This area of France comprises the French administrative regions of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardy, Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine, Alsace and Franche-Comte. It forms the border with the countries of Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland to the north and east and the French regions of Normandy, Ile-de-France, Burgundy and Rhone-Alpes to the south. This long swathe of land varies from the flat sandy beaches of the English Channel / La Manche in the west to the rolling valleys and mountains (somewhat smaller than their Alpine neighbours) of Franche-Comte to the east. In between lie France's legendary champagne growing vineyards.
Place to stay here vary with the landscape - beachside apartments, villas and houses in the west, country cottages, gites, converted farm buildings and farmhouses in the centre, through to swiss style chalets in the east. Bed and breakfast and chambres d'hotes are also available for those passing through or looking for some homely French hospitality.