Roubaix, city in northern France, in Nord Department, on the Roubaix Canal, near Lille and Belgium, in Flanders. The industrial complex formed by Roubaix and the adjacent city of Tourcoing is a center for the production of woolen and cotton textiles. A national textile school (1883) is located in the city. The textile industry of Roubaix dates from the 15th century, when Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy, granted Roubaix a franchise for a factory. The textile industry in Roubaix has been in decline in recent decades. The city has since distinguished itself as a center for direct marketing ventures in Europe. The city was occupied by the Germans during both World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). Population (1999) 96,984.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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