Merville is a commune in the Nord department and Hauts-de-France region of northern France. The town lies 13 kilometres north of Béthu…Merville is a commune in the Nord department and Hauts-de-France region of northern France. The town lies 13 kilometres north of Béthune, and 30 kilometres west of Lille. Located at the convergence of a canal system and a canalised river, Merville supported an extensive boat-building industry, with many different shipyards and chandlers located in the town. The industry went into decline in the post-war era and is today virtually extinct.