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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to Northern France
Northern France is elegance, history, and indulgence wrapped into one. Whether you’re sipping Champagne in Reims, indulging in melt-in-your-mouth butter-laden pastries in Normandy, or strolling through Rouen’s medieval streets, this part of France is unforgettable. And if you leave already plotting your return? That’s the Northern France effect.

Northern France may not have the rosé-drenched glamour of the South, but what it does have is pure, understated elegance. Think Normandy’s dramatic coastline, the rolling vineyards of Champagne, the medieval charm of Rouen, and the gastronomic brilliance of Lille. It’s the France of Impressionist paintings, half-timbered villages, and seriously good butter. It’s where you sip Champagne at the source, indulge in perfect crêpes in Brittany, and stand in quiet awe on the D-Day beaches.

I’ve explored this part of France extensively, and trust me—it’s every bit as magical as its southern counterpart. If you’re here for history, food, and an utterly French sense of refinement, then let’s do it right.

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Where to Stay: The Best Hotels in Northern France

Whether you prefer a château in Normandy, a five-star retreat in Champagne, or a historic hotel in Lille, Northern France has some of the most charming and elegant stays in the country.

Normandy

  1. Château La Chenevière (Port-en-Bessin-Huppain) – A gorgeous 18th-century château turned luxury hotel, surrounded by lush gardens. The perfect base for exploring the D-Day beaches.
  2. Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy (Deauville) – Half-timbered, Belle Époque perfection. Steps from the famous Planches Boardwalk, this hotel is as iconic as Deauville itself.
  3. Ferme Saint Siméon (Honfleur) – Once a retreat for Impressionist painters, this 17th-century inn is now a five-star haven of Norman charm.
  4. Manoir des Impressionnistes (Honfleur) – A stunning boutique manor house, where you can enjoy oysters and Calvados while watching the sun set over the Seine estuary.
  5. Château d’Audrieu (Audrieu) – A Regency-era château that somehow feels both grand and intimate. If you love history and luxury, this is it.

Lille & Northern France

  1. Clarance Hotel Lille – Set in an 18th-century townhouse, this boutique hotel offers sleek, modern rooms with historic charm—and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  2. L’Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection (Lille) – A former 15th-century hospice transformed into a five-star hotel with a spa. An exquisite mix of past and present.
  3. Château de Montreuil (Montreuil-sur-Mer) – One of Victor Hugo’s favorite spots, this château-turned-hotel is an hour from Calais and pure countryside elegance.
  4. Domaine de la Chartreuse (Gosnay) – A secluded luxury retreat, perfect for a peaceful weekend in the French countryside.
  5. Royal Hainaut Spa & Resort Hotel (Valenciennes) – Housed in an 18th-century military hospital, this hotel is the definition of grandeur, complete with an underground spa.

Champagne Region

  1. Domaine Les Crayères (Reims) – If you’re here for Champagne (which, obviously, you are), this is the place to stay. A grand château set among vineyards, with Michelin-starred dining.
  2. Hôtel de la Paix (Reims) – A chic, centrally located hotel just steps from the cathedral and Champagne houses.
  3. Le Château de Rilly (Rilly-la-Montagne) – A gorgeous countryside retreat, perfect for Champagne lovers who also love manor-house luxury.
Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants in Northern France

Northern France is a food lover’s dream. Normandy has its butter, cheese, and seafood. Lille brings Belgian-French bistro flair. Champagne offers refined, elegant gastronomy. And everywhere? Pure indulgence.

Normandy

  1. Le Bréard (Honfleur) – A Michelin-starred gem serving modern French cuisine in a charming medieval setting.
  2. Le Ciro’s (Deauville) – A legendary seafood restaurant, right on the Deauville boardwalk.
  3. La Marine (Barneville-Carteret) – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the sea, with incredible seafood.
  4. Les Maisons de Léa (Honfleur) – A chic, rustic brasserie with fabulous local specialties.
  5. La Couronne (Rouen) – Founded in 1345, this is literally France’s oldest restaurant. Julia Child had her first meal in France here—and the rest is history.

Lille & The North

  1. La Table (Lille) – Michelin-starred, chic yet unpretentious French fine dining.
  2. Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vieille (Lille) – A cozy, traditional estaminet serving flamiche (cheese tart), carbonnade flamande (beer-braised beef), and all the best northern dishes.
  3. Bloempot (Lille) – A modern Flemish-French restaurant in a hidden courtyard—with a zero-waste, farm-to-table philosophy.
  4. Meert (Lille) – Not a restaurant, but a historic pâtisserie famous for its vanilla-filled waffles.
  5. L’Assiette Champenoise (Reims) – A three-Michelin-starred Champagne-region institution, with impeccable wine pairings.
What to See & Do in Northern France
  • Mont Saint-Michel – The magical, fairytale-like island abbey that rises from the sea.
  • The D-Day Beaches (Normandy) – Walk the sands of Omaha Beach, visit the American Cemetery, and reflect on the region’s immense history.
  • Rouen’s Cathedral & Old Town – An imposing Gothic cathedral, charming half-timbered houses, and the place where Joan of Arc met her fate.
  • Champagne Tasting in Reims & Épernay – Visit Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, and Taittinger, and sip Champagne at the source.
  • Lille’s Old Town – A mix of French and Flemish architecture, lively bistros, and one of France’s best Christmas markets in winter.
  • Honfleur’s Old Harbor – One of the most picturesque seaside villages in France, beloved by Impressionist painters.
  • Bayeux & the Bayeux Tapestry – A medieval town with Normandy’s most famous tapestry, depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of England.
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