France’s département du Nord, bordering Belgium, is a sliver of verdant land with pretty villages dotted amidst rolling hills and flat fields crisscrossed by meandering rivers. Whether you’re arriving in Dunkirk by ferry or zipping across to Lille from Paris, this intriguing region promises a fascinating — and turbulent — history, accompanied by a unique Flemish culture and cuisine. Check out our selection of the best places to stay in Nord as you start planning your trip; we've uncovered chic city pads, intimate B&Bs and luxurious chateau conversions.

Lille, Nord’s capital, is France’s fourth-largest city. A buzzy university hub known for its lively evening scene, delicious regional fare and plethora of heritage landmarks, it’s a top spot for a city break. Stroll the streets of Vieux Lille, admiring Grand Place, the Old Stock Exchange and Notre-Dame-de-la-Trielle Cathedral, or marvel at the Palais des Beaux Arts' exhibitions. The latest festivals and events are detailed through Lille3000. Beyond the city, charming Cassel is a wonderful base, as is Dunkirk — the gateway to France, for many arrivals from the UK. Originally a fishing village, Dunkirk has long been among the country’s most important ports. It’s also one of northern France’s most-visited coastal towns for history buffs, who come to delve into the story of the evacuation of more than 338,000 Allied soldiers from the town’s beaches in 1940.

Be it Flemish food and architecture or Second World War history that you’re eager to discover, the Nord region is a terrific destination. There are also myriad walking, cycling and riding trails within easy reach of the best places to stay in the Nord.

The Best Places to Stay in Nord

For an Intimate B&B

• L'Escale Malouine is a friendly five-bedroom B&B just one kilometre from the heart of Dunkirk. Spacious, contemporary rooms are ideal for families, and guests share access to the sitting room and well-equipped kitchen. Great value for money and well-placed for exploring.
• La Maison du Champlain is a chic little B&B with four swish guest suites in Lille. Expect contemporary interiors tucked within a 150-year-old building, perfect for relaxing in absolute tranquility. The spa, complete with sauna, hot tub and hammam, is a highlight.
• L'Esplanade, in the historic heart of Lille, has bright rooms and suites with city views and all the mod-cons. Showcasing modern artworks by a selection of artists, this is a trendy B&B for art lovers. Close to the main sights and a range of eateries.

FOR CITY STYLE

• OKKO Hotel is a bright, Scandi-inspired hotel on a pedestrianised shopping street in the centre of Lille. Expect airy rooms and suites with slick designer interiors, a lively Club Room with a café-bar, and friendly staff on hand throughout the day. The complimentary evening tapas and apéritifs are brilliant for sociable travellers.
• Mama Shelter Lille embodies the quirky retro-chic style for which this groovy hotel group is known. Great for families and groups of friends, the hotel's inviting XXL rooms offer flexible spaces for multiple guests. The arcade games, weekend DJ nights and buzzy evenings by the firepit will appeal to fun-loving guests of all ages. Just east of Vieux Lille.
• L'Arbre Voyageur is a sleek city pad with bold, jungle-themed wallpapers and warm mustard and sea-blue upholstery. The hotel's steel-bar frontage is a real stand-out in a city famed for its historic edifices; this is a fresh, zingy choice. Gather at Ma Reine Bar or Restaurant Jane for gourmet fare in the evenings. One for well-heeled explorers.

FOR ROMANTIC LUXURY

• Clarance Hotel began life as an 18th-century merchant's townhouse. This elegant property is now a sophisticated boutique hotel with indulgent rooms and suites just ten minutes from Lille's Grand Place. A beautiful choice for a romantic getaway, the hotel boasts a walled garden, wood-panelled library and Michelin-starred restaurant. Exceptional.
• Châtellerie de Schoebeque, in Cassel, dates back to 1760, and now houses a chic hotel with individually themed rooms, suites and cottages. The veranda promises sweeping views, and guests are invited to unwind in the rejuvenating sybaritic spa. Close to the Channel ports and three golf courses, this is a top spot for a first or final stop in France.

For Great Value

• Hostellerie Saint Louis, just south of Dunkirk, is a brilliant stopping point for Channel crossings. Expect simple, traditional rooms with floral fabrics and cosy seating areas tucked behind a blue-and-white-painted façade. The restaurant has a deservedly excellent reputation, and prices are very reasonable.
• La Villa Carrée is an elegant ten bedroom guesthouse with contemporary rooms and suites clad in a soothing white-on-white palette. Slightly south-west of Vieux Lille, this is a romantic yet affordable spot.
• La Ferme Blanche is a simple 18th-century farmhouse on the outskirts of Lille. Pick this place for the tranquil atmosphere and the flexible room options. A well-priced choice for those seeking to combining exploring the city with cycling through the countryside or unwinding in the gardens.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY House

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Lille Airport, take the ferry from the UK to Dunkirk, or catch the TGV from Paris to destinations across Nord.
• Nord is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect temperatures to range between 15 and 23°C in the warmer months — much like the UK. Visit during the spring or autumn for a quieter atmosphere.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Lille.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in France.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Nord