📍 France

NORD: BELFRIES AND FLEMISH CULTURAL HERITAGE ROUTES

Belfry towers rise in golden brick, Flemish gables glow vivid colors, culture thrives. Nord is Flemish heritage country.

≈ 11
Days
371
Km
9
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander Old Lille, visit La Piscine in Roubaix, Matisse museum at Le Cateau-Cambrésis, Bergues fortifications and Bavay Roman site. Nord, Flemish culture and belfries.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Lille

renaissance city charm glow

Lille - Photo 1Lille - Photo 2Lille - Photo 3Lille - Photo 4Lille - Photo 5Lille - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Old Lille.
2
Grand'Place.
3
Old Stock Exchange.
4
Belfry (UNESCO).
🎯

Activities

→
Palace of Fine Arts.
→
Vauban Citadel.
→
Braderie (September).
2
Day

Lille

renaissance city charm glow

Lille - Photo 1Lille - Photo 2Lille - Photo 3Lille - Photo 4Lille - Photo 5Lille - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
LaM Museum (modern art).
2
Countess Hospice.
3
Mint Street.
🎯

Activities

→
Euralille Shopping.
→
Wazemmes Market.
→
Taverns.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14.3 km
Travel time: 29min
3
Day

Roubaix

textile heritage craft village

Roubaix - Photo 1Roubaix - Photo 2Roubaix - Photo 3Roubaix - Photo 4Roubaix - Photo 5Roubaix - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
La Piscine (art museum).
2
Villa Cavrois (Mallet-Stevens).
🎯

Activities

→
Textile industrial heritage.
→
Barbieux Park.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 10 km
Travel time: 20min
4
Day

Villeneuve D Ascq

modern city anchor spread

Villeneuve D Ascq - Photo 1Villeneuve D Ascq - Photo 2Villeneuve D Ascq - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
LaM Museum (Picasso).
2
Modigliani).
3
Wooden mills.
🎯

Activities

→
Urban park.
→
Héron Lake.
→
Science forum.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52.9 km
Travel time: 53min
5
Day

Valenciennes

art museum city glow

Valenciennes - Photo 1Valenciennes - Photo 2Valenciennes - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Géry Church.
2
Matisse Museum (birthplace).
3
Gallo-Roman archaeological site (forum).
🎯

Activities

→
Rhônelle Park.
→
Spanish house.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37.5 km
Travel time: 1h15
6
Day

Cambrai

bastion town crown stone

Cambrai - Photo 1Cambrai - Photo 2Cambrai - Photo 3Cambrai - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Zoo.
2
Porte de Mons.
3
Mont-de-Piété Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Bêtises de Cambrai.
→
Henri Matisse Heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30.5 km
Travel time: 1h01
7
Day

Le Cateau Cambresis

art collection village glow

Le Cateau Cambresis - Photo 1Le Cateau Cambresis - Photo 2Le Cateau Cambresis - Photo 3Le Cateau Cambresis - Photo 4Le Cateau Cambresis - Photo 5Le Cateau Cambresis - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Matisse Museum (birthplace).
2
Saint-Martin Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Main square.
→
Via Belgica.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 36.5 km
Travel time: 1h13
8
Day

Bavay

roman village anchor stone

Bavay - Photo 1Bavay - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Gallo-Roman archaeological site (forum).
2
Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Ancient vestiges.
→
Chapel of the Ursulines.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16.3 km
Travel time: 33min
9
Day

Maubeuge

fortified border tower stone

Maubeuge - Photo 1Maubeuge - Photo 2Maubeuge - Photo 3Maubeuge - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Vauban Fortifications.
2
Zoo.
3
Porte de Mons.
🎯

Activities

→
Film set of "Welcome to the Sticks".
→
Flemish canals.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 173 km
Travel time: 2h10
10
Day

Bergues

fortified town glow medieval

Bergues - Photo 1Bergues - Photo 2Bergues - Photo 3Bergues - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Belfry (UNESCO).
2
Ramparts.
3
Mont-de-Piété Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Film set of "Welcome to the Sticks".
→
Flemish canals.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.