Discover Caudry: Basilica, Lace and Nature

Caudry offers several ways to make the most of your stay: religious heritage and Gothic architecture, the history and production of lace, and time outdoors. The Basilique Sainte-Maxellende, the Musée des Dentelles et Broderies and the Espace de Vie Historique André Flament offer different insights into Caudry’s history and culture. The Base de Loisirs du Val du Riot adds a tree-filled park, walks, outdoor activities and fishing opportunities to these options. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these aspects of Caudry interests you most.

Basilica: Dedication and Building History

The Basilique Sainte-Maxellende de Caudry is dedicated to Sainte Maxellende, a young woman from Caudry who was martyred by Harduin d’Amerval in the 7th century. The Gothic building itself was constructed much later: it was built between 1887 and 1890 to plans by Lille architect Louis Cordonnier. The basilica also houses the 14th-century reliquary of Sainte Maxellende, which is classified as a historic monument. Here, you encounter several different periods: the saint’s life, the medieval reliquary and the late 19th-century construction. If you are interested in sacred architecture, you can admire the Gothic building while also focusing on the basilica’s dedication.

Lace-Making Heritage at the Musée des Dentelles et Broderies

The Musée des Dentelles et Broderies explores the lace industry through its history and production methods. A video on the ground floor covers the history and techniques of Caudry’s lace industry. During a workshop visit, machines demonstrate the various stages of lace-making. A professional lace-maker also demonstrates a working Leavers machine. The video and workshop offer different perspectives: the video covers the historical and technical background, while the machines and demonstration focus on production. If you are interested in textile crafts, you can discover both the industry’s place in Caudry’s history and specific stages of the production process.

Historical Insights at the Espace de Vie Historique

The Espace de Vie Historique André Flament combines a reconstructed street scene with an exhibition on Caudry’s history. The recreated street features shops, cobblestones and pavements and is based on a model from the 1930s. Postcards, photographs and newspapers provide the basis for the exhibition’s presentation of Caudry’s history and related subjects. A designed street scene and a range of historical materials come together here. From the Musée des Dentelles et Broderies, you can reach the Espace by crossing Place des Mantilles; a lift provides access to the third floor.

Walking and Fishing at Val du Riot

The Base de Loisirs du Val du Riot offers a different focus. It includes a 12-hectare park with plenty of trees, where many animals live temporarily or permanently. The site offers space for walks and outdoor activities. Three ponds provide opportunities for fishing. The parkland and specific leisure activities are both part of what the site offers. If you would like to spend time outdoors as well as visiting museums and exploring architectural history, the Base complements Caudry’s cultural attractions with its own focus on nature and leisure.

Discover more destinations: Trelon, Condé-sur-l’Escaut, Aulnoye-Aymeries, Bas-Lieu, Bachy, Lesquin, Orchies, Haulchin

For the wider travel overview: Nord.