Festival of Giants
Gayant the giant is the symbol of Douai. Each year for three days at the beginning of July, the Gayant festival (Les Fêtes de Gayant) takes place. Gayant is registered with the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity like member of Giants and processional dragons of Belgium and France.
Basic information
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The Gayant family, composed of the giant’s wife Marie Cagenon and their three children, Jacquot, Fillon and Binbin, are carried through the city. On Sunday the largest procession starts from the town hall.
Across Europe, you find festivals with historical roots that run so deep they seem to twine around a medieval mindset that feels a little out of place within the modern context of the contemporary European Union. As these carnivals go, the Festival of Giants is one of the most spectacular and visually grand.
Douai is a small city in the Hauts-de-France region of France, known for its belfry. Hauts-de-France was created in 2016 by merging Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy.
Douai Railway Station (map) is located quite close to the historical centre of the city. There is a direct train from Lille which takes about 40 minutes.
Lille (map) – the capital of the region is a handsome ex-industrial city with vibrant culture and lots of students.
+ More info: Wikipedia • Wikivoyage • UNESCO
Must to See & Do
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- Festival of Giants (Gayant), Douai
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Transport
Page navigation: Basic information > Must to See & Do > Transport

The coach companies compete with rail on price, which means they usually are somewhat cheaper than trains, sometimes much cheaper, especially if booked in advance. Trains will be more comfortable and sometimes much faster.
Evéole + Arc en Ciel 2 – public transport.
⇒ Getting to France (uk.france.fr)
Video source: Ville de Douai

Links to additional resources with useful information for planning your trip.