Attractions and Places To See around Armentières - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Armentières offer a blend of historical depth, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. This town in northern France, with its Flemish heritage and significant World War history, is located near the Belgian border. Visitors can explore a variety of landmarks, war-related sites, and green spaces, including the picturesque Lys River.
Best attractions and places to see around Armentières
- The most popular attractions is Mesen, a settlement known as the smallest town in Belgium.…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Kemmelberg
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De Warande Castle
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French Ossuary on the Kemmelberg
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Mesen
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Pool of Peace (Spanbroekmolen Crater)
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Mesen (also called Messines) is the smallest city in Belgium with only about 1075 inhabitants. Mesen has a rich history dating back to Roman times and played an important role in medieval trade, especially in the cloth and leather industry . The town is best known for the Battle of Mesen during the First World War, where it was a strategic location . Today, Mesen is home to several monuments and memorials, such as the New Zealand Division Memorial and the Irish Peace Tower, which commemorate the history and sacrifices of the soldiers during the war .
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The castle was built in 1925 by order of Jacques Bruneel de la Warande, mayor of Kemmel. Previously there was a castle, which was destroyed in 1918 during the First World War. Architects were Henri Carbon and Charles Pil. After the castle served as a holiday home for a while, it was put into use as the town hall of Heuvelland in 1979. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasteel_De_Warande
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The Pool of Peace (or Lone Tree Crater) in Wijtschate is now a peaceful reminder of the great Mine Battle of June 1917. The opening of the offensive was marked by the explosion of 19 deep mines under the German lines between Ploegsteert and Hill 60. explosions form huge craters in the landscape. The largest and most ultimate crater is the Pool of Peace. It is 12 meters deep and has a diameter of 129 meters.
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Mesen, the smallest city in Belgium. Ever heard of Mesen? No? Shame! For those who are still looking for a nice staycation, we can warmly recommend Mesen. You have to travel all the way to the remote corner of a beautiful part of Westhoek. But once there, you end up in the smallest city in Belgium. Mesen may only be the size of a handkerchief, but there is so much to experience. The history goes back far into the Middle Ages. The Great War had horrific episodes here. Pressed against the Heuvelland witness hills and a piece of Wallonia, you can get lost in the beauty of mother nature. You come here for small moments of happiness and to listen to the shimmering silence. More information at https://www.wandelwandel.be/mesen-de-kleinste-stad-van-belgie/
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UNDERSTOOD RESTING PLACE Worth a visit out of respect for the more than 5000 French fallen. They have fought against the usurper. At the entrance to the hilltop, look and you will see the Angel looking down and watches over the peace of mind of the many young fallen soldiers. Yet another place to reflect. Information boards at the entrance provide more information.
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The French mass grave - also called 'ossuaire' - is located against the western flank of the Kemmelberg, with a view of the Zwarteberg, Rodeberg and Scherpenberg. The beautiful view also immediately provides insight into the strategic importance of this sector and of the Battle of the Kemmelberg. French Mass Grave The mass grave - in fact there are four mass graves - was only built after the armistice of November 1918. Today there are 5294 French dead. Only 57 of them could be identified, some only partially. Their names are on the monument to the dead, the obelisk made of white natural stone with a Gallic rooster at the top, which rises in the middle of the mass grave.
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The De Warande domain is a 16 hectare park with a castle that functions as the central town hall. The park is an excellent walking area with many open spaces and a rich range of plants. The site is well connected by various paths. One half of De Warande is meadow, the other half forest. The forest section is located in the highest part of the park, closest to the Kemmelberg. It consists of a mixture of various deciduous trees, which were planted after the First World War. In early spring the white wood anemone blooms and later the bluebells. Source: https://www.toerismeheuvelland.be/nl/de-warande
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cultural and historical sites are prominent in Armentières?
Armentières boasts several significant cultural and historical sites. The central Grand-Place is surrounded by the impressive Town Hall and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belfry, offering panoramic views from its summit. Nearby, Église Saint Vaast features a Neo-Renaissance exterior and Gothic interior. The historic Canal District and Quai de la Lys also provide a glimpse into the town's past with restored water mills and towpaths.
What museums can I visit to learn about Armentières' local history and traditions?
You can delve into local heritage at several museums. The Petit Musée de la Gaufre explores the history of waffle-making, while the Musée de la Vie Rurale et Flamande showcases agricultural and domestic life. The Musée de la Vie Frontalière highlights the town's textile industry, and the Musée historique de l'Union des Anciens Combattants offers insights into the World Wars through period objects.
Are there any significant World War I sites near Armentières?
Yes, the region is rich in World War I history. You can visit the solemn Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery and the German Military Cemetery on the outskirts of town. Further afield, the French Ossuary on the Kemmelberg commemorates over 5,000 fallen French soldiers. The Musée de la Bataille de Fromelles, about 10 minutes away, focuses on one of the bloodiest battles for the Australian army.
Where can I find natural beauty and outdoor activities around Armentières?
For nature and recreation, Les Prés du Hem is a 120-hectare parkland with a vast lake, offering activities like kayaking, pedal boating, and sailing. Its remoter north shore is a bird sanctuary. The Lys River, flowing through Armentières, provides picturesque settings for walks and boat trips along its tree-shaded banks.
What is the 'Pool of Peace' and where is it located?
The Pool of Peace (Spanbroekmolen Crater) is a poignant natural monument resulting from massive mine explosions during the Battle of Messines Ridge in June 1917. This crater, 12 meters deep and 129 meters in diameter, is a peaceful reminder of the destructive power of war and is located near Wijtschate, a short distance from Armentières.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Armentières area?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. Les Prés du Hem offers a beach, water sports, and a miniature railway for younger visitors. The surrounding park of De Warande Castle is an excellent walking area with open spaces and diverse plant life. Many historical sites, like the French Ossuary on the Kemmelberg and Pool of Peace, are accessible and offer educational experiences for older children.
What is the highest point in the region and what views does it offer?
The highest point in the province is Kemmelberg, standing at 156 meters. Its summit features the Belvédère Tower, a tourist observation tower that provides magnificent panoramic views of the entire region. On clear days, you can even see the coast.
Can I go gravel biking or mountain biking near Armentières?
Absolutely! The area around Armentières offers various routes for gravel and mountain biking. You can find moderate to difficult gravel biking trails like the "Gravel along the Deûle – Pont Rouge loop from Frelinghien" or the "Towpath of the Lys – Pont Rouge loop from Armentières." For mountain biking, explore routes such as the "Kemmelberg - The Angel – Bois de la Hutte Forest Trails loop from Armentières." More details and routes are available in the Gravel biking around Armentières and MTB Trails around Armentières guides.
Are there running trails available near the attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails. You can enjoy runs like the "Plage aux catamarands loop from Armentières" (easy) or the "Entrance to Près du Hem – Lys River loop from Armentières" (moderate). These trails offer scenic paths along the river and through green spaces. Discover more options in the Running Trails around Armentières guide.
What is unique about Mesen, a nearby settlement?
Mesen, also known as Messines, holds the distinction of being the smallest town in Belgium. Despite its size, it has a rich history, once being an important medieval trade location and a strategic point during World War I. Its St. Nicholas Church, with its striking dome, dates back to those golden years, and you can climb its tower for a wonderful panoramic view over the Heuvelland hills.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Armentières?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. The panoramic views from Kemmelberg, the peaceful reflection offered by war memorials, and the tranquil walks along the Lys River are frequently highlighted. The region's rich history and diverse landscapes provide a compelling experience for many.
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