North East France
Visit North East France, France
The north-east of France, with the regions of Picardy, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine is often passed through quickly by visitors rushing towards the south of France and sunnier, more glamorous regions - but take a moment to slow down as you pass through! The regions contain some interesting sights and towns well worth exploring!
Regions in north-east France
Lorraine
The Lorraine region is centred around the important 18th century town of Nancy, with Metz another popular destinations.
Lorraine is also visited for the battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War that continue to attract a large number of visitors interested by the terrible events of the trench warfare that ravaged much of this part of France, including those of the Somme and Verdun.
The historic villages of Rodemack (15 kilometres north of Thionville) and Saint-Quirin (50 kilometres west of Strasbourg) are both in the Moselle department of Lorraine and listed among the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
See Lorraine Travel Guide for information
Picardy
Among the popular destinations in the Picardy region of northern France are the cathedral at Amiens and the towns of Beauvais, Noyon and Senlis.
The villages of Gerberoy (Oise) and Parfondeval (Aisne), two of the 'most beautiful villages of France' are in Picardy. You will also come across many of the UNESCO listed belfries of France in Picardy (and elsewhere in northern France)
See Picardy Travel Guide and Oise and Aisne and Somme department travel guides
Nord-Pas-de-Calais
The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is the coastal region of north-east France and is best known for the resorts at Le Touquet and Boulogne, both entertaining all year round because of their popularity with visitors from Paris, the UK and from other countries in the region.
The important French town of Lille is also in Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
Several of the larger towns in the north of France are very well known for their Christmas markets in the weeks before Christmas, both among French and overseas visitors, and one of the largest of these French Christmas markets is held in Lille.
See Nord-Pas-de-Calais travel guide for information
Champagne-Ardenne
The Champagne-Ardenne region of northern France is most visited for its association with champagne and the wine industry around the town of Epernay.
You should also visit the cathedral town of Reims and the historical centre of Troyes, among other sites of interest.
The region between Saint-Dizier and Troyes offers an opportunity unique in France to see a series of half-timbered churches.
See Champagne-Ardenne travel guide for information
Map of North East France
French version: North East France (Francais)
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