The best hikes from bus stations around Cambrai

easy and pleasant walk

Beautiful traffic-free footpath along the Scheldt. Depending on the light, the buildings on the other side reflect beautifully in the water. The row of trees along the roadway, but above the footpath, also creates atmosphere.

The Canalised Scheldt is a section of the River Escaut that was developed to facilitate navigation and river transport. This canalised section extends for approximately 63 km, from Cambrai to Mortagne-du-Nord, on the French-Belgian border. The canalisation of the Scheldt began between Cambrai and Bruay-sur-l'Escaut between 1772 and 1784. The Canal de l'Escaut connects to the Canal de Saint-Quentin in Cambrai, which allows a continuous river link to the Paris Basin via the Seine. This infrastructure played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, facilitating the transport of goods and supporting the industrialisation of the towns along its route. Today, the Canalised Scheldt continues to be used for both commercial transport and recreational activities, contributing to the local economy and tourism.

The Écluse de Cantimpré in Cambrai is a historic lock that played an important role in the development of the region's waterways. It was built in 1900 as part of the modernisation of the regional waterway network, as required by the Charles Freycinet law in 1879. The lock is equipped with two lock chambers, each 38 metres long and 5 metres wide, making it accessible to Flemish peniches and facilitating shipping. The lock is located at the junction of the canalised Scheldt and the Saint-Quentin Canal, and was part of the important port of Cantimpré, which was built in 1862. Today, the port of Cantimpré is mainly a pleasure port, but in the past it was a busy trading post with more than a hundred ships passing through every day.

The Écluse de Selles in Cambrai is a historic lock located on the Scheldt River. This lock dates back to the 18th century and is one of many locks in the region that were built to manage the waterways and facilitate navigation. The lock is located near the Château de Selles, a medieval castle originally built in the 13th century and later modified and expanded. The castle and lock are important historical monuments in Cambrai and attract many visitors interested in the history and heritage of the region.

Opposite it was once the Saint-Julien hospital, now transformed into a theatre and a conservatory of music and dramatic art. This hospital foundation dating back to the 11th century operated until 1862. It covered an entire district. A few buildings still remain, including an 18th-century chapel, the current foyer of the theatre. This theatre was built after the First World War, in an Art Deco style, by the architect Pierre Leprince-Ringuet. Made of brick and cement, imitating stone, it fits in perfectly with the rest of the older buildings. Its façade, pierced by three high bays, is a fairly unusual model found in England. This particularity qualifies it as an open-air theatre. The interior was restored in 2001 by the architect Vincent Brossy, who managed to reconcile modernity and heritage. This 750-seat Italian-style theatre can host all kinds of shows thanks to its modular stage. Boasting a varied programme, it is one of the most attractive cultural centres in the city. During the first half of July, the Juventus classical music festival allows the most talented young European virtuosos to perform there.

The Jesuits arrived in Cambrai in 1562 to fight against the spread of Protestantism and founded a college there. Thanks to a legacy from Monsignor Vanderburch, they had their chapel rebuilt between 1678 and 1694 according to the principles of the Counter-Reformation, based on plans drawn up by the architect Jean du Blocq. The architectural rhythm, the play of polychromy and the abundance of sculpted decoration make this building a masterpiece of northern Baroque art. This ornamental richness is found inside in the profusion of high and low reliefs in the choir and the nave. Its decoration is completed by a series of paintings by the painter Arnoult de Vuez, representing scenes from the life of Christ. (Cambrai Tourist Office).

The former abbey church and the guest house, which has housed the Post Office since 1905, belonged to the Abbey of the Holy Sepulchre, founded in the 11th century. Between 1696 and 1702, under the episcopate of Fénelon, the whole was rebuilt in the classical style advocated by Louis XIV. The sobriety of the decor contrasts with the exuberant baroque façade of the Jesuit chapel opposite. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was designated as the new cathedral by Bishop Louis Belmas in 1804 after the destruction of the Gothic cathedral during the Revolution. (City of Cambrai)