Northern France Attractions

Senlis, Picardy & The Somme 60300

This abbey was founded in 1060 by Henri I's wide Anne of Kiev, following the birth of their son Philippe. The bell tower is one of the finest examples of its kind found in France.

Laon, Picardy & The Somme 02000

This 12th to 13th Century abbey church, restored after the fire in 1944 is a beautiful example of early Gothic style buildings.

Soissons, Picardy & The Somme 02200
Tel 34 (0)3 23 93 30 50  

This Abbey was very well known during the Frankish period but today only the 9th Century pre-Romanesque crypt remains. Still worthy of a visit to witness the stunning design.

St-Amand-les-Eaux, Nord

These great monastic buildings were initially constructed in the 16th Century by Nicolas du Bois. There is a stunning façade to the building as well as a superb underground chamber inside with stone vaulting.

Amiens, Picardy & The Somme 80260

This stunning example of ancient architecture is the largest Gothic building in France and dates back to 1220. Guided tours of the building are often available from Amiens tourist office.

Soissons, Picardy & The Somme 02200
Tel 33 (0)3 23 53 58 80  

This old Abbey was founded in 1076, was one of the richest monasteries of the Middle Ages. A stunning example of local history.

Arras, Pas-de-Calais 62000

This old abbey was founded in the 7th Century by St Aubert on the hill overlooking a tributary of the River Scarpe. Restored in 1918, this is a stunning example of historic architecture.

Rue du 8 mai 1945, Villeneuve d'Ascq, Nord 59650

The 6 ha archaeological park with its life-size reconstitution, located in the natural zone of the Parc du Héron, relates the habitat evolution in the North of France, from the Neolithic to the late Middle Ages.

67 rue du Don, Amiens, Picardy & The Somme 80260
Tel 33 (0)3 22 92 49 52  

Creates novel, often collectable wooden figurines which are mostly carved into life in front of visitors. The clothes of each figure are sewn with great care and each figure represents a truly stunning work of art.

Place de l’Industrie, Maubeuge, Nord 59600

A purpose built series of courts for the national game of France; Boule. It is situated at the large square and you are welcome to join in a game.

St Quentin, Picardy & The Somme 02100

Mainly a Gothic building that could rival many of the great cathedrals. A stunning sight that is a 'must' for any visitor to St Quentin or the region.

rue de Lille, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais 62200

Built from 1827 to 1866 on the site of the old cathedral, it has been wonderfully preserved and inside stands a powerful Corinthian colonnade that supports the upper part of the building.

Albert, Picardy & The Somme 80300

Red brick neo-Byzantine basilica which is a popular place of pilgrimage. The old tower is surmounted by a poignant statue of the 'Virgin and Child' by Albert Roze.

Palais de Justice, Douai, Nord 59500

Boat trips from Douai, along the River Scarpe, set off from the Palais de Justice and take you past the old grain merchants houses, Augustin's Lock, watermills and quayside markets.

Rue du Jardin des Plantes, Lille, Nord 5900
Tel 33 (0)3 20 52 06 83  

With shrubs of various shapes and sizes as well as thousands of roses and dahlias surrounding a large pond. The Tropical Greenhouse displays vegetation native to tropical regions.

Square Albert 1st, Calais, Pas-de-Calais 62100

Built in 1903 and inaugurated in 1905 this theatre stands on the former Brochot plain which was occupied by a cemetery between 1811 and 1871. The first floor of the facade is decorated with statues symbolising the four arts: Poetry, Comedy, Dance and Music.

rue de l'Epée, Cambrai, Nord 59400

See examples of Dutch 16th and 17th century paintings, and 18th century French school, displays of 19th and 20th century sculpture including works by Rodin.

St-Omer, Pas-de-Calais 62500

The most beautiful religious building in the region. Dates from 1200 and is a stunning place to visit. Blends a mixture of English style blind arcades into a typically French style historic structure.

rue des Teinturiers, Arras, Pas-de-Calais 62000

This old abbey was built according to plans prepared by Contant d'Ivry in the 18th Century. Worthy of a visit to witness this great piece of historical architecture.

Noyon, Picardy & The Somme 60400
Tel 33 (0)3 44 44 21 88  

Four buildings preceded the cathedral, which building began in 1145 and finished in 1235. This is a remarkable example of the early Gothic style of design.