A fishing pond with jetties, a wetland with guided visits, and an exhibition on planetary boundaries offer different ways to spend time in Cappelle-La-Grande. If you are looking for accommodation, you can choose the area based on whether nature, movement or science is central to your travel plans. It is also worth considering the visiting conditions at individual sites: Le Marais is not open to the public for unrestricted access, while Parc Marius Rubbens offers opportunities to relax and be active.
Park and wetland: nature with different focuses
Parc Marius Rubbens offers a peaceful, welcoming and green setting for walks, exercise, family outings and day visits. Its features include a fishing pond with jetties and a fitness trail with exercise stations. The park brings together different ways to spend time: taking a walk, exercising at the stations or pausing by the pond. The pond is designated for fishing; however, this does not mean that fishing is permitted.
Le Marais offers a different focus. The 12,000 m² wetland includes a pond surrounded by reeds, cattails and sedges. It provides a refuge for wetland animals, including frogs, dragonflies, great crested grebes and marsh harriers. Their presence may vary depending on the season. Guided visits and educational workshops are planned for Le Marais; the area is not open to the public for unrestricted access. Check the current visiting arrangements before making plans.
On foot or by bike along the Voie verte
The Voie verte is suitable for walking and cycling and runs from Crayhof to Lac d’Armbouts-Cappel. It is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Horses may use it only on the grassy verges. These rules make the route a clear choice for a walk or a bike ride, but not for riding on the path itself. Follow the signs on site for access rules.
Science at the Palais de l'Univers et des Sciences
The Palais de l'Univers et des Sciences features the permanent exhibition “MISSION ZÉRO – Dunkerque en action!” It explores planetary boundaries and the development of the Dunkerque area. An ultra-high-resolution planetarium complements the exhibition. The program also includes science workshops on biodiversity, decarbonization, renewable energy, food, the senses and breathing. The range of topics spans nature and energy, as well as food and human perception. If the Palais is important to your stay, check the latest information about the exhibition, workshops and planetarium.
A note on Flemish culture
The municipality aims to promote Flemish culture. As part of this initiative, signs reading “KAPELLE-de-GROOTE” have been installed at the entrances to the town. The lettering makes this cultural initiative visible at the town entrance and adds a reference to local identity alongside the nature and science themes.
Plan your stay around your interests
Parc Marius Rubbens brings together green spaces, walks and exercise; the Voie verte is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Le Marais, on the other hand, is not an unrestricted-access stop, but is intended for guided visits and educational workshops. Those with a particular interest in science can find exhibitions, a planetarium and workshops at the Palais. These highlights can help you decide which activities fit your travel plans, without assuming a specific order or a shared route.
Discover more destinations: Bouvines, Arleux, Genech, Somain, Haulchin, Proville, Saint-Hilaire-Sur-Helpe, Villers-Guislain.
Go to the regional travel overview: Nord.
