10 Amazing Reasons to Visit Northern France
The north of France is tricky to summarise - offering as it does such a diverse range of landscapes. The character of Normandy, for instance, differs dramatically from its neighbour Brittany.
Think tiny villages where little has changed in a century, fairytale cathedrals, elegant cities, and rolling hillsides.
Here's our pick of 10 amazing reasons to visit Northern France.
Rouen
Normandy's cultural and historic capital deserves at least a few days of your time, packed as it is with creaking timber-framed houses and various medieval wonders.
The city's cathedral was once the tallest building in Europe, and has survived multiple lightning strikes, wars, bell breakages and architectural errors.
This is also the city where Joan of Arc met her end, aged just 19.
Don't miss the famous astronomical clock from the 1300s.
Saint Valery-sur-Somme
Saint Valery-sur-Somme is perhaps best known as the place where Joan of Arc was held before her execution in Rouen.
The old citadel still has its ramparts, and the wooden walkway is perfect for viewing the old villas and pretty fishing cottages - and the beauty of the river Somme in general.
Quimper
This picturesque city in Brittany is found where the Stier and Odet join, and is perfect for sauntering. Its pedestrianised streets make it easy to admire 17th century architecture, much of it paid for by wealth generated by its hand-painted faience ceramics (still available in the old centre).
Relax in a streetside cafe and enjoy a creperie, washed down with some quality Breton cider.
Lille
There's a distinctly Belgian feel to Lille, which only fused with France in 1667, after a siege by Louis XIV. The grandest example of this Flemish influence is seen in the Vieux-Lille, at Grand'Place and Place Rihour.
Wander the pretty cobblestone streets and pause for a sweet waffle - also of Belgian origin.
Arras
Perhaps best known to Britons as the scene of a bloody battle in World War One, the elegant streets and square of Arras are today the epitome of peace.
Make time for the two most famous squares - Grand Place and Place des Heros - which cover 17,000 square metres.
Honfleur
You may well have seen the old wooden fishing houses of Honfleur in the paintings of Monet and Courbet. Indeed, much of Honfleur's older buildings are timbered - built by ship carpenters who preferred axes to saws.
Don't miss the Saint-Catherine church, another wooden wonder, whose main timber structure was built separately from the bell tower in case of fire.
La Roche-Guyon
The centrepiece of La Roche-Guyon is a delightful old chateau built into a cliffside. This 12th century beauty is open to the public, and affords great views of the area. And as a bonus, Monet's house in Giverny is very close by - and is just as he left it (his famous lily pond is pictured).
Amiens
Another name that lives on in European military history is Amiens, the scene of a decisive Allied victory over the Germans in World War One.
By some miracle, Amiens cathedral survived the carnage - and remains the centerpiece of this beautiful old city.
Lyons-la-Forêt
Famed for its timber-framed houses, still standing after being rebuilt in a 17th century fire, Lyons-la-Forêt is a peaceful market town surrounded by dreamy 'bocage' - a kind of countryside that encompasses cattle pastures and orchards.
Naturally, trying the local cheese and cider is a must.
Beuvron-en-Auge
This is a typical example of a Normandy village with half-timbered houses - and arguably the most beautiful.
The centrepiece is the 15th-century manor house.
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