Cassel(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town (Vieux Cambrai) is ideal, as it centers around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Cambrai and offers easy access to historic streets, cafés, and the scenic Canal de l'Escaut. The Hôtel de la Poste is a top-rated boutique hotel here, blending 18th-century charm with modern comforts. For budget travelers, ibis Budget Cambrai provides reliable, clean rooms just a 5-minute walk from Cambrai Train Station.

Don’t miss exploring the Place du Marché, where weekend markets showcase regional cheeses and handmade crafts. The town’s quiet, tree-lined boulevards make it perfect for leisurely strolls. For culture seekers, take a short train ride (30 mins) to Lille, a vibrant city known for its Flemish architecture, museums, and Michelin-starred restaurants—ideal for a day trip. Local highlights include the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Gare de Lille Flandres, a stunning example of early 20th-century railway design.

The best hotel for landmark views is Hôtel de la Poste, located just steps from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Cambrai and the Place du Marché. Its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the cathedral spire and the surrounding old town. Alternatively, Le Jardin des Sens features a private garden courtyard with framed views of the historic church façade—perfect for morning coffee. For a more modern perspective, ibis Budget Cambrai has large windows facing the Canal de l'Escaut, where you can watch boats glide by while enjoying breakfast. These locations ensure guests experience the heart of Cambrai’s architectural beauty without needing to travel far.

Tourists should not miss the Fête de la Vierge held annually in spring, a vibrant celebration featuring traditional dance troupes, artisan markets, and local delicacies like choucroute and boudin noir. The Musée de Cambrai also hosts seasonal exhibitions on regional history, including rare Roman pottery and medieval religious art. For architecture lovers, guided tours of the Hôtel de Ville (Old City Hall) reveal its blend of Gothic and classical styles. Evening visitors can enjoy live folk music at riverside cafés along the Canal de l'Escaut, sipping hot chocolate under string lights. These experiences offer authentic insight into Cambrai’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.

Yes, Le Jardin des Sens is an excellent family-friendly option with a private garden and open-air play area perfect for children. The villa-style accommodation includes spacious living rooms and a shaded patio ideal for afternoon relaxation. Nearby, ibis Budget Cambrai offers a small courtyard with seating and a safe playground. Both hotels provide baby cots and child-sized amenities. Families can enjoy outdoor activities such as canal-side picnics or guided nature walks through the Parc de la Gare. The town’s low traffic and green spaces make it ideal for kids to explore safely. Many local events, like weekend craft fairs and children’s art contests, are also hosted in public squares—great for family bonding.

Must-try dishes in Cambrai include Bœuf à la Cambraise, a slow-cooked beef stew made with local red wine and served with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions. Another local favorite is Boudin Noir, a rich blood sausage often paired with sauerkraut. At the Place du Marché, try Tarte Tatin and Choux à la crème from street vendors. For a full dining experience, visit La Table du Vieux Cambrais, a century-old restaurant serving fresh bread, house-made cheese platters, and seasonal specialties. Don’t miss Brasserie du Nord, which offers locally brewed pale ale alongside grilled chicken and seafood. Pair your meal with a glass of white wine from Domaine de Valony, a regional vineyard known for crisp, aromatic blends. These flavors capture the heart of northern French cuisine.

Yes, Hôtel de la Poste is perfect for solo travelers—located in a quiet corner of the Old Town, it offers soundproofed rooms, private bathrooms, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for reading or reflection. Another excellent choice is Le Jardin des Sens, a boutique guesthouse with only six rooms, run by welcoming hosts who tailor stays for independent travelers, including sunrise canal walks or silent meditation sessions at the nearby church. For budget-conscious solo explorers, Les Rives Hostel near the Cambrai Library provides single rooms, a cozy library lounge, and a shared café space—ideal for meeting fellow travelers or working quietly. Evenings spent walking along the Canal de l'Escaut, listening to gentle water sounds, offer a deeply peaceful escape that enhances self-discovery and mindfulness.