Roubaix: working-class districts and faded industrial glory

ROUBAIX: WORKING-CLASS NEIGHBORHOODS AND PAST INDUSTRIAL GLORY

Robaais is the name of this old Flemish city that was only conquered by France at the end of the 17th century.

In the 19th and first half of the 20th century, Roubaix became a thriving industrial city with dozens of textile factories and other workshops right in the historical center. Surrounding it were entire working-class neighborhoods with narrow streets and low houses. After the Second World War, most factories disappeared and Roubaix fell into desolation with much vacancy and industrial ruins.

But since the 1990s, a large-scale revitalization operation has begun, the results of which are gradually becoming visible. The most well-known is the Designer Outlet shopping center that was planted right in the center. Meanwhile, the medieval core has been restored, a whole series of industrial sites have been converted into business centers or museums, most working-class neighborhoods have been renovated, and wide bike paths and parks have been created along canals.

Today, Roubaix offers visitors a challenging urban experience with quite a few architectural gems. Art Nouveau and Art Deco are also well represented. This walking tour takes you extensively along all aspects of this heterogeneous city where industrial history lurks around every corner. You can easily start it at the train station, where the direct IC train from Antwerp and Ghent stops.

Interesting websites:

• Tourist information: www.roubaixtourisme.com
• Ateliers Memoire de Roubaix: www.ateliers-memoire-roubaix.com
• Historical Monuments in Roubaix: https://monumentum.fr/roubaix-v-59512-carte.html
• Eco-district de l'Union: www.lunion.org