Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lens, France

The last coal mine in Lens ceased operations in 1986, and although this industry, which once served as the backbone of the city, has been dismantled, its legacy endures.

Dominating the skyline are two massive slag heaps that resemble structures from a bygone civilization, while the urban landscape features numerous brick homes built for miners, alongside the former headquarters of the Lens mining company, now serving as a University faculty.

Lens is embracing a promising future, a sentiment clearly conveyed by the presence of the Louvre-Lens, which boasts a world-renowned exhibition and an impressive permanent collection.

Additionally, a poignant new museum focusing on the First World War stands testament to Lens’s significant location directly on the western front.

Now, let us delve into the top attractions in Lens:

1. Louvre-Lens

The site where a pithead once stood is now home to an ethereal minimalist structure that represents the first satellite of the prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris.

Having opened its doors in 2012, the museum’s visitor numbers have significantly surpassed initial projections.

A spacious area is allocated for temporary exhibitions lasting three months, featuring works by renowned artists such as Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci.

The permanent exhibition is equally captivating, comprising a continuous corridor that invites guests on a historical journey, commencing with Mesopotamian sculptures and gradually advancing toward the modern era.

2. Lens’ 14-18 Centre d’Histoire Guerre et Paix

This museum utilizes cutting-edge techniques, incorporating an extensive collection of archival footage (over 60 hours), 5,000 photographs, and modern maps, thereby providing comprehensive insights into the First World War.

Designed as a contemporary edifice, it features black concrete cubes that are likened to “chapels,” detailing key historical aspects from trench warfare to the offensives of 1918 which ultimately concluded the conflict.

A dedicated space commemorates the 600,000 casualties from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region during the years 1914-1918.

3. Les Terrils Jumeaux, 11/19

Adjacent to the Louvre-Lens are two monumental black pyramids, the largest slag heaps found in Europe, epitomizing Lens’s historical ties to coal mining.

The numbers signify: 11 indicates the number of mine shafts located beneath the metal headframe (established in 1894), whereas 19 represents the mine beneath the concrete concentrating tower, erected in 1960. Nature has begun to reclaim these heaps, with 159 documented animal species and various plant species from Oceania and Africa.

Although the steep ascents present a challenge, the breathtaking views from the summits will quickly make the effort worthwhile.

4. Église Saint-Léger

A church has been situated at this location since the 900s, although each iteration has suffered destruction during various wars, including the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, the First World War, and the Second World War.

The current Saint-Léger church is an 18th-century neoclassical structure that was meticulously rebuilt in the 1920s after being devastated by shelling during the First World War.

The only surviving artifact is a 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, which was salvaged from the debris and is now housed in the chapel dedicated to the fallen during the Great War.

5. Gare de Lens

If you are traveling to or from Lens by train, it would be advisable to take a moment to appreciate the station, which commenced operations in 1927 and epitomizes the art deco style of the period.

Designed by architect Urbain Cassan, the station was ingeniously designed to mitigate the risks of subsidence resultant from mining activities.

This was achieved through a modular construction approach, ensuring that any settling of the ground would not compromise the integrity of the entire structure.

Characterized by circular arches and a 23-meter clock tower, reminiscent of a steam train chimney, the station features striking tributes to Lens’ coal mining legacy through cubist mosaics created by Auguste Labouret.

6. RC Lens

The local football club has achieved the French league title within the last 20 years and boasts a rich heritage.

However, in recent years, Lens has fluctuated between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, the highest tiers of French football, currently finding itself in the latter.

Nonetheless, the outlook appears promising for the “Sang et Or” (blood and gold), especially following the significant renovation of their stadium prior to Euro 2016, during which it hosted four matches and accommodates 35,000 spectators.

Should they ascend to Ligue 1, attempt to witness the vibrant atmosphere of the Derby du Nord against Lille OSC.

7. Nécropole Nationale de Notre-Dame-de-Lorette

Located on the route from Arras to Béthune, and a mere ten minutes from Lens, lies France’s largest military cemetery.

The site is marked by 20,000 individual graves, in addition to eight communal graves housing approximately 22,000 unidentified soldiers.

This cemetery occupies land that was largely under German control throughout the war, witnessing some of the most significant losses in 1914 and 1915, particularly in the Artois region.

Established in 1925, it is accompanied by a prominent 50-meter Lantern Tower, symbolizing the flame of remembrance.

In 1914, an international memorial, the ring of memory, was created, listing the names of 600,000 soldiers who perished in this region between 1914 and 1918.

8. Canadian National Vimy Memorial

The Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 holds immense significance for Canada, marking the first occasion the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force participated together in an offensive.

Subsequently, this site was designated for the Canadian war memorial, honoring soldiers with no known graves.

The memorial, characterized by twin white pylons reaching 30 meters, was finalized in 1936, and the entire area underwent restoration a decade ago.

Canadian students work at Vimy Ridge during the summer months, guiding tours and sharing valuable insights.

Notably, the trenches preserved on the battlefield have been kept intact, encased in concrete, representing a haunting reminder of history.

9. Lille Sights

France’s fourth-largest city is situated less than a thirty-minute drive away and boasts an old town that is ripe for exploration.

This area provides another opportunity to admire the distinctive architecture prevalent in this region, characterized by its gabled houses and flamboyant mannerism.

Make the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) your primary destination.

This mid-17th-century structure is encircled by 24 ornately designed houses surrounding a central courtyard, which now serves as a hub for booksellers and individuals engaged in chess matches.

The monument faces Grand Place, which features essential regional institutions, including the Théâtre du Nord and the Voix du Nord newspaper, alongside more splendid Flemish-style landmarks.

10. Lille Culture

It is no exaggeration to regard Lille’s Palais des Beaux-Arts as one of the finest art museums in France, outside of Paris.

The influence of the Low Countries is apparent here, featuring contributions from artists such as van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens, in addition to earlier Dutch and Flemish masters like Dirk Bouts and Jehan Bellegambe.

Highlights include works by Donatello, Goya, Delacroix, and Courbet, offering an extensive exploration of art, just a short drive from Lens.

Moreover, there is a modern art museum located in the suburb of Villeneuve d’Ascq, recognized as LaM. Here, Picasso, Braque, and Miró are well represented, but the museum is particularly notable for its impressive Art Brut collection, spread across five distinct galleries.

11. Beffroi de Béthune

In 2005, 23 belfries in northern France and Belgium were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This encompasses 12 within a 50-kilometer radius of Lens, and visiting one or two would be worthwhile.

Béthune is conveniently located nearby, featuring a belfry that dates back to the 14th century, prominently located in the center of Grand Place.

For more information, the tourist office provides detailed insights, or you might consider a guided tour to the summit.

Remain attentive to the melodious chimes from the 35 bells of the carillon.

Grand Place is exceptionally charming, adorned with gabled houses, brasseries, and cafés.

12. Arras

Situated just 18 kilometers to the south, Arras is even more accessible than Lille.

This city presents a variety of attractions that make it an essential day trip destination.

First and foremost, the two principal squares, Grand’ Place and Place des Héros, are unique in France.

Both are encircled by gabled Flemish baroque townhouses, featuring arcades on the ground level.

The gothic belfry constructed in the 15th century is part of the UNESCO inventory and offers panoramic views when ascended, but visitors can also venture underground to explore the “Boves,” chalk caves utilized for storage and refuge since the 900s.

13. Beffroi de Douai

If you are captivated by the belfries, a trip to Douai is highly recommended, being just a few minutes west of Lens.

The 14th-century belfry in Douai is one of the most remarkable among the local UNESCO-listed belfries.

This distinction stems largely from the carillon, which was established in 1391 and expanded in the 1970s to become one of the largest in Europe, featuring 62 bells.

Some of these bells are as old as the belfry itself.

Admission grants access to the viewing platform at the top, while the ascent provides a glimpse of the historical ceremonial halls adorned with damask, tapestries, and carved wood paneling.

Visitors can observe the impressive carillon in operation.

14. Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai

The fine arts museum in Douai is filled with remarkable offerings.

The venue itself, a 16th-century Renaissance palace, was later occupied by Carthusian monks and subsequently by military forces following the revolution.

The quality of the art presented within is astonishing for a town of Douai’s size.

Art enthusiasts would recognize the works of renaissance master Paolo Veronese or 18th-century French still-life expert Jean Siméon Chardin.

The museum’s collection comprises over 10,000 pieces, ranging from the 17th-century Dutch school to the 19th century, featuring renowned figures such as Delacroix, Courbet, Camille Corot, Sisley, Pissarro, and Renoir.

15. Cuisine

Given that Lens has historical ties to Flanders, numerous similarities exist with Belgian culinary traditions in this region of France: fries accompany many dishes, and various main courses are slow-cooked in beer.

Two classic dishes embody this style: coq à la bière and carbonade flamande.

The surrounding area boasts approximately 20 breweries, making it one of the few regions in France, alongside Alsace, known for its beer heritage.

Look out for local brands such as Jenlain, 3 Monts, and La Gloudale.

For dessert or a snack, enjoy waffles flavored with vanilla and brown sugar, uniquely shaped in Lille style, featuring a finer mesh pattern compared to their Belgian counterparts.