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***** a journey of discovery through beautiful nature

The Canal de Roubaix connects the Deûle River to the Scheldt via the Espierres Canal. Plans for this canal date back to 1821, and it was deemed necessary to supply water and coal to the rapidly developing textile industries in Roubaix and Tourcoing. The first section of the canal begins at the Deûle and includes the canalization of part of the Marque River. This section opened in 1831. The connection from Roubaix to the Belgian-French border was also completed in 1843. The section through Belgium to the Scheldt, the Espierres Canal, was also opened at that time. A watershed existed between the two sections of the canal (between the Lys and the Scheldt), and a tunnel was planned, but this led to difficulties and delays. Therefore, an alternative route was chosen further north, also serving Tourcoing. This more northerly section opened in 1877. A branch of this section of the canal is the Canal de Tourcoing. This was completed in 1893. In 1985, the canal was closed due to dilapidated infrastructure. However, it was restored as an industrial heritage site and reopened to shipping in 2010. The canal is 20 km long and has 12 locks. Source: Wikipedia

The Mauroy Bridge is one of three movable bridges spanning the canal at Saint-Léger. Each bridge had a bridge keeper's house, where the bridge keeper lived, responsible for opening and closing the bridge each time a ship passed. These houses were often also cafés... or still are, as here. Just beyond the bridge, the old Mauroy farm bordered an imposing castle, the Mauroy Castle, designed by Sanderus in 1644. In 1504, the castle and the Mauroy estate belonged to Arnould de Maulde, a lord of the manor. Source: brochure "Promenade Saint-Léger"

Please note: in summer the park is open every day (except Saturdays) from 10am to 7pm, but in winter it is only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, each time from 10am to 6pm.

This original, enormous artwork consists of a table and 10 robinia wood chairs. These pieces of furniture enhance the illusion of oversized space and transport the viewer back to childhood. It's one of the artistic works you can discover along the Arty trail, which runs between Roubaix (FR) and Tournai (BE) along the Roubaix and Scheldt Canal (www.parcoursarty.com).

This original, enormous artwork consists of a table and 10 robinia wood chairs. These pieces of furniture enhance the illusion of oversized space and transport the viewer back to childhood. It's one of the artistic works you can discover along the Arty trail, which runs between Roubaix (FR) and Tournai (BE) along the Roubaix and Scheldt Canal (www.parcoursarty.com).

Please note: the towpath on the south side is temporarily closed towards Leers between the Pont de Petix-Preux and Rue de Belva. A short detour along Rue de la Motterie is the solution.

Also note the charming bridge keeper's house. Ten years ago (2015), it was for sale for €52,000. Source: lavenir.net