Plizio Visual Lab
Orchies
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Orchies
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Chicory Museum is to learn about the history of this famous coffee substitute.
- Explore the surrounding Pévèle region by bike on the flat, accessible trails.
- Keep in mind that many shops are closed on Sundays, so plan your meals in advance.
- Notice the typical Flemish brick architecture while strolling through the town center.
🍽 Food
🍽
Chicory products
Try chicory ice cream or coffee at a cafe on the main square.
🍽
Carbonnade flamande
Look for this traditional Flemish beef stew in the rustic estaminets of the surrounding area.
🍽
Flamiche au Maroilles
A hearty cheese tart that you can pick up from local bakeries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Leroux shop
Buy authentic chicory products straight from the source.
🛍
Weekly market
Visit the market for fresh regional produce and cheeses.
🧘
Voie verte de la Pévèle
A quiet, car-free greenway good for relaxing walks.
🧘
Parc du Manoir
A small green oasis in the center to rest.
Water temperature…
Orchies is a lively town in the Nord department, located in the historic Pévèle region of French Flanders. It proudly holds the title of the 'World Capital of Chicory', being the headquarters of the Leroux company since 1858. The town's past is deeply marked by the events of World War I, when it was almost entirely burned down by German forces in 1914, leading to its status as a 'martyr city'. The subsequent reconstruction in the 1920s gave Orchies its distinct Flemish-inspired red-brick character. Today, the Maison Leroux museum is, detailing the industrial and agricultural heritage of chicory production. Strategically positioned between the major cities of Lille and Valenciennes, Orchies serves as a gateway to the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park. The town is also widely known for its fervent basketball culture, hosting a successful team and modern sporting facilities that draw fans from across the region.
- Location: Hauts-de-France, France
- Top sights: Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church · General de Gaulle Square · Orchies Railway Station
- Nearby: Flines-lez-Raches (7 km)
- Population: ~8.828
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 55 | 53 | 41 | 59 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 52 | 65 | 71 | 74 |
Geography
Facts
- Leroux company founded in Orchies in 1858.
- 95% of the town was destroyed in September 1914.
- Population is approximately 8,828 residents.
- Central hub of the Pévèle territory.
- Located 25 kilometers southeast of Lille.
- Features a prominent reconstructed bell tower.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→14:402.9 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 19€ · Transport 0€
Start your day at the charming railway station and stroll into the center. Admire the Église Notre-Dame and the lively General de Gaulle Square. The historic Tour à diables offers fascinating insights into the past. End your walking tour at the old private mill down south.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 10'
Orchies Railway Station
Admire the historic architecture of this pleasant railway station and use the convenient lockers before you start exploring.
🚶 13'0.52 km
⛪
09:33 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Observe the impressive stained glass windows of this central church, but be sure to check mass times before your visit.
🚶 9'0.29 km
📍
10:32 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this central square and take a moment to savor a coffee at a nearby cozy bistro.
🚶 9'0.28 km
🏛️
11:26 · 80'
Tour à diables
Discover the fascinating legends surrounding this historic tower, ideally during a guided tour early in the morning.
🚶 39'1.82 km
📍
13:25 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Catch a glimpse of this old private mill from the street, always making sure to fully respect the owners' privacy.
09:00→14:402.9 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 19€ · Transport 0€
Start at the station with an umbrella. The Notre-Dame Church offers a great dry shelter. The square's paving can be slippery, so walk carefully. The historic tower looks dramatic in the rain, before ending near the old mill.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 10'
Orchies Railway Station
Admire the station's architecture from the covered entrance before stepping out into the rain. Use a sturdy windproof umbrella today.
🚶 13'0.52 km
⛪
09:33 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Marvel at the beautiful stained glass inside; it's a well-suited dry shelter to escape the heavy showers while soaking in the rich history.
🚶 9'0.29 km
📍
10:32 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Notice the historical facades around the square. The cobblestones get quite slippery when wet, so wear walking shoes with good grip.
🚶 9'0.28 km
🏛️
11:26 · 80'
Tour à diables
View the imposing medieval walls of the Devil's Tower. Take photos quickly and find shelter under nearby trees if it really pours down.
🚶 39'1.82 km
📍
13:25 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Observe the rustic exterior of this private old mill. Since it's private property, view it cautiously from the muddy road in the rain.
09:00→14:402.9 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 16–22 €Entries 19€ · Transport 0€
Wrap up warmly at the station. The church interior is cold but blocks the icy wind perfectly. Enjoy a brisk walk across the main square. The ancient tower looks striking against the winter sky before reaching the old mill.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 10'
Orchies Railway Station
Notice the solid brickwork of the station building. Fasten your coat and wrap your scarf tight against the crisp winter chill outside.
🚶 13'0.52 km
⛪
09:33 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Step inside to view the peaceful nave. It's unheated, so keep your gloves on, but it brilliantly blocks the harsh, icy winter winds.
🚶 9'0.29 km
📍
10:32 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Admire the central monument and civic buildings. Watch out for hidden ice patches on the paving stones during heavily freezing days.
🚶 9'0.28 km
🏛️
11:26 · 80'
Tour à diables
Explore the defensive architecture of this ancient tower. The bare winter trees offer a fantastic, unobstructed view for clear photos.
🚶 39'1.82 km
📍
13:25 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
See the historic mill structure from the roadside. The early 5 PM sunset casts a beautiful golden winter glow on the aged bricks.
09:00→15:015.1 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Cycle from the station straight into the heart of Orchies. Discover sacred art at the Église Notre-Dame and enjoy a break at the main square. After exploring the impressive Tour à diables, your route heads to the rural south to visit the two historic mills.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 10'
Orchies Railway Station
Admire the historic architecture of this pleasant railway station and use the convenient lockers before you start exploring.
🚲 6'0.52 km
⛪
09:26 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Observe the impressive stained glass windows of this central church, but be sure to check mass times before your visit.
🚲 5'0.29 km
📍
10:21 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this central square and take a moment to savor a coffee at a nearby cozy bistro.
🚲 5'0.28 km
🏛️
11:11 · 80'
Tour à diables
Discover the fascinating legends surrounding this historic tower, ideally during a guided tour early in the morning.
🚲 14'1.82 km
📍
12:45 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Catch a glimpse of this old private mill from the street, always making sure to fully respect the owners' privacy.
🚲 16'2.13 km
📍
13:46 · 45'
Moulin Buret
Photograph this easy on the eye landmark in the soft afternoon light to capture the most beautiful and atmospheric images.
09:00→15:015.1 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Equip your bike with mudguards. The ride from the station to the church requires caution on wet roads. Take breaks under awnings near the square. Cycling to the mills in the rain is adventurous but watch for slippery leaves.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 10'
Orchies Railway Station
Check your brakes here before setting off. The wet brick surroundings look atmospheric, but slick tires require cautious riding from the start.
🚲 6'0.52 km
⛪
09:26 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Park your bike and step inside to dry off. The intricate stonework is beautiful, and it's a great spot to comfortably wait out heavy showers.
🚲 5'0.29 km
📍
10:21 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Ride slowly around the historic square. The wet cobblestones reduce traction significantly, so firmly avoid any sharp turns in the rain.
🚲 5'0.28 km
🏛️
11:11 · 80'
Tour à diables
Admire the robust medieval walls. Keep your raincoat zipped tight; the wide open space around the tower can get quite windy and wet.
🚲 14'1.82 km
📍
12:45 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
View the pleasant private mill from the path. Beware of deep muddy puddles forming on the rural road leading up to this scenic spot.
🚲 16'2.13 km
📍
13:46 · 45'
Moulin Buret
Stop to appreciate this second iconic mill. Your mudguards will save you here, as the final dirt stretch gets incredibly muddy in the rain.
09:00→15:015.1 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Wear thermal layers and good gloves. The crisp air awakes you near the station. Watch for icy patches near the church and square. The afternoon ride to the mills is beautiful, but return before the early 5 PM winter sunset.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 10'
Orchies Railway Station
Start your brisk ride by admiring the station's facade. Wear thick thermal gloves; the icy wind chill while riding will be quite intense.
🚲 6'0.52 km
⛪
09:26 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Observe the gothic details. Taking a short break inside helps your numb fingers thaw, even if the grand church itself isn't actively heated.
🚲 5'0.29 km
📍
10:21 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Look at the civic monuments. Frost on the square's stones can be perfectly invisible and treacherous for bike tires, so ride cautiously.
🚲 5'0.28 km
🏛️
11:11 · 80'
Tour à diables
See the formidable brick tower. The exceptionally low winter sun creates long, dramatic shadows here, great for a quick photography stop.
🚲 14'1.82 km
📍
12:45 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Enjoy the view of the rustic mill. The rural surroundings feel wonderfully desolate in winter, but keep pedaling briskly to stay fully warm.
🚲 16'2.13 km
📍
13:46 · 45'
Moulin Buret
Appreciate the grand wooden structure. Ensure your bike lights are fully on, as twilight sets in incredibly rapidly around 5 PM out in the fields.
09:00→17:5116.3 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 26€ · Transport 3€
A comfortable driving tour allows you to explore the entire surroundings of Orchies. Start in the west at Église Sainte-Berthe before visiting central monuments like Tour à diables. Continue to the northern and southern sights, ending your day with a relaxing stop in the east.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Sainte-Berthe Church
Visit this quiet sanctuary situated slightly outside the center and pay close attention to the intricate historical details.
🚗 16'3.84 km
🏛️
10:16 · 80'
Tour à diables
Discover the fascinating legends surrounding this historic tower, ideally during a guided tour early in the morning.
🚗 4'0.28 km
📍
11:40 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this central square and take a moment to savor a coffee at a nearby cozy bistro.
🚗 4'0.29 km
⛪
12:29 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Observe the impressive stained glass windows of this central church, but be sure to check mass times before your visit.
🚗 12'2.62 km
⛪
13:31 · 50'
Saint-Martin Church
Explore the northern church with its simple elegance and combine your visit with a pleasant, short stroll around the area.
🚗 15'3.52 km
📍
14:36 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Catch a glimpse of this old private mill from the street, always making sure to fully respect the owners' privacy.
🚗 10'2.13 km
📍
15:31 · 45'
Moulin Buret
Photograph this scenic landmark in the soft afternoon light to capture the most beautiful and atmospheric images.
🚗 15'3.64 km
⛪
16:31 · 50'
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church
Conclude your tour at this eastern church and take time to admire the peaceful atmosphere of the rural surroundings.
09:00→17:5116.3 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 26€ · Transport 3€
A car is perfect for rainy days. Drive between the churches and enjoy the wipers clearing the view. The medieval tower looks moody in the rain. Dash from the car to the mills with an umbrella to stay dry all day.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Sainte-Berthe Church
Admire the pleasant architecture from inside your car or dash out with an umbrella. The porch features a perfectly dry spot for your photos.
🚗 16'3.84 km
🏛️
10:16 · 80'
Tour à diables
View the menacing medieval tower. You can easily roll down the car window for a quick photo without stepping out into the heavy pouring rain.
🚗 4'0.28 km
📍
11:40 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Drive around the historic center. If you safely park to explore, bring an umbrella as the wide open square has absolutely zero rain cover.
🚗 4'0.29 km
⛪
12:29 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Notice the grand scale of the church. It's highly recommended to step inside; it’s a brilliant dry haven adorned with impressive stained glass.
🚗 12'2.62 km
⛪
13:31 · 50'
Saint-Martin Church
Appreciate the intricate details of the facade. Parking is close by, so it’s just a quick, wet dash to the wonderfully dry, welcoming interior.
🚗 15'3.52 km
📍
14:36 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Look at the rustic old mill from the complete comfort of your dry car. The road nearby can get quite muddy, so drive carefully over the puddles.
🚗 10'2.13 km
📍
15:31 · 45'
Moulin Buret
Admire this impressive second mill. The heavy rain makes the surrounding lush green landscape incredibly animated when viewed from the windshield.
🚗 15'3.64 km
⛪
16:31 · 50'
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church
Conclude your relaxing drive at this grand church. Its massive interior is a completely great final escape from the damp, rainy weather outside.
09:00→17:5116.3 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 26€ · Transport 3€
Enjoy the heated car seats on this winter trip. The ancient churches look majestic surrounded by frost. The square is easy to navigate. Plan to see the distant mills and the grand church before the early 5 PM dusk settles in.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Sainte-Berthe Church
See the elegant spire rising into the winter sky. Enjoy the car's heater before stepping out briefly to photograph the beautiful frost-covered stone.
🚗 16'3.84 km
🏛️
10:16 · 80'
Tour à diables
Observe the imposing fortress remains. The stark winter landscape perfectly complements the incredibly dark, medieval bricks of the round tower.
🚗 4'0.28 km
📍
11:40 · 45'
General de Gaulle Square
Explore the civic center. Park carefully, as the intricately cobbled surfaces around the square can be deceptively slick with invisible black ice.
🚗 4'0.29 km
⛪
12:29 · 50'
Notre-Dame Church
Marvel at the grand architecture. A quick visit inside is culturally rewarding, but keep your warm winter coat firmly on as it remains quite chilly.
🚗 12'2.62 km
⛪
13:31 · 50'
Saint-Martin Church
Notice the sturdy design of this church. The bleak winter backdrop simply gives the historical structure a profoundly peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
🚗 15'3.52 km
📍
14:36 · 45'
Old Mill (private)
Enjoy the sight of this secluded mill. The generous warmth of the car is a true luxury while viewing rural landmarks on a freezing, icy day.
🚗 10'2.13 km
📍
15:31 · 45'
Moulin Buret
See the intricate wooden details of the mill. Make strictly sure to visit this spot before the early 5 PM winter sunset darkens the unlit fields.
🚗 15'3.64 km
⛪
16:31 · 50'
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church
End your trip admiring this imposing church. With daylight fully fading by 5 PM, its brightly illuminated facade against the cold winter night is beautiful.
Sights in the town Orchies (8)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Orchies called the 'capital of chicory'?
It is the headquarters of the Leroux company, the world's largest producer of chicory products.
Is there a museum about chicory?
Yes, the 'Maison Leroux' showcases the history and production of this special coffee substitute.
Which major sporting event often passes through Orchies?
The famous Paris-Roubaix bicycle race regularly passes through the town and its cobblestone sectors.
Where can you relax in Orchies?
The surrounding area is part of the Pévèle Regional Natural Park, convenient for quiet hikes.
What is the train connection like in Orchies?
Orchies has a train station with direct connections to Lille (approx. 20 minutes) and Valenciennes.
Orchies: where is it located?
Orchies is located in Hauts-de-France, France.
Orchies: what is there to see?
Highlights include Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church, General de Gaulle Square, Orchies Railway Station.
Orchies: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Orchies: why is it worth visiting?
Orchies is a lively town in the Nord department, located in the historic Pévèle region of French Flanders.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Lille-Sud
Lille-Sud is an area for housing and urban development south of the city center.
Lille
Lille, located near the Belgian border, is a vibrant metropolis in northern France.
Roubaix
Roubaix is a historic industrial city in northern France, renowned for its textile heritage, Art Deco architecture, and iconic cycling race.
Tourcoing
Tourcoing is a prominent industrial city in northern France, situated on the Belgian border and characterized by its rich textile heritage.
Annappes
A historic district of Villeneuve-d'Ascq, renowned for its Carolingian origins and extensive green spaces.
Arras
Arras is known for its two large squares, Flemish architecture, and strong World War I memory.
Douai
A historic city in northern France, celebrated for its magnificent belfry and deep-reaching Flemish heritage.
Valenciennes
Valenciennes is a northern French city with a mining past, artistic tradition, and proximity to the Belgian border.
Wattrelos
A historic textile city located on the Belgian border, part of the Lille Metropolitan area.
Lens
Lens is a former mining town that is now redefining itself through the Louvre-Lens and new cultural life.
Cambrai
Cambrai is a historic Hauts-de-France city with fortifications, a cathedral, and a traditional sweet.
Liévin
Liévin is a historic city in the former Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin, now a major center for sports and culture.
Maubeuge
A historic fortified city on the Sambre river, famous for its Vauban ramparts and frontier location.
Béthune
Béthune is a charming city in northern France, renowned for its Flemish-style Grand-Place and its magnificent historic belfry.
Lomme
Lomme is a dynamic suburb of Lille, known for its industrial heritage and the major Le Grand But commercial district.