Things To Do
in Wattrelos
Wattrelos is a suburban town in the Nord department of northern France, bordering the cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing and lying a short train ride from Lille. Historically industrial with a strong textile heritage, it today mixes working-class neighborhoods, green corridors along canals and growing cross-border commerce with nearby Belgium. The town offers practical local markets, simple bistros and easy access to cultural highlights in the Lille metropolitan area.
Wattrelos is a convenient base for exploring the Hauts-de-France region—good for short stays focused on local life, cycling and day trips to Roubaix and Lille.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the heart of Wattrelos, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets lined with historic buildings, including the stunning Église Saint-Maurice. Capture the essence of the town as you explore its quaint shops and vibrant street art.
For lunch, indulge in traditional French cuisine at a nearby bistro, where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. After your meal, visit the Parc de la Deûle, where you can admire the natural beauty and perhaps have a peaceful walk along the river. Don't forget to check out the local market, where you can find artisanal products and fresh produce.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy regional specialties like carbonnade flamande. After your meal, take a night stroll through the town's illuminated streets, soaking in the ambiance of Wattrelos at night. Finally, unwind at a local bar with a glass of local wine, mingling with friendly locals.
Begin your cultural exploration with a visit to the La Piscine Museum in nearby Roubaix, housed in a former swimming pool. Marvel at the impressive collection of art and design, immersing yourself in the rich history of the region. Spend your morning being inspired by the unique architecture and various exhibitions.
After a light lunch at the museum café, continue your cultural journey by visiting the Musée d’Art et d’Industrie, where you can learn about the textile history of the area. Engage with interactive displays that provide insight into the industrial heritage of Wattrelos and its surroundings. Conclude your museum tour with a visit to local galleries showcasing talented artists from the region.
For dinner, choose a restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, allowing you to experience the culinary evolution of the area. Afterward, enjoy a performance at a local theater, where you can experience French culture through music, dance, or drama. Cap off the evening with a late-night dessert at a charming patisserie.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (caf u) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚇Public transport single ticket | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (day) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Lille, Roubaix and cross-border Belgium—great for day trips and regional exploration
- Good cycling and canal-side paths with a relaxed, local atmosphere
- Strong regional food culture with hearty dishes and beer traditions
- Lower prices and quieter streets compared with central Lille
- Limited tourist attractions within Wattrelos itself—best as a base for nearby cities
- Some residential areas can feel industrial or run-down
- Weather is often damp or overcast outside summer months
- Public transport options are better in nearby larger towns
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous pla it" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "L'addition, s'il vous pla it" - The bill, please
- "O u est... ?" - Where is... ?
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Wattrelos
Visit one of these nice places.
Quiet, leafy paths with reflections, bridges and industrial-era backdrops—great for golden-hour photos and cycling shots.
Street scenes, local vendors, colourful produce and everyday life—ideal for documentary-style photography.
Textile-era buildings and converted warehouses provide textured architectural subjects and contrast with modern developments.
Just a short trip away: the striking art-deco exteriors and pool-turned-museum interiors offer dramatic architectural photographs.
Food in Wattrelos
Wattrelos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet-and-sour beef and onion stew slow-cooked in beer; common in the Nord region and often found in local brasseries.
Must-Try!
Mussels served with fries—a Belgian-influenced staple available in many nearby restaurants and brasseries.
Sweet sugar tart and waffles reflect regional pastry traditions—easy to find at markets and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical northern market selling fresh produce, cheese (including maroilles), charcuterie and baked goods—great for picnic supplies and local snacks.
Small vendors and boulangeries near the canal and transport hubs offer sandwiches, pastries and coffee for walkers and cyclists.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start interactions with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' later in the day) and a polite 'Monsieur'/'Madame'—it’s considered rude to skip a greeting.
Keep hands visible (resting on the table is OK), wait for the host to start eating, and avoid loud phone conversations in restaurants.
Respect queues and personal space; be polite and patient—northern France values straightforward but courteous interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Wattrelos
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included ('service compris') on restaurant bills; leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated for good service. In cafés and bars, leaving coins or 5–10% for attentive service is common but not expected.
Cards are widely accepted (chip-and-PIN and contactless). Small vendors and markets may prefer cash—carry some euros for markets, small shops and street food.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant (but not extremely hot); ideal for cycling, canal walks and outdoor markets—bring sunscreen and lightweight layers for cooler evenings.
Crisp and often rainy with colourful foliage along canals and parks; pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes for muddy paths.
Chillier and damp, with occasional frost; many indoor cultural venues and cosy brasseries are appealing—dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Mild, blooming parks and fewer tourists—great for walking and cycling, but be prepared for variable weather and occasional showers.
Wattrelos at Night
Hiking in Wattrelos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, accessible route along the canal—perfect for gentle hikes, running and longer bike excursions linking Wattrelos with Roubaix and the surrounding countryside.
Regional park within easy driving distance offering marked trails, wetlands, woodlands and countryside walking routes suitable for day hikes and nature outings.
Scattered neighbourhood parks and linear greenways provide short walking circuits ideal for family outings and birdwatching close to town.
Airports
How to reach Wattrelos by plane.
The closest airport (about 15-25 minutes by car from Lille city centre), offering regional and some European connections; access to Wattrelos is by car or taxi and via Lille public transport links.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train depending on connections; useful for more international flight options and a common choice for cross-border visitors.
Budget-airline option used by many travellers; travel time to Wattrelos is around 1.5–2 hours by road, depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Established working- and middle-class French families with deep roots in the textile-industrial heritage of the area.
A diverse population including families of North African, Sub-Saharan African and Turkish origin, contributing to a varied cultural and culinary scene.
Residents who work in neighbouring cities (Roubaix, Tourcoing, Lille) or across the Belgian border, creating a dynamic commuter population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region with active local clubs and strong community support; attending a match in nearby towns is a common pastime.
Cycling is popular for both commuting and leisure—flat terrain and dedicated paths make it accessible to many visitors.
Traditional French outdoor game commonly played in parks and public squares, especially in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wattrelos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available (salads, omelettes, vegetable tartes), but many traditional dishes are meat- or fish-based—look for salad bars, creperies with savoury galettes, and mention 'je suis végétarien(ne)' when ordering.
Vegan choices can be limited in traditional bistros; seek out larger towns nearby (Roubaix, Lille) for dedicated vegan cafés or supermarkets carrying plant-based options.
Gluten-free awareness is growing—ask for 'sans gluten' and check with bakers and restaurants; packaged alternatives are available in supermarkets in the Lille metro area.