Best attractions and places to see around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy include a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features in Northern France. The village offers a tranquil setting with opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient architecture and enjoy the verdant surroundings. The area is known for its historical significance and its network of waterways and cycling paths.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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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For real men, very tough, on the 30 lane route from Troisvilles 170 km
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Carrefour de l'arbre delivers! On our ride (full 259km distance) we arrive here with already 242km in our legs.... The strips start to pile up considerably, which only makes the strip harder. Few opportunities to take the edge, so the bend is treacherous. But the finish is getting closer and closer...
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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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A very famous part of the Paris/Roubaix cycling race
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Last bend before the cyclists enter the track.
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Sailly-Lez-Lannoy offers a rich history. You can visit the Ferme de Meurchin, a historic farm built on a 10th-century feudal motte, which has been in the same family for generations. The Église Saint-Pierre, with its 15th-century baptismal fonts and magnificent Way of the Cross, is also a notable site. While the Manoir de Neuville (dating back to 1290) is historically significant, it is not currently open for visits. You can also observe historic architecture throughout the village, with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The La Marque Canal Towpath is a pleasant environment for cycling or walking. The Espierres Canal also offers a nice setting for cycling. Additionally, the Roubaix Velodrome, a municipal sports center, is a place where families can experience cycling history.
The area around Sailly-Lez-Lannoy is known for its verdant setting and waterways. You can explore the La Marque Canal Towpath for pleasant walks or bike rides. The Espierres Canal and the nearby Canal de Roubaix also provide scenic routes for cycling, with the latter offering a unique experience of crossing the Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix.
Sailly-Lez-Lannoy is excellent for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'Bonniers Loop Trail' or 'Heron Lake – Path to Lac du Héron loop from Forest-sur-Marque'. Cyclists can enjoy the La Marque Canal Towpath or the Espierres Canal. The 'Circuit de Robigeux' is a local hiking trail covering about 10 kilometers. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guide or MTB trails guide for the area.
Yes, cycling enthusiasts looking for a challenge will find the Carrefour de l'Arbre cobbled sector particularly demanding. This mythical sector of the Paris-Roubaix race is known for its difficult cobblestones and technical turns, where many victories have been decided. It's rated as a 5-star difficulty for its challenging terrain.
The Roubaix Velodrome is a highly significant man-made monument in cycling history, serving as the historic finish line for the Paris-Roubaix cycling race since 1943. Officially named Vélodrome André-Pétrieux, it's a 500-meter long track with steep turns and is a popular destination for cyclists and visitors, hosting various events.
Yes, you can cycle across the border. The Belgium–France Border on the Canal de Roubaix offers a unique cycling experience. The Euro Velo Route 5 leads along this path, where the Canal de L'Espierres changes its name to Canal de Roubaix. You'll notice the path is paved in Belgium and becomes gravel in France.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Many enjoy the peaceful environment of the canal towpaths for cycling and walking, such as the La Marque Canal Towpath, which is praised for its pleasant surroundings and smooth surface. The historical context of sites like the Roubaix Velodrome and the challenge of the Carrefour de l'Arbre cobbled sector are also highly valued by the community.
Yes, there are options for easier walks. The 'Heron Lake – Path to Lac du Héron loop from Forest-sur-Marque' is an easy hiking route, approximately 4 kilometers long. The canal towpaths, like the La Marque Canal Towpath, also provide flat and accessible environments for leisurely strolls. You can find more easy routes in the hiking guide.
The Espierres Canal is a historical site built between 1840 and 1843. Its original purpose was to connect the Deûle with the Scheldt, supplying water and coal to the Lille-Roubaix-Tourcoing region. It runs through the provinces of Hainaut and West Flanders in Belgium and was reopened for river traffic in 2011, now also serving as a popular cycling route.
Yes, the village itself is a hidden gem for those interested in historical architecture. You can observe buildings dating back to the 18th century, distinguishable by their smaller, irregular, and flatter bricks. Some older constructions also feature 'rouges barres' – rows of white stones interspersed with bricks, offering a glimpse into the region's traditional building styles.


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