Things to do in Cassel | Hauts-de-France Tourism

4 good reasons to visit

Reason n°1

Nearby, only a 40-minute drive from the ferry port in Dunkirk or one hour from Calais

Reason n°2

Unique heritage, on display at the Musée de Flandre

Reason n°3

Practical, for hikes including to Mont Cassel

Reason n°4

Authentic and endearing, Cassel was voted France’s favourite village in 2018

Northern France _ Cassel © Destination Cœur de Flandre

In the words of French writer Marguerite Yourcenar…

Although I’m French and I was accustomed to French from an early age, and use as it as the tool of my trade, I could never see myself without Flanders, without the land where for the first time in my existence, I was faced with the purity and force of the elements: water, air and earth.

Marguerite Yourcenar

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5 experiences to whet your appetite

Cassel _ Jardin du Mont des Recollets © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Benjamin Teissedre

The Mont des Récollets garden: behold the Flemish inspiration

This lush garden is like something out of a Flemish masterpiece, with a splash of originality from the paintbrush of poet-gardener Emmanuel de Quillacq. Seventeen leafy ‘rooms’, a Flemish farm, an ornamental pond, topiary and may trees… A harmony of contrasts reminiscent of the chiaroscuro so dear to the heart of Flemish painters. It is the perfect place to relax, meditate and reconnect with one’s self.

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Cassel_L'estaminet T'Kasteelhof©OT Coeur de Flandres_Isabelle D'hulst

The real taste of Flanders!

Enjoy some of Flanders’ ‘exotic’ food in one of the traditional Estaminets (Flemish restaurants), perfect for chatting and putting the world to rights with a local beer and cosied up to your table neighbours. They serve authentic cuisine with names that often sound deceivingly barbaric: Potjevleesch, for example, means small pot of meat and is enjoyed cold with homemade chips. Or why not try some Flemish carbonnade, beer-stewed beef and gingerbread, Mont-des-Cats cheese and brown sugar pie? A flavoursome and wholesome experience!

Discover our regional produce

Cassel _ Jardin de l'Office de Tourisme © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Frederik Astier

Summit the Everest of Flanders

Mont Cassel is a hill, 176 metres tall, that sits in the middle of the Flanders plains surrounded by a constellation of windmills. Walk all the way around to fully take in the extraordinary landscape and breath-taking views across the flat land that goes as far as the eye can see. Other great walks await in Cassel and the surrounding area if you want to continue your escape!

Cassel _ Musée de Flandre © Destination Cœur de Flandre

Musée de Flandre: exotic, cheeky and spiritual

From the vantage point of Cassel ̶ voted France’s best-loved village ̶ enjoy the view of the Flanders plain before stepping inside the art museum. Though it’s dedicated to the artworks of the Flemish masters, there’s sometimes a contemporary twist. Flemish festivals also take pride of place on the Cassel calendar including the lively-spirited carnival where it’s a tradition for skyscraping puppet characters to make an appearance in the procession.

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Cassel, Mont Cassel, Carnaval, Défilé des géants Reuze Papa et Reuze Maman

Meet the giants

Cassel holds its traditional festival twice a year, in winter and summer. It’s famous for its hulking puppets such as Reuze Papa (Flemish for Papa Giant). A 6.5 metres tall giant made from wicker and rattan and that is part of the UNESCO world heritage list. On the Sunday after Mardi Gras, he roams the streets to the sounds of percussion instruments, cymbals and bass drums. He is followed by the cheval jupon (horse skirt), coq jupon (cockerel skirt) and other hilariously huge heads while the municipal wind band plays the Reuzelied, the song of the giants. On Easter Monday, his wife, Reuze Maman, joins the party. Don’t miss out on these merry festivities that are sure to put a spring in your step!

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