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Tourcoing

19th century loom in Tourcoing's Centre for Local History - origins of weaving by water-power The annual Franche Fair in May celebrates Tourcoing's important medieval trade fairs	Smoky textile mills Tourcoing narrowly missed being part of Belgium when the borders of France were settled at the time of King Louis XIV. It grew rapidly as a working town of smoky textile mills in the 19th century to become, with Roubaix, the textile capital of France.
	Regeneration When the local textile industry collapsed in the economic crisis of the 1980's, Tourcoing had heavy unemployment. It's now linked to the motorway network, and to central Lille by a fine new Metro as well as a modern tramway. The regeneration of Tourcoing is finding value in the legacy from its past - restoring heritage buildings, and seeking to attract tourists. It seeks a new economic future by diversifying into creative industries like mail order, graphic arts and printing.
Cultural life As a visitor, you will enjoy strolling in the pedestrian zones around Saint-Christophe Church, along the canal or in the public gardens. "Tourcoing, the creative town" is building up cultural assets like the "Théâtre du Nord", the "Atelier Lyrique" (opera house), and a calendar of cultural events like the Tourcoing Jazz Festival (every Oct-Nov). Jobs and art students are attracted to lively new college and university institutions linked with Le Fresnoy, the National Studio for Contemporary Art - spilling over to rejuvenate today's remaining textile industry with a focus on innovation, creativity, top quality and new fibres.

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Weblinks and more information		Local area map: Click on places for more information
Places to visit Tourcoing Fine Arts Museum - mix of old masters, contemporary art & performance Trams - go for a ride alongside the River Deule Lille City Pass 1-,2- or 3-day pass to museums, attractions, the City Tour & public transport	Why not try this feature? QUICK TOUR round Greater Lille, starting with the Palais des Beaux-Arts...
See also places to visit in LILLE metropolis
Background Information: Textiles industry - Tourcoing was a town of cloth mills Medieval wool trade History of Flanders - France/Belgium border

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