of Northern France.

From its timbered and thatched-roof cottages to its rustic lodges, you will feel like you have stepped into a fairytale setting as you wander around the tiny lanes leading to the village centre.

We loved walking beside the River Veules, the smallest river in France, and seeing the watercress beds growing along its banks.

In spring, the neighbourhood is awash with pretty flowers, and in summer, roses adorn the footpaths beside the river, highlighting where the village's name originated.

After exploring the village, enjoy lunch at the Hotel Douce France - the pretty courtyard befits this fairytale village, or perhaps stay the night.

Veules-les-Roses is a 2-hour 20-minute drive from Paris and can be visited on a road trip through northern France.

Travel Blogger Tip: Don't just stick to the river path. Follow the 'Sentier des Falaises' up to the cliffs for a panoramic view of the thatched roofs against the sea—it’s the best photo spot in town.

Barfleur

Best Time to Visit	Summer
Must-Eat Speciality	Wild Mussels (Blondes de Barfleur)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	3h 45m via A16 & A13
Travel Time (from Paris)	3h 45m (Car)

I chose to visit Barfleur because it shares its name with the ferry I arrived on in France. Living next to the harbour in the UK, the Barfleur ferry is part of the local life. So, when I boarded the ferry to visit Cherbourg, I decided to stop by Barfleur, a beautiful small village an hour away. 

Taking a direct bus to Barfleur from Cherbourg is easy. However, it doesn't run very often, so keep an eye on the schedule.

Barfleur is known locally for the mussels harvested here, called "Blonde de Barfleur". There are a few restaurants in the village, and all have mussels on their seasonal menus.

If you want to eat in Barfleur, I recommend Café de France overlooking the harbour; this is where I had a delicious breakfast. Also, for delicious cakes, visit Fontaine Sylvain Patisserie, which is conveniently located near the bus station. 

Walk to Gatteville Lighthouse

Barfleur is a lovely, quiet village with charming stone houses decorated with lavender pots at the windows.

I loved discovering the path that starts behind the church and leads to the Gatteville lighthouse - the third-tallest lighthouse in the world. Along the way, I stumbled upon stunning, secluded beaches and a cute windmill that had been transformed into a home. 

As Barfleur is not a tourist destination, you can still see the local fishermen working on their boats. I arrived early in the village and observed them preparing their boats after returning from the sea with their daily catch. 

A large medallion fixed to a rock in the harbour marks William the Conqueror's departure from Normandy (Saint-Valery-sur-Somme) to England in 1066 for the Battle of Hastings.

Want to know where to go in Eastern France? Please read my post: The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Eastern France.

Bayeux

Best Time to Visit	April – October
Must-Eat Speciality	Teurgoule (Rice Pudding)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	3h 25m via A16 & A13
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 15m (Train)

Bayeux is a charming town in the Normandy region of France. The town miraculously escaped bombing during World War II and is one of the few towns in Normandy that has remained unchanged throughout the years.

We found it to be the perfect place to base our stay on, from which we could see the D-Day beaches and other WWII sites.

Bayeux is a prosperous and pretty small town with buildings in calming shades of faded greys and weathered mustards. A river runs sedately through the town, and the cobblestoned streets are quiet and serene.

Please note: The 2026 D-Day Festival will take place from 30 May to 14th June.

Best Bayeaux Tours To Book For Your Trip
2-Hour Tour of the D-Day Beaches By Vintage Sidecar.
American D-Day Sites in Normandy Tour.
Bayeux Private Guided Walking Tour.

View the Bayeux Tapestry

The town is best known for its impressive cathedral, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux, which dominates the centre. It is famous for the Bayeux Tapestry, a must-see while visiting Bayeux. Created for display in the cathedral, the tapestry is now enshrined in its climate-controlled museum.

There are also some excellent restaurants in town! La Rapier is one of the top-rated restaurants in Bayeux. Our bed-and-breakfast hosts recommended we make reservations here, and we're glad we did. This turned out to be one of our favourite meals in France.

We loved everything about our stay in Bayeux, from the friendly local people to exploring the farmers' market, wandering the well-lit streets in the evening, and sipping cider on a restaurant patio at lunch. Bayeux is a perfect place to visit in Normandy. There are plenty of great places to stay, catering to all budgets. A particular favourite among guests is Hotel Reine Mathilde.

Angie's Top Tip: Bayeux Medieval Festival 2026 is from 27th to 29th June. Please note that the Tapestry Museum is currently closed for major renovations and is expected to reopen in October 2027. The Bayeux Tapestry will be on loan to the British Museum in London for a historic exhibition from September 2026 to July 2027.

Etretat

Best Time to Visit	May – June
Must-Eat Speciality	Moules-Frites (Mussels)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	2h 40m via A16
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 30m (Car/Bus)

Étretat is a beautiful town on the Côte d'Alabaster in Normandy.

It features beautiful architecture in the Anglo-Norman style, a pebble beach, a seafront promenade, and a couple of interesting sites to keep you busy for a day or two.

Most of all, Etretat is world-renowned for its impressive chalky cliffs. This unique landscape was often captured in many Impressionist paintings 'en plein air'.

One such artist is Claude Monet, and it is possible to see the Etretat cliffs in 80 of Monet's masterpieces. 

For this reason, Etretat is a popular tourist destination that sees crowds even in winter; however, its unique landscape makes it well worth visiting.

Travel Blogger Tip: Most people hike the southern cliff (Porte d'Aval), but for fewer crowds and a better view of the 'Hollow Needle,' hike the northern cliff toward the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde instead.

At one with nature in Etretat

The list of interesting things to do in Etretat includes strolling along the seafront to admire the cliffs, spending a lazy day at the beach, hiking Etretat's iconic cliffs, or climbing to the small chapel Notre-Dame de la Garde to see them from a different perspective.

However, my favourite place in Etretat is the Etretat Gardens, a mesmerising, neo-futuristic green space combining plants and plant sculptures with contemporary sculptures. 

In Etretat, don't miss the chance to enjoy fresh fish or shellfish paired with white wine or cider. It's an excellent place to eat mussels (moules) and frites, or Norman crêpes, on an Etretat walking food tour.

The best way to travel to Etretat is by train to Le Havre and then by local bus. A direct local bus makes travel from Paris to Etretat possible in the summer. We recommend Dormy House as a good place to stay in Etretat.

If you’re planning the ultimate cross-country road trip, your next stop should be the sun-soaked South. Discover my 16 favourite South of France gems, from hilltop Provence villages to hidden Riviera coves.

Honfleur

Best Time to Visit	September-October
Must-Eat Speciality	Scallops (Coquilles St-Jacques)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	2h 50m via A16 (Crossing the Pont du Normandie)
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 15m (Car)

Honfleur is a picturesque medieval port town in northern Normandy, in the Calvados department. It's where the River Seine flows into the English Channel.

I only spent a day in Honfleur, as we visited it on a road trip through Brittany and Normandy. I highly recommend stopping in this picturesque town. If you want to stay overnight, Hotel Le Dauphin Les Loges is a good choice.

Honfleur's prominent landmarks are tall, narrow houses with slate-tiled roofs that line the harbour. They originate from the 17th and 18th centuries – the time of the city's most significant development.

It's lovely to stroll along the quay, admire the buildings' architecture, see their reflections in the water, or stop at one of the many delicious seafront restaurants.

I also found the unique wooden church from the late 15th century fascinating. It's called Église Ste-Catherine, and you can walk inside to admire the structure.

Best Honfleur Tours To Book For Your Trip
Honfleur Highlights Walking Tour.
Private Guided City Tour By Vintage Sidecar.
Landmarks and Gems of Honfleur By E-Bike.

French Impressionism in Honfleur

Honfleur became popular among 19th-century French artists, including the famous poet Charles Baudelaire. It is believed that Honfleur is where French Impressionism began.

You can see some fantastic artwork by French Impressionists at the local museum, Musée Eugène Boudin. Book a tour of Honfleur with a local tour guide to explore its charms.

While in northern France, you must try the local crêpe – the savoury version is made with buckwheat flour. One of the best crêpe bistros in Honfleur is Bistrot à Crêpes, but you can pop into any Crêperie.

Since you're right by the sea, you must have some oysters, too!

We found a cute oyster bar on top of a boat with only a few seats and the owner running around barefoot. Look for a boat with the sign "Bar à Huîtres"; the oysters are fresh daily and taste delicious.

Travel Blogger Tip: Avoid the restaurants directly lining the Vieux Bassin (the old harbour) for dinner; they are overpriced. Walk just two streets back into the Sainte-Catherine district for much better, authentic seafood at half the price.

Vernon

Best Time to Visit	Spring
Must-Eat Speciality	Normandy Cider
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	2h 55m via A16
Travel Time (from Paris)	1h (Train)

After a traumatic couple of months, I was planning a work trip to France. I knew I'd need to centre myself and recover from jet lag before being "professional," so I didn't want a list of attractions to distract and exhaust me. Craving rest, I googled "small towns in France" and stumbled upon Vernon in Normandy.

Arriving in Vernon by train, my Airbnb host, Evelyn, greeted me. The French often get a bad reputation for being rude and unfriendly, but Evelyn helped to dispel those stereotypes. My visit would not have been what it was without her incredible hospitality.

Vernon was the perfect destination for my "do-nothing" week because I could effortlessly take in the sights.

Two of the town's most well-known landmarks, La Vieux-Moulin, a 16th-century mill, and Chateau des Tourelles, built in 1196 and one of the many fairytale castles in France, were a five-minute walk from Evelyn's home.

I picked up my lunch at a bakery, Boulangerie Bosquet, across the street from both landmarks, then read my book steps away, soaking up the sun and watching the swans float along the river.

Cycling around Vernon

Visitors arriving by train need not worry about renting a car - I didn't. The town centre is small and walkable. To explore the 13-square-mile town and its surroundings further, rent a bike from Givernon Rental Station, across from the train station or join a bike tour from Vernon to Giverny.

I rode to Monet's Gardens along the River Seine, checked out Fleur de Seine Creperie, and explored Vernon's picturesque architecture.

Whether you're looking for an active few days or some relaxation, Vernon is a beautiful, charming town in northern France worth visiting.

Mont St Michel

Best Time to Visit	March – May
Must-Eat Speciality	Mère Poulard Omelette
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	4h 30m via A16 & A84
Travel Time (from Paris)	3h 30m (Train)

No trip to France would be complete without visiting the iconic French landmark, Mont Saint-Michel, on the border between Normandy and Brittany.

The fairytale medieval abbey sits on a tidal island and is immortalised in paintings and photographs. It is home to approximately 40 inhabitants, mainly nuns and monks, and was one of Europe's major pilgrimage sites for centuries. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If the tide is out, it's possible to reach the abbey across the seabed. Make sure to check the daily tides before setting off, as you might be able to get there but be cut off on your return. It looks almost identical to St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall, so British visitors may feel they have seen it before!

We travelled by train from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel. The train stops in Rennes, and you can take a direct shuttle bus to Mont Saint Michel. If you are holidaying on the Brittany coast, it will take one hour by road from Saint-Malo.

Best Mont-Saint-Michel Tours To Book For Your Trip
Entry Ticket To Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey.
Private Walking Tour with Optional Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Ticket.
Day Trip To Mont Saint-Michel From Paris.

If you can, stay overnight on Le Mont Saint Michel. Once the shuttle buses stop running and the day-trippers leave, the medieval streets are silent and magical—it feels like stepping back 500 years.

The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Brittany

Carnac

Best Time to Visit	June – Sept
Must-Eat Speciality	Breton Galette (Buckwheat)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	6h 15m (on A16 & A84)
Travel Time (from Paris)	3h 30m (TGV Train)

I was sceptical when my husband first suggested Carnac in Brittany would be our main summer holiday destination. Brittany? But isn't it cold and miserable there? I'm pleased to say I couldn't be more wrong. Arriving at the beginning of September, we found our campsite in blistering heat and bright sunshine. 

But it wasn't just the weather that surprised us in this idyllic place. The campsite we stayed at, Camping Des Menhirs, was within easy walking distance of the fantastic sandy beach and the bustling town centre.

Like most seaside towns, Carnac is full of seafood restaurants, ice cream parlours, and striped T-shirt shops. Yet something about it seemed way more upmarket than the many other French seaside towns we've visited. Perhaps it was the clean streets or the well-cared-for shopfronts?

We tried around seven restaurants in the town during our ten-day holiday, and whilst they were all good, our favourite was Le Cavok. The food was delicious; they even gave us little blankets to keep us warm in the evening when it got chilly.

Carnac's Famous Stones

In addition to the stunning beach and charming town, Carnac is steeped in history. Perhaps the most famous thing about Carnac is its Neolithic standing stones, also known as Menhirs. The rocks, erected between around 4500 BC and 2000 BC, bring tourists from around the globe.

Of course, we had to go and see them. We decided the best way to see them was on a guided electric bike tour.

The guide also provides a running commentary, so it's a great way to learn about Carnac's history. 

Overall, our stay in Carnac was incredible, and I believe it is one of the most charming towns in northern France. We loved it so much that we've decided to make it an annual holiday destination.

Locronan

Best Time to Visit	Dec (Xmas) or Summer
Must-Eat Speciality	Kouign-Amann (Buttery Cake)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	6h 30m (on A16 & A84)
Travel Time (from Paris)	5h (Car/Train)

Locronan is one of the most beautiful towns in northern France and appears to be frozen in time. You can find it in Brittany, in the Finistère département, in the Châteaulin arrondissement.

No visible new construction has occurred at the centre of Locronan's development since the 16th to 18th centuries. The Locronan authorities have sought to preserve that status, even by burying underground city cables. It's no wonder that Locronan has become a popular filming location.

Locronan is also titled "the flower town" because flowers are everywhere – on window sills and in pots scattered all around.

Historical sights in Locronan

The majestic Church of Saint Ronan, built in the 15th century, dominates the main square in Locronan. Its distinct decorative elements are a prime example of the so-called Flamboyant Gothic style.

As with most significant churches in the region, the church grounds feature a notable crucifixion scene.

Locronan is popular among both foreign travellers and locals. It's noticeable by the number of shops selling traditional Breton biscuits and souvenirs. Many tourists' sweet tooth can be satisfied at one of the numerous chocolate shops or crêperies. 

After hiking on Brittany's coast, we visited Locronan on a road trip through Brittany and Normandy.

It was lovely to grab a cup of coffee in a typical local bar called Ostaliri Ti Jos and watch the day come alive. 

Latitude Ouest Hotel and Restaurant is a good option for an overnight stay.

Angie's Top Tip: Visit Locronan at Christmas to see the town come to life with twinkling lights and decorations, plus a Christmas market and street shows.

Rennes

Best Time to Visit	Saturday Mornings!
Must-Eat Speciality	Galette Saucisse
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	5h via A16 & A84
Travel Time (from Paris)	1h 30m (TGV Train)

Rennes was a must-see for me. Known as a city of heritage and art, it has preserved its classical and medieval architecture, with more than 90 protected buildings. I wanted to wander the ancient streets and see all those glorious coloured half-timbered houses for myself.

Rennes' medieval centre, around the Place St-Anne, features approximately 286 incredible, colourful, half-timbered buildings. In 1720, a fire burned down most of the city, but this area, with its cobbled streets and crooked houses, was virtually untouched. 

You can visit the incredible Couvent des Jacobins, a former Dominican friary, or hang out in the square and people-watch.

A must-do is a visit to the Place des Lices, where knights once joust and now hosts one of France's largest markets. Nearby, you will find the remains of the Porte Mordelaise, the 15th-century gate into the central city.

Best French Rennes Tours To Book For Your Trip
Private Guided Walking Tour Around Rennes.
From Rennes: Guided Tour of Mont-Saint-Michel And Saint-Malo.
Rennes Gourmet Food Walking Tour.

A creative and culinary hotspot

Rennes is known as one of France's most lively cities. Every month, there is a festival celebrating something. Due to its large student population, Rennes has music and art events ranging from electronic music and Jazz to contemporary art and design. 

Rennes is an excellent destination for food lovers. With its international reputation for a fantastic food scene, some must-eats include the Breton Galette, a savoury buckwheat pancake often stuffed with tartiflette —a type of scalloped potato — crêpes, the sweet version of the galette, and, of course, washed down with the famous Breton cider.

Travel Blogger Tip: For the ultimate Saturday morning, head to the Marché des Lices, France's second-largest market. Join the longest queue you see for a 'Galette Saucisse'—it’s a local rite of passage and the best €4 lunch you’ll ever have.

Saint-Pabu

Best Time to Visit	July – August
Must-Eat Speciality	Breton Lobster
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	6h 45m via A16
Travel Time (from Paris)	5h 30m (Car)

Saint-Pabu is a beautiful little coastal town located about 30 minutes from Brest. With only 2,000 inhabitants, it's not busy and is the perfect spot to escape the tourist crowds.

Most people visit Saint-Pabu for kiteboarding or camping. La Clé des Champs is an insider tip for those looking for high-quality accommodation at affordable prices.

What makes Saint-Pabu so unique is its incredible beach. The water here looks more like that in the Maldives or a Caribbean island, and if you're not yet convinced that northern France should be your next destination for a beach vacation, then this seascape will persuade you to go.

You'll love the white-sand beach and the shallow waters, perfect for families or couples. Saint Pabu is not the place for nightlife, so you'll love it here if you appreciate quiet and a close-to-nature experience.

Beach activities in Saint-Pabu

Explore the dunes, go kayaking or paddleboarding and enjoy the incredible French coastline. Saint-Pabu is small and hasn't been overrun by tourists yet, so life here is still very much like it was fifty years ago.

The town was once a fishing village and has since transformed into a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

For a truly authentic French experience, stop by the Ruzven restaurant and pub. Located right on the main beach with fantastic views, this little, rustic restaurant is the perfect way to immerse yourself in local culture and try some of Brittany's best snacks and dishes.

Travel Blogger Tip: The tides here move fast! If you’re walking far out on the sands at low tide, keep a close watch on the water line. We saw more than one traveller get their shoes soaked by the incoming tide.

The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Hautes de France

Chantilly

Best Time to Visit	May – June
Must-Eat Speciality	Chantilly Whipped Cream
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	2h 25m via A16 & A1
Travel Time (from Paris)	25m (Train)

Chantilly is a good option if you want to visit a picturesque town in northern France. It is located 45 km north of Paris, in the Hauts-de-France region.

Due to its excellent train connections with the French capital and its various tourist attractions, Chantilly is considered one of the easiest and best day trips from Paris.

Chantilly is home to the Château de Chantilly, a fairytale castle with magnificent rooms and halls to explore. I especially appreciate the château's art collection (the second-most-important in France, after the Louvre Museum) and the beautiful library and lecture room.

The château is surrounded by magnificent French-style gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. When I visit Chantilly, I always enjoy picnicking in the gardens. However, the restaurant inside the castle always has good ratings for a more relaxed lunch. 

Chantilly horse riding

The Great Stables are also worth visiting. Louis-Henri de Bourbon commissioned this spectacular building for his 200 horses and 500 hounds, and it is as magnificent and impressive as the château.

Today, the Great Stables hosts one of the world's most prestigious horse training centres and the Chantilly Horse Museum, with a daily horse performance (in the morning) under the building's central dome. 

Chantilly is world-renowned for its Chantilly Racecourse, founded in 1834, which hosts two of the most prestigious French Gallop races today: the Prix du Jockey-Club and the Prix de Diane Longines.

I have never seen any of these races during my visits to Chantilly, but the racecourse is spectacular even when empty.

Travel Blogger Tip: The 'true' Chantilly whipped cream served at the Hameau inside the park is life-changing, but it’s incredibly rich. One portion is sufficient for two people to share.

Neufchâtel-Hardelot

Best Time to Visit	Summer
Must-Eat Speciality	Maroilles Cheese Tart
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	35m (Car)
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 30m (Car)

Neufchâtel-Hardelot is an idyllic town in northern France, known for its charm and one of the most beautiful beaches.

Situated just 8 miles south of Boulogne and an hour's drive from Calais, it is a peaceful getaway with everything you need for a great stay here. We visited with kids, and it is the perfect destination for family holidays in northern France. 

We chose Neufchâtel-Hardelot as our base for exploring the Opal Coast, with its vast sandy beach, quaint little town, and castle.

Staying at the Hotel du Parc, packed with leisure facilities, was a great retreat after long sightseeing days.

The town has a strong history: an Englishman, John Robinson Whitley, purchased a castle and surrounding land and sought to develop the area as a leisure resort. King George V even visited. Extensively bombed during the Second World War after the Nazis took over the town, today it has been rebuilt and has a natural seaside feel.

We loved the ice-cream-coloured beach huts that line the promenade, and it felt much less crowded than many usual French seaside resorts. It's the perfect spot to try out outdoor pursuits; windsurfing is particularly prominent here, along with golf and tennis.

There are many patisseries and small restaurants in the town, but the real reason to come here is the outstanding beach, which is like a breath of fresh air. We loved our time here and look forward to returning.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Best Time to Visit	May - September
Must-Eat Speciality	La Gainée, a creamy local fish stew
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	25m via A16
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 16m (TGV) / 2h 45m (Car)

For a long time, I saw Boulogne-sur-Mer as just a stop on the way to other parts of France. After spending time here, I realised how much I had missed. The city is fascinating, with the lively fishing port on one side and the peaceful, old-world charm of the medieval Haute Ville on the other.

As soon as you walk through the heavy stone gates into the Upper Town, it feels like you’ve left the modern world behind. I spent an afternoon strolling along the 13th-century ramparts surrounding the old citadel. The 1.5 km walk is easy and offers views of the belfry, the cobblestone streets below, and, on a clear day, the white cliffs of Dover across the water in England.

In the centre of the Haute Ville is the Basilica of Notre-Dame. Its huge dome stands out on the skyline, but the real surprise is underground. The Romanesque crypt is the largest I’ve seen in France, with winding passages, old columns, and sacred art that create a special atmosphere.

Nausicaá and the Deep Blue Sea

Near the harbour is Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre. I’m often unsure about tourist attractions, but this one is genuinely remarkable. The "High Seas" tank is a huge glass wall that lets you look into 10 million litres of water. Watching sharks and manta rays swim by makes you feel like a kid again. Having swum with manta rays in the wild in Indonesia, this visit brought back happy memories.

Angie's Top Tip: If you’re heading back to the UK, Boulogne makes the perfect stop for stocking up on French delicacies. Visit the cheese master Philippe Olivier in the centre of town; his family has been maturing local cheeses since 1907 and seek out Vieux Boulogne, the world's smelliest cheese!

Loved Boulogne-sur-Mer? Check out my guide to France's 9 Best Seaside Resorts to find your next summer getaway.

Saint Valery-sur-Somme

Best Time to Visit	April – Oct
Must-Eat Speciality	Ficelle Picarde (Savoury Crêpe)
Travel Time (from Eurotunnel (Coquelles)	1h 15m via A16
Travel Time (from Paris)	2h 15m (Car)

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme is an utterly charming medieval town in northern France. It is on the coast, near the mouth of the River Somme, and is just 75 minutes by car from Calais.

The town has a pretty outlook over the Baie de la Somme, with colourful fishing and sailing boats moored in the harbour. We spent a day exploring the town's medieval alleyways, ramparts, riverside walks and colourful boutiques and restaurants.  

William the Conqueror assembled his fleet at Saint Valery-sur-Somme before sailing to England's south coast and defeating King Harold at the historic battle in 1066. Saint Valery-sur-Somme is twinned with Battle in East Sussex, the site of the Battle of Hastings. As we live nearby, we were keen to see the twinned town. 

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme has a rich history. Joan of Arc was imprisoned here the night before being taken to Rouen and burned at the stake. The ruins of her cell, the ancient town walls, ramparts, and towers can still be seen.

Travel Blogger Tip: Book the steam train (Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme) in advance for the sunset run. Watching the sun go down over the salt marshes from a vintage carriage is a highlight of the region.

Explore the Old Sailor's Quarter

My favourite thing was to wander through the old sailors' quarter, the 'Courtgain' (which means small salary). The cobbled alleyways lined with fishermen's cottages adorned with colourful flowers and half-timbered buildings are incredibly quaint.  

I'd also recommend a stroll along the harbourside, lined with brasseries, cafes and bars. Check out the impressive villas - Victor Hugo, Jules Verne and Dégas once lived in the town.  

The food market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can pick up some excellent local produce. Try a local favourite like Ficelle Picarde, a delicious crêpe filled with ham, mushrooms, and cream. Seafood is abundant, with mussels grown on wooden poles in the sea.

You'll find freshly caught fish on the menu at family-run restaurant Le Mathurin, where the day's catch dictates the dish du jour.  

Loved the charm of the North? The East holds a completely different magic. Discover the half-timbered secrets of Alsace and beyond in my post: 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Eastern France to visit on a Road Trip

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Northern France

What is the most beautiful village in Northern France?

While beauty is subjective, Lyons-la-Forêt is consistently ranked as the most beautiful due to its perfectly preserved 17th-century half-timbered houses and its status as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France." For coastal beauty, Veules-les-Roses is a top contender thanks to its charming watercress beds and thatched cottages.

How long does it take to drive from the Eurotunnel to Normandy?

Driving from the Eurotunnel terminal in Coquelles to the heart of Normandy (like Bayeux) takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes via the A16 and A13 motorways. If you are heading to nearby towns like Saint Valery-sur-Somme, the drive is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Is Northern France worth visiting?

Absolutely. Northern France offers a diverse mix of dramatic landscapes (the Etretat cliffs), deep history (the D-Day beaches), and world-class art (Monet’s gardens in Giverny). It is often less crowded and more affordable than the French Riviera, making it ideal for road trips and family vacations.

What is the best time of year to visit Northern France?

The best time to visit is between May and September. During these months, the gardens (especially Giverny) are in full bloom, and the coastal weather is pleasant for walking. If you want to avoid crowds while still enjoying mild weather, the "off-peak months" of June and September are highly recommended.

Final Thoughts: Which Northern French Gem Will You Visit?

Northern France is a region that rewards those who take the slow road. Whether you are catching the Eurotunnel for a quick weekend in Le Touquet or embarking on a grand tour through the art-filled streets of Giverny and the historic shores of Normandy, there is a village on this list for every type of traveller.

Our group of travel bloggers has explored these cobblestone streets, sampled the regional ciders, and wandered the cliffside paths to bring you this guide—but the magic of France is that there is always something new to discover.

Join the Conversation!

Have you visited any of these towns recently, or is there a hidden gem in Northern France we missed?

• Drop a comment below with your own travel tips or questions!
• Found a great new bistro? Let us know so we can update the guide for fellow travellers.

Safe travels, and enjoy your journey across the Channel!