The best Northern France itinerary

Forget the glitz of Paris—northern France is where you'll find the true essence of French life. Whether you're into history, a foodie, or just love stunning landscapes, this journey through northern France has something special for you. So, pack your bags, brush up on your French, and get ready for our northern France itinerary, designed by our Rough Guides local travel experts.

Plan the best northern France itinerary with our tips

If you’re ready to ditch the endless scrolling through TripAdvisor and wrestling with SNCF timetables, this is for you. Our tailor-made trips take care of the planning and booking and let you dive straight into the good stuff. 

These trips are designed by travel experts local to the area, and are completely customizable to what you want to do and see during your trip. Plus, you’ll have support 24/7 during your trip. See some of our France itineraries for inspiration. 

When to go to France?

Generally speaking, late spring (April to mid-June) and early fall (September to October) are the prime times to go to northern France. You'll dodge the worst of the crowds and sky-high prices, plus you'll get to see France at its blooming best in spring or decked out in autumn colours. The Lille Braderie, Europe's largest flea market, takes place in early September - a must-see if you're around!

Summer (mid-June to August) is the peak tourist season. This is a great time to go because of the long days and warm weather, but brace yourself for more tourists and steeper prices.

How do you get around in France?

For a trip that covers multiple regions, a combination of train travel and car rental is your best bet. Take trains for the longer journeys between cities, and rent a car to explore more rural areas like the Dordogne or Provence at your own pace. Be sure to book high-speed trains in advance to get the best deals.

• Train: Northern France's rail network is top-notch, courtesy of SNCF. The high-speed TGV will whisk you from Paris to Lille in just an hour. For shorter hops, regional trains (TER) are your go-to.
• Car: Nothing beats the freedom of the open road in Northern France. Rental cars are perfect for exploring the D-Day beaches of Normandy or the picturesque villages of the Somme Valley. The autoroutes (highways) are smooth sailing, but keep some euros handy for tolls.
• Buses: Long-distance buses like Flixbus and Blablabus offer wallet-friendly connections between major northern cities. They're slower than trains but can be a lifesaver for reaching spots with limited rail connections
• Bikes: Northern France is surprisingly bike-friendly. Cities like Lille and Rouen have great bike-sharing schemes, and there are some stellar long-distance cycle routes too.
• Ferries: Exploring the coast? Hop on local ferries to cross river estuaries or visit offshore islands. The ferry between Le Havre and Trouville-sur-Mer offers a scenic shortcut across the Seine estuary.

How many days do you need in Northern France? 

Ten days is the sweet spot for northern France. It’s enough time to explore the highlights while still being able to take spontaneous detours or see more off-the-beaten trek hidden gems.

With a 10-day Northern France itinerary, you'll get to soak up the vibe in cities like Lille and Rouen, explore coastal gems like Étretat and Honfleur, and delve into the heavy history of Normandy's landing beaches. Plus, you'll have time to actually enjoy those long French meals and maybe even squeeze in an impromptu day trip or two.

Want to explore the south instead? You might like our 7-day itinerary in Southern France.

How do you get to Northern France? 

Getting to Northern France is pretty straightforward. If you're travelling from outside Europe, flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is usually the easiest option. From there, you can quickly connect to many places in Northern France, like hopping on a direct TGV train to Lille, which takes about an hour.

If you're already in Europe, the extensive rail network makes getting there pretty easy. Major cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt have direct train connections to various destinations in Northern France. And if you prefer flying straight into the region, airports like Lille Airport (LIL) or Paris Beauvais Airport (BVA) offer flights from several European cities.

Our 10-day northern France itinerary

This well-paced trip allows you to experience everything that makes France so special.  We've designed this northern France itinerary to provide a balanced mix of exploring cities and towns, hitting the beach,eating great food, and visiting historical sights. 

Day 1: Arrival in Lille

This northern France itinerary begins with an arrival in Lille, the capital of the Hauts-de-France. This city is a unique blend of French charm and Flemish influence, thanks to its location at the crossroads of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. You’ll notice this mix in everything from the architecture to the food.

Start your visit with a stroll through the city center to get a feel for the place. Head to the Grand Place, Lille's main square, to take in the main sights, including the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange).

Next, wander over to Vieux Lille (Old Lille), a picturesque district known for its narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful 17th-century Flemish architecture. With its warm brick facades and cozy little squares, it's the perfect spot for your first dinner in France.

Consider trying local specialties such as carbonnade flamande (a beef and beer stew) or waterzooï (a creamy fish or chicken dish) at one of the many traditional restaurants. 

Day 2: Spend a day exploring Lille

Start your second day in Lille with a morning visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine arts museums in France outside of Paris. You’ll find an impressive collection here, with works by European masters like Rubens, Van Dyck, and Delacroix.

Afterward, take a short stroll over to Wazemmes Market, open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings. This vibrant spot is filled with fresh local produce, cheeses, and delicious street food, and is perfect for grabbing a quick lunch 

In the afternoon head to the Citadelle de Lille, a star-shaped fortress designed by Vauban in the 17th century. 

As the day winds down, make your way to Rue de Gand, a lively street known for its great selection of restaurants. This is the perfect place to experience Lille's reputation as a gastronomic hub. Finish your evening with a drink at one of Lille's cozy bars, like La Part des Anges, a charming wine bar with a wide selection of French wines.

Day 3: Lille to Rouen

On your third day of this Northern France itinerary, you’ll bid farewell to Lille and embark on your journey to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, with some scenic views of the French countryside along the way.

Travel times

• By train: Lille to Rouen takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes
• By car: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Once you arrive, check into your hotel and get ready to explore this charming city, renowned for its medieval architecture and its ties to Joan of Arc. Start your adventure at the stunning Rouen Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece famously painted by Claude Monet in a series of works.

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the old town's picturesque streets, where you’ll come across the Great Clock (Gros Horloge), a fascinating 14th-century astronomical clock. As you wander, keep an eye out for the half-timbered houses that add to Rouen’s unique character. Eventually, you'll find yourself at Place du Vieux-Marché, the site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. Today, this lively marketplace offers a glimpse into the city's rich and complex history.

For dinner, treat yourself to some Norman specialties like duck with apples or sole à la normande.

Day 4: Exploring Rouen

On Day 4, you’ll be diving deep into the charm of Rouen. Kick off your morning with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where you can check out an impressive array of paintings spanning from the 15th to the 21st centuries, including masterpieces by Monet, Sisley, and Delacroix.

After, take a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes — a beautiful botanical garden perfect for a peaceful break. When lunchtime rolls around, head over to Rue Eau de Robec. This picturesque street is lined with antique shops and cozy cafes. 

In the afternoon, make your way to the Church of Saint-Maclou. This stunning example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture is a must-see. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Aître Saint-Maclou, a fascinating and slightly eerie medieval plague cemetery with intricately decorated half-timbered galleries.

As evening sets in, head to the lively Quartier Saint-Marc. Known for its vibrant nightlife, this area is packed with great restaurants and bars. Wrap up your night with a drink at Le Saxo, a popular jazz bar known for its live music. 

Day 5: Rouen to Étretat

On your fifth day, you'll leave the historic streets of Rouen behind and head toward the stunning coastline of Étretat. 

Travel times

• Car: The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you the freedom to stop at interesting spots along the way.
• Public transit: You can also take a combination of buses and trains, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the sight of Étretat's famous white chalk cliffs and natural arches rising from the sea. After checking into your accommodation, start exploring this picturesque coastal town.

Take a walk along the pebble beach and soak in the incredible views of the cliffs. For the best vantage points, hike up to the Chapel Notre-Dame de la Garde on the east cliff or the gardens of Étretat on the west cliff. From these spots, you'll get breathtaking panoramas of the coastline and the iconic needle-like rock formation known as L'Aiguille (The Needle).

After your cliff-top adventure, stroll through the charming town center, where you'll find beautiful Belle Époque villas and quaint streets. Be sure to visit the old covered market, now filled with various artisan shops.

Day 6: Étretat to Honfleur

On your sixth day, it's time to say goodbye to the stunning cliffs of Étretat and head towards the charming port town of Honfleur.

Travel times

•  Car: The drive takes about an hour, with lovely coastal views along the way. 
• Public transit: Taking buses will take around 2 hours.

When you arrive in Honfleur, you'll instantly notice its postcard-perfect beauty— with its colorful harbor, slate-covered house facades, and cobblestone streets. Start your visit at the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor), the heart of the town, where you're surrounded by tall, narrow houses that have inspired artists for centuries.

Next, make your way to the wooden Church of Saint Catherine, the largest wooden church in France, complete with a separate bell tower. For lunch, check out La Cidrerie, a spot known for its tasty galettes (savory crepes) and local cider. 

In the afternoon, stroll through the charming Enclos district, filled with art galleries and craft shops. To wrap up your day, take a walk along the Jetée de l'Est for beautiful views of the town and the Pont de Normandie.

Day 7: Honfleur to Landing Beaches

On day seven, you'll leave Honfleur and set out on a scenic coastal drive toward the D-Day landing beaches. If renting a car isn’t an option, don't worry—there are plenty of tour buses that follow this route.

You'll take the picturesque Route du Littoral, which offers stunning views of the English Channel and takes you through charming Norman villages. Your first stop could be Deauville, a glamorous seaside resort famous for its wide sandy beaches, grand hotels, and well-known film festival. While you’re there, take a stroll along the iconic boardwalk, Les Planches, lined with colorful beach cabins bearing the names of famous actors.

Next, continue to Arromanches-les-Bains, where you can explore the site of Gold Beach and see the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbor. The D-Day Museum here is a must-visit to get a deeper understanding of the massive logistics behind the Allied landings.

As you head further west, make a stop at the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer, one of the best-preserved sites of the Atlantic Wall.

For lunch, treat yourself to some fresh seafood at La Cale in Port-en-Bessin, a quaint fishing village. In the afternoon, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer, which overlooks Omaha Beach. The beautifully maintained grounds and endless rows of white crosses serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.

Day 8: Explore the landing beaches

On the eighth day of this Northern France itinerary, you’ll dive deep into the history of the D-Day landings by exploring Utah Beach and Omaha Beach.

Start your day early at Utah Beach, which is the westernmost of the Allied landing sites. Here, you can visit the Utah Beach Landing Museum, located in what used to be a German bunker. The museum gives you a detailed look at the events of June 6, 1944, featuring exhibits like an original B26 bomber and personal artifacts from the soldiers who fought there. Don't forget to walk along the beach itself—it's a powerful experience to imagine what it must have been like on that historic day.

Next, make your way to Sainte-Mère-Église, where you can check out the Airborne Museum. This museum is dedicated to the American paratroopers who landed in the area and offers some fascinating insights.

For lunch, consider stopping by Le Roosevelt in Sainte-Mère-Église to sample some local cuisine. In the afternoon, head to Omaha Beach, known for the intense and bloody fighting that took place there on D-Day. Start with a visit to the Overlord Museum, which has an impressive collection of vehicles, uniforms, and personal items from the battle. Afterward, spend some time on Omaha Beach itself.

Day 9: Landing beaches to Saint-Malo

On Day 9, you'll leave the solemn beaches of Normandy behind and head toward the walled city of Saint-Malo in Brittany,  giving you a chance to watch the landscape shift as you move from Normandy into Brittany.

Travel times

• Car: The drive is about three hours
• Public transit: A series of buses and trains will take around 6 and half hours

If you have time, consider stopping at Mont Saint-Michel on the way. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its abbey perched on a rocky island, is one of France's most famous landmarks. You can spend a few hours exploring its winding streets, the old ramparts, and the abbey itself.

After your visit, continue on to Saint-Malo. As you get closer, you're sure to notice the city walls rising from the sea. Once you've checked into your hotel, you can start with a walk along the ramparts that surround the old town, which will give you great views of the sea and the city. 

Then, wander through the narrow streets of the historic center, known as Intra-Muros (meaning "within the walls"). Make sure to visit the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, which beautifully combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture. As the evening sets in, find a spot on the walls to watch the sunset over the sea. For dinner, try the seafood at Le Chalut, a Michelin-starred restaurant right in the heart of the old town.

Day 10: Explore Sanit-Malo

Begin your morning with a visit to the Château de Saint-Malo, which houses the town museum. Afterward, catch a boat to the Île du Grand Bé during low tide. This little island is where the Romantic writer Chateaubriand, a native of Saint-Malo, is buried. The walk gives you some stunning views of the city walls and the surrounding sea. Then you can head back to the old town for lunch at Le Bistro de Jean, a great spot known for its delicious seafood and traditional Breton dishes.

If you have some extra time, consider a quick 30-minute drive to the medieval town of Dinan. This charming Breton town is famous for its half-timbered houses, a picturesque port, and impressive ramparts. Take a stroll along the Rue du Jerzual, a steep cobbled street lined with artisan workshops, and check out the Basilica of St. Salvator. Then, make your way back to Saint-Malo for your final evening.

Wrap up the day by watching the sunset from Bon Secours beach, where you can also spot the unique seawater swimming pool that fills up at high tide. For a memorable farewell dinner, dine at L'Absinthe, a cozy restaurant offering creative French cuisine in a charming 16th-century building.