The best walks and hikes around Fontaine-Notre-Dame

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.

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 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.

In 1626, Monsignor Vanderburch, Archbishop of Cambrai, founded the Sainte-Agnès house, intended for the education of poor young girls from Cambrai and Cateau-Cambrésis. Burned down in 1918 and 1986, the building retains its original portal, sculpted by Jaspar Marsy. Accented by engaged Doric columns with bossage, it is surmounted by an ogee pediment with the founder's coat of arms.

The Jesuits arrived in Cambrai in 1562 to fight against the spread of Protestantism and founded a college there. Thanks to a legacy from Monsignor Vanderburch, they had their chapel rebuilt between 1678 and 1694 according to the principles of the Counter-Reformation, based on plans drawn up by the architect Jean du Blocq. The architectural rhythm, the play of polychromy and the abundance of sculpted decoration make this building a masterpiece of northern Baroque art. This ornamental richness is found inside in the profusion of high and low reliefs in the choir and the nave. Its decoration is completed by a series of paintings by the painter Arnoult de Vuez, representing scenes from the life of Christ. (Cambrai Tourist Office).

The former abbey church and the guest house, which has housed the Post Office since 1905, belonged to the Abbey of the Holy Sepulchre, founded in the 11th century. Between 1696 and 1702, under the episcopate of Fénelon, the whole was rebuilt in the classical style advocated by Louis XIV. The sobriety of the decor contrasts with the exuberant baroque façade of the Jesuit chapel opposite. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was designated as the new cathedral by Bishop Louis Belmas in 1804 after the destruction of the Gothic cathedral during the Revolution. (City of Cambrai)