The best walks and hikes around Sailly-Lez-Cambrai

Place Aristide Briand in Cambrai is a historically important site that was completely destroyed by German troops in 1918. The square was rebuilt between 1924 and 1932, according to a design by architect Pierre Leprince-Ringuet. The reconstruction combined Art Deco and regionalist styles, with specific guidelines for the buildings, including a minimum width of 6 meters, three levels and mansard roofs. The square has retained its harmonious appearance over the years and remains a central part of Cambrai's architectural heritage.

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.

The portal of the former archbishop's palace in Cambrai is a magnificent example of 17th century architecture. This portal, which is part of the current sub-prefecture, was built in 1625 by Archbishop François Vanderburch and decorated by the sculptor Gaspard Marsy. Designed in the style of the Flemish Renaissance, the portal contains impressive decorative elements such as sculpted tympanums and graceful columns. It is made of blue stone from Soignies and white stone for the decorative elements. The portal has been classified as a historical monument since 1921.

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.