Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Main Square Festival 2026 in Arras

    📅 Du 3 au 5 juillet 2026
    📍 Arras — Citadelle Vauban, Boulevard du Général de Gaulle

    The Main Square Festival returns to Arras for 3 days of concerts in the exceptional setting of the Citadelle Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Eclectic lineup: rock, pop, electronic and international artists in a unique fortified site.

    This event promises unforgettable moments in the mining basin. Whether you love culture, heritage or are simply curious, this is worth the trip.

    Check the official source for all practical details: [Link to source](https://www.arraspaysdartois.com/agenda/main-square-festival-2026)

    Share this article with your loved ones and discover the mining basin differently! 🏭

  • « Musiques à la Chartreuse » Festival in Douai: Heritage and Music Intertwined

    📅 18 and 19 July 2026
    📍 Douai — Chartreuse des Dames

    The Musiques à la Chartreuse festival offers two evenings of concerts on 18 and 19 July in the majestic setting of the Chartreuse des Dames in Douai.

    On 18 and 19 July, the Chartreuse des Dames in Douai opens its historic vaults for two exceptional musical evenings. The « Musiques à la Chartreuse » festival offers an eclectic programme: classical music, jazz and world music follow one another in this unique setting.

    The Chartreuse des Dames, an 18th-century architectural gem, offers remarkable acoustics and an intimate atmosphere. Musicians and audience share a suspended moment within walls steeped in history.

    On Friday, the evening is dedicated to jazz and world music. On Saturday, classical music takes centre stage with works chosen to resonate in this exceptional venue.

    Tickets are available online and at the door. The atmosphere is refined yet accessible, ideal for a romantic summer evening or an outing with friends. An event that combines architectural heritage and musical heritage.

    Source: [OpenAgenda Douaisis](https://openagenda.com/douaisis-agenda)

  • Gayant Festival in Douai: The Giants Parade Through the City

    📅 From 3 to 5 July 2026
    📍 Douai — Town Centre

    The Gayant Festival takes over Douai from 3 to 5 July: processions of the giants, concerts, parades and activities throughout the town centre.

    Every first weekend of July, Douai comes alive to the rhythm of the Gayant Festival. The city’s famous giants emerge from their annual rest to parade through the streets amid an enthusiastic crowd.

    Monsieur and Madame Gayant, accompanied by their children, walk the streets of Douai to the sound of brass bands and applause. The procession is a breathtaking spectacle, listed by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

    Throughout the weekend, the town centre comes alive with concerts, food stalls and activities for all ages. The historic squares host open-air stages, and the streets fill with curious visitors and partygoers.

    The event is free and accessible to all. Pedestrianised streets make it easy to get around with the family. On Sunday, the grand outing of the Gayants is the highlight not to be missed.

    Source: [OpenAgenda Douaisis](https://openagenda.com/douaisis-agenda)

  • Craft and Local Flavours Market in Hénin-Beaumont

    📅 11 and 12 July 2026
    📍 Hénin-Beaumont — Place Carnot

    The craft market in Hénin-Beaumont brings together artisans and local producers on 11 and 12 July on Place Carnot.

    On 11 and 12 July, Place Carnot in Hénin-Beaumont hosts a friendly market showcasing local know-how. Artisans and producers from the region come together for a weekend that is both creative and delicious.

    Jewellery, ceramics, textile creations and decorative objects are presented by passionate artisans. Each stall tells a story — that of a craft practised with love and precision in the mining basin.

    On the flavours side, regional specialities abound: artisan jams, mature cheeses, special breads and local beers. Everything you need to compose the perfect picnic on site.

    Live demonstrations and craft taster sessions complete the programme. Children can try their hand at pottery or painting on wood. Admission is free and the atmosphere is family-friendly.

    Source: [Agglo Hénin-Carvin](https://www.agglo-henincarvin.fr/Agenda)

  • Archaeology Day at the Bouchain Museum: Excavations and Discoveries

    📅 12 July 2026
    📍 Bouchain — Musée Municipal

    The Musée de Bouchain is organising an Archaeology Day on 12 July, featuring workshops, talks and guided tours.

    On Sunday 12 July, the Musée Municipal de Bouchain opens its doors wide for a fascinating Archaeology Day. On the programme: reconstructed excavation workshops, talks and guided tours.

    Visitors will be able to learn the gestures of the archaeologist during practical workshops supervised by professionals. The most curious will discover Gallo-Roman and medieval remains unearthed in the Hainaut region.

    Accessible talks are scheduled throughout the day. Local archaeologists and historians share their latest discoveries and answer questions from the public.

    The activities are designed for families and children, with a fun dedicated trail. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into the history of the area in an interactive and lively way.

    Admission is free. The museum is easily accessible from Valenciennes and Douai.

    Source: [Tourisme Porte du Hainaut](https://www.tourisme-porteduhainaut.com/agenda/)

  • Estaminet Fest in Seclin: Gastronomy and Northern Tradition

    📅 4 and 5 July 2026
    📍 Seclin — Town Centre

    The Estaminet Fest takes over Seclin town centre on 4 and 5 July to celebrate the gastronomy and warm atmosphere of Northern estaminets.

    For one weekend, Seclin transforms into a grand open-air estaminet. The Estaminet Fest celebrates with conviction the gastronomy and heritage of the estaminets of the North.

    On the programme: local products to sample, craft beers brewed in the region and traditional music to delight the taste buds. Potjevleesch, Maroilles cheese and filled waffles are all on the menu.

    The streets of the town centre come alive with colourful stalls, culinary demonstrations and conviviality. The atmosphere is resolutely Northern: warm, loud with laughter and generous.

    Children are not forgotten with workshops and traditional games. Admission is free and the welcome is provided by the town’s shopkeepers and volunteers.

    A delicious rendezvous not to be missed in the historic heart of Seclin.

    Source: [OpenAgenda Seclin](https://openagenda.com/seclin)

  • Immersive Theatre Tour « In a Miner’s Shoes » at the 9-9bis in Oignies

    📅 Every Sunday in June and July 2026
    📍 Oignies — Centre Historique Minier 9-9bis

    The 9-9bis offers an immersive theatrical tour to relive the daily life of a coal miner, every Sunday in June and July.

    The Centre Historique Minier 9-9bis in Oignies offers a unique experience: stepping into the shoes of a coal miner. Guided by an actor, the visitor relives the gestures, sounds and emotions of the mine.

    The immersive tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and takes you through the reconstructed areas of the pithead. The actor recounts, performs and makes you feel the reality of working underground. Historical anecdotes mingle with moments of tension and camaraderie.

    Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 9-9bis is a place steeped in history. This theatrical tour allows you to embrace this collective past in a vivid and moving way.

    On Sundays in June and July, two time slots are available: 10:00 and 14:30. Booking is recommended as places are limited. An experience that leaves a lasting impression, for young and old alike.

    Source: [9-9bis Agenda](https://9-9bis.com/agenda)

  • Festival des Guilledos in Bully-les-Mines: Three Days of Celebration in the Heart of the Mining Basin

    📅 From 2 to 4 July 2026
    📍 Bully-les-Mines — Base de loisirs

    The Festival des Guilledos returns from 2 to 4 July at the Base de loisirs in Bully-les-Mines for three days of concerts, shows and outdoor activities.

    The Festival des Guilledos settles in for a new festive edition at the heart of the Base de loisirs in Bully-les-Mines. Concerts, street performances and activities for all ages are on the programme for these three summer days.

    The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, firmly rooted in the identity of the mining basin. The stages welcome local and regional artists who keep the audience buzzing until nightfall.

    On the food side, stalls offering local specialities are not to be missed: welsh, carbonnade flamande and craft beers accompany the festivities. Children enjoy a dedicated area with games and creative workshops.

    The Base de loisirs offers a green and peaceful setting, ideal for a family day out or with friends. Admission is free for most activities.

    Source: [OpenAgenda Pas-de-Calais](https://openagenda.com/agenda-pas-de-calais)

🇫🇷 Français|🇬🇧 English|🇩🇪 Deutsch|🇳🇱 Nederlands