Attractions and Places To See around Marcq-En-Barœul - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Marcq-En-Barœul include a mix of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural waterways. This region in Hauts-de-France offers various points of interest, from significant cycling venues to historical city squares. Visitors can explore areas along canals and discover architectural heritage, making it suitable for those seeking family friendly attractions Marcq-En-Barœul.
Best attractions and places to see around Marcq-En-Barœul
- The most popular attractions is Port of Wambrechies, a river that offers a quiet and peaceful setting close to local landmarks. It is a place to visit in Wambrechies, near the church, the castle of Robersart, and a distillery.
- Another must-see spot is Roubaix Velodrome, a man-made monument with a long history in cycling. This open cycle track is the destination of the Paris-Roubaix race and has been a significant site for bicycle history since 1943.
- Visitors also love General de Gaulle Square, an old medieval market place and the main square of Lille. This historical settlement is an ideal starting point for sightseeing in Lille's old town, known for its architectural details and cultural significance.
- Marcq-En-Barœul is known for its historical sites, waterways, and cycling heritage. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to different interests.
- The attractions around Marcq-En-Barœul are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and 40 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Port of Wambrechies
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Roubaix Velodrome
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Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix
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Old Stock Exchange of Lille
Highlight • Historical Site
The tower features a gold-colored Mercury (the god of trade) and the facade looks rich due to the combination of red brick with white natural stone, lavishly decorated with fruit, horns of plenty, medallions and other ornaments.
It is a successful calling card of (Baroque) Flemish architecture in the 17th century.
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General de Gaulle Square
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The Roubaix Canal, or the Espierres Canal, as it's called in French or Belgian, forms part of the link between the Deûle River in France and the Scheldt River in Belgium. In 1843, the two canals were connected between Leers, France, and Leers-Nord, Belgium. Despite damage sustained during the two world wars, the canal was the pinnacle of the region's textile industry for over a hundred years, transporting coal from Belgium to numerous French factories. In Leers-Nord, Belgium, the workers who pulled the coal-laden barges were called "satcheux" (sailors). Next to the lock keeper's house, a stone's throw from France, the crossing point between France and Belgium, a customs guardhouse was built. Customs officers were present to inspect the numerous goods transported by barge. After the decline of the textile industry in the 1970s and 1980s, the canal gradually lost its usefulness and was closed to shipping in 1983. In the early 2000s, the canal was the subject of a cross-border rehabilitation project to allow tourist boats to pass through again. As part of the Interreg Blue Links project, a collaboration between France, Flanders, and Wallonia, it was flooded again. The final works were completed in 2011, and navigation reopened. Since the early 20th century, the Roubaix/Espierres Canal has been a place of conviviality, walking, and fishing for cross-border residents and commuters. Consequently, strong public opposition has arisen to the plan to convert the canal into a motorway. Source: www.caue-nord.com
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Super nice, and go inside the courtyard, you have old book sellers there.
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For a cycling tourist, the arrival at the Roubaix velodrome is also a great moment. Even after dozens of times!
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For the legend this race is, and how normal in fact the velodrome is...
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Place du Général de Gaulle is an old medieval market place, where a tree has never stood. The traders met here three times a day, in all weathers. Until they received permission from Philip IV of Spain to build the Old Exchange in 1652. The building was finished in 2 years and is made of porous stone, which is why it is painted. The restoration of the front facade was financed by companies, their logos can be found above the top row of windows. This building has 24 homes that are still mostly occupied by their owners. We also notice the many sculptures, typical of the Flemish Baroque style, but also because the architect, Julien Destrée, was a wood sculptor. Above the entrance gate we see the symbol of Lille (Fleur de Lys), with next to it the lions of Flanders and the crown of the city (with fortress towers on top) and two horns. Horns of Plenty, to refer to the wealth of Lille.
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One of these important sights is the Place du Général de Gaulle, also known as the "Grand Place". A must-see! He was a general, resistance fighter and president - Charles de Gaulle is still a great personality for many French people today. He has been dead for over 50 years and this great square is here in his memory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Marcq-En-Barœul?
Yes, several attractions in the area are suitable for families. You can visit the Port of Wambrechies for a peaceful setting along the river, or explore the Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix, which is part of a cycle path. The Roubaix Velodrome also welcomes visitors and has a rich cycling history. Additionally, historical sites like the Old Stock Exchange of Lille and General de Gaulle Square are enjoyable for all ages.
What historical sites can I visit in the Marcq-En-Barœul area?
The region is rich in history. You can explore the Roubaix Velodrome, a significant site in cycling history since 1943. In Lille, the Old Stock Exchange is a beautiful 17th-century building showcasing Flemish Baroque architecture, and General de Gaulle Square (Grand Place) is an old medieval market place and an ideal starting point for sightseeing in Lille's old town.
Where can I enjoy nature and waterways near Marcq-En-Barœul?
For nature and waterways, the Port of Wambrechies offers a quiet and peaceful river setting, close to local landmarks. You can also visit the Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix, where the Canal de L'Espierres becomes the Canal de Roubaix, offering scenic views along the water.
What cycling attractions are there around Marcq-En-Barœul?
Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the Roubaix Velodrome, famous as the finish line of the Paris-Roubaix race. The Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix is also notable, as the EuroVelo Route 5 leads along this path, offering a unique cross-border cycling experience.
Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions?
Yes, General de Gaulle Square in Lille is noted as wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the historical city center.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Marcq-En-Barœul offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including easy and moderate options like the 'La Marque Canal Towpath – Canal de Roubaix loop'. For mountain biking, explore trails such as the 'Val de Marque Greenway – Bonnance marshes loop'. Running enthusiasts can enjoy routes like the 'Port of Wambrechies – Robersart Castle loop'. More details on these activities can be found in the Cycling around Marcq-En-Barœul, MTB Trails around Marcq-En-Barœul, and Running Trails around Marcq-En-Barœul guides.
Are there easy walking or running trails near Marcq-En-Barœul attractions?
Yes, there are several easy routes for walking and running. For instance, the 'Port of Wambrechies – Robersart Castle loop' is a moderate running trail that takes you past scenic spots. The 'Bike, beer and french fries – La Marque Canal Towpath loop' is another moderate option. You can find more detailed information and other routes in the Running Trails around Marcq-En-Barœul guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Marcq-En-Barœul?
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of places like the Port of Wambrechies, often recommending it for a quiet visit near local landmarks. The historical significance and architectural beauty of sites like the Old Stock Exchange of Lille and General de Gaulle Square are also highly valued. For cyclists, the Roubaix Velodrome is a must-see for its legendary status.
Are there cafes or facilities near the attractions?
Some attractions, like the Port of Wambrechies, are noted to have facilities nearby, including suggestions to visit 'La Ginguette' for a drink. The Roubaix Velodrome also has facilities and a pub, being a municipal sports center. In Lille, the central location of General de Gaulle Square means many cafes and restaurants are readily available.
Can I find challenging bike routes in the Marcq-En-Barœul area?
While many routes are easy to moderate, the region does offer some more challenging options for cyclists. For example, the 'Pont Rouge – Mesen loop from La Madeleine' is a moderate cycling route covering nearly 60 km. You can explore various routes and their difficulty grades in the Cycling around Marcq-En-Barœul guide.
What is the best time to visit Marcq-En-Barœul for outdoor attractions?
The best time to visit for outdoor attractions is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and more conducive to cycling, walking, and exploring historical sites. This allows for comfortable enjoyment of the waterways and outdoor venues like the Port of Wambrechies and the Canal de Roubaix.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions?
While not strictly 'hidden,' the Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix offers a unique experience, allowing you to cross a national border on a cycle path, with noticeable changes in the path's surface. The intricate details and history of the Old Stock Exchange of Lille, with its lavish decorations and daily chess competitions in its courtyard, also provide a distinctive cultural insight.
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