10 day itinerary
Hauts De France
Itinerary
The Hauts-de-France region is a hidden gem in northern France, filled with charming towns, stunning coastlines, and rich history. Let’s create a delightful 10-day itinerary that starts and ends in Calais, with a focus on the beautiful areas of St. Omer and . Ready? Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Calais
Morning: Arrive in Calais and settle into your accommodation. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a stroll along the beach at . The sea breeze is refreshing!
Afternoon: Visit the for panoramic views of the city and the English Channel.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local bistro. Try some traditional dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) or potjevleesch (a meat terrine).
Day 2: Calais to St. Omer
Morning: Head to St. Omer (about a 30-minute drive). Start your day with a visit to the , a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Afternoon: Explore the and the . You can even take a leisurely boat ride if the weather permits!
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and try the regional specialty, Welsh, a delicious cheese dish.
Day 3: St. Omer and Surroundings
Morning: Visit the , a fascinating World War II museum located in a former German bunker.
Afternoon: Take a short drive to Audenarde to explore the and its beautiful gardens.
Evening: Return to St. Omer for dinner. Enjoy a cozy meal at a local brasserie.
Day 4: Day Trip to Boulogne-sur-Mer
Morning: Drive to Boulogne-sur-Mer (about 45 minutes). Start with a visit to the , the National Sea Centre, which is a fantastic aquarium.
Afternoon: Explore the Old Town and visit the . Don’t forget to wander through the charming streets and maybe grab a pastry!
Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant before heading back to St. Omer.
Day 5: and
Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes from St. Omer). Enjoy a hike along the cliffs with breathtaking views of the English Channel.
Afternoon: Continue to for more stunning coastal scenery. Pack a picnic to enjoy while taking in the views!
Evening: Return to St. Omer for a relaxing evening. Perhaps catch a local event or concert if available.
Day 6: Arras and the Battlefields
Morning: Drive to Arras (about 1 hour). Visit the and the , which are significant World War I sites.
Afternoon: Explore the and the beautiful belfry. Don’t miss the , an underground museum.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Arras, sampling local specialties like tarte au maroilles.
Day 7: Lens and the
Morning: Head to Lens (about 30 minutes from Arras) to visit the . The architecture is stunning, and the exhibitions are world-class!
Afternoon: Explore the town of Lens and visit the if you’re a football fan.
Evening: Return to St. Omer for dinner and perhaps a leisurely evening walk.
Day 8: Dunkirk and the Coast
Morning: Drive to Dunkirk (about 1 hour). Visit the to learn about the famous evacuation during World War II.
Afternoon: Spend some time at the beach or visit the for more stunning views.
Evening: Enjoy a seaside dinner, trying local fish dishes before heading back to St. Omer.
Day 9: Explore the Regional Nature Park
Morning: Spend the day in the . Enjoy hiking or cycling through the beautiful landscapes.
Afternoon: Visit the charming village of and relax on the beach.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner in St. Omer, reflecting on your wonderful trip!
Day 10: Return to Calais
Morning: Head back to Calais. If time permits, visit the shopping center for some last-minute shopping or souvenirs.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Calais before preparing for your departure.
Evening: Depart from Calais, taking with you beautiful memories of the Hauts-de-France region!
And there you have it! A delightful 10-day itinerary that balances history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy your adventure in Hauts-de-France! If you have any questions or need further recommendations, feel free to ask! 🌍✨