Perched atop Mont Cassel overlooking French Flanders, Cassel dates back to the Roman era. Set between Dunkirk and Lille, this is a charming Nord destination for history buffs or those looking for an appealing first or final stop on a French adventure. Accommodation options include private houses as well as boutique hotels, with our pick of the best places to stay in Cassel chosen by our Gurus for their location, style and amenities.

Stroll through Cassel’s cobbled centre for a sense of the town’s long history. Admire unusual Flemish architecture, marvel at expansive views of the countryside below, and pop into various heritage landmarks. The Collégiale Notre Dame de la Crypte is striking, as are the Statue Equestre du Marechal Foch and the Moulin de Cassel. Discover the region’s past at the Musée Départemental de Flandre, which brims with excellent exhibits. Rambles through the Jardin du Mont des Recollets come highly recommended, as do cycling, hiking and horse riding excursions through rural Flanders. You'll find a number of well-regarded golf courses in the area, too.

Whether you’re venturing further into France or heading across to Belgium or the UK, Cassel is a wonderfully relaxing destination. Check out our selection of the best places to stay in Cassel as you start planning your trip!