4 Reasons Why You Should Head to Northern France
France receives around 200 million international visitors a year and it’s one of the most visited destinations in Europe around the world. It’s a handy holiday spot, just around an hour flight away from the UK and easily accessible by Eurostar too.
Home to Lille and Calais, whilst also incorporating the famous region of Normandy, we think northern France has enough variety, activities and sights to keep any holiday-goer happy. Here are four things you can do in northern France that make a visit there a worthy choice when planning your next break abroad:
Admire Côte d’Opale (a.k.a. The Opal Coast)
If you prefer to feel the sand beneath your toes rather than choosing a bustling city break, northern France has the stunning Opal Coast for holiday-goers to relax and unwind.
With the beaches, rugged dunes and towering cliffs stretching over 75 miles on the Opal Coast, beach lovers can easily find a peaceful spot to while away the hours. Le Touquet’s idyllic beach is a favourite spot to unwind, or take a walk around the stunning cliffs at Cap Blanc Nez for inspiring views.
Do you think Montpellier could rival Paris as France’s pre-eminent city? Read here to find out!
Sample Calvados in Lower Normandy
This is a must when visiting Northern France and those who enjoy trying new cuisines will love sampling the distinctive flavour of calvados. For the uninitiated, calvados is an apple brandy that has been produced in the Normandy region for many centuries. The specially selected apples are made into cider and then distilled into brandy, which is aged in oak casks.
Enjoy a glass with some of the region’s finest cuisine. The 600km coastline means fresh seafood is readily available, so you can enjoy delicious dishes of lobsters, oysters, scallops and clams at most restaurants. Also, don’t miss out on the impressive cheeseboards usually served before dessert!
Admire a variety of sites
If you think the Eiffel Tower is France’s most iconic site, think again. Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy is a vision, and looks amazing at high and low tide. Northern France has many beautiful attractions and sites to explore, including picturesque spots like Honfleur, the contemporary Louvre-Lens gallery and one of Europe’s largest aquariums, the Nausicaa Aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Northern France has plenty to offer for all interests and ages.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
There’s something for every member of the family when you head to northern France and for those who enjoy an adventure holiday, it’s the ideal opportunity to try something new! Whether you want to go hiking, cycling or horse riding, or even head to a tree top adventure park, a spot like Brittany can bring you all of nature’s finest.
Don’t let the fun stop there, either. You could add some extra adventure to your northern France stay in a holiday parc that has loads of activities for the whole family, such as pools, waterslides, zip wires and canoeing, as well as shops, spas, barbeques and gyms for the adults.
If you still want more inspiration for France, read why Marseille is one of Guy’s favourite French cities.
For a holiday in Europe that appeals to all travellers and families, northern France is a great option. With activities, beautiful sight-seeing opportunities and mouth-watering cuisine to sample, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday to northern France booked today!
Want more travel inspiration?
10 Reasons Why Barcelona is my Favourite City
I often get asked where my favourite city is. It really is a tough question to answer, as I almost feel like a parent or teacher: you can’t have a favourite (“As each one is special in their own way”). But, let’s face it, I’m sure every parent and teacher deep down...
The Pilgrimage to Ecce Homo
Ever since I came across the story of how 83-year old Cecilia Giménez botched the fresco of Ecce Homo when taking it upon herself to “restore” it in 2012, I became fascinated and obsessed, vowing to see it in person. Two and a half years later, a trip to Zaragoza, a...
Running of the Bulls: A His and Her Account
Summer in Europe is a dream for so many. Not only to enjoy the beaches and see the monuments and history in sunny and warm days, but also to celebrate some of the craziest festivals in the world. San Fermin – better known as the Running of the Bulls – is one of those...
Latest posts by Kim-Ling (see all)
- 9 Gifts for the Traveller at Home in 2020 - November 27, 2020
- Tropicfeel Shoes – The Travel Shoe for Everywhere, Every Day - June 22, 2020
- Light to Light Camps – The best way to do the Light to Light Walk - July 30, 2019