Things To Do
in Roubaix
Roubaix is a dynamic northern French town just outside Lille, known for its industrial heritage and bold cultural revival. It houses the extraordinary La Piscine, a former Art Deco swimming pool turned museum of art and textiles. The city blends a working-class past with contemporary art, markets, and diverse communities that flavor its streets.
With easy rail links to Lille and easy access to the region's green spaces, Roubaix makes a compact, engaging base for exploring northern France.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Roubaix, marveling at the stunning architecture of the Town Hall and its impressive belfry. Visit the nearby La Piscine Museum, once a public swimming pool, now transformed into an art museum showcasing local and contemporary art. Enjoy a fresh pastry and café at a local boulangerie as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
In the afternoon, delve into the rich textile history of Roubaix by visiting the Musée de la Toile de Jouy, where you can admire intricate fabric designs and learn about the city's significant contributions to the textile industry. Afterward, take a guided tour of the nearby La Manufacture, a former textile factory, to understand the industrial heritage that shaped Roubaix. Finish your explorations with a relaxing walk through the Parc Barbieux, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and serene lakes.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to savor traditional northern French cuisine, perhaps trying the famous carbonnade flamande or a savory tarte au maroilles. After dinner, enjoy a night out at a local bar or bistro, where you can listen to live music or engage with friendly locals. Wrap up your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, admiring the charming facades of the buildings.
Begin your day at the La Piscine Museum, a unique venue where art meets history, showcasing a stunning collection of paintings and sculptures. Spend some time admiring the beautiful Art Deco architecture of the building, which used to serve as a municipal swimming pool. After your museum visit, grab a coffee at the museum café, enjoying the ambiance and reflecting on the art you've seen.
In the afternoon, explore the contemporary art scene at the Le Fresnoy – Studio National des Arts Contemporains, where exhibitions and performances challenge traditional artistic expressions. Participate in a workshop if available, allowing you to engage creatively with local artists. Then, stroll through the nearby streets to discover street art murals that offer a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture.
For dinner, choose a cozy restaurant that serves regional specialties, allowing you to indulge in hearty dishes that warm the soul. Post-dinner, visit a local cinema to catch a French film, offering a perfect chance to experience the local culture through its cinematic lens. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a nearby wine bar, where you can sample local wines and enjoy the atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🥖Pastry or bread | $2-3 |
| 🥗Lunch for one | $12-20 |
| 🚇Day transit pass | $6-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich industrial heritage paired with vibrant contemporary culture
- La Piscine museum and La Condition Publique are standout, world-class venues
- Compact city center with walkable streets and good access to Lille
- Active markets, friendly locals, and diverse dining options
- Nightlife is more low-key compared with Lille or Paris
- Certain neighborhoods can feel quiet late at night; language can be a barrier for non-French speakers
- Major attractions are concentrated in the center; some outskirts require transport
- Weather can be changeable; plan for rain in several seasons
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est…?" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Roubaix
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic interior and exterior architecture with dramatic pools, mosaics, and sculptural details perfect for architectural and art photography.
A central square featuring bold Art Deco façades and lively street scenes—great for daytime and twilight shots.
Historic church with intricate stonework and stained glass, offering compelling subject matter for detail and silhouette photos.
A survey of the city’s modernist and Art Déco façades with interesting textures, lines, and reflections.
Food in Roubaix
Roubaix Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Flemish terrine of jellied meats served with fries or bread, traditional in the region and commonly found in brasseries and bistros.
Must-Try!
A Belgian-inspired chicken or fish stew with a creamy sauce, typically enjoyed in local brasseries and cafés.
Beer-braised beef stew, a comforting staple in northern French brasseries and family-run eateries.
Belgian-style waffles that make for a sweet treat at local pastry shops and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, regional specialties, and ready-to-eat bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' and use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci' in interactions; maintain polite, calm conversation in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Roubaix
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included in many places, but rounding up the bill or leaving an extra 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafés.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Cash is still useful in markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days and blooming streets make it ideal for walking tours and market visits; carry a light jacket for cooler mornings.
Long daylight hours and outdoor markets are common; occasional rain showers are possible—stay hydrated and enjoy open-air events.
Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage; great for photography around historic streets and parks.
Cool to cold with a chance of frost; indoor attractions like La Piscine shine, and festive markets appear around holidays.
Roubaix at Night
Hiking in Roubaix
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trails through wetlands, forests, and farmland; ideal for day hikes within roughly 20-40 minutes of Roubaix.
Forest trails suitable for quiet walks and daylight hikes, within a short drive from Roubaix.
Airports
How to reach Roubaix by plane.
A small international airport about 12-15 km from Roubaix, easily reached by tram/bus or car.
Major international hub located about 1.5-2 hours away by train or car, with frequent connections to major European cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families and workers from North African, Sub-Saharan, and European backgrounds, contributing to a lively restaurant and market scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in the region with local clubs and enthusiastic fans.
Nord region has a strong cycling culture with nearby routes and scenic rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Roubaix.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most brasseries offer vegetarian options such as seasonal vegetables, salads, cheese plates, and veggie pastries; ask for a vegetarian version of classic dishes or a cheese-and-harvests plate if needed.