The best walks and hikes around Escaudœuvres

Beautiful traffic-free footpath along the Scheldt. Depending on the light, the buildings on the other side reflect beautifully in the water. The row of trees along the roadway, but above the footpath, also creates atmosphere.

The Canalised Scheldt is a section of the River Escaut that was developed to facilitate navigation and river transport. This canalised section extends for approximately 63 km, from Cambrai to Mortagne-du-Nord, on the French-Belgian border. The canalisation of the Scheldt began between Cambrai and Bruay-sur-l'Escaut between 1772 and 1784. The Canal de l'Escaut connects to the Canal de Saint-Quentin in Cambrai, which allows a continuous river link to the Paris Basin via the Seine. This infrastructure played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, facilitating the transport of goods and supporting the industrialisation of the towns along its route. Today, the Canalised Scheldt continues to be used for both commercial transport and recreational activities, contributing to the local economy and tourism.

The Écluse de Cantimpré in Cambrai is a historic lock that played an important role in the development of the region's waterways. It was built in 1900 as part of the modernisation of the regional waterway network, as required by the Charles Freycinet law in 1879. The lock is equipped with two lock chambers, each 38 metres long and 5 metres wide, making it accessible to Flemish peniches and facilitating shipping. The lock is located at the junction of the canalised Scheldt and the Saint-Quentin Canal, and was part of the important port of Cantimpré, which was built in 1862. Today, the port of Cantimpré is mainly a pleasure port, but in the past it was a busy trading post with more than a hundred ships passing through every day.

The Écluse de Selles in Cambrai is a historic lock located on the Scheldt River. This lock dates back to the 18th century and is one of many locks in the region that were built to manage the waterways and facilitate navigation. The lock is located near the Château de Selles, a medieval castle originally built in the 13th century and later modified and expanded. The castle and lock are important historical monuments in Cambrai and attract many visitors interested in the history and heritage of the region.

Founded in the sixth century, it is the oldest church in the city. It became the abbey church of Saint-Aubert in the eleventh century. Rebuilt between 1697 and 1745, it illustrates two architectural traditions: the Baroque of the Netherlands and French classicism. At the crossing of the transept, there is an unparalleled blue stone canopy. Its function as a warehouse for goods confiscated from the clergy during the revolution saved it from destruction. The church houses many works of art, including the Entombment by Rubens (1616) and the rood screen by Jaspard Marsy (1635), now transformed into an organ gallery.

Place du 9 octobre is a famous place in Cambrai, France. The square was designed by architect Pierre Leprince-Ringuet in 1919 to improve the connection between the north-south and east-west axes of the city. The name of the square commemorates the entry of the Canadian troops into Cambrai on 9 October 1918. In the middle of the square is a monument in honour of Edmond Garin, the mayor of Cambrai from 1919 to 1925. The monument has a bas-relief depicting the "Goutte de Lait" (Drop of Milk), a charity initiative he supported.

The Hôtel de la Woestine, located on Rue de l'Épée (19) in Cambrai, was built in 17661. This beautiful building is an example of the classical architecture of the time, with a facade of natural stone and an impressive gate with rustic details. The hotel was owned by François Maximilien de la Woestine , the third Marquis of Becelaere. He was a prominent figure in the region and a great of Spain. Unfortunately, he was executed in Cambrai during the French Revolution in 1794.

The Musée Diocésain d'Art Sacré in Cambrai has an interesting history. The museum is housed in the former Cambrai Seminary, a building dating back to the 18th century. The museum was created to preserve and exhibit the religious heritage of the Diocese of Cambrai. The museum's collection includes a wide range of religious artworks, including paintings, sculptures, liturgical objects and textiles. Many of these pieces come from churches and chapels in the region that have been closed or renovated. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the rich religious history and art of the region.