The north of France, aside from the coastal area, is not immediately known as an exotic destination. The department of Nord has a reputation for being cold, grey, and boring. And that is largely true. But just a stone's throw south, you will find endless historical splendor. The compact region above Paris is, after all, the birthplace of Gothic architecture, with some of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world. The route takes you past eight of these Gothic gems.

• The cathedral of Tournai
• The basilica of Saint-Quentin
• The cathedral of Laon
• The cathedral of Soissons
• The church of Noyon
• The cathedral of Senlis
• The cathedral of Beauvais
• The cathedral of Amiens

This route was carefully compiled by Tom Vander Sande on behalf of Motoren en Toerisme. You can read the accompanying travel story in Motoren & Toerisme November 2024.