20 kilometres north of Saint-Quentin, 12 kilometres from Péronne and 30 kilometres from Cambrai, Roisel is located in the Somme department, in the Hauts-de-France region. Only 2 hours from the capital of Paris, Roisel is the perfect place for a quiet stay, away from the crowds, a change from the traditional holidays in crowded seaside resorts. Here in Vermandois, life is quiet and the architecture typical of northern France, with beautiful red brick houses, emblematic of the local history. Watered by the Cologne river which runs through it before flowing into the Somme at Péronne, the commune of Roisel was completely rebuilt during the inter-war period, after having been totally destroyed during the Great War. In terms of heritage, while walking through the town, you can discover the Town Hall, an amazing brick building topped by a bell tower. The church of Saint-Martin, the military cemetery and the narrow streets of the town centre will complete your visit to this quiet town. If there is one route for a family walk that will delight you, it is without hesitation the Coulée Verte: linking Roisel to Péronne over a distance of 13 kilometres, this path, built on an old railway line, is perfect for discovering the surrounding countryside. The Bois Marières and the Malamain Valley on the Cléry-sur-Somme side, the Bois de Cauchy Valley, the Chemin des Automitrailleuses on the Somme Valley route between ponds and marshes, and many other routes will allow you to discover all the beauty of Roisel and the Somme.
Staying in Roisel also gives you the opportunity to discover some of the most famous sites in the Hauts-de-France region, such as Cambrai, Amiens, Péronne and Saint-Quentin. Cambrai, apart from its famous Bêtises, is worth a visit for its 18th century Notre-Dame cathedral, but also for its Jesuit chapel, its belfry, its Porte de Paris, and its marked town centre which make this town a Town of Art and History recognised in France. Péronne is the stronghold of the region's medieval history, with its 13th century castle, its shady banks and its ponds, which are perfect for sunbathing with the family, picnicking or fishing. Amiens is conviviality itself; with its cathedral Notre-Dame classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, its medieval district of Saint-Leu called the "Little Venice of the North" or its gourmet restaurants, Amiens, only an hour's drive from Roisel, is a must during your stay. Saint-Quentin, capital of Haute-Picardie, classified as a City of Art and History, will amaze you with its architecture and its many shops where you can eat and shop. The Henri Matisse Museum in Cateau-Cambrésis (40 kilometres away), the Roisel Adventure Park with its lasergame, its tree climbing course and its countless fun activities, not forgetting the beaches of Fort-Mahon and Berck (1 hour 45 minutes away) will complete your family holiday.
