Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Aperitif at the Belfry of Arras: A Drink with Panoramic Views

    Aperitif at the Belfry of Arras: A Drink with Panoramic Views

    📅 Until 30 August 2026
    📍 Belfry, Place des Heros, Arras (62000)

    This summer, climb to the top of the Arras belfry for an unforgettable experience! The Rendez-vous au sommet invites you to discover the city from above while enjoying an aperitif with an exceptional panoramic view over the two baroque squares and the rooftops of Arras.

    The Arras belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the finest viewpoint in the city. After a guided tour, settle in at the top to enjoy a drink while admiring the unique urban landscape. A magical moment to share as a couple, with family or friends.

    An original way to discover the iconic Arras belfry, a symbol of the city and the region.

    Look up… and raise your glass!

    🔗 More info on arraspaysdartois.com

  • Vitrum Exhibition in Cambresis: Glass, From Sand and Fire

    Vitrum Exhibition in Cambresis: Glass, From Sand and Fire

    📅 From 15 March to 31 October 2026
    📍 Archeo’site, 882 rue Haute, Les Rues-des-Vignes (59258)

    The Archeo’site in Cambresis presents a fascinating exhibition on the art and science of glass. Vitrum: Glass, From Sand and Fire traces the millennial history of this material that has transformed human civilisations, from Antiquity to the present day.

    Through ancient objects, demonstrations and interactive activities, discover how sand and fire transform into glass of infinite shapes and colours. The Archeo’site, with its unique archaeological trail, offers an ideal setting for this exploration of glass heritage.

    A must-visit for families and history enthusiasts in the heart of Cambresis!

    🔗 More info on destination-cambresis.fr

  • Nature Festival in Scarpe-Escaut: Discovering Local Biodiversity

    Nature Festival in Scarpe-Escaut: Discovering Local Biodiversity

    📅 From 14 April to 29 August 2026
    📍 Parc naturel regional Scarpe-Escaut

    The Parc naturel regional Scarpe-Escaut invites you to celebrate nature throughout spring and summer! The Nature Festival offers nature activities, guided walks, discovery workshops and outings to explore the park’s exceptional biodiversity.

    Programme: wildlife and flora observation, hikes through marshes and alluvial forests, nature workshops for children and adults, nocturnal outings to discover bats… A rich programme to appreciate the natural environments of the Park.

    The Scarpe-Escaut PNR, France’s first regional natural park, harbours surprising landscapes and remarkable biodiversity between the Lille metropolitan area and the mining basin.

    Reconnect with nature in the Scarpe-Escaut Park!

    🔗 More info on pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr

  • Valenciennes Urban Trail 2026: Running Through the City of Giants

    Valenciennes Urban Trail 2026: Running Through the City of Giants

    📅 Saturday 19 September 2026
    📍 Valenciennes (59300)

    The Valenciennes Urban Trail returns for a new sporty and festive edition! On Saturday 19 September, runners take over the streets, squares and monuments of the city for an original route through Valenciennes’ heritage.

    This unique sporting event allows you to discover Valenciennes from a new angle, running through the historic districts, green spaces and iconic monuments. A route that combines physical effort and heritage discovery in a convivial atmosphere.

    Open to runners of all levels, the Urban Trail is also an opportunity to share a sporting moment with family or friends in the exceptional setting of Valenciennes city centre.

    Lace up your running shoes and join the urban adventure!

    🔗 More info on valenciennes.fr

  • Summer Guinguette in Arras: Concerts and Riverside Vibes

    Summer Guinguette in Arras: Concerts and Riverside Vibes

    📅 Until 30 August 2026
    📍 Val de Scarpe, Rue de la piscine, Arras (62000)

    All summer long, the Summer Guinguette in Arras brings the banks of the Scarpe to life! Concerts, markets, performances and entertainment follow one another in a convivial atmosphere, in the heart of the Val de Scarpe.

    This is THE summer rendezvous for Arras residents and visitors. Settle in on the terrace, enjoy the open-air concerts, sample local specialities and let yourself be carried away by the summer vibes along the water.

    The Aux copains d’abord Guinguette complements the offer with its own musical programme at 1 rue Claude Bernard. Perfect for memorable evenings under the Arras stars!

    🔗 More info on arraspaysdartois.com

  • Herbin Exhibition in Le Cateau-Cambresis: Dialogue of Alphabets

    Herbin Exhibition in Le Cateau-Cambresis: Dialogue of Alphabets

    📅 From 23 May to 20 September 2026
    📍 Musee Henri Matisse, Place du Commandant Richez, Le Cateau-Cambresis (59360)

    The Musee Henri Matisse in Le Cateau-Cambresis pays tribute to Auguste Herbin with the exhibition Dialogue of Alphabets. A native of the Cambresis and a major figure of abstract art, Herbin is celebrated for his plastic alphabet and his theories on colour and form.

    This exhibition highlights the dialogue between Herbin’s visual alphabets and the world’s writings, offering a profound reflection on the relationship between art, language and abstraction.

    The Musee Henri Matisse provides an ideal setting for this major exhibition. A must-see for lovers of abstract art and modernism.

    🔗 More info on destination-cambresis.fr

  • Les Folies de Binbin: Valenciennes’ Festive Festival

    Les Folies de Binbin: Valenciennes’ Festive Festival

    📅 From 28 to 30 August 2026
    📍 Valenciennes (59300)

    An unmissable end-of-summer event, Les Folies de Binbin takes over Valenciennes for three days of festivities! This popular festival blends concerts, performances, children’s activities and guinguette atmospheres in a warm and convivial setting.

    The programme promises artistic discoveries, street performances, music for all tastes and moments of sharing with family or friends. The perfect way to celebrate the end of summer before the back-to-school season.

    Les Folies de Binbin have become an essential fixture in the Valenciennes calendar. Each year, the festival renews its programme to offer the best of local and regional artistic creation.

    Join the party in Valenciennes for an unforgettable weekend!

    🔗 More info on valenciennes.fr

  • Summer Programme in Arras: Concerts, Visits and Activities

    Summer Programme in Arras: Concerts, Visits and Activities

    📅 Until 21 September 2026
    📍 Arras (62000)

    All summer long, Arras comes alive with a rich and varied programme! Workshops, concerts, festivals, fairs, performances and guided visits: there’s something for everyone in the City of Squares.

    Highlights include guided tours of the city centre, discoveries of the belfry and town hall, costumed visits of Bours Dungeon, medieval workshops, the Wellington Quarry escape game and numerous summer concerts. The guinguettes enliven the banks of the Scarpe, while heritage visits offer a new perspective on the city’s treasures.

    It’s the ideal season to explore Arras with family or friends!

    🔗 More info on arraspaysdartois.com

  • Esti’Vals Returns to Valenciennes from 3 to 16 August

    Esti’Vals Returns to Valenciennes from 3 to 16 August

    📅 From 3 to 16 August 2026
    📍 Place d’Armes, Valenciennes (59300)

    This summer, the Place d’Armes in Valenciennes transforms into a true festive space! Esti’Vals returns for two weeks of entertainment, concerts, activities for everyone and moments of sharing in the heart of the city.

    On the programme: music stages, family activities, food stalls, sports events and plenty of surprises to liven up the Valenciennes evenings. It’s the must-attend event of the summer in the City of Giants.

    Esti’Vals offers a rich and varied programme accessible to all audiences. Whether you’re a music lover, looking for activities for the kids or simply seeking a convivial summer atmosphere, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Place d’Armes.

    Come discover or rediscover Valenciennes under the summer sun!

    🔗 More info on valenciennes.fr

  • 65th Smoked Garlic Fair in Arleux: A Gourmet Tradition in the Douaisis

    65th Smoked Garlic Fair in Arleux: A Gourmet Tradition in the Douaisis

    📅 From 5 to 7 September 2026
    📍 Arleux (59440)

    THE gourmet event of the back-to-school season in the Douaisis! The 65th Smoked Garlic Fair in Arleux brings together nearly 60,000 visitors each year to celebrate smoked garlic, a unique traditional product in France. Since 1962, this popular fair has filled the streets of Arleux around smoked garlic, traditionally cultivated in the region.

    On the programme: local producer markets, artisan crafts, musical entertainment, concerts, fairground rides for children and of course tastings of smoked garlic in all its forms. The perfect opportunity to stock up on garlic for winter, discover local specialities and enjoy a convivial family weekend.

    Arleux smoked garlic has a reputation established for over 200 years. It is the only town in France to produce this traditional product, smoked in the traditional fumeries of the Sensee valley.

    Don’t miss this authentic celebration of the North’s gourmet heritage!

    🔗 More info on arleux.fr

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