The best traffic-free bike rides around Rieux-En-Cambrésis

Cathedral on the market square Tournai

The belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium (12th century). The building, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage, is 72 meters high and dominates the Grand-Place. During the ascent of the tower with its 257 steps, one discovers various didactic exhibitions, the prison, the carillonneur's room, and finally the bells which ring every Sunday during the summer (around 3:30 PM). The belfry of Tournai, built in 1192, symbolizes municipal freedoms. Its bell (the “Bancloque”) was used to warn the population of trials, executions, invasions, fires, etc. The belfry served as a watchtower, prison, bell tower, and town hall. You have access to the first terrace, which offers a breathtaking view of Tournai and its surroundings. source: visitwapi.be

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic-style belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium. A powerful symbol of urban liberties, it was likely built following the granting of a charter of freedoms in 1188 by Philip II Augustus, King of France. The lower belfry dates back to the city's founding, although it was remodeled at the end of the 14th century during the construction of the upper belfry. The upper belfry houses the bells and the clock and exhibits remarkable architectural unity. Restorations in the 19th century and, to a lesser extent, those in the 20th century, gave the belfry its current appearance. Reopened to the public in 2002 after ten years of work, visitors can discover a multimedia show about its history, panels explaining its functions, the carillonneur's room and the carillon itself, and, from its summit, a breathtaking panoramic view of Tournai.

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.

superb fresco on Paris Roubaix

This Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by Bernard of Clairvaux and grew into a large and influential community within a century. Royal armies camped there as in a fortress and Charles V signed peace with Henry II in 1556. In addition to the sick and outcasts, travellers and pilgrims also found shelter in the hospital. The largest abbey church in Europe stood here with an extraordinary length of 135 metres. On feast days, 3000 meals were provided to the needy in the wide area. After the French Revolution, it was declared national property and an inglorious end followed as an open-air quarry. Now, restored parts remain, such as the abbot's palace with the dormitories and monks' halls with the chapter house next to it. The 7-hectare abbey park is being restored to its former glory. Open March to November (Tue-Sat 10am-12pm and 2pm-5.30pm, Sun 3pm-6.30pm, closed Mondays).

The Romanesque tower, seemingly lost along the road, was once part of a huge fortification wall, 7 kilometres long and 5 to 6 metres high, built between 1204 and 1238 around the area of Vaucelles. In the 15th century, it was provided with 8 towers, but demolished in 1550 for the construction of the fortifications of Cambrai.

The customs house in Rumegies is a historic building that served as a customs post at the border between France and Belgium. This small house was used by customs officers to control the border crossings and stop smugglers. It is a reminder of the time when border controls were a daily reality in Europe.