Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Gayant Festival in Douai: The Mining Basin’s Big Popular Festival

    Gayant Festival in Douai: The Mining Basin’s Big Popular Festival

    📅 From 8 to 10 July 2026
    📍 Douai – Place Saint-Amé and city centre

    The Gayant Festival returns to Douai for three days of festivities! Every year, this centuries-old tradition brings the heart of the city alive with concerts, street performances, the parade of the giants Monsieur and Madame Gayant, and a grand fireworks display.

    The full programme includes entertainment for all ages: fairground rides, local food stalls, live shows and live music. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the summer across the entire mining basin.

    Don’t miss the Gayant procession on Sunday morning, when the giants parade through the streets to the rhythm of drums. A magical and typically Douai moment!

    Source: City of Douai – Agenda

  • Yoga on the Slag Heaps: Wellness with a View at Fouquières-lès-Lens

    📅 Friday, July 11, 2026
    📍 Fouquières-lès-Lens – Slag heaps of the Marais

    Join a yoga session in nature, surrounded by trees, with a stunning panoramic view of the mining basin’s slag heaps!

    The slag heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens provide an exceptional setting for outdoor yoga. Breathe in the fresh air, take in the unique landscape of these mining mountains and let an experienced instructor guide you.

    A revitalising experience blending physical wellbeing and the beauty of natural heritage. Reservation required.

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

  • Baby at the Museum: First Art Discoveries at the Louvre-Lens

    📅 From July 12 to August 23, 2026
    📍 Lens – Musée du Louvre-Lens

    Dare to offer baby their very first museum visit! “Baby at the Museum” at the Louvre-Lens is a tour designed especially for little ones aged 0 to 3 and their parents.

    For 30 minutes, you’ll be guided through the collections via a route adapted for babies: colours, shapes and textures awaken the curiosity of the youngest in a gentle, calm setting.

    A wonderful way to introduce toddlers to art from the earliest age!

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

  • Funny Days on Tour: Summer Activities for Kids Across the Mining Basin

    📅 From July 8 to August 14, 2026
    📍 Various towns in the mining basin

    No need to travel far for great adventures! The Funny Days on Tour returns this summer to towns across the mining basin.

    With adventure courses, inflatables, creative workshops, beach volleyball and themed evenings, the Funny Days offer free activities for the whole family. The travelling programme moves from town to town throughout the summer.

    Check the detailed programme on the tourist office website for dates and locations!

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

  • Sens Dessus Dessous at 9-9bis: A Sensory Visit in Oignies

    📅 Saturday, July 12, 2026
    📍 Oignies – Le 9-9bis, Métaphone

    Discover the 9-9bis through your senses! The “Sens Dessus Dessous” tour invites you to explore the history of this mining site through an immersive sensory experience.

    Touch, listen, smell and observe: this original tour immerses you in the world of the mining basin’s industrial heritage in a completely new way. Ideal for families and curious visitors!

    A fun and accessible approach to UNESCO-listed heritage.

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

  • Rando des 1000 Feux: Night Hike and Fireworks at Vimy

    📅 Sunday, July 13, 2026
    📍 Vimy – Neuville-Saint-Vaast

    The Rando des 1000 Feux combines hiking and a spectacular fireworks display! Join an evening walk through history, then enjoy a breathtaking pyrotechnic show.

    A unique event blending sport, heritage and wonder on the grounds of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. An opportunity to discover the mining basin landscapes under the glow of the night.

    Walking shoes recommended. Bring your headlamp!

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

  • Village of Activities and Shows in Carvin: Summer Fun for All

    📅 Sunday, July 13, 2026
    📍 Carvin

    The village of activities and shows in Carvin offers a festive day for the whole family! On the programme: face painting, creative workshops, circus arts, inflatables and much more.

    The Funny Days on Tour set up in Carvin to offer unforgettable entertainment for young and old alike. Shows, games and activities will enliven this summer afternoon.

    Come and enjoy this free festive event!

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

  • Open Day at the Mining and Railway Heritage Centre in Lewarde

    📅 Saturday, July 12, 2026
    📍 Lewarde – Centre Historique Minier

    The Mining and Railway Heritage Centre opens its doors for a day of discovery! The association offers three sections: small-scale mining, the railway and the mining reconstruction.

    Come and discover or rediscover the industrial heritage of the mining basin through guided tours, demonstrations and family-friendly activities.

    An essential event for mining history enthusiasts and curious visitors of all ages!

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

  • Canoeing on the Souchez: A Water Adventure Between Loison-sous-Lens and Harnes

    📅 From July 11 to August 22, 2026
    📍 Canoe route: Loison-sous-Lens – Harnes on the Souchez river

    Hop in a canoe and paddle along the Souchez! Between Loison-sous-Lens and Harnes, this round-trip route lets you discover the mining basin from the water.

    A fun and refreshing summer activity, suitable for all levels. Glide across the water and admire the natural landscapes bordering this river in the heart of the mining basin.

    A unique experience to see the area from a different angle!

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

  • Semi-Nocturnal Market in Loison-sous-Lens: Local Produce and Crafts

    📅 From July 4 to August 1, 2026
    📍 Loison-sous-Lens – Place du Général de Gaulle

    The semi-nocturnal market in Loison-sous-Lens invites you to discover local produce and regional crafts in a warm summer atmosphere.

    Artisans and producers set up on Place du Général de Gaulle to offer their specialties: regional cheeses, craft beers, homemade jams and many other local products.

    The perfect opportunity for an evening stroll while supporting local businesses in the mining basin!

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

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