Laon:
Two hour’s dirive north of Paris, this charming medieval town is the perfect introduction to Northern France. Founded by the Romans in the first century, this little walled city has an epic history. A stroll through its ancient streets reveals a treasure of medieval architectural gems, including the Cathedral Notre Dame de Laon, which served as a model for Chartres Cathedral, and the Chapelle des Templiers (the Knights Templar Chapel), reminders of this village’s storied past.
Cambrai:
An hour north of Laon, is the little village of Cambrai, one of the oldest towns in the region. This little village is a terrific destination, dominated by a massive belfry (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Climb its 215 steps for a spectacular rooftop view of the village and surrounding countryside. Cambrai may be most famous for its delicious sweets, the Betises de Cambrai, created by accident in 1839, when a young apprentice mixed the wrong ingredients. He was scolded by his mother for making mistakes (betises) rather than making candy. Lucky for him and the world that his little mistake created a delightful sweet. Visit the workshop and watch confectioners making this famous candy in antique copper boilers.
Lille:
Named European Capital of Culture in 2004, Lille is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities of France. Its magnificent Flemish Renaissance architecture makes it a direct rival for Brussels or Antwerp, and its host of excellent museums, bustling shops, and gourmet restaurants lend it a lively cosmopolitan ambience. With a local guide, visit:
- the Citadelle park and fortress, a beautiful example of 17th Century military architecture, designed by Vauban
- the Vieille Bourse, a reminder of the Spanish occupation of the reion as well as the marriage og the French and Flemish cultures
- the Grand Place, focal point of life in Lile
- Porte de Paris
- Rue de la Monnaie, the former mint.
When you’re ready to relax, find a brewpub in the old town and watch the city go by while sampling one of the region’s 200-plus varieties of beer.
Tournai:
Just across the border, in neighboring Belgium, is the wonderfully preserved town of Tournai. After the fast pace of Lille, this little town is a haven of peace. With a warm Belgian waffle to munch on, stroll the cobblestoned streets, admire the porcelain and china for which this city is famous and visit the beautiful cathedral, a 5-towered Romanesque masterpiece.
Amiens:
Ninety minutes south of Lille, is the quiet city of Amiens. Despite its bloody past (including beign at the epicenter of the Battle of the Somme in World War I) this city has maintained its magnificent architecture. Most famous is the glorious Gothic cathedral, an outstanding example of 13th Century architecture. Explore the picturesque quarter of Saint Leu, stroll in the little streets and long the canals, meet artisans, visit the second-hand bookshops, and antique stores which give this gem of a neighborhood such an unusual atmosphere.
As published in Art du Voyage’s Travel Notes, Spring 2008
Filed under: Belgium, Europe, France, Lille, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Travel | Tagged: amiens, Belgium, cambrai, Europe, flanders, flea market, flemish, France, laon, lille, northern france, roadtrip, tournai, Travel, Vacation
