The northern region of France is an exciting tourist attraction due to the beautiful coastline and historical and cultural features. A short break to this enchanting area presents a wonderful combination of action, leisure, and discovery. That is why, what better way to experience it than by taking a Brittany Ferries journey? Offering comfortable and environmentally friendly services, Brittany Ferries offers a direct line to this charming part of Europe. Here we will describe for you the most appropriate ways and places to go and how to spend the weekend in Northern France.

Why Choose Brittany Ferries for Your Weekend Getaway?

Comfort and Convenience of Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries provides a relaxing, stress-free method of reaching Northern France with convenient ferry services from the UK. The ferries are, in a way, planned to provide you a comfortable journey regardless of whether you are departing from Portsmouth, Plymouth, or Poole, so this is a perfect weekend break option. Onboard you will find several facilities such as lounges, restaurants and cafes, duty-free shops, and much more, all for the purpose of making your experience as comfortable as possible. All the ferries are provided with comfortable cabins whereby once you board, you can relax in preparation for your trip.

For passengers who are willing to pay slightly more, Brittany Ferries also provides additional exclusive services, which include Club Class—this is a seating arrangement that is more comfortable and has privileges like privileged boarding, exclusive lounges, and others. The transportation link between the UK and Northern France is good, and you get to choose from several departure times throughout the day, so going for a weekend break is flexible.

Sustainable Travel with Brittany Ferries

If you are an environmentalist, you will also find Brittany Ferries to be a perfect choice. Their commitment to sustainability lets you have your fun and make your trip knowing you are contributing to a green economy by choosing rail transport. When you are crossing the English Channel, you can do so in the comfort that you are part of a company that is working towards a more environmentally friendly future.

Planning Your Northern France Trip

Best Routes for a Quick Weekend Getaway

In case of a short weekend break, Brittany Ferries provides the right and convenient way to get to Northern France with a journey time of between 3 to 5 hours. One of the most preferred is the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre, which is suitable for tourists who want to visit the region of Normandy. On the other hand, the routes from Plymouth to Roscoff are convenient for getting to Brittany and the northern coast of France, which are very picturesque and contain many historic cities. If you are ready and willing to start your journey, then you can select the departure time and start immediately.

Ideal Travel Times and Booking Tips

For you to have the best of the weekend trip, then it is wise to travel during the off-peak hours of the day. It is suggested to take a morning or an evening flight to spend more time in Northern France. It’s always advised to book in advance, particularly if you’ll be arriving with a car since this will guarantee you a spot while getting the best deals. It is always wise to book early for travel with Brittany Ferries because they usually announce cheap fares from time to time. If traveling with pets or children, make sure you have all of the paperwork that you need for the trip.

Top Destinations to Visit in Northern France

Exploring the Historic City of Rouen

Rouen’s history and culture make it one of the most important places to visit when in Northern France. It is nicknamed ‘The City of a Hundred Spires’ because of the many Gothic towers and spires of its magnificent buildings, with the famous Rouen Cathedral, featured in Monet’s paintings. It is also, of course, the city of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans. You can go to Joan of Arc Church and Old Market Square, where she was burnt to death. Rouen is great for an aimless stroll; the medieval streets are lined with great cafes, shops, and photogenic half-timbered houses. It will be a sin not to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts—one of the most beautiful art museums in the world.

Uncovering the Charm of Le Havre

Le Havre is quite an unusual city; it is a port city with extensive maritime history. Being a World Heritage City, it has constructed some of the most beautiful modern buildings after World War II by Auguste Perret. Art lovers should not miss out on the MuMa, or Museum of Modern Art, that features masterpieces of such artists as Monet and Picasso. Le Havre has a beautiful promenade along the water; you can also find some of the restaurants that serve seafood right on the harbor. To get more of the beauty of the city and the cliffs and the beaches, which are easily accessible via boat, you could take a boat ride.

Discovering the Beaches and Cliffs of Etretat

Etretat is a resort nestled on the coast of Normandy famous for the white cliffs and natural bridges. The town itself is quite small but adorable, and there are several cafes and cute shops. The focus here is the scenic landscapes, particularly the rocks and cliffs, so you can take a walk along the coast to see the great sea views. Etretat has also many artistic legends where Monet painted, and you can get to see the beautiful landscapes that surrounded those artists. For those who love nature and for those who want to spend their holidays in solitude, it is the right place.

Experiencing the Rich Culture and History of Northern France

There are numerous historical sites and museums in northern France that present a rather interesting view of the area’s history. You can also visit the D-Day beaches in Normandy, the evidence of the area’s importance during the Second World War. I would also recommend the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, which hosts the famous Bayeux tapestry, which describes the events prior to the Norman invasion of England. Northern France is a true treasure trove of history, and history lovers will find plenty of things to see and do here: architectural landmarks, museums, and other attractions.

Outdoor Adventures and Activities in Northern France

The lovers of hiking can find numerous trails in Northern France. There are many beautiful walking routes in the Normandy countryside: there are coastal trails that will allow you to see the cliffs from close up, and there are forest and village trails as well. The Seine River also provides a chance for a quiet walk or cycling, so you can enjoy the French countryside at its best.

Conclusion

Northern France has something to offer for everyone seeking history, culture, nature, and adventure, so it is the perfect place for a weekend break. From the beautiful coast of Etretat, the beautiful town of Rouen, and the rich city of Le Havre, one will never run out of things to do. Thanks to Brittany Ferries offering an efficient and environmentally friendly way of getting you there, you can sit back and relax and make the most of your weekend in one of the most picturesque parts of France. This is a region of history lovers, nature lovers, as well as gourmets, so everyone who comes to Northern France will not be bored.