So how do I get there?

A16, A25, N356, D770

roubaix

A town which has artfully combined its textile tradition and modernity and dynamism

It once was a mansion that held one of the most beautiful swimming pools in France. Now it’s the home of the Museum of Art and Industry and is used to house collections of paintings, sculpture, drawings, textiles, design and ceramics. The pool’s original striking Art Deco designs and fittings have been carefully uncovered and restored and art admirers are now bathed in the light of two superb stained glass windows against a unique Neptune-inspired backdrop.

Is there a local speciality?
It’s an old textile town, with a strong tradition in lace making.

Any good activities around?
Roubaix is a real shoppers' paradise: in the centre l’Espace Grand’Rue hosts more than 50 boutiques and a hypermarket. There are also two factory outlets: L’Usine, a stylishly converted old Factory building and The McArthurGlen designer outlet. There’s even a centre of excellence in fashion and textile creation, the Fashion District.

When's market day?
Monday am rue Rubens, Wednesday am rue de la Guinguette, Friday pm Place de la Nation. Saturday am Grand Place pm place Carnot et rue Marceau. Sunday am rue de l'Epeule. Flea market on Saturday am parking du Colisée, Sunday Place de la Gare.

Interesting town fact
Older than the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix cycling race was launched in 1896 by two Roubaix textile manufacturers. The cycle race is famous for the stretches of cobbled roads of the "hellish North", which test the resilience of riders and bikes to the extreme.