📍 France

HAUTS-DE-FRANCE: OPAL COASTS AND MEDIEVAL EARTH REVEALED

Opalescent beaches under northern light, ramparts ringed by water, gardens fragrant with roses, windmills turning in the breeze. Northern France, surprising.

≈ 16
Days
871
Km
14
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore the North between citadels, beaches and Flemish villages. Discover Pierrefonds and Gerberoy, cross Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Le Crotoy, explore Montreuil-sur-Mer, Wimereux and Wissant, then reach Bergues, Cassel and Maroilles where traditions and landscapes echo each other.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Pierrefonds

castle crowns forest heights

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5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Pierrefonds: neo-medieval castle & Compiègne forest.
🎯

Activities

→
Loops on the edge, lake & village.
2
Day

Gerberoy

roses climb village walls

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Gerberoy (Oise): "village of a thousand rose bushes", ramparts & mixed brick/half-timbered houses.
🎯

Activities

→
Le Sidaner Gardens & floral stroll (seasonal).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110 km
Travel time: 2h12
3
Day

Saint Valery Sur Somme

estuary curves poetry gently

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6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: medieval city, sailors' quarter (Courgain), panorama over the bay.
🎯

Activities

→
Seal watching with guide & walk on the salt marshes.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 46 km
Travel time: 56min
4
Day

Le Crotoy

bay curves golden soft

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7 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Le Crotoy: south-facing fishing port in the heart of the Somme Bay.
🎯

Activities

→
Bay Train / Polynesian pirogue according to tides.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 6min
5
Day

Hesdin

river valley carves slowly

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7 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Hesdin: medieval town of the 7 Valleys, belfry & Notre-Dame.
🎯

Activities

→
Nature loop in the forest of the 7 Valleys.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 128 km
Travel time: 2h34
6
Day

Montreuil Sur Mer

fortress town presides proudly

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5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Montreuil-sur-Mer: 13th century citadel, ramparts and medieval streets.
🎯

Activities

→
Bistronomic break (land of restaurant La Grenouillère & fine local establishments).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 38 km
Travel time: 45min
7
Day

Wimereux

opal sand stretches wide

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9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Wimereux: first seaside resort of the Opal Coast, colorful Victorian villas.
🎯

Activities

→
Promenade pier & blue-white cabins, water sports.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47 km
Travel time: 56min
8
Day

Ambleteuse

cliffs meet water dance

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7 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Ambleteuse: Vauban's Fort Mahon at the mouth of the Slack.
🎯

Activities

→
39-45 Museum & photo of listed Belle Époque villas.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 6min
9
Day

Wissant

coastal drama plays bold

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5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Wissant: fishing village between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez.
🎯

Activities

→
Land sailing / board / low tide walk towards the two Caps.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13 km
Travel time: 15min
10
Day

Gravelines

ramparts guard water calmly

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Gravelines: Petit-Fort-Philippe beach & Drawing museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset on the foreshore & blue-white cabins.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 213 km
Travel time: 4h15
11
Day

Bergues

island town stands proud

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4 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Bergues: UNESCO belfry, Vauban ramparts & "Ch'ti" trail.
🎯

Activities

→
Local tasting (cheeses/beers) & canal tour.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 33min
12
Day

Cassel

windmills turn sky high

Cassel - Photo 1Cassel - Photo 2Cassel - Photo 3Cassel - Photo 4Cassel - Photo 5Cassel - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Cassel (Favorite Village 2018): Hôtel de la Noble-Cour & Museum of Flanders.
🎯

Activities

→
Flemish gardens & estaminets on mont Cassel (170 m view).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 29min
13
Day

Saint Amand Les Eaux

thermal springs heat earth

Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 1Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 2Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 3Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 4Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 5Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 6Saint Amand Les Eaux - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Amand-les-Eaux: baroque abbey tower & thermal park.
🎯

Activities

→
State forest walk + thermal relaxation.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 58 km
Travel time: 1h10
14
Day

Maroilles

cheese traditions age slowly

Maroilles - Photo 1Maroilles - Photo 2Maroilles - Photo 3Maroilles - Photo 4Maroilles - Photo 5Maroilles - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Maroilles: abbey site, Saint-Humbert church & Trail of the Senses.
🎯

Activities

→
Cheese shop & AOP Maroilles tasting (for epicureans).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 155 km
Travel time: 3h06

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.