Haubourdin can be discovered from two perspectives: through a local autumn tradition featuring Pitche and Mitche, and through the nature themes of the Canteraine. So when planning your trip, first decide whether you want to focus on cultural events, nature, or both.

Culture in Haubourdin: Pitche and Mitche

Pitche and Mitche first appeared in 1928 and represent Haubourdin’s popular memory and identity. Every autumn, they take part in a procession during the festivities in the P’tit Belgique district. This tradition brings together two points in time: their first appearance is tied to a specific year, while the procession returns each autumn as an annual event. If you want to plan your trip around it, take the exact event date into account when choosing your travel dates.

Marie de la Motte is regarded as an emblematic figure of Haubourdin’s heritage. She offers a different cultural reference point alongside Pitche and Mitche: the latter are associated with their first appearance and the autumn procession, while Marie is seen as an individual heritage figure. This comparison can help you choose your cultural focus—a recurring festival tradition or an emblematic figure of the town.

The Canteraine and its natural surroundings

The Canteraine offers a different focus. Since 2006, seven different amphibian species have been protected there. The specific number of species and the start of the protection effort give this nature theme a clear focus. While the cultural information centers on figures and festivities, the Canteraine draws attention to the protection of particular species.

The Canteraine lies between the municipalities of Haubourdin and Emmerin. After three years of work, it opened to walkers in 2010.

Haubourdin also has a place in the landscape of the Parc de la Deûle: the town is one of the sites considered “reclaimed nature.” This adds another perspective on nature in Haubourdin to the specific information about amphibian protection. The two points emphasize different aspects and can be considered separately when planning your trip.

Getting around and finding accommodation

There are two V’lille stations in Haubourdin. If you plan to use one, check the current locations and availability, as both can change. This information about getting around complements the choice between cultural and nature themes, and can be weighed against your specific travel plans.

If you’re looking for hotels in Haubourdin, first decide which reason for visiting matters most to you. For Pitche and Mitche, the autumn procession is a recurring point of reference; if you plan to walk in the Canteraine, check current access information. This will help you align your travel dates and search with the different focuses.

Discover more destinations: Romeries, Sémeries, Avesnes-Sur-Helpe, Arleux, Quaëdypre, Trelon, Bambecque, Lesquin.

For the main travel overview: Nord.