Aulnoye-Aymeries offers several distinct perspectives: Art Deco buildings, railway history, cultural offerings and paths along the Sambre. When planning your visit, consider whether you want to focus on architectural and industrial history, an event, or outdoor activities.
Architecture and industrial history
The town hall, designed by Albert Rouzé, is among the town’s Art Deco buildings. The feudal motte of Aymeries is also part of Aulnoye-Aymeries’ heritage. Église Saint-Raphaël offers a glimpse of another historical period: it was built around 1960 for a housing estate in the town that provided homes for railway workers.
The industrial history also stretches far back. In 1839, Pierre-Joseph Urbain applied for permission to build a metallurgical plant. His former works were among the first steelworks in the Nord département to use coke. These two details tell different parts of the story: the permit application and the early use of coke. This offers visitors a glimpse into industrial development without letting a single date stand in for the whole story.
Cultural venues with railway connections
A distinctive cultural venue is 232U, an artistic residency space that regularly opens its premises to other theatre companies. Since 2010, the Théâtre de Chambre company has occupied a former steam locomotive repair depot on the site of a former marshalling yard. Contemporary theatre and the site’s former use come together here.
The Pôle des Cultures Actuelles encompasses performances, artistic development, vocational and continuing education, and education. Its scope therefore extends beyond individual events. Those interested in the town’s cultural scene can explore these different areas alongside the 232U theatre venue. The Médiathèque Pierre Briatte adds to what’s on offer: in addition to lending services and reading facilities, its program includes concerts, conferences and workshops.
Events throughout the year
The Rendez-vous des Saveurs et du Tourisme takes place every year in March at the Pôle des Cultures Actuelles and on Place de La Marbrerie. The annual Foire aux disques follows in April, featuring record dealers and an apéro blues. The programs for both events may change from year to year, so check the dates for the edition you plan to attend if the fair is a factor in choosing your travel dates.
In summer, Les Nuits Secrètes is a three-day festival featuring the “Parcours secrets.” The program also changes from year to year. The events therefore span spring and summer, which may help you choose when to travel if you’re planning your stay around a particular edition. Confirm its dates and program before booking.
The Sambre, cycling routes and natural areas
In Aulnoye-Aymeries, a walk along the towpath beside the Sambre runs between Berlaimont and Bachant. For mountain biking, the Véloroute de la Sambre et de la forêt Mormal offers safe cycling routes in the town. As route infrastructure may change, it’s a good idea to check route information before your trip.
La Florentine is a 30-hectare area returned to nature. Together, these offer several ways to spend time outdoors: a walk by the river, mountain biking routes and a larger natural area. These activities differ in nature, so plan according to what you’d like to do.
Swimming and other facilities
The Centre aquatique L’Aiguade has a 25-metre sports pool and an activity and leisure pool with a depth of between 0.90 and 1.30 metres. The wellness area includes a sauna, hammam, showers and a relaxation room. As facility details may change, check the latest information before your visit.
With its media library, theatre and cultural venues, events, and paths along the Sambre, the town offers everything from cultural history to outdoor activities. This makes it easy to choose what to see and do in Aulnoye-Aymeries based on what actually matters to you on your trip.
Discover more destinations: Larouillies, Ferrière-la-Grande, Armbouts-Cappel, Tourcoing, Feignies, Quaëdypre, Prémesques and Somain.
Go to the main travel overview: Nord.
