Northern France—a region with many faces
Price from
CHF 1'660.00 p/person
Flat landscapes, cliffs battered by the sea, marshes—the landscape of northern France is as varied as its rich cultural heritage and cuisine. You’ll find a vibrant atmosphere in the picturesque alleys and beautiful squares of Lille, Arras, and Calais.
Itinerary
But what makes this region truly unique is the warmth of its residents, whose hospitality surpasses that of any other region in France. Come along and see for yourself!
Day 1: Arrival in Lille
We’ll travel to Lille, our first destination in northern France. Along the way, we’ll stop in the Metz area for a group lunch and enjoy our meal in good company. We’ll then continue our drive to Lille. Before dinner at the hotel, there will be time for a first exploratory walk through the city. This will give us a chance to get a feel for Lille’s special charm. We’ll then wrap up our first day with dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Lille and Arras
In the morning, we’ll explore Lille on a guided city tour and discover the late-Gothic architecture of the Old Town. On the Grand Place, we’ll be impressed by the Old Stock Exchange, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, while the “Palais des Beaux-Arts”—the second-largest museum after the Louvre in Paris—waits to be explored. We’ll spend lunchtime doing whatever we like before continuing on to Arras in the afternoon. At the Grand’Place and the Place des Héros, we’ll be captivated by the Flemish Baroque-style facades and the town hall with its clock tower. After a beer and cheese tasting at the town hall, we’ll continue, refreshed, to our next stop. A short distance from the city center, hidden 20 meters beneath the cobblestones, lies the Carrière Wellington—a place steeped in memories of World War I. Accompanied by a museum guide, we take a glass-enclosed elevator to explore this fascinating underground world. Back in Lille, we round out the day with a delicious dinner at a traditional specialty restaurant.
Day 3: Flemish Culture and Enchanting Nature
We’ll start the day with a visit to the Flanders Museum in Cassel, where we’ll learn more about Flemish art and culture. Afterward, there’s an option to have lunch at the museum’s restaurant (optional). Afterward, we’ll enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the Audomarois marshes, where we’ll be enchanted by the flora, fauna, and varied landscape. We’ll then head to charming Saint-Omer, our next overnight stop. On a stroll through this city of art and history, we’ll discover pretty alleyways, patrician mansions, and 18th-century houses, as well as the cathedral, which is well worth a visit. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a meal at one of the city’s typical brasseries.
Day 4: Calais and along the Opal Coast to Boulogne-sur-Mer
We’ll explore Calais on a guided city tour and discover a city that is much more than just a port and a gateway to England. Along the beach promenade, we’ll encounter the impressive sea dragon of the Compagnie du Dragon; afterward, we can continue our exploration with a ride on the dragon or a monitor lizard (optional) or learn more about the famous Calais lace at the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode (optional). From the fine sandy beach to Cap Blanc Nez, breathtaking panoramic views of the English Channel unfold before us, before we drive along the Opal Coast with its endless sandy beaches and the imposing Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez. Small fishing villages such as Wissant and Audresselles, as well as the seaside resort of Wimereux, line our route. In Boulogne-sur-Mer, we’ll then explore this city of art, history, and the sea—with its fortified upper town and large fishing, cargo, and marina—before having dinner at a restaurant.
Day 5: Nausicaá and Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
In the morning, we’ll continue exploring Boulogne-sur-Mer and visit Nausicaá, the national marine center. There, we’ll immerse ourselves in the ocean and its fascinating underwater world, which includes a 9,500 m³ tank that’s nine meters deep and an amphitheater with a view of the sharks. More than 35,000 fish and other marine creatures call this the largest complex of its kind in Europe home. Afterward, we’ll drive to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, which has developed into a fashionable seaside resort since the 1930s and is now also known as the “Little Arcachon of the North.” We’ll be inspired by the more than 2,000 villas with their diverse architectural styles and stroll along the wide avenues of this charming seaside town. Afterward, we’ll return to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where we’ll have dinner at the hotel and spend the night.
Day 6: Return Home
Today it’s time to say goodbye to northern France. We begin our journey home and reflect once more on the many experiences of the past few days. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch together in the Châlons-en-Champagne area. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey home. Our trip comes to an end, filled with memories of Flemish culture, historic cities, the Opal Coast, and the special atmosphere of northern France. We look forward to seeing you again soon in northern France!
Our hotels
Hôtel Novotel Lille Centre Grand Place, Lille
The centrally located 4-star Novotel Lille Centre is situated just a short distance from the opera house and Lille’s charming pedestrian zone. Guests can look forward to comfortable rooms in the tried-and-true Novotel style, as well as a lively hotel atmosphere featuring a restaurant, bar, and friendly service.
Mercure Saint-Omer Centre Gare, Saint-Omer
The centrally located 4-star Mercure Saint-Omer Centre Gare is right next to the train station and just a few minutes’ walk from the historic old town. The comfortable rooms, modern ambiance, and ideal location make the hotel the perfect base for exploring Saint-Omer.
Hôtel de la Matelote, Boulogne-sur-Mer
The elegant 4-star Hôtel de la Matelote is located directly on the harbor in Boulogne-sur-Mer and just a few steps from the old town. It features stylish rooms, an excellent restaurant, and an ideal location for exploring the lively coastal town.