France is so easily accessible from Dover that it’s perfectly possible to discover somewhere new and exciting during a day trip. With plenty of places to visit in northern France to choose from, you can immerse yourself in some of the area’s rich culture without having to spend a night away from home.
Here, we share some of our favourite places to visit in northern France, and the things that you can expect to see and do when you get there.
Places to visit in northern France: Arras
It takes just over an hour to drive from Calais to Arras, making it one of the best places to visit in northern France for those searching for a convenient day trip. First established during the Iron Age, art-lovers and novices alike will be swept away by the wave of historic architecture honed and perfected in Arras over the centuries. Two of Arras’ buildings have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these is the 15th century belfry, which took almost 100 years to complete and then had to be reconstructed due to damage caused to the structure during WWI. It’s almost impossible to tell that it’s not an ancient building though, as the reconstruction was completed with plenty of care and attention to detail. Standing at 75m tall, you can climb to the top of the belfry where you will be rewarded with fantastic views across the city.
Arras’ second UNESCO recognised building is the Vauban citadel. This 17th-century fortification is commonly nicknamed La belle inutile (or ‘the beautiful useless one’) for its ineffective role in protecting the city from Spanish troops. This was nothing to do with the structure itself, but blamed on its position which was not very strategic. Within the citadel, you’ll find Arras’ oldest chapel – the chapel St Louis – which has classification as a historic monument. You might also want to see the citadel’s firing squad wall which remembers those killed there through a number of plaques. Following this, take a walk around the grounds and admire the woodland and streams.
Places to visit in northern France: Boulogne-sur-Mer
Just over half an hour from Calais by car is Boulogne-sur-Mer. This important harbour town is the chief fishing port in France, with hundreds of species of fish hauled in from the Atlantic every day. As such, you’re sure to get a taste of traditional French specialities at their very best. Stock up on your own to take home at the commercial harbour of Capécure, where the day’s catch is prepared for auction. Alternatively, head to the specialist restaurants in Basse Ville to try the freshest moules marinières. If you’d prefer to watch fish, head to the impressive Nausicaa aquarium. With 58,000 creatures to discover, you can spend hours feeling like you’re under the sea.
Take a fairly steep walk up the hill and you’ll find Haute Ville, the old town where rose-lined walls and horseshoe-shaped castles have stood for many hundreds of years. Here, you can see the city’s belfry and domed cathedral, plus the vast city walls and their four gateways. When you’ve taken in the sights of the old town itself, turn around for a stunning view over the whole of Boulogne-sur-Mer, including the old port.
Places to visit in northern France: Chantilly
It may be a little further than the other destinations, but drive just two and a half hours from Calais and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world entirely. The town of Chantilly is a fairy tale destination, boasting thick forests and illustrious castles reflected in shining waters. You’ll also discover a love of horses dating back hundreds of years to the French royal family, and Chantilly even has a museum dedicated to this regal animal. Visit the Château de Chantilly, a stunning building with impressive surroundings, including an artificial lake and beautiful gardens. This landmark is now home to the Musée Condé, one of the most prestigious museums in France, which hosts art exhibitions showcasing old masters such as Fra Angelico and Rafael.
Of course, you’ll have to try the local speciality while you’re exploring this gorgeous area – Chantilly cream. Found across France in creperies and cafes atop a whole number of desserts, this whipped cream has been around for years, but it was in Chantilly where sugar was added to the recipe, making it extra delicious. You might also like to try a luxurious hot chocolate topped with Chantilly cream, especially if you’re visiting during the cold winter months.
Places to visit in northern France: Lille
The capital of the Hauts-de-France region, Lille is a bustling city filled with artistic nuances around every corner. Locals and visitors alike love to gather on the cobbled streets of Lille’s historic centre, surrounded by immaculate 17th-century houses and home to the Old Stock Exchange, one of the area’s best examples of Rennaissance-style architecture. The city has three major art galleries: the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest museums in the country, Lille Cathedral, a national monument showcasing the likes of Andy Warhol, and the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art, featuring such artists as Picasso and Modigliani, as well as rising stars of alternative art.
If you want to add a wild element to your northern France adventure, head to Lille zoo. With 450 animals across 70 species to admire, this zoo prides itself on its conservation efforts, and all enclosures are large in size and very natural. As Lille zoo is free to enter, it is one of the most visited zoos in France, and perfect for those travelling on a budget.
Ready to visit one of these great places in northern France? Book your Dover to Calais crossing with us today and have fun deciding where to see first!
