Guines(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Guînes, the top boutique stay is Le Cœur de Guînes, a hidden gem nestled in the historic quarter. This intimate hotel features handcrafted furniture, antique tapestries, and private terraces overlooking the Notre-Dame Church. Each room reflects Northern French heritage, with local artwork and linen sourced from nearby Flemish textile workshops. Guests enjoy personalized welcome kits with regional snacks and a complimentary guided walking tour of the old town’s cobblestone alleys, perfect for capturing authentic atmosphere.

The city center of Guînes provides the most convenient access to all major sights, including the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, Old Town Hall, and Guînes Park. Located just a 5-minute walk from the train station (Gare de Guînes), it's ideal for travelers exploring Lille, Dunkirk, or Amiens. The area’s compact layout, pedestrian-friendly streets, and well-preserved 19th-century architecture make it perfect for leisurely strolls and spontaneous discoveries while enjoying authentic Picardy-French village life.

Visitors to Guînes should attend the annual Fête de la Vendange de Guînes, celebrating the harvest season with traditional wheat reaping demonstrations and live artisan bread baking using ancient methods. You can also join a hands-on workshop at Atelier Local, where you’ll learn indigo dyeing techniques passed down through generations. These immersive experiences highlight the region’s deep-rooted Flemish textile traditions and offer a rare glimpse into the rural craftsmanship of Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

Yes, Le Petit Château Hotel is a family-oriented choice offering spacious family suites, a safe playroom with toys, and an enclosed garden with swings and sandbox. Located just a 5-minute walk from Guînes Park, it’s ideal for children to explore nature trails and picnic areas. The hotel serves a family breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, croissants, and organic juice, and provides free rental bikes for parents and kids to ride along the scenic Canal de la Somme path.

Near Guînes, the Forêt d'Orléans is a must-visit, a vast woodland spanning across Pas-de-Calais and Seine-Maritime departments, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Explore its wooden boardwalks leading to the serene Lac des Fougères, where you can HopeGoo or relax by the water. The Canal de la Somme wetlands are also exceptional for nature lovers—early mornings bring sightings of herons and white egrets, showcasing the region’s untouched ecological beauty.

Most hotels in Guînes provide complimentary on-site parking, including Hôtel des Deux Rivières and La Maison du Jardin, both with secure, dedicated spaces. Some properties even feature EV charging stations, supporting sustainable travel. It’s recommended to confirm parking availability in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer festivals or public holidays, to ensure a seamless arrival experience.

For couples, Le Cœur de Guînes stands out with its secluded terrace, starlit hot tub, and panoramic views of the Notre-Dame Church spire. Each evening includes a curated candlelit dinner and a bottle of local Crémant d'Alsace. The hotel also offers a nighttime city lights tour, guiding guests through quiet, unlit alleyways illuminated only by vintage lanterns—perfect for reliving the romantic ambiance of late 19th-century France.

Must-try dishes in Guînes include Bouillabaisse Nordiste, a rich stew made with freshwater fish and caramelized onions, and the famed Tarte Tatin de Guînes, crafted daily at Pâtisserie Lefèvre using heirloom apples. Pair them with a glass of local cider (Cidre du Pas-de-Calais) for a true taste of northern French terroir. Many restaurants still serve table d'hôte meals, fostering warm conversations and a deeper connection to community dining traditions.

Guînes Train Station (Gare de Guînes) is just 800 meters from the city center, with regular regional trains linking to Lille, Dunkirk, and Amiens. Most hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the station, such as Hotel Le Relais de la Poste with two daily departures. Additionally, Vélib’ bike-sharing stations are located throughout town, allowing easy access to parks and riverside paths—ideal for eco-conscious travelers seeking flexible, low-impact exploration.

Top photo locations in Guînes include the rose window of Notre-Dame Church, glowing with morning light; the fresco-covered façade of the Old Town Hall, depicting 19th-century farming scenes; and the Canal Bridge (Pont sur le Canal), where reflections create stunning symmetry at golden hour. Don’t miss the central Place du Marché, with its fountain and century-old oak tree—perfect for candid street photography and capturing the timeless charm of a quiet French village.