Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Gayant Festival in Douai: UNESCO Giants Celebrate July 11-14

    📅 From July 11 to 14, 2026
    📍 Douai, city center

    The Gayant Festival, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, returns to Douai for three days of festivities! Every year, on the Sunday following July 5th, the Gayant family traditionally parades through the streets to the sound of drums.

    This year again, Mr. and Mrs. Gayant, accompanied by their three children Jacquot, Fillon and Binbin, will parade through the streets of Douai for the delight of young and old alike. On the program: giant parade, concerts, street performances, funfair and fireworks.

    This is the must-attend event of the summer in the Douaisis, a unique moment where tradition and conviviality meet in the heart of the mining basin.

    🔗 More info: [fetesdegayant.fr](https://www.fetesdegayant.fr/) and [Douaisis Tourisme](https://www.douaisis-agglo-tourisme.com/offres/fetes-de-gayant-douai-fr-2785953/)

  • Exhibition « Silence After Impact » – War Ruins Photography at the Louvre-Lens

    📅 From May 2 to August 30, 2026
    📍 Musée du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    The exhibition “Silence After Impact” questions war ruin photography, from the First World War to contemporary conflicts. Through a powerful and moving photographic journey, it examines our relationship with the memory of destroyed places and the visual trace of conflict.

    The photographs presented cover a century of history, from 14-18 battlefields to contemporary ruins. In a territory scarred by war, this exhibition resonates in a particularly meaningful way.

    The Louvre-Lens hosts this exhibition in a setting that invites reflection and contemplation. An essential visit to understand how the photographic image shapes our relationship with the past and with destruction.

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • The Mining Basin and RCL at the Cinema – Exhibition at the Louvre-Lens

    📅 From June 20 to September 6, 2026
    📍 Musée du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    When Racing Club de Lens takes the stage… RC Lens doesn’t just thrill a stadium: it also inspires filmmakers! This original exhibition explores the deep connections between the mining basin, football and cinema.

    Through film excerpts, vintage posters, photographs and testimonies, discover how the mining territory and its emblematic club have shaped the French cinematic imagination. From documentaries to fiction, cinema has often seized this unique story.

    An exhibition that resonates with the soul of the territory, at the crossroads of sport, culture and collective memory.

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Yoga on the Slag Heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens

    📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 9am
    📍 Slag heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens

    Share a yoga session in the heart of nature, surrounded by trees, with our passionate guide. The slag heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens offer an exceptional setting for outdoor yoga, with a breathtaking view of the reclaimed mining landscape.

    This session is open to all levels, beginners and experienced alike. Bring your mat and good humor for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of the mining basin’s reborn nature.

    A unique experience combining physical well-being and landscape discovery, typical of what the territory offers at its most surprising.

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Exhibition « Land Art, My Love! » at the Louvre-Lens

    📅 From June 5 to August 26, 2026
    📍 Musée du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    This video and photographic exhibition, conceived by choreographer Sarah Nouveau, explores the links between contemporary art and landscape. Through monumental works and immersive installations, “Land Art, Mon Amour!” invites us to rediscover nature as the raw material of artistic creation.

    The Louvre-Lens hosts this summer exhibition in its contemporary art spaces. An immersion into a universe where earth, rocks, plants and natural elements become the mediums of visionary artists.

    A visit that breaks from traditional exhibitions and resonates particularly in the mining basin, a territory transformed by human hands and returned to nature.

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Upside Down at 9-9bis: A Unique Sensory Tour of Oignies

    📅 Saturday, July 12, 2026
    📍 9-9bis, Oignies

    The 9-9bis can also be discovered through the senses. Along the tour, explore the history of the mining basin through an immersive and unprecedented sensory experience. Touch, listen, smell, taste… each sense is engaged to bring the mining heritage to life in a completely new way.

    This guided tour “Upside Down” immerses you in the world of miners by engaging all your senses. An original journey that breaks from traditional tours and will surprise young and old alike.

    The 9-9bis, former pit 9 site, is now a major cultural venue in the mining basin, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss this tour that will make you see — and feel — heritage from a whole new angle!

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Summer Neighborhoods of Rouvroy: Family Activities All Summer

    📅 From July 11 to August 8, 2026
    📍 Rouvroy

    Family activities for all ages: team games, inflatables, creative workshops, sports tournaments and many other surprises await residents and visitors of Rouvroy throughout the summer!

    The Summer Neighborhoods are the must-attend event to keep children busy during the holidays, but also to get together with neighbors and share convivial moments. Each week offers a varied program of outdoor activities.

    Team games, inflatables, creative workshops, sports tournaments… there’s something for all tastes and all ages. The Summer Neighborhoods guarantee active and joyful holidays!

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Funfair in Bruay-La Buissière: Concerts, Fireworks and Rides

    📅 From July 11 to 15, 2026
    📍 Bruay-La Buissière

    The Bruay-La Buissière funfair returns for five days of festivities! Rides, attractions for young and old, candy stalls and fairground booths enliven the town throughout this summer week.

    On Saturday July 12, the day starts at 8am with the traditional morning market. The highlight: the concert and fireworks on Sunday July 13 at 10pm, a magical moment not to be missed!

    Monday July 14 is Bastille Day with entertainment from 7pm. And on Tuesday July 15, the fair continues for one last ride.

    A warm and family-friendly atmosphere, typical of Northern France’s fairs!

    Source: [Ville de Bruay-La Buissière](https://bruaylabuissiere.fr/sortir-bouger/agenda/)

  • Night Market in Mazingarbe: Artisans, Producers and Conviviality

    📅 From July 10 to September 11, 2026
    📍 Mazingarbe

    Organized by the Union of merchants, artisans, professionals and entrepreneurs of Mazingarbe, the night markets have become a must-attend summer event in the mining basin.

    Each edition offers a unique mix of local products, crafts, on-site dining and entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover local flavors in a warm and festive atmosphere, under the evening lights.

    The Mazingarbe night markets are also moments of sharing between neighbors, families and passing visitors. Don’t miss this authentic mining basin experience!

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Liévin Artisan Market: Local Crafts and Flavors in the Garden

    📅 From July 10 to August 7, 2026
    📍 Jardin de Liévin

    The idea is simple and generous: invite the public to stroll through the Garden and enjoy local products and craftsmanship. The Liévin artisan market brings together creators, artisans, and producers in a green and friendly setting.

    You’ll find jewelry, ceramics, textiles, local terroir products and many other wonders crafted with passion by local artisans. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting local craftsmanship.

    A wonderful way to spend a pleasant moment with family, between craft stalls and regional flavors!

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

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