France

Northern France

Monuments, memorials, Monet & more…

The north of France boasts something for everyone with its beautiful landscapes and wealth of cultural attractions. With opulent châteaux and elegant abbeys, magnificent cathedrals and world-class art museums, medieval towns and pretty harbours, a strong artistic heritage and war memorials, the area is packed with interesting places to visit. Alongside this variety – which is right on our doorstep and so easy to reach – is a gorgeous coastline, glorious gardens and a wonderful gourmet scene rich with local produce.

CULTURAL GEMS OF NORTHERN FRANCE

Historic highlights across the channel

  • Royaumont Abbey – discover this marvellous Gothic masterpiece
  • Monet’s Garden – the inspiration for many of Monet’s artworks
  • Armistice Museum in Compiègne – an exhibition on the two world wars, on the spot where WWI ended
  • Domaine de Chantilly – one of the jewels in France’s cultural crown & a vast collection of fine art
  • Executive coach travel from your choice of pick up points
  • 3 nights half board accommodation in a suitable hotel

From £599
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 35 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Suggested Hotel

Novotel Château de Maffliers, Maffliers

  • Located within its own beautiful grounds to the north of Paris
  • A grand 19th century château forms the main building, with a bar & restaurant
  • Contemporary and comfortable rooms are in a separate, modern building
  • Great leisure facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool
  • Perfect location for touring northern France

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Royaumont Abbey

    Founded in the 13th century by Louis IX, the magnificent Royaumont Abbey is a Gothic masterpiece with a vast history. This resplendent collection of buildings outside of Paris sits amongst hectares of gloriously serene gardens, and the royal abbey includes tranquil cloisters, romantic ruins and an elegant refectory.

  • Monet's Garden
    Monets-Garden

    Situated in Giverny, Normandy, Claude Monet’s country retreat is a colourful wonderland which evokes the impressionist painter’s famous works of art. The pastel-hued cottage sits amongst the Japanese-style water garden, easily recognisable from Monet’s Water Lilies series, and the flower garden presents stunning blooms in a composition that makes it a work of art in its own right.

  • The Armistice Museum

    This museum and war memorial marks the spot in Compiègne on which the Armistice was signed on 11th November 1918, ending World War I. Fully renovated in 2018, the museum shows a replica of the railway carriage in which the signing took place, and displays artefacts and footage relating to both of the 20th century’s world wars.

  • Domaine de Chantilly
    Chantilly_Aerien-1_copyright-michelbureau

    The breathtaking château of Chantilly sits, in its magnificence, amidst glassy lake waters and impeccably manicured grounds. This unspoilt treasure of French heritage is home to an incredible collection of precious masterpieces and manuscripts, the treasures of the last King of France.

Enquire

  • Alternatives

Similar Group Holidays

Hand picked destinations

Belgium

Leuven & Dinant

Tradition holds strong in Leuven, a Flemish town known for its characterful historic core. The town of Dinant, close to the French border, sits along the River Meuse under an intriguing clifftop citadel.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Bed and breakfast accommodation

Details

From £379
per person

Rouen, capital of Upper Normandy, is a once-prosperous market town with a rich architectural heritage and a wonderfully restored medieval centre. The quaint and colourful town of Honfleur was a favourite of Claude Monet and the Impressionists, and is known for its enchanting harbour.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Bed & breakfast accommodation

Details

From £329
per person

France

Normandy

Normandy holds a deeply rural charm within the green folds of its pastoral land. The region’s history of strife and battle is belied by idyllic orchards, pretty coastline, quaint villages of half-timbered cottages and hearty cuisine.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Half board accommodation
  • Enjoy a tasting at Fromagerie Graindorge
  • Les Jardins du Pays d'Auge - remarkably pretty gardens
  • Château du Breuil - sample the region's Calvados
  • Honfleur - a favourite of the Impressionists

Details

From £629
per person

Stunningly picturesque, the Alpine town of Annecy sparkles at the tip of the glassy waters of Lac d’Annecy. The beautiful mountain scenery can be enjoyed from chic Chamonix, glorious Geneva and majestic Mont Blanc – the pinnacle of the Alps.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Half board accommodation
  • Cruise on Lac d'Annecy
  • Annecy - a pretty lakeside town
  • Travel by train to the Mer du Glace
  • Chamonix - a chic resort town

Details

From £1,099
per person

Get updates

The latest adventures in your mailbox

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By checking this box, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. For more information on how to unsubscribe, please click here .