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Nord

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About Nord

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?

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Best Hotels in Nord

  • L'Escale Malouine Dunkirk 4 rooms from $78

    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Sea Views  -  From some rooms.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.

    Excellently placed to explore Dunkirk from or the perfect spot for a stop off before tunnel or ferry. A B&B with four rooms and friendly service. Very affordable. See More

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  • Hostellerie Saint-Louis Bollezeele, Nord 25 rooms from $81

    Foodies  -  Excellent "à la carte" menus prepared by the owner Philippe Dubreucq.
    Hideaway  -  A charming country property in a quiet setting.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Dunkerque and the harbour.
    Great walks  -  Pretty walks on Flanders Hill.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A traditionally French property and well placed, Hostellerie Saint Louis is ideal for Channel crossings. Delicious food in the elegant restaurant and spotlessly clean bedrooms. A gourmet stop off and at excellent value for money. See More

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  • La Ferme Blanche Lille 11 rooms from $94

    Short break  -  A pretty farmhouse set in tranquil gardens, ideal for quiet weekends away.
    Cooking classes  -  Choose from a variety of cooking courses held in the hotel kitchen.
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Traditional
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    An 18th century Farmhouse now a small contemporary hotel with a handful of individually styled rooms and suites. Modern in design with light wooden floors, minimalist furniture and white washed walls. Dine on classic French cuisine in the restaurant. An ideal spot for a quiet weekend getaway. See More

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  • La Villa Carrée Lille 10 rooms from $132

    Local markets  -  Lille's infamous Christmas market
    Sights nearby  -  Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
    Great walks  -  Walk around this scenic city
    Short break
    Air conditioningGarden

    Super stylish, elegant guesthouse just outside the centre of Lille. Spacious contemporary bedrooms and suites with all white walls and linens contrasted with splashes of colour from cushions, throws or artworks. Huge bathrooms with beautiful bathtubs. A chic weekend getaway. See More

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  • L'Esplanade, Lille Lille 4 rooms from $155

    Sights nearby  -  Notre Dame de la Treille. You are just ten minutes on foot from the central square.
    Local markets  -  Explore Lille's famous street markets & Christmas Market (seasonal)
    Great walks  -  Jardin Vauban
    Full of character
    ParkingNo pets

    Set in the charming, historic centre of Lille, L'Esplanade offers spacious, contemporary rooms with views of the city. Relax in the lounge with stunning fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Lots of restaurants on its doorstep. A trendy townhouse base to explore the city. See More

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  • OKKO Hotel Lille 120 rooms from $163

    Designer Shopping  -  Euralille, close to the hotel, is a large, modern shopping centre while the Old Town has independent and high-end stores
    Local exploring  -  Explore Lille’s Old Town with its narrow, paved streets and 17th- and 18th-century Flemish and French architecture
    Value chic  -  A fuss-free hotel with chic Scandi design and an attractive price tag
    Sights nearby  -  The Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse is a good example of Flemish interiors
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled access

    With its fuss-free, Scandi-influenced rooms, and large and bright living-come-dining space, this is a great example of how to offer a designer hotel at a budget price. Midway between the Eurostar station and the Grand Place, it’s also well-located. See More

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  • L’arbre Voyageur, Lille Lille 48 rooms from $165

    Sights nearby  -  Explore Lille’s Old Town with its narrow, paved streets and 17th- and 18th-century Flemish and French architecture
    Local exploring  -  Well positioned midway between the Eurostar station and the Old Town - ideal for exploring
    City Style  -  The modern, steel-bar frontage sets the tone for this chic contemporary stay
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    The striking steel frontage of this hotel continues to surprise inside with its bold wallpapers, tropical themes and smartly chic bedrooms. There’s a choice of dining and an inner courtyard plus it offers a good, if busy, location midway between the Eurostar station and the Old Town. See More

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  • La Maison du Champlain Lille 4 rooms from $167

    Sights nearby  -  A stone's throw from Lille's Beaux Arts museum and the pedestrianised central area.
    Local markets  -  Wazemmes Outdoor Market
    Restrictions on children  -  Over 10s only
    Private Hot Tub
    SpaParkingNo pets

    Set in the heart of Lille in a mansion dating back to 1873, guests can enjoy elegant and comfortable suites plus a relaxing spa with sauna, hot tub and hammam. Walking distance from many of Lille's fine museums, this is perfect for those looking to explore the area. See More

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  • Châtellerie de Schoebeque Cassel 15 rooms from $177

    Total relaxation  -  A large converted country house in a peaceful setting with massage services and lovely terraces for relaxing on.
    Great walks  -  Walk through 'Le Jardin du Mont des Recollets' a garden inspired by old art masters.
    Sights nearby  -  Pack a picnic and set out to explore the beautiful old windmill.
    Restrictions on children  -  Children not allowed
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    18th century château converted into a luxurious hotel where serious pampering is guaranteed. A wide choice of individually themed rooms, suites and cottages - from Morocco, to Africa, to La Vie en Rose. A lovely veranda and sybaritic spa. A great choice for indulgence. See More

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  • Mama Shelter Lille Lille Centre 112 rooms from $177

    Families  -  The Mama Shelter hotels are great for families, with interconnecting rooms available and colourful design that kids will love
    City Style  -  With contemporary, designer interiors and a central city location, this hotel has reams of local Lille style
    Local exploring  -  Explore Lille with ease from this hotel, with many of the city's main attractions within walking distance
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the landmark Lille Cathedral, a stand-out example of Gothic revival architecture and a national monument
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    This hotel is a great base for exploring central Lille, located steps from the Grand Place. The trademark Mama Shelter quirkiness runs throughout, from the bold patterns and unique fittings in the guestrooms to the lively lounge featuring arcade games, DJs and a cocktail bar. See More

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  • L'Hermitage Gantois Lille 88 rooms from $228

    Short break  -  Ideally located for transport, the train station is a 5 minute drive, and Lille Airport is a 15 minute drive
    Romantic Break  -  Cosy and intimate rooms offer traditional decor with high ceilings, some with original fireplaces and tiles
    Local exploring  -  A great location in the centre of historic Lille; all its highlights are within walking distance
    Spa  -  Enjoy a tranquil and harmonious experience at the hotel's spa, with its array of facials, massages and other treatments
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

    A luxurious 5 star hotel in the city's historic centre. Rooms feature high ceilings, original features and wood panelled walls and elegant lounges boast antique furniture. The H Restaurant serves gourmet cuisine and there's a brasserie for more casual dining. Perfect for business or leisure. See More

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  • Clarance Hotel Lille 19 rooms from $269

    Local exploring  -  Perfectly set in the centre of Old Lille with many of its main attractions within walking distance including the Grand Palace
    Sights nearby  -  Explore Lille’s Old Town with its narrow, paved streets and 17th- and 18th-century Flemish and French architecture
    Foodies  -  Chef Thibaut Gamba offers Michelin-starred dining with a fabulous tasting menu
    Local markets  -  Wazemmes Sunday morning food, clothing and household market, plus Sunday morning artisan food market in Place du Concert
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    This quietly luxurious hotel, in an 18th-century townhouse, is tucked away from the city’s busiest streets yet is only a 10-minute stroll from the centre. With a low-key contemporary style and Michelin-starred dining, it offers a quiet retreat after a day exploring the city. See More

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