Things To Do
in Caudry

Caudry is a small town in the Nord department of northern France, renowned for its long-standing lace industry and artisanal textiles. It sits in a predominantly rural landscape with brick-and-stone architecture that hints at its industrial past. The town offers quiet streets, local markets, and a chance to explore centuries-old craft traditions that shaped its identity.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, discover lace heritage, and use Caudry as a gateway to the surrounding Hauts-de-France countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Heart of Caudry
morning
:

Stroll through the charming streets of Caudry, taking in the beautiful architecture and local shops. Stop by a quaint café for a traditional French breakfast, featuring fresh croissants and coffee. Don't forget to visit the Caudry lace museum to understand the city's rich history in lace-making.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon visiting the historic Saint Géry Church, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Canal de la Sensée, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Indulge in a hearty lunch at a local bistro, savoring regional dishes.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the town square where lively markets and street performers create an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling delightful Flemish cuisine. End your evening with a peaceful stroll along the canal, soaking in the serene ambiance.

day 2
Day Trip to Cambrai
morning
:

Take a short train ride to the nearby city of Cambrai for a day of exploration. Begin at the iconic Cambrai Cathedral, where the blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture will leave you in awe. Afterward, enjoy a breakfast of local pastries at a nearby bakery.

afternoon
:

Visit the museums dedicated to the city’s history, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts to admire exquisite art collections. Grab lunch at a café in the heart of the city, enjoying the hustle and bustle of daily French life. Spend some time wandering through Cambrai’s charming streets, discovering unique boutiques and shops.

evening
:

Return to Caudry in the evening for a peaceful dinner, reflecting on the day’s sights. Choose a cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere, where you can relive the highlights over a glass of wine. Cap off the night with a quiet walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the starry sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🧃Bottle of water$1-2
🎬Cinema ticket$8-12
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich lace heritage and artisanal craft tradition
  • Compact, walkable town with easy day trips to nature
  • Limited nightlife and big-city dining options
  • Smaller scale compared to larger Hauts-de-France cities
  • "Bonjour" - Hello
  • "Bonsoir" - Good evening
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est la gare?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
  • "L'addition, s'il vous plaît." - The check, please.

Places to Visit in Caudry

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Town Center

Cobbled streets, brick-and-stone façades and a compact grid perfect for atmospheric street photography.

Lace Atelier Facades

Shopfronts and small ateliers where lace craftsmanship is visible, great for detail shots.

Canal Promenade

Waterways with wharves and quiet paths, ideal for sunset shots and reflections.

St. Martin’s Church Exterior

A medieval-inspired church with simple exterior lines suitable for architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Caudry

Caudry sits in Hauts-de-France, where hearty dishes, beer and regional pastries reflect a rich northern culinary tradition.

Caudry Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Potjevleesch

A traditional cold meat terrine served with bread or potatoes, common in northern France and nearby Belgium.

Must-Try!

Carbonnade flamande

A slow-cooked beef stew in dark beer, often served with mashed potatoes or fries.

Welsh rarebit (Caudry-style)

A savory cheese sauce on toasted bread; a nod to cross-border culinary influences in Nord regions.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Caudry Market

A weekly market offering local produce, cheese, cured meats, textiles and prepared foods in the town center.

Canal-side snack stalls

Seasonal street-food stalls along the water with simple dishes and regional snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Caudry experiences an oceanic climate with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Winters are usually cold but not extremes; summers are warm but not very hot. Precipitation occurs regularly, so bring a light waterproof layer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir'; shake hands in formal settings.

Language

French is the primary language; attempting some basic phrases is appreciated.

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments; locals value timeliness in business contexts.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in Caudry. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, especially at markets. Use well-lit streets at night and know local emergency numbers: 112 for emergencies across the EU.

Tipping in Caudry

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Service is included in many restaurants; if not, a small 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service.

Payments

Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some small shops may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, early blossoms; great for walking tours and outdoor markets.

Summer

Warm but often humid; occasional showers—carry a light layer and water; long daylight hours.

Autumn

Cooler days with colorful foliage; foggy mornings can add mood to photos.

Winter

Cold, sometimes icy; markets gather around indoor spaces; festive lights in town if any.

Nightlife Guide

Caudry at Night

The nightlife in Caudry is modest, with wine bars, casual pubs, and a few live music venues. Evenings are typically relaxed, especially on weekdays; weekend events and markets may offer additional options. For a more vibrant scene, head to nearby Cambrai or Lille for clubs and larger bars.

Hiking in Caudry

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Canal towpath trails

Flat, easy-to-follow trails along canals with rural scenery and wildlife.

Forêt de Mormal

Extensive forested area with multiple hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, about a short drive from Caudry.

Airports

How to reach Caudry by plane.

Lille Airport (LIL)

Approximately 40–70 km from Caudry; convenient rail and road connections to the city.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

About 90–140 km away; reachable by train and road via international routes.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Around 160–200 km away; major international hub with trains and buses to northern France.

Getting Around

Walkability

Caudry is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot in under 15-20 minutes from the town center. The pedestrian-friendly streets and short distances make exploring easy and enjoyable.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Families with children living in Caudry and nearby villages.

Textile workers and retirees

Historically significant textile industry workers; many residents preserve lace craft knowledge.

Students and commuters

Students and workers who commute to larger towns in the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; local clubs and matches attract communities.

Cycling

A common activity due to flat terrain and scenic routes; many locals cycle for transport and sport.

Petanque

Casual outdoor bowls played in parks and village squares, typical in northern France.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate. In the town center, narrow streets can slow traffic, but parking is usually straightforward. Train connections to Lille and Cambrai are convenient for day trips; car rentals are common for exploring the countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Caudry.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in cafes and bistros; look for veggie quiches, salads, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Instruct staff about avoiding meat stocks in some traditional dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible in Caudry through local clinics and pharmacies, with hospitals and specialists in larger nearby towns such as Cambrai or Lille. For emergencies, dial 112; for non-urgent care, local physicians can handle routine visits.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide