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

For first-time visitors, Hôtel de la Paix is the top choice in Roubaix. Located just steps from the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and Notre-Dame Church, it blends modern French design with local industrial heritage. The rooms feature premium bedding, smart controls, and some offer views of the city’s green spaces.

The hotel also hosts rotating exhibitions by regional artists, offering cultural immersion. Guests enjoy easy access to the Roubaix Train Station (10-minute walk) and nearby Old Town Market, where you can sample fresh baguettes and local cheeses.

With its central location, warm hospitality, and authentic atmosphere, Hôtel de la Paix perfectly introduces travelers to Roubaix’s charm and history.

It's ideal for those seeking a balance between comfort, convenience, and cultural authenticity.

The city center, particularly around Hôtel de Ville and Notre-Dame Church, provides the most convenient hotel stays in Roubaix. This district is walkable to major attractions like the Public Library, Old Town Square, and Roubaix Art Museum.

Local cafés serve traditional Northern French dishes such as potjevleesch and boulettes, while the area boasts excellent transport links—just a 10-minute walk to the Roubaix Train Station, connecting directly to Lille (15 min), Paris (2 hrs), and Antwerp (cross-border).

The streets are well-maintained, tree-lined, and family-friendly, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. For scenic views, consider staying along Rue du Rivage (Riverfront Avenue), where many boutique hotels overlook the Rhône River.

Overall, the city center combines culture, convenience, and accessibility—making it the prime choice for visiting Roubaix.

Yes, Hôtel des Arts & Découverte stands out as Roubaix’s most family-friendly hotel. It features a dedicated kids’ activity room with puzzles, art supplies, and themed workshops, plus spacious family suites accommodating up to four guests.

Each stay includes a complimentary children’s welcome kit with handmade toys and local storybooks. The hotel is just a 7-minute walk from the Roubaix Children’s Museum and adjacent to City Park, which has playgrounds, sand pits, and picnic areas.

Staff are trained in child care, and the hotel offers baby cots, high chairs, and kid-friendly meals. Weekend events include hands-on activities like French pastry-making classes and guided city scavenger hunts—perfect for bonding with children.

With its safe environment, engaging programs, and proximity to green spaces, Hôtel des Arts & Découverte ensures a joyful and memorable stay for families exploring Roubaix.

Roubaix offers several authentic cultural experiences rooted in its industrial past. The Roubaix Industrial Heritage Tour, led by local volunteers, takes visitors through former textile mills now transformed into creative hubs, showcasing machinery, archives, and contemporary art installations.

Every spring, the Roubaix Festival d'Art fills the Old Town Square with street performers, independent designers, and live music. Interactive workshops include weaving demonstrations and oral history talks, giving insight into the city’s working-class roots.

The weekly Saturday Market at Place de la Ville is another highlight—locals sell organic produce, handmade soaps, vintage clothing, and artisanal cheeses. It’s a vibrant space for conversation and cultural exchange.

These experiences reflect Roubaix’s transformation from an industrial town to a living cultural community, offering travelers a genuine connection to Northern France’s identity and resilience.

The Notre-Dame Church (Église Notre-Dame de Roubaix) is Roubaix’s most iconic landmark. A striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, this 19th-century church features red brick façades, intricate stone carvings, and soaring spires.

Inside, the cathedral preserves stunning stained-glass windows and hand-carved wooden altars, reflecting the craftsmanship of its era. It also serves as a cultural venue, hosting organ concerts and contemporary art exhibitions.

The surrounding square is a hub for daily life—home to statues, fountains, and seasonal markets. Visit during golden hour for breathtaking sunset reflections on the church’s towers.

Combined with the nearby Old Town alleys, the church offers a perfect blend of spiritual ambiance and historical depth. For anyone exploring Roubaix, this is a non-negotiable stop.

It’s not just a building—it’s the heart of the city’s soul.

In Roubaix, don’t miss Potjevleesch, a traditional cold meat stew made with pork, beef, and spices, served with a tangy sauce and mashed potatoes—a staple of Northern French cuisine.

Another must-try is Boulette de Roubaix, a soft, savory ball of flour, cheese, and vanilla, baked until golden. Find them fresh at Pâtisserie Léon or the Place de la Ville Market.

For breakfast or afternoon tea, sample Fougasse aux Épinards—a light spinach-filled flatbread—often enjoyed with coffee at local cafés.

Head to the Marché de la Ville every Saturday for local specialties: fresh cheese platters, handmade bread, and homemade jam. Some stalls even host cooking demos.

These flavors tell the story of Roubaix’s heritage and the region’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals. Try them all to truly taste the spirit of Northern France.

Yes, public transportation in Roubaix is efficient and well-integrated. The Roubaix Train Station connects directly to Lille (15 minutes), Paris (2 hours), and Antwerp (cross-border), with frequent departures throughout the day.

The city operates a reliable bus network covering key areas like Hôtel de Ville, Old Town Square, and City Park. Tickets can be purchased via mobile apps or at stations using the Navigo card.

Roubaix also promotes sustainable travel with bike-sharing stations across the city, especially near parks and transit hubs. The Rhône River Promenade is paved for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easy to explore on two wheels.

Whether traveling by train, bus, or bike, getting around Roubaix is simple and eco-friendly—ideal for both short visits and longer stays.

Absolutely. Roubaix is backpacker-friendly thanks to affordable, clean, and welcoming accommodations. Camping du Nord Hostel offers dormitory beds from €20 per night, complete with shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

Located near City Park and just a 10-minute walk from Hôtel de Ville, it’s perfectly situated for exploring without spending much. The hostel hosts regular social events—city walking tours, language exchanges, and film nights—helping travelers meet locals and other travelers.

Food is budget-friendly: meals average €8–12, and the weekly Place de la Ville Market offers fresh, low-cost produce. With low living costs and strong community vibes, Roubaix is a hidden gem for budget-conscious explorers.

Its mix of history, culture, and affordability makes it an ideal stop on any Northern France itinerary.

Though urban, Roubaix has several green escapes. Start with Jardin des Plantes de Roubaix, a 3-hectare botanical garden featuring native and exotic plants, a small pond, children’s nature zone, and shaded benches.

Next, visit the Rhône River Promenade, a 2.5-kilometer riverside path lined with trees and railings—perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Morning light reflects beautifully on the water, creating serene views.

Villeneuve Park, in the eastern part of the city, offers playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and a small animal enclosure with rabbits and goats—great for families.

These green spaces show Roubaix’s commitment to urban ecology. They provide peaceful retreats within the city, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature while still enjoying city amenities.

For unique souvenirs, head to Marché de la Ville, held every Saturday at Place de la Ville. Local artisans sell organic fruits, handmade cheeses, vintage clothing, and ceramic crafts—each piece tells a story of Roubaix’s heritage.

The Roubaix Design District, housed in repurposed textile factories, is another top spot. Here, independent brands like Atelier Gavroche (handcrafted leather), Les Filles de la Nuit (artisanal fashion), and Ceramique Urbaine (modern ceramics) showcase original designs.

You can watch creators at work or join a workshop—like pottery shaping or fabric dyeing—to take home a personalized memento.

While Centre Commercial Le Grand Sud offers mainstream shopping, the real treasures lie in the market and design district. These spots deliver authentic, locally-made keepsakes that capture the soul of Roubaix.