Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Biennale “The Invisible Worlds of Augustin Lesage” in Béthune-Bruay

    📅 From May 23 to November 15, 2026
    📍 Béthune-Bruay and surrounding municipalities

    The 2nd visual arts biennale of the Béthune-Bruay area pays tribute to Augustin Lesage, a miner painter from Burbure associated with the spiritualist movement. Throughout the biennale, discover exhibitions, events, workshops, performances and activities organized in the municipalities of the agglomeration.

    Augustin Lesage (1876-1954), a miner who became a visionary painter, is an emblematic figure of the mining basin. This biennale highlights his exceptional artistic legacy and the deep connection between artistic creation and the working-class world.

    🔗 More info: [Béthune-Bruay Tourisme](https://www.tourisme-bethune-bruay.fr/les-mondes-invisibles-d-augustin-lesage-a-aujourd-hui)

  • Folies Créatives: Creators’ Market in Valenciennes July 17-18

    📅 Friday July 17 and Saturday July 18, 2026
    📍 Valenciennes, city center

    Les Folies Créatives returns to Valenciennes for a semi-nightly market dedicated to local creators! Art craftsmen, jewelers, ceramists and fashion designers showcase their original creations in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

    It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the talent of artisans from the Valenciennes area and the mining basin, find unique pieces and support local creativity. The market comes alive in the evening with musical entertainment.

    🔗 More info: [Ville de Valenciennes](https://www.valenciennes.fr/agenda/les-folies-creatives-marche-semi-nocturne-des-createurs/)

  • Exhibition “Osier nos géants” in Douai: Willow Craft for the Giants

    📅 Until September 14, 2026
    📍 Douai, Museum of Fine Arts

    The exhibition “Osier nos géants” highlights the art of wickerwork and willow craftsmanship, at the heart of the creation of the North’s giants. The procession giants, classified by UNESCO, require exceptional wickerwork skills for their construction and maintenance.

    This immersive exhibition allows you to understand how basket makers create and repair these procession colossi, true emblems of the mining basin and the entire North. A must-see cultural rendezvous in Douai!

    🔗 More info: [Douaisis Tourisme](https://www.douaisis-agglo-tourisme.com/offres/exposition-osier-nos-geants-douai-fr-6642438/)

  • Gonflé l’Été Returns to Valenciennes from July 6 to 19

    📅 From July 6 to 19, 2026
    📍 Valenciennes, various locations

    Gonflé l’Été, Valenciennes’ must-attend summer event, returns for two weeks of outdoor inflatable and fun activities! Giant inflatable structures, water games and family activities take over the city’s parks and neighborhoods.

    It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy summer with the family in the Valenciennes area, between the mining basin and the Belgian border. Children love these colorful installations and parents appreciate the shaded areas.

    🔗 More info: [Ville de Valenciennes](https://www.valenciennes.fr/agenda/gonfle-lete-revient-a-valenciennes/)

  • Jean-Louis Aubert Concert and Fireworks in Valenciennes on July 14

    📅 Monday, July 14, 2026
    📍 Valenciennes, Parc de la Rhônelle

    For the national holiday, Valenciennes invites Jean-Louis Aubert for a major free concert, followed by the traditional fireworks. The former Téléphone singer will set the Valenciennes stage alight for an exceptional evening.

    July 14th is a highlight of Valenciennes life, with the popular ball the day before and this great musical evening. A festive and unifying event for the whole family in the mining basin.

    🔗 More info: [Ville de Valenciennes](https://www.valenciennes.fr/agenda/concert-de-jean-louis-aubert-et-feu-dartifice-du-14-juillet-2026/)

  • 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/)

  • 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/)

  • 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/)

  • 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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