Bordering on the English Channel ( La Manche , or the sleeve, as it is named in French), Northern France is the gateway to the British Isles and points north toward Belgium and the Netherlands.

Getting There by Water

The shortest channel crossings are by hovercraft from Dover to Calais, taking less than an hour in good weather. Ferries take a bit longer - 90 minutes to a couple of hours depending on time of day and weather. Ferries also connect Dover or Folkstone with Dunkerque and Boulogne.

Getting There by Air

Despite a plethora of cut-rate airlines that now service many European cities, the north of France has not benefited particularly from this network. The sole possibility is to fly into Lille on RyanAir from either Marseille (in the south of France), Alicante, Spain or Oporto, Portugal (this is clearly set up for travel south by northerners!). However, travelers arriving at Charles de Gaulle outside of Paris can connect by high-speed train to Lille (1 hour), Arras, Calais or Dunkerque. Travel from Brussels Airport is approximately 45 minutes.

Getting There by Train

The TGV Nord-Europe links Paris with Lille (approximately 1 hour), Arras (less than an hour) and the ports on the channel coast (90 minutes to 3 hours depending on the route). The Eurostar, which handles passengers and vehicles, travels under the English Channel connecting London to Lille in less than 2 hours. Passengers who would like to have a car for touring the north can pick one up at the Calais-Fréthun station.

Getting There by Car

Several autoroutes crisscross the north, connecting the channel ports with Lille and eventually Paris.