The northern part of France is represented by three regions: Normandy, Picardy and Nor Pas de Calais. The landscape of this area is very diverse. Here tourists can admire the North Sea, the sandy shore, hills, pastures. The north of France is a very interesting and beautiful region with a rich history and harsh climate. In this part of the country, numerous attractions have remained, including castles and palaces. A famous area is Flanders.
Normandy
In the north of France is a historical region - Normandy. It is located off the English Channel, between Brittany and Picardy. The region is considered the birthplace of Camembert cheese. Parisians see Normandy as a great place to spend a good weekend. The upper part of the region is known for its stunning apple orchards, flood meadows, cider, delicious dairy products, fashionable resorts and secluded provincial towns.
The lower part of Normandy is the sunny Atlantic beaches.
Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most beautiful places in the north of France. It is an island fortress, on which only 20 people live. At the top of the cliff there is a church with a bell tower, which is decorated with a gilded statue of St. Michael. The temple has silver spiers rushing into the sky. Next to it is a three-level building called Miracle, which was built in 1220. The abbey is called the Eighth Wonder of the World. It has earned such a high title for its courtyard, which hangs between heaven and earth.
From it you will certainly be taken to the refectory, where symposia and banquets are currently held. On the territory of the abbey there are many attractions for tourists: classical music, “animated paintings”, special effects and various installations. Guests can also visit the city’s restaurants, which offer nineteenth-century recipes. During low tides, the city is surrounded by sand, so there will certainly be a desire to take a walk around the district. Experienced travelers recommend walking with the company, as the local sands are quick. When entering the region, you can familiarize yourself with the tide schedule.
Deauville and Trouville
Deauville and Trouville are cities in the north of France, which are separated by the Tuc River. Deauville is considered an expensive elite resort in the country, which is located just two hours from Paris. Here you can see hundreds of boats and beautiful white yachts moored at the waterfront. Famous people relax in the city, who take sun baths, demonstrating their wealth. All year round prestigious exhibitions and film festivals, horse races, car parades and rallies are held in Deauville. Vacationers play tennis and golf, relax in the thalasso centers, and tickle their nerves in the casino.
Trouville is an old port and city in the north of France, which was once an ordinary fishing village. It has a sandy beach, a clothing and fish market, as well as a casino. And the choice of hotels is quite large. There is a cafe for guests. Life in the seaside town of Normandy flows slowly, and only tourists break the measured rhythm of life.
Honfleur
Honfleur is another city in northern France, located at the mouth of the Seine, just 10 kilometers from Deauville. But the distance from Paris is 200 kilometers. Nevertheless, the French love to spend the weekend here. The fact is that there is a delightful port, which is both sea and river. At all times, he always attracted the attention of artists.
In Honfleur, you can visit the galleries of modern art, as well as see interesting monuments of architecture, which are the sights of the north of France. One of these places is the Church of St. Catherine, which is famous for being built only of wood.
No less interesting is the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, which is considered the oldest in the city, since it was built during the Hundred Years War. The streets of the city are a great place for walking. They are permeated with medieval themes. And the facades of houses here are decorated with sailboats. Ceramic sculptures can often be seen on the roofs of buildings.
The old port area is always crowded. There are numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes. If you wish, you can ride a pleasure boat and enjoy the lighthouse, the picturesque coast, swim under the bridge. The pride of the city and its attraction is the cable-stayed bridge, called "Norimandia". Its length is 2.3 kilometers. It connects Honfleur and Le Havre.
Rouen
Rouen is considered the religious capital of northern France. Historically, the city is the capital of Upper Normandy. It is located on the coast of the Seine. The city-museum is filled with historical buildings of great architectural value. For many artists, Rouen and its sights served as a source of inspiration. Among the guests of the city were such outstanding personalities as Claude Monet and Gustave Flaubert.
Historians believe that the Romans founded Rouen. The first bishop of the city was Mellon of Rouen. After its conquest by the Normans, the city became the capital of the Norman state. In the Middle Ages, Rouen was one of the most prosperous cities in France. For the inhabitants of Normandy, it is a religious capital.
In 1419, during the Hundred Years War, the city was conquered by the British. And in 1431, Jeanne D'ark was executed in the Old Market Square of Rouen. The tower in which it was kept is now a tourist attraction and is open to the public. In memory of those distant events, a plaque was installed on the wall of the episcopal palace.
After the war, the Cathedral of St. Joan of Arc was built on the square, which is a modern architectural complex. The cathedral is made in an interesting form, its roof resembles a bonfire on which Joan of Arc was once burnt. The complex also includes a covered market. And one of the walls of the temple is decorated with glass stained-glass windows.
What to see in the north of France? Rouen - this is the city that must be visited, because it preserved numerous cultural and historical monuments.
Etretat
Until the beginning of the nineteenth century, Etretat was a simple fishing village. Later, impressionist painters discovered this amazingly beautiful corner, located between steep cliffs.
The main attraction of the city to this day remains alabaster cliffs. Such an amazing miracle of nature was the reason for the development of a chic resort with a large beach and a golf course.
Giverny
If you are a fan of painting, then you should definitely visit a small town near Rouen called Giverny. The picturesque village is located on the coast of the Seine. Here, for tourists, the museum-estate of the great Claude Monet is always open. The famous artist lived in Giverny for forty years. The house is surrounded by a garden, which was once planted by the owner himself. The fabulous beauty of the region is amazing. There is a shop at the museum that sells wonderful copies of the works of the great master. They are very popular among tourists who purchase them as souvenirs.
Diep
60 kilometers from Rouen is the small coastal city of Dieppe, which is a favorite vacation spot for the middle-class French. Since the nineteenth century, Parisians came here to swim in the sea, improve their health and relax. The main attraction of the city now is the museum, located in the castle, built in the fifteenth century.
The ancient building itself is an outstanding attraction. In addition, in the vicinity of the city you can visit another castle with the beautiful name Miromenil. It is surrounded by an orchard. Several times a year, an incredibly vibrant kite festival takes place here.
Le Havre
Le Havre, which is the second largest port after Marseille, is no less attractive for tourists. After the war, the city was badly destroyed. They rebuilt it again according to the designs of Auguste Pere. The artist created houses, similar as twins, and the monumental temple of St. Joseph, as well as the building of the town hall, in which the city hall is now located. In Le Havre, you can visit the Museum of the Old City, which is located in one of the buildings that survived the war.
Tourists should also visit the Malraux Gallery, which houses a rich collection of paintings. Travelers recommend having lunch at one of the local establishments, which cook delicious fish and serve the famous Norman cheeses and cider.
Tourists reviews
According to experienced travelers, the northern regions of France are incredibly beautiful and interesting to visit. If you managed to visit Paris and enjoy its beauties, feel free to go to Normandy and admire its harsh landscapes.