Top 10 Autumn destinations in Northern France
Bergues is a small town in Flemish plain, best known for its Belfry (World Heritage of Mankind) and its carillon of 50 bells that even today can be heard on major events and festivals. Town’s yellow facade, corseted walls, narrow streets, canals and bridges shows how time has no control here. It was named after fortified abbey on the hill nearby, where today is museum. Heard of Bergues cheese? Yes, it comes from this town and it’s a specialty.
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Beauvais lies on the left bank of the river Thérain at its confluence with the river Avelon. Main sight in city is one of the most daring Gothic cathedrals - Beauvais Cathedral. Inside of it there is a medieval clock, probably the oldest functioning mechanical clock in Europe. Also in Beauvais you can visit Royal Tapestry Manufactory, built in 17th century, on the order of Louis XIV.
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Amiens is famous for its cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral of 13th century and the largest of its kind in France. But that’s not all Amiens has to offer. It is home to "Cirque Jules Verne", which is one of the few permanent circuses in the world. Jules Verne himself is buried in the Madeleine cemetery in Amiens. Amiens is also known for the hortillonnages, a French word for gardens on small islands also known as the "floating gardens of Amiens". People of Amiens used marshland between rivers Somme and Avre to built canals and create these interesting islands.
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Saint Malo has many ancient, attractive buildings, but its castle is the highlight of the city. Located on the island, surrounded by high walls, it represents base from which modern day Saint Malo was created. City has one of the highest concentration of restaurants in Europe. If you visit one of them, try oysters, this region is known for good oysters. Also, don’t miss Great Aquarium, which houses around 11000 marine animals.
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If you want to know how modern day port works, take a boat tour “Le Texel”, through the impressive landscape of France’s third biggest port. Learn more about Dunkirk’s maritime history at the Port Museum or go and see a stunning schooner Duchesse Anne. Don’t miss to try coq à la bière - chicken in a creamy beer sauce, specialty of Flemish cuisine. Also take a walk on Dunkirk’s seafront, where famous salvation of Allied soldiers in World War II (Operation Dynamo) took place.
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Colorful buildings, high belfry, crowded squares and lots of fish – symbols of Boulogne-Sur-Mer. Huge ramparts from 13th century built on the foundations on the Gallo-Roman walls, with four gateways, surround this part of town. The “Centre Ville’ of Boulogne gives mix of shops, restaurants and cafés and pedestrian streets. On the cobbled square is the ancient Church of St Nicolas, protector of sailors, the oldest church in Boulogne. Since Boulogne is main fishing port of France, don’t miss visit to the local market, where fish is the best thing you can buy.
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City of Caen is known for William the Conqueror and historical buildings built during his reign. He was also buried in Caen. Castle of Caen, built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, is today one of the largest medieval fortresses of Western Europe. In the heart of the city is the old Vaugueux Quarter, known as little Montmartre. Caen is also University City, so don’t be surprised to see many young people, since one fifth of population are students.
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Rennes is a capital of Brittany. Historical center is located on the former plan of the ramparts. In 1720 there was a fire, which destroyed most of the timber framed houses. Northern part of the city was rebuilt, but southern part was poor and was not rebuilt. That difference can be seen today. Northern part is full with traditional half-timbered houses, small streets, shops and restaurants. There are also to visit: Saint George Palace, city hall, opera house, museums, churches and cathedral on the main square, like in most French cities.
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MUSIC: Bosque by Christopher Slaski
Rouen is historical capital of Normandy. It was one of the largest cities of medieval Europe and was one of the capitals of the Anglo-Norman dynasties between 11th and 15th century. In 1431 Joan of Arc was executed in Rouen. Rouen Cathedral dominates the city. Cathedral’s Gothic architecture was a subject of several Monet paintings. In the city you can visit Rouen castle, numerous museums, parks, botanical garden and have a boat ride on the river Seine. Each 4 years, millions of visitors come to Rouen for the event “L'Armada”. During the event in the port of Rouen, some of the finest and largest sailing ships, modern warships and many others come from all around the world.
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Town has numerous medieval buildings, with notable cathedral Notre-Dame of Laon, from 12th century. There is also medieval garden of Coucy. Everything is geometrically laid out, having number 4 as a base of measure, which recalls 4 basic elements. Laon has fully automated municipal cable car system, only one of its kind in world (the one in San Francisco is man operated). It has one line, three stations and connects city center with railway station.
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