The northern part of France is represented by three regions: Normandy, Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The landscape of this area is very diverse. Here tourists can admire the North Sea, sandy coast, hills, pastures. The north of France is a very interesting and beautiful region with a rich history and harsh climate. Numerous attractions have been preserved in this part of the country, including castles and palaces. The famous area is Flanders.
Normandy
In the north of France there is a historical region - Normandy. It is located off the coast of the English Channel, between Brittany and Picardy. The region is considered the birthplace of Camembert cheese. Parisians see Normandy as a great weekend getaway. The upper part of the region is known for its stunning apple orchards, water meadows, cider, delicious dairy products, fashionable resorts and secludedprovincial towns.
The bottom of Normandy is sunny Atlantic beaches.
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most beautiful places in northern France. It is a fortress-island on which only 20 people live. At the top of the cliff there is a church with a bell tower, which is decorated with a gilded statue of St. Michael. The temple has silvery spiers reaching into the sky. Next to it is a three-level building called the Miracle, which was built in 1220. The abbey is called the Eighth Wonder of the World. It has earned such a high title with its courtyard, which hangs between heaven and earth.
From here you will certainly be taken to the refectory, where symposiums and banquets are currently being held. On the territory of the abbey there is a lot of entertainment for tourists: classical music, "animated paintings", special effects and various installations. Guests can also visit the city's restaurants, which serve nineteenth-century recipes. At low tides, the city is surrounded by sand, so you will definitely want to take a walk around the area. Experienced travelers recommend walking with a company, as the local quicksands are quicksand. When entering the region, you can check the tide schedule.
Deauville and Trouville
Deauville and Trouville are cities in northern France, separated by the Touque River. Deauville is considered an expensive elite resort of the country, which is located just a two-hour drive from Paris. Here you can see hundreds of boatsand beautiful white yachts moored at the waterfront. The city is a holiday destination for famous people who take sun baths to show off their we alth. Year-round Deauville hosts prestigious exhibitions and film festivals, horse races, car parades and rallies. Vacationers play tennis and golf, relax in thalasso centers, and tickle their nerves in the casino.
Trouville is an old port and city in northern France that was once an ordinary fishing village. It has a sandy beach, a clothing and fish market, and a casino. And the choice of hotels is quite large. There is a cafe for guests. Life in the seaside town of Normandy flows slowly, and only tourists break the measured rhythm of life.
Honfleur
Honfleur is another city in northern France, located at the mouth of the Seine, just 10 kilometers from Deauville. But the distance from Paris is 200 kilometers. And yet the French love to spend the weekend here. The fact is that a delightful port is located here, which is both sea and river. At all times, he has consistently attracted the attention of artists.
In Honfleur, you can visit galleries of modern art, as well as see interesting architectural monuments that are the sights of the north of France. One of these places is the Church of St. Catherine, which is famous for being built only from wood.
No less interesting is Saint-Etienne Cathedral, which is considered the oldest in the city,because it was built during the Hundred Years War. The streets of the city are a great place for walking. They are imbued with medieval themes. And the facades of houses here are decorated with sailboats. Ceramic sculptures can often be seen on the roofs of buildings.
The old port area is always crowded. There are numerous restaurants where you can order fresh seafood dishes. If you wish, you can ride a pleasure boat and admire the lighthouse, the picturesque coastline, swim under the bridge. The pride of the city and its attraction is the cable-stayed bridge, called "Norimandia". Its length is 2.3 kilometers. It connects Honfleur and Le Havre.
Rouen
Rouen is considered the religious capital of northern France. Historically, the city is the capital of Upper Normandy. It is located on the banks of the Seine. The city-museum is filled with historical buildings of great architectural value. For many artists, Rouen and its sights served as a source of inspiration. Among the guests of the city were such prominent personalities as Claude Monet and Gustave Flaubert.
Historians believe that Rouen was founded by the Romans. Mellon of Rouen was the first bishop of the city. After its conquest by the Normans, the city became the capital of the Norman state. In the Middle Ages, Rouen was one of the most prosperous cities in France. For the inhabitants of Normandy, it is the religious capital.
In 1419, during the Hundred Years War, the city was conquered by the British. And in 1431 onJoan of Arc was executed in the Old Market Square of Rouen. The tower in which she was kept is now a tourist attraction and is open to the public. In memory of those distant events, a plaque was installed on the wall of the episcopal palace.
After the end of the war, the Cathedral of St. Joan of Arc was built on the square, which is a modern architectural complex. The cathedral is made in an interesting form, its roof resembles a fire, on which Joan of Arc was once burned. The complex also includes an indoor market. And one of the walls of the temple is decorated with stained-glass windows.
What to see in the north of France? Rouen is the city to visit as it has so many cultural and historical monuments.
Etretat
Until the early nineteenth century, Etretat was a simple fishing village. Later, impressionist artists discovered this amazingly beautiful corner, located between sheer cliffs.
The main attraction of the city to this day are alabaster rocks. Such an amazing miracle of nature was the reason for the development of a chic resort here with a large beach and a golf course.
Giverny
If you are a fan of painting, you should definitely visit a small town near Rouen called Giverny. The picturesque village is located on the banks of the Seine. Here, the museum-estate of the great Claude Monet is always open for tourists. The famous artist lived in Giverny for forty years. The house is surrounded by a garden,once planted by the owner himself. The fabulous beauty of the region is amazing. The museum has a shop that sells wonderful copies of the works of the great master. They are very popular among tourists who buy them as souvenirs.
Dieppe
60 kilometers from Rouen is the small coastal town of Dieppe, which is a favorite holiday destination for middle-class French people. Since the nineteenth century, Parisians have been coming here to swim in the sea, improve their he alth and relax. The main attraction of the city is now a museum located in a castle built in the fifteenth century.
The ancient building itself is an outstanding attraction. In addition, in the vicinity of the city you can visit another castle with the beautiful name Miromesnil. It is surrounded by an orchard. An incredibly colorful kite festival takes place here several times a year.
Havre
No less attractive for tourists is Le Havre, which is the second largest port after Marseille. After the war, the city was badly damaged. It was rebuilt according to the designs of Auguste Pere. The artist created houses that look like twins, and the monumental church of St. Joseph, as well as the building of the town hall, which now houses the city hall. In Le Havre, you can visit the Museum of the Old Town, which is located in one of the buildings that survived during the war.
Tourists should also visit the Malraux Gallery, inwhich houses a rich collection of paintings. Travelers recommend dining at one of the local establishments serving delicious fish and famous Normandy cheeses and ciders.
Reviews of tourists
According to experienced travelers, the northern regions of France are stunningly beautiful and interesting to visit. If you have been to Paris and enjoyed its beauties, feel free to go to Normandy and admire its harsh landscapes.
