Tourcoing

	Access: Accessible notably via the E22 highway Lille-Antwerp, Tourcoing is taking part in the development of metropolitan Lille, to which it is linked by tram and line 2 of the metro (end August 1999).

	The Mayor of Tourcoing is Jean-Pierre Balduyck He is also a member of parliament for the Nord départementand Vice-President of the Urban Comunity. Other key figures in the town's history Stuart Seide, who heads the "Théâtre du Nord", Jean-Claude Malgoire, in charge of Tourcoing's "Atelier lyrique" (lyrical workshop), Mahjoub Ben Bella, artist, the TLM, a leading volleyball team.

	Tourcoing is renowned for its spirit and charm: for the weath of its cultural life, for discovering rare items of heritage such as the Saint-Christophe church, or simply for stolls through its pedestrian zones, along the canal or in the public gardens. Not to be missed: in March: the Choral Weeks by the Tourcoing "Atelier Lyrique" (Lyrical workshop) In March-April: The Festival of Popular Arts In April: The "Dklik" Festival "young people and their festival" In May: The "Franche Foire", a mediaeval festival In May-June: Festival of European Humour In October-November: the Tourcoing Jazz Festival

	In line with its high-quality economic sectosr, the town has developed a centre for artistic teaching that has become a reference. Surrounding the Fresnoy, the National Studio for Contemporary Art, the following notable institutions have taken up residence: the Higher Regional School for Plastic Expression and the Plastic Arts Department of the University of Lille 3. The presence of the Museum of Fine Art, whose collections are on a regional scale, is an additional asset.

	The industrial revolution of the 19th century turned both Tourcoing, with Roubaix into the French textile capital. Today, this industry is focusing on innovation, in the top quality or new fibre sectors, for example. In addition, "Tourcoing, the creative town" has diversified thanks to mail order, the graphic arts and printing.

	Current projects: On 18th August 1999, line 2 of the metro will link the centre of Tourcoing with Lille Europe station. The town is accompanying this major project by a full programme of investments in infrastructures: +40% in comparison with 1998, i.e. FRF 139 million.