Located in the Nord Pas de Calais region of France, the town of Cambrai lies just over 26 kilometers south of Douai and is steeped in World War I history due to its role as the location of the world’s first ever tank battle. Since then, the town hall has been restored and stands sentry on the enormous cobbled square that is located in the center of the town.

The church of Saint-Gery and the town’s 18th century replacement for an earlier cathedral are also both worth a visit, as is the Tourism Office, which is located in an impressive medieval building that dates all the way back to 1595. The delicate wooden statues that once adorned the outside of this building can now be viewed inside.

The belfry of St. Mary’s Church in Cambrai is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while a few paintings by Velazquez are housed in the town’s museum – along with works from a variety of other well-known French and Flemish artists. Be sure to book a rental car for your trip to Cambrai, as the birthplace of Matisse is nearby in Le Cateau, along with a museum and gallery.