Complete Guide to Normandy & Hauts-de-France (2025)

Visiting Bayeux feels like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the gentle flow of the Aure River adding to the town’s charm. It’s a town best explored on foot—meandering through the old town, stopping in little artisan shops, and finding a quiet café terrace to take in the atmosphere. The towering cathedral catches your eye at every turn, and the small museums and galleries tucked around the center make it easy to spend a relaxed day soaking up the local culture.

Bayeux also makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Normandy countryside and coastline. You’re just a short drive from the D-Day beaches and other WWII landmarks, but Bayeux itself remains calm and inviting—a place to return for a peaceful evening stroll and a good meal. It’s not overly touristy, yet very visitor-friendly, with plenty of options for accommodations, dining, and day trips.

Caen, located in Normandy, is a charming and vibrant city that offers visitors a blend of cultural attractions, beautiful parks, and a lively atmosphere. Caen is one of the most underrated cities in France. The city is known for its impressive medieval architecture, including the stunning Caen Castle, which offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding areas. Strolling through the city center, you’ll discover a mix of traditional Norman buildings and modern shops, cafés, and galleries. Caen also has a thriving food scene, with plenty of opportunities to try local delicacies such as camembert cheese and apple cider.

The city’s peaceful green spaces, such as the Jardin des Plantes, provide an ideal setting for relaxation after a day of sightseeing. Visitors can also explore the nearby beaches of the Normandy coast, just a short drive away, perfect for those looking to combine history with nature. Whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or simply enjoying a laid-back atmosphere, Caen is a fantastic destination for a relaxing and enriching visit.

Visiting Calais is an experience that combines coastal charm with a blend of cultural and natural beauty. The town’s proximity to both the English Channel and mainland Europe makes it a unique destination for those traveling across borders. The stunning beaches along the coastline offer beautiful views and a great place to relax or take a scenic walk. Calais also has a lively atmosphere with bustling markets, lovely cafes, and a vibrant local community that creates a welcoming environment for visitors. Whether you’re enjoying the fresh sea breeze or strolling around its pleasant streets, there’s always something inviting about Calais.

For visitors with an interest in art and architecture, the town offers several notable sites to explore, including the impressive Calais Lace Museum and the striking lighthouse. While the city may be more modern than some of its counterparts in France, it still offers a glimpse into the country’s maritime heritage. Calais’ location also makes it an ideal base for excursions into the wider Hauts-de-France region, where visitors can discover more about the area’s rich cultural fabric. With an excellent transport network, Calais offers easy access to various other regions, making it a perfect stop on a larger exploration of northern France.

Visiting Deauville offers a refreshing coastal getaway with its beautiful beaches, upscale atmosphere, and chic resort town charm. The famed Deauville boardwalk is a must-see, where you can enjoy long strolls along the beach, taking in the sea breeze and the elegant, colorful umbrellas that line the shore. The town is known for its luxurious casinos, stylish boutiques, and fine dining, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the high life by the sea. In addition to the beach, Deauville is also home to the impressive Deauville Marina, where visitors can enjoy sailing or simply watch the yachts in the harbor.

For a more laid-back experience, the picturesque streets of Deauville’s center offer a chance to explore charming markets, art galleries, and quaint cafés. The town is also famous for its horse-racing events, and visitors can enjoy watching races at the Deauville-La Touques racecourse during the summer months. With its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, Deauville attracts travelers looking for a mix of culture, leisure, and natural beauty, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Normandy coastline.

Honfleur is a delightful town in Normandy, known for its charming old harbor and scenic surroundings. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter a variety of art galleries, quaint cafés, and local shops, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed day out. The picturesque harbor, lined with colorful wooden houses and bustling with activity, is a highlight, offering numerous opportunities for photography and leisure. With the stunning backdrop of the Seine River, the town provides a peaceful escape while remaining easily accessible from nearby cities like Deauville.

Beyond the harbor, Honfleur also offers a wealth of natural beauty, with the nearby cliffs and beaches providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the coast or take a boat tour to get a different view of the area. The town also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including art festivals and music performances, making it an exciting place to visit regardless of the season. Whether you’re looking to unwind or immerse yourself in local culture, Honfleur has something for every type of traveler.

Le Touquet, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a charming seaside town that offers the perfect mix of beach relaxation and outdoor activities. Known for its beautiful wide sandy beaches, Le Touquet attracts visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and variety of things to do. Whether you’re strolling along the boardwalk, cycling through its coastal paths, or enjoying water sports like kite surfing, the town provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The town also features beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Parc des Pins, where visitors can unwind in a lush, green setting.

The town is also home to a thriving cultural scene, with art galleries, boutique shops, and a renowned market offering fresh local produce. Food lovers will enjoy the variety of restaurants and cafes, ranging from seafood dishes to French bistro cuisine. For those looking to unwind, Le Touquet’s luxury spas offer a chance to relax, while the many golf courses provide a more active way to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Le Touquet offers an ideal balance of leisure and adventure, making it a perfect destination for any type of traveler.

Lille is a vibrant city in northern France that combines French and Flemish influences, offering visitors a lively mix of culture, shopping, and gastronomy. Lille is one of the most underrated cities in France. The city’s charming old town, Vieux Lille, is filled with cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and historic architecture, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Lille is known for its grand squares, such as the Grand Place, and its beautiful parks, like the Parc de la Citadelle, providing a balance of urban excitement and green spaces.

Food lovers will delight in Lille’s renowned culinary scene, with an abundance of cafes, bistros, and markets offering regional specialties like “moules-frites” (mussels and fries) and local cheeses. Whether you’re exploring the Musée des Beaux-Arts, enjoying a shopping spree at the bustling Euralille mall, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere at a café terrace, Lille is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering a memorable experience for any visitor.

Visiting Mont Saint Michel is an unforgettable experience, with its breathtaking beauty and captivating atmosphere. The island commune, perched atop a rocky hill, is surrounded by tidal waters and offers stunning panoramic views from its ramparts. As you approach, the abbey rises majestically into the sky, while the charming cobbled streets and medieval architecture draw visitors into a world frozen in time. Whether you’re exploring the narrow alleys, taking in the spectacular views, or simply enjoying the serene environment, Mont Saint Michel promises a magical and awe-inspiring visit.

The area surrounding Mont Saint Michel also offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The quaint village at the base of the island has shops and restaurants, while the surrounding bay, known for its dramatic tidal movements, makes for a great area to explore if you’re interested in natural beauty. The tides are a major attraction, as the island is cut off from the mainland during high tide, adding to its sense of mystery and charm. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Mont Saint Michel provides a rich and diverse experience that appeals to all types of travelers.

Rennes, in the Brittany region, offers a perfect mix of traditional character and modern flair. Rennes is one of the most underrated cities in France. Its half-timbered houses, winding streets, and lively squares create a charming backdrop for exploring on foot. The city feels youthful and energetic, thanks in part to its large student population and vibrant cultural scene.

Beyond its picturesque old town, Rennes has a relaxed pace and a strong local identity. From weekend markets to green parks and riverside walks, there’s always something to enjoy. It also serves as a great starting point for exploring the rest of Brittany, with easy connections to the coast and nearby historic towns.

Amiens is a delightful city in the Hauts-de-Franc region that offers a peaceful yet engaging stop on any northern France itinerary. Its lively yet relaxed atmosphere is shaped by a charming mix of canal-side cafés, open-air markets, and pedestrian-friendly streets. A visit to Amiens wouldn’t be complete without spending time along the Somme River, where you can enjoy a boat ride through the city’s unique floating gardens, known as the Hortillonnages. The canals provide a refreshing green escape within the city, and they’re especially lovely to explore in the warmer months.

The town also has a creative and cultural flair, with independent bookstores, contemporary art spaces, and seasonal festivals that liven up its historic quarters. It’s compact enough to explore on foot, but full of hidden corners that reward those who wander. Whether you’re in town for an overnight stop or a longer stay, Amiens offers a tranquil yet enriching break from the busier destinations further south, with enough charm to make it a highlight of your journey through northern France.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a characterful coastal city in the Hauts-de-France region that blends maritime atmosphere with small-town charm. It’s best known for its lively fishing port and long promenade, where you can stroll along the sea, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in sweeping views of the English Channel. The city feels distinctly local, with colorful daily markets, family-run brasseries, and friendly cafés tucked into side streets. Whether you’re walking the beach, watching fishing boats unload, or sampling mussels and chips by the harbor, Boulogne offers a relaxed yet authentic introduction to France’s northern coastline.

The city is also home to Nausicaá, Europe’s largest public aquarium, which makes it a great stop for families or anyone with a curiosity for the ocean. Just a short walk uphill from the seafront takes you into the haute ville, the upper town, where you’ll find narrow cobbled lanes, boutique shops, and a peaceful square surrounded by cafés. It’s a rewarding place to explore slowly, especially if you enjoy mixing nature, culture, and coast in one place. As part of a road trip or a weekend stop, Boulogne-sur-Mer delivers a dose of sea air and French coastal living without the crowds.

Visiting Rouen offers a rich and atmospheric experience in one of the most striking cities of Normandy. Known for its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and impressive cathedral, Rouen is a city that combines charm with a distinctly artistic edge. Whether you’re meandering through medieval alleyways or browsing boutiques and cafés, the city feels both accessible and steeped in character—ideal for a day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway.

Rouen’s compact centre makes it perfect for exploring on foot. The city invites slow discovery: from public squares to hidden courtyards, riverside walks, and lively markets. It’s a place where you can simply wander without a fixed itinerary and still feel immersed in its vibrant local life. Whether you’re stopping in as part of a broader road trip or making it your main destination, Rouen is a captivating stop that delivers a true sense of northern France’s urban charm.

Visiting Beauvais offers a refreshing mix of charm, elegance, and a sense of quiet authenticity. When you arrive, the first thing that strikes you is the peaceful rhythm of the town, with its relaxed pace that feels far from the rush of bigger cities. The centerpiece, of course, is the magnificent Beauvais Cathedral — towering and incomplete, yet breathtaking in its ambition. Standing beneath its soaring arches, you can’t help but be awed by the sheer height and delicate beauty of its gothic architecture. Around the cathedral, the old town opens up with leafy squares, pretty gardens, and small cafés perfect for a coffee break or a leisurely lunch.

The town itself is easy to explore on foot. Strolling through Beauvais means wandering quiet streets lined with half-timbered houses, cozy bakeries, and boutiques that cater more to locals than tourists. Place Jeanne Hachette, the central square, is always lively without ever feeling crowded — a great spot to relax, people-watch, or enjoy an outdoor meal. You’ll also find a few surprises tucked away: art museums, hidden parks, and peaceful canals that invite you to linger longer than you planned.

Although many visitors see Beauvais simply as a gateway to or from the airport, spending even a day here reveals a town with genuine character. It’s a place to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy the understated pleasures of northern France. Whether you’re here for a short visit or passing through, Beauvais leaves a lasting impression with its graceful atmosphere and welcoming streets.

Visiting Giverny feels like stepping into a painting. The village is famously beautiful, with colorful gardens spilling over stone walls, winding lanes shaded by trees, and a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere that invites you to linger. As you stroll through the village, you’ll find that almost every corner offers a picture-perfect view — whether it’s a row of traditional Norman houses, a cluster of bright blooms, or a charming café terrace. Giverny isn’t large, but that’s part of its magic: you can take your time, walk everywhere easily, and really soak in the surroundings.

The highlight of any visit to Giverny is, of course, the opportunity to see the world through Monet’s eyes. His house and gardens are the centerpiece of the village, and wandering through the lush flower beds and over the iconic Japanese bridge feels wonderfully surreal. Every season offers a different palette — spring is vibrant with tulips, summer bursts with roses and lilies, and autumn brings warm, golden tones. Even if you’re not deeply into art, the sheer beauty of the gardens makes it an unforgettable experience.

Beyond Monet’s gardens, Giverny offers small pleasures that make a visit even richer. There are a few lovely galleries, local craft shops, and quiet spots where you can sit with a coffee or a glass of wine and simply enjoy the peaceful setting. For those who love walking, the surrounding countryside is a dream of gentle hills and open fields. Whether you’re visiting as a day trip or staying overnight, Giverny invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in one of France’s most enchanting villages.

Nestled in the lush Somme Valley of the Hauts-de-France region, Abbeville makes an inviting base for both nature lovers and urban explorers. Begin your morning with a stroll along the river Somme, where cherry blossoms and willow-lined quays set a tranquil scene. Local cafés by the Pont-République serve rich Picardy coffee and buttery croissants, perfect accompaniments before heading out to explore the market on Place Charles de Gaulle, where farmers lay out baskets of fresh walnuts, asparagus in season, and jars of artisanal preserves.

Just beyond the town centre, the Baie de Somme Regional Nature Park offers cycling and walking trails that meander through salt marshes and past oyster farms. Rent a bicycle from one of the Voie Verte stations and pedal along converted railway lines to hidden picnic spots—watch for herons and egrets in the shallows, or pause atop gentle dunes for panoramic views across the estuary. Kayak and canoe rentals nearby let you glide beneath old stone bridges and past medieval mills, while guided bird-watching tours showcase migratory species in spring and autumn.

As evening falls back in Abbeville, the lined terraces of rue Saint-Martin come alive with lights and convivial chatter. Seek out a bistro specializing in Picard cuisine—think creamy mushroom fricassees or rich marbled terrines—paired with a crisp Coteaux du Vendômois white. Cap your night with a leisurely passeggiata around the illuminated façades of the Saint-Vulfran church before slipping into one of the town’s peaceful riverside hotels, where the gentle murmur of the Somme will lull you to sleep.

Gravelines, perched on the edge of the river Aa in the Pas-de-Calais department of Hauts-de-France, offers a delightful blend of waterfront promenades and compact urban charm. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Vauban-era ramparts, where wide grassy promenades unfurl beside the canal’s gentle flow. As you walk, keep an eye out for the small sailing boats moored along the quay and pause atop the stone bastions to admire the glint of the North Sea just beyond the town’s green bulwarks.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, meander into the heart of the “town within walls,” where narrow cobbled lanes guide you past pastel-hued houses and cozy cafés. On the Place d’Armes, sample a local pâtisserie—perhaps a flaky tarte au maroilles—accompanied by a café crème, then browse the artisanal shops tucked into former guardhouses. The compact centre is easily explored on foot, so take your time discovering hidden courtyards and the understated beauty of the town’s church facades.

For a touch of maritime adventure, set out on a leisurely boat cruise through the Aa’s network of canals. Local operators offer hour-long tours that thread under low stone bridges and past reed-lined banks, with commentary on the birdlife that thrives in the surrounding wetlands. As evening falls, return to the ramparts to watch the sunset gild the battlements, then enjoy a riverside dinner of fresh mussels or fish-and-chips at one of the quay-side bistros before the lights come up over Gravelines’s serene waterways.