Travel Guide Cambrai

The city of "Bêtises" is not very young anymore! One speaks about Cambrai for the first time in IIIe century, during the evaluation of the territory of the Roman Empire. Cambrai was then called Camaracum, it will take the name of Cameracum, then Cambray and finally Cambrai. Its interesting position at the crossroads of the roads makes it grow and it is in IVe century that it becomes the chief town of Nerviens. Very early on, the city acquired a reputation that led it to become an episcopal city and devoted itself to the construction of the Saint-Aubert abbey and the cathedral. These two important poles constitute each one a very attractive center for the population which masses in number around the two buildings: Cambrai is really born at this time. Quickly coveted, the city is fortified in the 11th century and develops then until the 16th century, period when Charles V decides to restructure the whole: goodbye abbey, hello citadel! The town then became a garrison town and saw its fortifications reinforced under Vauban. Finally, the abbey is rebuilt, but only it and a few other religious buildings have survived. Cambrai grew in size late in life. It is only in the 19th century that the fortifications are pulled down and that the city centre develops. The peaceful middle-class town was then transformed into a large industrial town with an old heart. The First World War remains engraved in the memory of Cambrésiens: the Germans invaded and burned it when they left. Also devastated during the war of 1939-1945, it is completely rebuilt and redeveloped. Today, the town is a mixture of medieval and modern architecture and still many buildings recognized centenarians stoically face the test of the years, according to the motto of Cambrai: "Proud of its past, sure of its future". The city has kept a country spirit, despite the flourishing industries and businesses. Home of the aviator Blériot, it invites you to put down your suitcases to discover its gustatory pleasures: its "bêtises" and its andouillettes before going to discover its superb Fine Arts Museum. Established in the Hôtel de Francqueville built at the beginning of the 18th century, the museum displays its collection on four levels. Its visit is a must during your visit to Cambrai. On the cultural side, the theatre is also a sensation. First hospital of the city in 1701, it becomes the place that we know in 1929 and offers today 700 seats with all comfort.