16 days in Nord Itinerary

Maubeuge is a commune in the Nord department in northern France.It is situated on both banks of the Sambre, 36km east of Valenciennes and about 9km from the Belgian border.HistoryMaubeuge owes its origin to Maubeuge Abbey, a double monastery, for men and women, founded in the 7th century by Saint Aldego, the relics of whom are preserved in the church. Attractions like Zoo de Maubeuge and Base de Loisirs de Chabaud-Latour make great kid-friendly stops. Venture out of the city with trips to Musee departemental Matisse (in Le Cateau-Cambresis), Chateau de Trelon (in Trelon) and ValJoly (in Eppe-Sauvage). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Le Fort de la Salmagne, explore the world behind art at Musee des Bois Jolis, take an in-depth tour of Forum Antique de Bavay, and don't miss a visit to Fortifications.

For maps, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read our Maubeuge trip itinerary builder site.

Brussels, Belgium to Maubeuge is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. In August in Maubeuge, expect temperatures between 25°C during the day and 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Zuydcoote.

Zuydcoote is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. Start off your visit on the 16th (Tue): get some fabulous bargains at La Dunkerquoise, look for all kinds of wild species at Dune Dewulf, then enjoy the sand and surf at Plage de Zuydcoote, and finally examine the collection at Ecomusee du Bommelaers Wall. On your second day here, don't miss a visit to Beffroi de Bergues, steep yourself in history at Wormhoudt Massacre Site, then make a trip to Moulin de Cassel, and finally take an in-depth tour of Steenmeulen.

To find maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Zuydcoote journey builder website.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Maubeuge to Zuydcoote. In August, daytime highs in Zuydcoote are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can go by car to Lille.

On the Deûle River near the Belgium border, Lille has a very active cultural life as France's fifth-largest metropolitan area and the fourth-largest urban area with a large college student population.

Family-friendly places like Room Escape Games and Grande Place will thrill your kids. Get out of town with these interesting Lille side-trips: Phare de Gravelines (in Gravelines), Centre Historique Mnier (in Lewarde) and Dunkirk (Saint-Éloi Church, Belfry of Dunkirk, &more). Pack the 28th (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Parc de Loisirs d'Olhain. And it doesn't end there: admire the masterpieces at Le Palais Des Beaux Arts de Lille, see the interesting displays at Le Musee de Plein Air, contemplate the waterfront views at Lac du Heron, and admire the landmark architecture of Old Stock Exchange.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Lille itinerary website.

You can drive from Zuydcoote to Lille in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 27°C in August, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive back home.