The first time I drove through Northern France, I couldn’t believe what I’d been missing all these years. Everyone talks about Paris, but up here? It’s a whole different story. The moment I stepped into the Palace of Versailles, my jaw dropped—those golden gates, those endless gardens, that Hall of Mirrors that makes you feel like actual royalty. Trust me, I’ve taken dozens of photos, and none of them do it justice.
From the towering Gothic masterpiece of Amiens Cathedral to the wave-battered cliffs of Étretat, the most beautiful places in Northern France hit different. Whether you’re sipping cider in a Normandy village or walking the WWI battlefields, this region packs more punch than I ever expected. Here are 12 spots that completely changed my view of French travel.
Enchanting Spots to Visit in North of France
Looking to explore the North of France’s most beautiful places? From the stunning cliffs of Étretat to the historic charm of Rouen, the North of France is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Lille, marvel at the architectural beauty of Amiens Cathedral, or explore the cultural richness of Reims. Discover the serene allure of Mont Saint-Michel, the tranquil beaches of Le Touquet, or the breathtaking views from Cap Blanc-Nez. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or coastal landscapes, here are 12 of the North of France’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Bayeux
Bayeux hits different than any other French town I’ve visited. Sure, everyone comes for the famous tapestry, but honestly, the whole medieval vibe here is way more impressive than I expected. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is actually closing for renovations in September 2025 and won’t reopen until October 2027 – so if you’re planning a trip before then, you’re getting one of the last chances to see this 1,000-year-old masterpiece in its current home.
I spent hours walking through the perfectly preserved medieval streets, and you can’t help but feel like you’re in a movie set. The Cathedral Notre-Dame is absolutely stunning – it’s been watching over this town since 1077, and William the Conqueror himself was at its consecration. What’s crazy is that Bayeux survived WWII completely intact while other Normandy towns got destroyed, so you’re seeing authentic medieval architecture everywhere you look.
The D-Day beaches are just 30 minutes away, making this the perfect base for history buffs. The Bayeux War Cemetery is incredibly moving – it’s the largest Commonwealth cemetery in Normandy with over 4,500 burials. Pro tip: if you’re into lace-making (yeah, it’s a thing here), the Conservatoire de la Dentelle does workshops that are actually pretty cool. Entry to the tapestry museum is €12 for adults, and honestly, even with the audio guide, you’ll be done in about 90 minutes.
2. Belle-Île-en-Mer
Belle-Île-en-Mer is hands down one of Brittany’s best-kept secrets. This “Beautiful Island in the Sea” actually lives up to its name, and I can see why Claude Monet was obsessed with painting here. Getting there requires a 50-minute ferry ride from Quiberon – it costs around €28 for adults round-trip in 2025, which honestly feels steep, but once you’re there, you’ll get it.
The island’s wild beauty is unreal. I hiked sections of the GR 340 coastal trail that circles the entire island – the needle-like rock formations at Port-Coton are Instagram gold, and Plage de Herlin is this hidden cove that barely anyone knows about. Le Palais has this impressive Vauban citadel, while Sauzon looks like a postcard with its pastel houses reflecting in the harbor.
Rent a bike when you get there – it’s the best way to explore without dealing with car rental hassles. The island has 58 beaches, so you’re never far from a perfect swimming spot. I stayed at Hôtel Le Grand Large right on the wild coast near Les Aiguilles de Port Coton, and waking up to those views was worth every euro. Ferry schedules get crazy busy in July and August, so book ahead or you’ll be stuck waiting around Quiberon for hours.
- Discover more Breton islands: 12 Magical Spots in Brittany You Can’t Miss
3. Cap Gris Nez
Cap Gris Nez blew my mind – you can literally see England from France here, and on clear days, the white cliffs of Dover look close enough to swim to. These gray chalk cliffs mark the narrowest point of the English Channel, just 21 miles across, and standing here makes you feel tiny against all that dramatic coastline.
The Sentier des Deux Caps trail connecting Cap Gris Nez to Cap Blanc Nez is a solid 20-mile hike through some seriously beautiful countryside. I only did a section of it, but even that was spectacular. History nerds will spot remnants of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall scattered around – these concrete bunkers are reminders of how strategic this spot was during WWII.
Birdwatchers go crazy here during migration seasons – bring binoculars because you’ll see species you can’t find anywhere else in France. The winds can be brutal, so layer up even in summer. There’s not much in terms of facilities right at the cape, so pack snacks and water. I stayed at Hôtel La Matelote in nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer, which is about 30 minutes away and has decent restaurants. The sunsets here are unreal when the weather cooperates.
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4. Carnac
Carnac houses the world’s most impressive prehistoric party – over 3,000 standing stones lined up across the Breton countryside like ancient dominoes. These Carnac Stones are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, and honestly, walking among them gives you chills. Nobody really knows what they were for, which makes it even cooler.
The town splits into two personalities: Carnac-Ville with its charming center and solid Museum of Prehistory (€7.50 for adults in 2025), and Carnac-Plage with five beautiful sandy beaches perfect for swimming. I spent a morning at the museum getting the backstory, then hit Grande Plage for the afternoon – the water’s actually swimmable from May through September.
The Gulf of Morbihan nearby has dozens of islands perfect for sailing day trips. You can rent boats from the marina, or join organized tours that hit multiple islands. The local seafood is incredible – I had the best mussels of my life at one of the harbor restaurants. Hôtel Le Diana is walking distance from both the megaliths and the beach, which is perfect because you don’t want to deal with parking during peak season. The stones are free to walk around, but guided tours cost around €10 and actually add a lot of context.
5. Château de Pierrefonds
Château de Pierrefonds looks like it jumped straight out of a Disney movie – which explains why it’s been in everything from Game of Thrones to BBC’s Merlin. This isn’t some ancient medieval castle, though. Napoleon III commissioned Eugène Viollet-le-Duc to transform 14th-century ruins into this romantic fantasy in the 1800s, and honestly, the result is better than anything Disney could build.
The castle rises from the village like something from a fairy tale, complete with soaring turrets and a massive drawbridge that actually works. Inside, the ceremonial rooms have these wild colorful frescoes, and the knights’ hall is straight-up majestic. I loved spotting all the stone creatures guarding the ramparts – each one has its own personality.
The surrounding Compiègne Forest has great hiking trails if you want to explore beyond the castle walls. Entry is €9 for adults in 2025, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours inside if you’re into the audio guide. The village below is tiny but charming, with a few decent cafés. Hôtel Le Cheval Blanc sits right at the foot of the castle, so you can literally roll out of bed and be at the entrance in five minutes. Pro tip: go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds.
6. Combourg Castle
Combourg Castle broods over the Breton landscape like the main character in a Gothic novel – which makes sense since it inspired France’s father of Romanticism, François-René de Chateaubriand, who grew up here. This 11th-century fortress maintains its austere, haunting atmosphere way better than most French châteaux that got turned into fancy palaces.
Four massive corner towers watch over the town and the surrounding lake, creating perfect reflections when the water’s calm. Chateaubriand’s bedroom is preserved exactly as it was, and honestly, hearing about his claims of ghostly footsteps at night still gives me chills. The castle grounds include this tranquil lake that’s perfect for photos – especially during golden hour.
Literature fans will love tracing the origins of French Romantic writing here, while everyone else can just enjoy the authentic medieval architecture. Entry is €8.50 for adults in 2025, and tours run from April through October. The castle’s about 30 minutes from Mont Saint-Michel, so it’s an easy add-on to that trip. Hôtel du Château in town has castle views and decent food. I walked around the entire lake perimeter – it takes about 45 minutes and offers the best angles for photos of the fortress reflected in the water.
7. Hauts-de-France
Hauts-de-France surprised me with how different it feels from the rest of France – the Flemish influence creates this unique cultural blend that’s way more interesting than I expected. Lille, the regional capital, has this incredible old town (Vieux Lille) with cobblestone streets and distinctive architecture that looks more Belgian than French.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille rivals many Parisian museums with its collection, and I spent a whole afternoon there. The regional food game is strong – carbonade flamande (beef stewed in beer) and the local cheeses are amazing. The Amiens Cathedral is one of France’s largest Gothic churches and absolutely worth the trip.
The WWI memorials around the Somme provide a powerful perspective on history that you can’t get anywhere else. These battlefields are sobering but important to see. Lille has a great craft beer scene – way better than I expected for northern France. Hôtel Barrière Lille is fancy if you’re splurging, but there are plenty of budget options. The Christmas markets in December are pretty spectacular, and the summer weather’s actually pleasant. Most people skip this region entirely, which is honestly their loss.
8. Le Havre
Le Havre proves that concrete can be beautiful when visionary architects get creative freedom. This UNESCO World Heritage site was completely rebuilt after WWII by Auguste Perret, and the result is this bold, modernist cityscape that looks like nothing else in France. St. Joseph’s Church soars 107 meters high and functions as both memorial and lighthouse – the colored glass interior is absolutely mesmerizing.
The André Malraux Museum (MuMa) houses an impressive collection of Impressionist works, including pieces by Monet. After cultural immersion, Les Galets Beach is perfect for chilling out, or you can check out the Jardins Suspendus for panoramic city views. The architecture photography opportunities here are endless – Instagram people go crazy for the geometric concrete buildings.
Le Havre gets unfairly ignored by tourists heading to more “pretty” Norman towns, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s like stepping into a 1950s vision of the future. Hotel Oscar near the seafront puts you walking distance from everything. The port area has solid restaurants, and you can catch ferries to England if you’re continuing your travels. Entry to MuMa is €8 for adults, and they have temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year.
9. Metz
Metz blends German precision with French flair better than any city I’ve visited. The Saint-Stephen Cathedral is nicknamed “God’s Lantern” because of its incredible 6,500 square meters of stained glass windows – it’s honestly breathtaking when sunlight streams through. The Centre Pompidou-Metz with its distinctive white rooftop houses world-class contemporary art exhibitions that change regularly.
I got lost in the medieval maze of the Outre-Seille district for hours, discovering hidden courtyards and half-timbered houses that transport you back centuries. The Esplanade is where locals hang out, and the Jardins Jean-Marie Pelt are these themed botanical gardens that are perfect for wandering. The Imperial Quarter showcases the city’s unique Franco-German heritage with these grand buildings that look distinctly different from typical French architecture.
La Citadelle MGallery is this converted 16th-century military building that’s now a gorgeous hotel – staying there feels like sleeping in a fortress. The Christmas markets in December are spectacular, and the spring weather’s perfect for outdoor exploring. Metz is super close to the German and Luxembourg borders, so you can easily do day trips. Most tourists completely skip this city, which means you’ll have amazing restaurants and sights practically to yourself.
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10. Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel lives up to every bit of hype – this medieval masterpiece appears to float magically on water during high tide, and honestly, it looks like something from Game of Thrones. The dramatic tides here are Europe’s highest, transforming the landscape twice daily and temporarily cutting the island off from mainland France.
Abbey tickets are €13 for adults in 2025 (free for under 18), and you absolutely need to book online in advance – the timeslot system prevents massive crowds but sells out fast. It takes 45-60 minutes just to walk from the parking area to the abbey entrance, so plan accordingly. The winding ascent through narrow streets feels like stepping into a fantasy film, and the views get more spectacular with each step up.
La Mère Poulard on the island is famous for its fluffy omelets, but honestly, it’s touristy and overpriced. I stayed there anyway because experiencing the magical atmosphere after day-trippers leave is worth it. The abbey opens at 9:30am and closes between 6-7pm depending on season. Pro tip: arrive late afternoon (after 3pm) to avoid the worst crowds, or early morning if you’re staying overnight. The Grande Rue climb is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. The views from the abbey ramparts are absolutely incredible – you can see for miles across the bay.
- Continue your Breton coastal adventure: 12 Beautiful Places to Visit in Brittany
11. Rouen
Rouen feels like medieval France came to life – the incredibly preserved old town has hundreds of half-timbered houses tilting charmingly along cobblestone streets. Rouen Cathedral dominates the skyline with its intricate Gothic façade that inspired Monet to paint it over 30 times in different lights. I can see why he was obsessed – the way light plays across those stone details changes constantly throughout the day.
The tragic story of Joan of Arc comes alive here – the modern Joan of Arc Memorial marks where she was burned at the stake in 1431, and it’s surprisingly moving. The Gros-Horloge quarter is where you’ll find the most Instagram-worthy medieval buildings, plus the astronomical clock that’s been keeping time since 1389. The Museum of Fine Arts has an impressive collection that’s worth at least an hour.
Foodies should hit the bustling market stalls around Place du Vieux-Marché for sampling Norman specialties – the Camembert cheese and apple cider here are incredible. Hotel de Bourgtheroulde is this luxury 15th-century mansion right in the historic center, but there are plenty of budget options too. The Saturday markets are especially lively. I walked the entire historic center in about 3 hours, but you could easily spend a full day here if you’re into history and architecture.
12. Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo rises from the sea like a granite fortress, and walking the complete 1.8km rampart circuit gives you breathtaking views that change dramatically with the tides. These massive stone walls have withstood centuries of battering from both storms and invaders – they’re the reason this corsair stronghold survived to tell its tales.
The tides here are absolutely wild – some of Europe’s highest. At low tide, you can walk out to Grand Bé island (where Chateaubriand is buried) and Fort National, but check the tide times carefully or you’ll be stranded for 6 hours. I watched locals sunbathing on Grande Plage during high tide, then walked across the sand to explore the fort at low tide a few hours later.
Inside the walled Intramuros district, the seafood is incredibly fresh – I’ve never tasted anything like the oysters and mussels served at the granite-walled restaurants here. The cobblestone streets wind between tall stone buildings housing excellent bistros and crêperies. Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde has sea views near the historic center. The rampart walk takes about an hour, but with all the photo stops and tide-watching, plan on spending most of the afternoon up there. The Tour Bidouane offers the best panoramic views of the entire bay.
- Planning to explore more of Brittany? You’ll love: The 12 Most Enchanting Spots in Brittany
