Douai Travel Guide

Find out everything you need to know about Douai, France in this comprehensive guide that covers everything from where to stay, things to do, to cultural customs and safety. Plan your next trip to Douai today!


Introduction to Douai

Douai is a city located in the Hauts-de-France region in Northern France. It is known for its rich industrial heritage and history dating back to the Merovingian era. Today, Douai is a lively university town that has retained much of its traditional charm. With its various art galleries, museums, and trendy bars and cafes, Douai offers visitors the opportunity to relax and immerse themselves in French culture. In this comprehensive guide to Douai travel, we will take you through everything from where to stay, the best things to do, cultural customs, and safety.

List of Places to Visit in Douai

Douai has plenty of activities and attractions for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or something more adventurous, Douai has got you covered. Here are just a few of the must-visit attractions that tourists should check out.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gare de Douai: This railway station built-in 2nd Empire style is an artful interpretation of an ordinary utility building. It is a museum of railways showcasing machines, tools, carriages, and more.
  • Chartreuse de Douai: Visitors can explore the stunning gothic architecture of this former Carthusian monastery, which showcases a history stretching back to the 14th century. Guided tours of the monastery are highly recommended as they allow you to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the building.

Natural Attractions of Douai: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Douai-Roisel Aqueduct: This gigantic construction transposes the canal of the north of France across the green countryside, passing near Douai. Visitors can enjoy views of stunning sunrises and sunsets from the Aqueduct.
  • Parc de la Tour des Dames: This public park is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city. Visitors can take a stroll through the park’s winding pathways and enjoy the blooming gardens and soothing water features.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Douai

Douai is an excellent destination to explore by bike, and it’s no surprise that this city has lots of hiking and biking trails. Here are the top routes that you should consider:

  • The Douai-Escaudain trail: This easy-to-navigate bike trail measures 15.5km, passing through several cultural landmarks such as the church of Saint-Amand and Halte Nautique de Roost-Warendin.
  • The Circuit de l’Itinéraire du Souvenir trail: This 31km hiking trail, located in the heart of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, goes through Douai and traces the path of the D-Day Landing beaches of 1944.

Best Things to Do in Douai: Activities and Tours

Douai has a range of exciting and engaging activities that are incredibly popular among international visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Douai.

  • Visit the Fine Arts Museum of Douai: This impressive museum hosts various collections of European art from the middle ages to modern times. The French masterpieces on exhibition make it a well-deserved addition to any art lover’s itinerary.
  • Go on a wine-tasting tour: Tourists can explore the vineyards of Northern France and learn about the region’s wine-making traditions. The wine tastings are a perfect way for tourists to gain an appreciation for the subtle flavors and aromas of French wine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Douai

Douai is suitable for a trip that lasts anywhere from a weekend to a week. Here’s our itinerary for a week-long trip to Douai.

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Chartreuse de Douai and Gare De Douai
Day 2 Parc de la Tour des Dames and Fine Arts Museum
Day 3 Tour of Douai-Roisel Aqueduct and hike on Circuit de l’Itinéraire du Souvenir trail
Day 4 Bike around the city and visit the town squares
Day 5 Wine Tasting Tour
Day 6 Visit the Notre-Dame and Saint Paul Churches
Day 7 Shopping and relaxing day

Food and Drink Scene of Douai

Exploring the local cuisine is a great way to get a sense of a city’s culture and Douai is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Douai.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tarte au Maroilles - a savory pie made with a strong, cheese called “maroilles.”
  • Waterzoï - an incredibly rich and creamy fish stew served with potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Beer - Douai is renowned for its locally brewed beer, including the popular Brasserie Gayant.
  • Wine - Travellers should also explore the stunning vineyards in the surrounding countryside, where there is a selection of renowned red and white wines to try.

Where to Stay in Douai: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Douai has a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly to more luxurious options. Here are some of our recommendations for places to stay in Douai.

  • Hôtel Le Relais De La Place: This hotel is in the heart of Douai and offers an airport shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are also spacious, comfortable, and beautifully decorated.
  • Auberge de la Scierie: Located near the Circuit de l’Itinéraire du Souvenir trail, this hotel has a restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace. It is ideal for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, rural setting.

What to Buy in Douai: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travelers to Douai can take home various souvenirs as reminders of their visit. Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home are:

  • Maroilles Cheese: This delicious, strong cheese is one of the local specialties of the Hauts-de-France region and can make for a great gift or snack.
  • Wheat beer: Made from wheat and barley, this beer is a popular local brew that would be a perfect gift for any beer enthusiast.
  • Lace from Caudry: This lace is locally produced in the town of Caudry in the same way it has for many years. It is an ideal gift for fashion lovers as it can become jewelry, scarfs, and other fashion accessories.

Local Culture and Customs of Douai

Douai has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that visitors can learn about by immersing themselves in the city’s customs and traditions. Hereare a few things you should know when visiting Douai:

  • Politeness is incredibly important, and it’s customary to greet others with a friendly “bonjour” or “bonsoir.”
  • When in restaurants, never ask for your check until you have finished with your meal.
  • French people usually shake hands with their colleagues, friends, and people they have met before. They might kiss on the cheek(s) friends and people they know well or have been introduced to.

Best Time to Visit Douai

The best time to visit Douai is from April to September when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. During the summer months, festivals and cultural events take place throughout the region, providing visitors with a unique insight into local life. Christmas is also a great time to visit, as the city twinkles with festive lights and markets during December.

Do’s and Don’ts of Douai

Do:

  • Do be polite and respectful to locals even if you don’t speak the language.
  • Do try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Do be aware that many shops may be closed on Sundays or for the national holidays.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, as French cities have strict regulations against it.
  • Don’t take taxis you haven’t called as they can be expensive and might not take you where you want to go.
  • Don’t forget to tip your waiter/waitress.

Safety and Health

Safety in Douai

Douai is a safe city for travelers, and violent crime rates are low. However, like any other destination, it’s always necessary to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Here are some common precautions:

  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public areas or in the car.
  • Always lock your hotel room door and keep your valuables secure.
  • Stick to safe areas and well-lit streets at night.

Health in Douai

Douai has an excellent public health-care system, and travelers are not required to have any vaccines. However, it’s always advisable to get a check-up and update vaccines before travelling. Visitors should carry personal medication, prescription drugs, and other supplies they may need during their stay.

Getting to Douai: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Douai

The nearest airport to Douai is the Lille Airport (Lille-Lesquin) which is approximately 16 km from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Douai

Douai has a reputable public transport system, and the major bus stations in the city are:

  • Arcades
  • Centre Commercial L’Épine
  • Gayant Expo

Other Options

  • Train - The Douai railway station is well-connected and offers travellers access to other cities in France.
  • Car rental - Renting a car is a suitable option for those who want to explore the region on their schedule.

How to Get Around in Douai

Douai is a relatively small city, and most of its attractions are easily accessible on foot. Alternatively, visitors can use public transportation such as buses or taxis. For those who prefer to have more freedom and flexibility, renting a bike or car might be a better option.

Where to Go Next from Douai: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re planning to stay in the Douai region for a longer vacation, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you should consider:

  • Valenciennes: This beautiful town is only 26 km from Douai and offers visitors the chance to explore the Museum of Fine Arts and the city’s fascinating history of industry and innovation.
  • Lens: This city is a little further, approximately 39 km from Douai, but its Louvre-Lens Museum is well worth the trip.

Conclusion

Douai, with its charming architecture, friendly locals, and intriguing cultural and historical offerings, is an excellent destination for travelers looking for a true French experience. The city’s stunning natural landscapes, impressive outdoor activities and attractions, and unique local culture all make it a must-visit destination for your next European trip. So start planning your trip to Douai today!

Douai City Hall and Belfrey Douai City Hall and Belfrey View from the Belfrey; the Collegiale St. Pierre is the large church in the background View from the Belfrey; the Collegiale St. Pierre is the large church in the background View on the Scarpe River View on the Scarpe River Porte de Valenciennes Porte de Valenciennes Musée de la Chartreuse Musée de la Chartreuse View on rue de Valenciennes View on rue de Valenciennes