Things To Do
in Tourcoing
Tourcoing is a charming city located in northern France, near the border with Belgium. It is known for its rich industrial history, reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage. The city boasts a lively atmosphere with a mix of contemporary amenities and historic sites.
Tourcoing is also famous for its annual flea market, one of the largest in Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaĂźt" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $30
- â Coffee: $2 - $5
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Tourcoing market, where you can sample local cheeses and pastries. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Grand Place, admiring the historic architecture.
Explore the Museum of Contemporary Art to discover fascinating exhibits and local artists. Afterward, relax at the Parc Clemenceau, perfect for a picnic or a casual walk.
Dine at a quaint bistro serving traditional French cuisine. End the evening with a cozy drink at a local café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Le Fresnoy, which houses contemporary art exhibitions and screenings. Attend a morning workshop to engage creatively with local artists.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby crĂȘperie before heading to the Tourcoing Museum of Fine Arts. Spend some time admiring the impressive collection of Flemish and French masterpieces.
Savor dinner at a gourmet restaurant known for its innovative menu. Catch a live performance at the Théùtre Municipal for a taste of local culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical architecture and museums
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger French cities
- Proximity to major cities like Lille and Belgium, enhancing travel opportunities
- A growing community and local markets promoting fresh produce and local crafts
- Diverse and inclusive atmosphere with a mix of cultures
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger metropolitan areas
- Public transportation options may be less frequent as compared to bigger cities
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates, affecting safety perceptions
- Weather can be gloomy and rainy, which may not appeal to everyone
- Less vibrant nightlife and entertainment options compared to neighboring cities
Best Activities in Tourcoing
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with walking paths, green spaces, and a lake for outdoor relaxation and recreation.
Explore the botanical garden with diverse plant species, tranquil ambiance, and opportunities for nature photography.
Enjoy walking, cycling, or picnicking along the scenic canal towpaths, offering a serene outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tourcoing with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tourcoing
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful botanical garden with scenic views and perfect for photography.
This park offers stunning views and great photo opportunities, especially during the spring and summer months.
A historic castle with picturesque surroundings, providing excellent photo spots and panoramic views.
Food in Tourcoing
Tourcoing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Flemish beef stew simmered in beer and served with frites. A must-try dish that can be savored at Le Snack or La Broche Ă Frites.
Must-Try!
Fresh mussels steamed with white wine, garlic, and herbs, paired with crispy fries. Widely available at bistros and seafood restaurants like Au Moulin d'Or and Le Marégraphe.
Beer bread with a dense, chewy texture and a slightly sweet, malty flavor. Look for this specialty at local bakeries such as Boulangerie-PĂątisserie Vandermeersch.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tourcoing better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and local specialties. Don't miss the food stalls serving crepes, gaufres (waffles), and artisanal cheeses.
Tourcoing is dotted with charming friteries, where you can indulge in piping hot frites served with an assortment of delectable sauces, ideal for a quick and satisfying street food experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tourcoing, France, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek. This form of greeting is a common cultural norm and is considered a sign of respect.
Being punctual is highly valued in French culture, including in Tourcoing. Arriving on time for social gatherings, meetings, and appointments is a sign of respect for others' time.
When dining in Tourcoing, it is important to observe proper table manners, such as keeping your hands visible on the table, holding cutlery in a certain way, and waiting for everyone to be served before starting the meal. Observing these practices is a sign of respect for the host and the dining occasion.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tourcoing with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tourcoing
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tourcoing, France, tipping is often included in the bill as a service charge. However, if the service charge is not included, it is customary to leave a small tip of about 5-10% of the total bill.
In Tourcoing, France, cash is widely accepted for payments, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used. Contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are becoming increasingly popular. It is important to check with the specific establishment regarding their accepted payment methods before making a purchase.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tourcoing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Tourcoing, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's gardens and parks.
Tourcoing experiences warm and sunny weather in the summer. It's a popular time for outdoor events, festivals, and enjoying the local cuisine at outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage to Tourcoing. It's a picturesque time to visit and experience the seasonal flavors at local markets and vineyards.
Winter in Tourcoing can be cold, but it's a festive time with holiday markets, Christmas decorations, and cozy atmosphere in cafes and restaurants. It's a great time to experience the local holiday traditions.
Tourcoing at Night
Hiking in Tourcoing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast natural area offering varied trails, woodlands, and wetlands perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
A large forest located near Tourcoing, ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying a peaceful day in nature.
Featuring stunning views and various hiking paths, this hill is a popular spot for both casual hikers and experienced trekkers.
A scenic park along the Deûle river with several walking paths, great for leisurely hikes and observing local wildlife.
Multiple trails surround the lakes, providing beautiful scenery and options for longer hikes, as well as watersports.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tourcoing through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tourcoing by plane.
Located approximately 12 km from Tourcoing, Lille Airport serves as the main international airport for the Lille metropolitan area.
Situated about 100 km from Tourcoing, Brussels Airport is the main airport serving Brussels, Belgium, and operates numerous international flights.
Located approximately 200 km from Tourcoing, Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in Europe and offers extensive international connections.
About 90 km from Tourcoing, Charleroi Airport serves low-cost airlines and provides various international destinations.
Located around 250 km from Tourcoing, CDG is the largest international airport in France, with a vast number of global connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Tourcoing consists of French nationals.
A significant demographic group, particularly those of Algerian and Moroccan descent.
Includes immigrants from various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Includes populations from countries such as Poland and Romania.
A smaller demographic group including people of Vietnamese and Chinese descent.
Includes smaller populations from various countries across the globe.
The Soul of Tourcoing
Discover the essence of Tourcoing through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Tourcoing, with many local clubs and facilities promoting the game at both amateur and youth levels.
Basketball enjoys a strong following in Tourcoing, with various clubs and community initiatives encouraging participation among youth and adults.
Handball is widely played in Tourcoing, with several teams competing in regional leagues and promoting the sport at schools.
Volleyball has a dedicated community in Tourcoing, with clubs offering competitions and training for players of all ages.
Cycling is not only a popular recreational activity but also features in local competitions and events throughout the year.
Rugby has a presence in Tourcoing, with local clubs fostering the sport and organizing matches for various age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tourcoing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Tourcoing's culinary scene is increasingly accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based interpretations of local specialties. Le Potager du Marais and La TĂȘte dans les Olives are great options for innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable options at various eateries in Tourcoing, including La Petite Fabrique and Café Pouchkine, which provide gluten-free alternatives for pastries and baked goods.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tourcoing with these cultural adventures.
