Perched on a mound, 176 meters above the plain of Flanders, the charming town of Cassel takes place in the Nord department, in the region of Hauts-de-France. It is located not far from the French-Belgian border, only a few kilometers from the city of Dunkirk.
Old property of the Counts of Flanders, the city of Cassel develops in the Middle Ages, especially with the construction of a first castle in the course of the tenth century. Conquered many times, burned or destroyed, it was the scene of many battles over the centuries, especially between Flemish and French. Formerly known for its agricultural activity and its breeding, however, it knew a new boom in the nineteenth century with the arrival of the railway and road development.
Today, Cassel is known for its important tourist activity as much on its architectural heritage, historical as cultural.
The city of Cassel has been awarded the title of Favorite Village of the French for the year 2018.
Built at the end of the 17th century, the Jesuit chapel was given to the Recollect Fathers before being confiscated during the French Revolution. Used in the 19th century for artisanal purposes, it later became a place of patronage under the name of Villa Saint-Joseph. Restored by the municipality, it has a facade classified as a Historic Monument.
Classified as a Historic Monument, the Notre-Dame de la Crypte collegiate church was built around the 10th century. Destroyed many times, it was completely rebuilt on its old foundations. Over the centuries, it was used as a stable, a prison, and even a hospital. Even today, it is possible to admire its ogival style, as well as a very beautiful painting of the Annunciation by Alexis Bafcop from the mid-19th century. The choir was also covered with frescoes painted by the same artist.
The Château mill, or Kasteel Meulen, is the last of the 24 that housed the commune of Cassel. Built in the 18th century, it was purchased from the town to replace the 16th century one destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Flanders Departmental Museum houses magnificent collections of Flemish artists and hosts major exhibitions every year. It takes place in the former castellany of Cassel, also called the Hôtel de la Noble Cour.
As you walk through General Vandamme's residence, listed as a Historic Monument, is now abandoned.
Several monuments pay homage to the battles of Cassel or to the great men of the city, such as that of the Three Battles, or the Vandamme monument.
The town has a very pleasant public garden which dominates all the valleys of Flanders.
The motorhome area (Aire Services) can accommodate 19 vehicles and is equipped with comfortable and practical facilities, such as a water emptying and filling terminal, toilets, charging stations. electrical connections, video surveillance, a WiFi zone, as well as picnic tables and deckchairs. Ideally located at the foot of Mont Cassel, route d'Oxelaëre, 59670 For all information, you can go to www.coeurdeflandre.fr/preparer-mon-sejour/hebergements/aire-de-camping-car or contact the Tourist Office of Cassel.
The market takes place every Thursday morning. A Christmas market is also organized on the last weekend of November.
In early June, Cassel bagpipes is an opportunity to attend concerts, folks balls, flea markets and various activities.
Cassel also hosts a motocross every Monday of Pentecost.
Not to be missed, the carnival of Easter Monday which starts at 6am with the awakening in drums and bass drum then the exit of the giants Reuze Papa and Reuze Mom. Day listed as intangible heritage by UNESCO.
