Things To Do
in Comines
Comines (France) is a small border town on the banks of the River Lys in the Nord department, known for its industrial history and close ties with its Belgian twin, Comines-Warneton. The town blends Flemish-influenced architecture, riverside green spaces and modest commercial streets with a relaxed, local atmosphere. Visitors appreciate easy access to cycling routes, quiet cafés and the cross-border culture that makes day trips to Belgium effortless.
Comines is a low-key base for exploring the Lys valley and the wider Hauts-de-France region while enjoying village-scale French life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Comines, where the charming cobblestone streets beckon. Visit the impressive Church of Saint-Chrysole, admiring its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by a local bakery for a fresh croissant and coffee to energize your morning.
After exploring the church, delve into the fascinating history of Comines at the local museum, where exhibits showcase the town's rich heritage. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a quaint café, savoring regional dishes like 'carbonnade flamande'. As the afternoon continues, take a walk along the picturesque canals, soaking in the tranquil views and vibrant flora.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to indulge in traditional French cuisine for dinner, perhaps trying some local specialties. After dinner, take a peaceful evening stroll through the beautifully lit streets, where the charm of Comines really comes alive. End your night with a glass of wine at a nearby wine bar, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Rent a bicycle and set off on a scenic ride through the lush countryside surrounding Comines. The fresh air and beautiful landscapes will invigorate your spirit as you pedal along tranquil paths. Stop occasionally to take in the breathtaking views and capture some memorable photos.
Continue your cycling adventure to nearby fields and farms, where you can learn about local agriculture and perhaps even pick some seasonal fruits. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at a serene spot, surrounded by nature's beauty. After lunch, visit a local vineyard and join a wine tasting session, sampling some delightful regional wines.
Return to Comines and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a restaurant that offers outdoor seating so you can enjoy the evening breeze. As you dine, listen to local musicians who often perform in the town square, adding a delightful soundtrack to your meal.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Beer (local, 0.5L) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus/tram single fare | $1.50-3 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $8-18 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming riverside setting with easy cross-border access to Belgium
- Good base for cycling and quiet regional exploration
- Authentic local atmosphere and regional cuisine
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Fewer direct transport links—some destinations require transfers
- Seasonal weather can be damp and overcast
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Comines
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of the river, bridges and reflections — great for landscape and urban-riverscape images.
Flemish-influenced façades, narrow streets and the town hall make for classic architectural and street photography.
Capture the connectivity between the French and Belgian sides; morning mist and late-afternoon light are especially photogenic.
Rolling fields, hedgerows and cycling routes provide pastoral scenes, seasonal crops and wildlife opportunities.
Food in Comines
Comines Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef and onion stew braised in beer with a touch of brown sugar; commonly served with fries or mashed potatoes and found in local bistros and brasseries.
Must-Try!
Mussels cooked in white wine or cream served with fries — a Belgian-French coastal classic available at many regional restaurants.
A Northern French favorite: bread topped with ham and a melted cheddar-beer sauce, baked until bubbly — hearty and popular in casual eateries.
Maroilles is a pungent regional cheese used in tarts, sauces and on platters; try it in a tart or with bread at local cheese shops and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market days (check current town schedule) offer fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie and baked goods — great for picnic supplies and regional specialties.
Occasional market stalls and food stands selling sandwiches, crepes and local pastries are common on busy days and during town events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a polite 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening); cheek kisses (two) are common among acquaintances but handshakes are standard in formal situations.
Use formal 'vous' with people you don't know and be courteous in shops and cafés; small acts of politeness go a long way.
Respect local customs on both sides of the border—languages and habits can vary and people appreciate awareness of regional identity.
Safety
Tipping in Comines
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included on restaurant bills in France, but leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for excellent service is appreciated. Tip bar staff modestly (a euro or two) and round taxi fares if you wish.
Credit and debit cards (chip-and-PIN, contactless) are widely accepted; bring some euros in cash for small shops, markets or vending machines. Mobile payments are increasingly common but not universal in smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours, ideal for cycling, riverside picnics and outdoor cafés; expect occasional rain showers and more visitors on weekends.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage along the Lys make for scenic walks; some outdoor activities shrink as daylight shortens, but local produce and market offerings are at their best.
Chilly, damp and often overcast with occasional frost; indoor cafés and hearty regional dishes are appealing. Town life is quieter and some tourist services may have reduced hours.
Mild weather and blooming landscapes bring pleasant conditions for cycling and walking; seasonal markets reappear and the town starts to bustle again after winter.
Comines at Night
Hiking in Comines
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside trails following the Lys with easy walking routes, birdwatching spots and scenic views of the river and surrounding farmland.
A rolling countryside loop suitable for a half-day hike or long walk that showcases hedgerow landscapes, small villages and panoramic viewpoints.
A converted greenway/old railway path ideal for walking and cycling, connecting towns along the Lys and offering a safe, traffic-free route.
Airports
How to reach Comines by plane.
Approximately 25–35 km from Comines, Lille Airport handles regional and some international flights; reachable by car or taxi and via connecting public transport to Lille then onward by regional bus or train.
About 70–90 km away, Charleroi is a low-cost carrier hub with bus and car connections; travel time depends on transfers and traffic.
Around 90–110 km from Comines, it's a major international hub with rail and road connections; a convenient option for wider international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Native residents with deep ties to the town and local traditions, often multi-generational families involved in regional trades.
Residents who commute across the French-Belgian border for work, contributing to bilingual and bicultural interactions.
Smaller communities from diverse backgrounds (North African, Eastern European and others) who contribute to the town's social and cultural fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs and youth teams are common and football is the dominant community sport.
Cycling for leisure and commuting is popular—flat terrain and dedicated paths make it accessible for all levels.
This traditional French boule game is frequently played in parks and public squares, especially among older residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Comines.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in traditional menus focused on meat and cheese; seek out salads, omelettes, cheese platters or request veggie versions of dishes in cafés and larger restaurants.
Vegan choices are more limited in small towns—look for fresh-market produce, simple salads, and larger nearby towns (or Lille) for dedicated vegan restaurants; always ask staff about ingredients.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal; bakeries specialize in bread, so confirm with staff about sauces and breaded items, and prefer naturally gluten-free options like grilled fish, salads and plain meats.