Discover Armentières

Armentières offers different ways to plan your trip: the view from the belfry terrace, the history of Saint-Vaast Church and the First World War, as well as the cultural programme, walking trail and Calyssia. Which of these shapes your stay can also guide your search for a hotel in Armentières.

Belfry and local history

The belfry terrace is 42 metres above the ground. From there, you can see the Flanders hills, the Lys Valley and the spoil heaps of the mining basin, as well as Lille and the surrounding area. This view takes in both landscapes and cityscapes; if you plan to visit the terrace, check the visiting arrangements in advance, as access rules may change.

The town hall belfry was rebuilt after 1918 by Louis-Marie Cordonnier in the Flemish Renaissance style. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Belfries of Belgium and France”. At this landmark, architectural history and the expansive view from the terrace go hand in hand.

The history of Saint-Vaast Church dates back to the 9th century. Rebuilt in the Gothic style, it was consecrated in September 1929. These two dates show that the church’s long history and its Gothic reconstruction are separate milestones.

Museum and remembrance of the First World War

The Musée de l'Histoire de l'UACA displays several hundred different objects, including historical artefacts, weapons and personal belongings that document the lives of soldiers in the First World War. A memorial wall covered in numerous photographs commemorates the British soldiers who fell in Armentières and the surrounding area. The collection and the memorial wall highlight different aspects: the objects document soldiers’ lives, while the wall commemorates those who fell. If you plan to visit the museum, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Cultural programme and walking trail

Each season, Le Vivat offers theatre, dance, music, circus, comedy, puppet theatre and performances for young audiences. The programme therefore spans several performing arts and includes events for young audiences. As the programme changes seasonally, check the current season’s listings when planning to attend a specific performance.

Another way to explore cultural, creative and sporting venues is “La belle boucle #1”: this playful, artistic walking trail in Armentières is open year-round. One of its points of interest is number 6, the “Promenade du patrimoine”. In terms of timing, the year-round walking trail contrasts with the seasonal stage programme. If you are making specific plans, check the latest route details, as route features may change.

Fête des Nieulles and local tradition

The Fête des Nieulles is considered Armentières’ oldest and most characteristic festival. The round biscuits known as “les Nieulles” are an integral part of this traditional celebration. The name therefore refers both to a local festival tradition and to a particular pastry. If you plan to travel for the Fête des Nieulles, check the event dates in advance.

Swimming, aqua aerobics and relaxation area

Calyssia has a 25-metre sports pool with six lanes, a leisure pool with a 90-metre rotating slide, and a relaxation area with two saunas and a spa. Aqua aerobics activities are offered for different ability levels. The facilities cater to different interests: lanes for swimming, the slide for leisure, and the sauna and spa for relaxation; aqua aerobics adds activities for different ability levels. Before your visit, check the latest visiting arrangements and aqua aerobics offerings, as operating procedures and classes may change.

Discover more destinations: Vicq, Saméon, Ferrière-la-Grande, Dunkerque, Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux, Neuville-En-Ferrain, Steenwerck, Villers-au-Tertre.

For the broader travel overview: Nord.