Just two hours from Paris and a little over an hour from Brussels, Denain is a land of striking contrasts. It is a green and blue town adorned with an abundance of trees and the waters of the Scheldt. Its road, railway and river connections make it a strategic hub in Hauts-de-France.
Forged in the fires of its mining and steel-making past, Denain has preserved a striking heritage, including UNESCO-listed sites such as its Italianate theatre, a one-fifth scale replica of the Opéra Garnier. Yet, beyond its architectural heritage, the town is defined by its human character: work ethic, solidarity and respect, tempered by its industrial history.
These values find a natural home in the arena of sport. Local icons such as the basketball legend Jean Degros and the swimmer Fabien Gilot are living embodiments of this spirit. Denain, a place where cycling comes to life, has been the home of the Grand Prix de Denain Porte du Hainaut since 1959. It is now a UCI Pro Series race famous for its cobbled sectors. It is an immense honour for Denain to once again serve as the start town for the sixth edition of Paris–Roubaix Femmes Hauts-de-France. We are confident in the success and popular appeal of this major sporting event in our region. May the best woman win