Things To Do
in Fourmies
Fourmies is a compact northern town close to the Belgian border, where rolling countryside meets a welcoming market-town vibe. The town centers on a lively square, a historic church, and leafy parks that invite easy strolls. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the Nord region’s villages, forests, and regional heritage without long travel times.
Visitors can enjoy hearty regional cuisine, small museums, and relaxed day trips to nearby Valenciennes and Maubeuge.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Musée du Textile to discover the history of the textile industry in Fourmies. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming town center, admiring the local architecture and quaint boutiques. Enjoy a warm croissant and a café au lait at a nearby bakery before continuing your exploration.
In the afternoon, head to the Parc du Château, a beautiful green space perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk. Visit the ancient church of Saint-Pierre, known for its stunning stained-glass windows, and enjoy some peaceful moments in its serene surroundings. Wrap up your afternoon by checking out local artisan shops for unique handcrafted items.
As dusk settles, enjoy dinner at a traditional French bistro, where you can sample local specialties paired with a delightful wine from the region. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the river, soaking in the picturesque scenery as the town lights illuminate the paths. End your day with a nightcap at a cozy café, chatting with locals about their favorite spots in the area.
Begin your day with an invigorating hike in the nearby hills, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Bring along your camera to capture the breathtaking views of the countryside as you ascend the trails. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café upon your return, refueling for the day's adventures.
Discover the nearby Parc Naturel Régional de l’Avesnois, a vast natural park rich in flora and fauna. Spend time exploring its scenic paths or renting a bike to traverse the trails while soaking in the vibrant landscape. Take a packed lunch and find a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the tranquility of nature around you.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant specializing in traditional regional cuisine. Engage in conversation with other diners about the best hiking trails in the area, gaining insight into hidden gems. Conclude your night by visiting a local pub for some live music or a local wine tasting experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $40-70 |
| 🚆Public transport ticket | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel nightly | $75-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet base for exploring Nord region
- Friendly locals and good value
- Good central location for day trips
- Walkable town center and parks
- Limited nightlife and international dining options
- Smaller scale may feel quiet on weekdays
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est…?" - Where is…?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Fourmies
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant market square with arcaded buildings and seasonal activity; great for candid street photography and architecture shots.
Historic church with classic façades and interior features; ideal for architectural and detail photography.
Green space with lawns, trees, and ponds; perfect for nature shots, portraits, and golden-hour photography.
Bridges over the local river with reflections and riverside views; excellent for sunset and evening shots.
Food in Fourmies
Fourmies Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory cheese tart made with the distinctive Maroilles cheese, a regional specialty worth seeking out in local bakeries and bistros.
Must-Try!
Beef stew braised in beer with onions, typically served with fries or bread, a staple in Nord brasseries.
A Flemish-inspired jellied meat dish, often enjoyed with salad and crusty bread as a traditional cold plate.
A cheese-on-toast dish popular in the region, often served with beer sauce and a robust crumb.
Fries with house-made sauces; widely available at casual eateries and brasseries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open-air market in the town center offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal specialties.
Seasonal food trucks and pop-up stalls along the main square, offering quick bites and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet shopkeepers with a courteous 'Bonjour' or 'Bon matin' before asking for help; say 'Merci' when you leave.
Being on time is valued; quiet conversations in public spaces in the evenings are appreciated.
Use polite table manners, keep elbows off the table, and avoid open loud conversations in intimate spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Fourmies
Ensure a smooth experience
Service compris is common in France, but leaving a small tip (about 5-10% for good service) is appreciated in restaurants; rounding up the bill at cafés is also common.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is always handy for markets and small eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, abundant outdoor markets, and pleasant terraces. Expect occasional showers; bring a light rain layer and sunglasses.
Mild days with colorful foliage; great for nature walks and photography on misty mornings. Pack a warm layer for cooler evenings.
Chillier temperatures with possible snow; indoor museum visits are pleasant; carry a warm coat and comfortable footwear for cobblestones.
Blooming parks and gardens; ideal for outdoor strolls and market visits. Bring a light jacket for changing weather.
Fourmies at Night
Hiking in Fourmies
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the region’s largest forests with marked trails, wildlife, and peaceful woodland scenery.
Rural trails through the Nord countryside, offering scenic viewpoints and quiet paths for hiking.
Airports
How to reach Fourmies by plane.
Regional airport about an hour by road from Fourmies, with flights across France and Europe.
Convenient option about 1.5–2.5 hours away by car or train, serving budget carriers and regional routes.
Major international hub roughly 2–2.5 hours away by road or rail, with extensive global connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in the area, enjoying parks, markets, and a relaxed pace of life.
A portion of residents commute to larger towns for work and education, contributing to a mix of local and cross-border activity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team sport in the region, with local clubs and casual pick-up games.
Lively cycling routes through flat to gently rolling countryside, popular with locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fourmies.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Fourmies, ask for veggie plates or dishes without meat; many restaurants offer cheese-forward or vegetable-based options and can adapt traditional dishes on request.