Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Exhibition Concrete, Marble, Flowers, Fire at Tank 1917 in Cambrai

    Exhibition Concrete, Marble, Flowers, Fire at Tank 1917 in Cambrai

    Until 13 August 2026, the Tank 1917 in Cambrai presents the exhibition Concrete, Marble, Flowers, Fire, an artistic reflection on materials and nature surrounding the Cambrai heritage.

    An original exhibition
    This exhibition at the Tank 1917, the former Art Deco swimming pool in Cambrai converted into a cultural space, invites you to discover works that blend raw materials and the beauty of nature. Concrete, marble, flowers and fire are the guiding threads of this artistic creation that questions our relationship with heritage and the environment.

    Tank 1917: a unique venue
    The Tank 1917 is an atypical cultural space: a former Art Deco swimming pool beautifully restored to host exhibitions, concerts and events throughout the year. An essential venue on the Cambrai cultural scene.

    Tank 1917, 2 rue de la piscine, Cambrai (59400). Open Tuesday to Sunday. More info at tank-cambrai.fr.

  • Semi-Nocturnal Markets in Loison-sous-Lens: Local Products and Summer Vibes

    Semi-Nocturnal Markets in Loison-sous-Lens: Local Products and Summer Vibes

    All summer 2026, the town of Loison-sous-Lens organizes its semi-nocturnal markets, a great opportunity to discover local products in a convivial summer atmosphere at the heart of the mining basin.

    Fresh produce and local expertise
    The semi-nocturnal markets of Loison-sous-Lens bring together local producers, artisans and merchants. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, regional cheeses, sourdough bread, artisanal jams and many other local products are available every week.

    A convivial gathering
    These markets take place at the end of the day to enjoy the summer coolness. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop directly from local producers, chat with farmers and discover the flavours of the North in a relaxed atmosphere.

    Place de la Mairie, Loison-sous-Lens (62220). More info at ville-loisonsouslens.fr.

  • Kiosqu’Estival in Lievin: Free Concerts All Summer Long

    Kiosqu’Estival in Lievin: Free Concerts All Summer Long

    From 19 July to 9 August 2026, the city of Lievin presents Kiosqu’Estival, a series of free open-air concerts at the town’s bandstand. Every week, local and regional artists perform to animate the summer evenings of the mining basin.

    Concerts for all tastes
    Kiosqu’Estival offers a varied programme: French chanson, rock, jazz, blues and world music. Concerts take place in the late afternoon and evening, in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover local talent while enjoying the beautiful summer evenings.

    Free and convivial
    All Kiosqu’Estival concerts are completely free. Bring your chair or blanket and settle on the bandstand lawn. Food and drinks available nearby to round off the evening.

    Bandstand of Lievin (62800). More info at mag.agglo-lenslievin.fr.

  • Guinguettes of Vimy: Summer Concerts and Activities in the Mining Basin

    Guinguettes of Vimy: Summer Concerts and Activities in the Mining Basin

    From Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, the VimyVie association organizes the Guinguettes of Vimy, a festive weekend with concerts, wooden games and convivial activities in the heart of the mining basin.

    A weekend of celebration and music
    Friday 31 July from 6 PM to 9 PM, Saturday 2 August from 2 PM to 9:30 PM and Sunday 3 August from 2 PM to 9 PM: three days of free open-air concerts, wooden games, music and good vibes. The event takes place at 21Bis rue Adam de la Halle, facing the playground of Vimy.

    Organized by VimyVie
    The VimyVie association brings local life to the forefront with festive and convivial events. The Guinguettes of Vimy are an opportunity to gather with friends or family in a relaxed summer atmosphere, between concerts and activities.

    21Bis rue Adam de la Halle, Vimy (62580). Free admission. More info at mag.agglo-lenslievin.fr.

  • Ducasse de la Plaine in Lievin: Funfair Rides and Treats for All Ages

    Ducasse de la Plaine in Lievin: Funfair Rides and Treats for All Ages

    From Thursday 24 to Wednesday 30 July 2026, the Plaine neighbourhood in Lievin hosts the Ducasse de la Plaine, the traditional funfair that brings the mining basin to life every summer.

    Rides and treats
    Carousel rides for little ones, thrill rides for the older ones, cotton candy, churros and waffles: the ducasse is the must-attend family event in the mining basin. For a whole week, the Plaine neighbourhood pulses with fairground rides and treats.

    A Northern tradition
    Ducasses are deeply rooted in Northern culture. The Plaine ducasse in Lievin is one of the most popular in the area, with rides for all ages and the warm atmosphere typical of the mining basin.

    Quartier de la Plaine, Lievin (62800). More info at mag.agglo-lenslievin.fr.

  • Trophee 1906: RC Lens vs Sunderland in a Friendly Match

    Trophee 1906: RC Lens vs Sunderland in a Friendly Match

    On Saturday 8 August 2026 at 4 PM, the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens hosts the second edition of the Trophee 1906, a friendly match between RC Lens and English club AFC Sunderland.

    RC Lens vs Sunderland
    This friendly match brings together two clubs connected by mining history: Lens, the club of the French mining basin’s miners, and Sunderland, the club from the English mining city. A strong symbolic link between two working-class and mining territories. Sunderland finished 7th in the Premier League in the 2025-2026 season.

    An event for the whole city
    The Trophee 1906 is more than just a match: it’s a celebration of the shared history between Lens and Sunderland, two mining cities. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Stade Bollaert and cheer on the Sang et Or for this international encounter.

    Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens (62300). Tickets available on the official RC Lens website.

  • Night Market in Bruay-La-Buissiere: Local Producers and Artisans

    Night Market in Bruay-La-Buissiere: Local Producers and Artisans

    On Saturday 1 August 2026 from 6 PM to 10 PM, the Esplanade Mitterrand in Bruay-La-Buissiere hosts a night market that’s both gourmet and convivial. Local producers, artisans and entertainment await you for a summer evening in the mining basin.

    A 100% local market
    The night markets of Bruay-La-Buissiere have become a must-attend summer event. You’ll find fresh produce from local farmers, regional crafts and local specialities to enjoy on site. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the flavours of the terroir in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

    For the whole family
    Musical entertainment, gourmet stalls and a summer atmosphere are on the programme. A second night market is also scheduled for Saturday 22 August 2026.

    Esplanade Mitterrand, Bruay-La-Buissiere (62700). More info at bruaylabuissiere.fr.

  • Champions Trophy 2026: Lens Hosts PSG at Stade Bollaert

    Champions Trophy 2026: Lens Hosts PSG at Stade Bollaert

    On Saturday 16 August 2026 at 8:45 PM, the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens hosts the Champions Trophy! This match pits RC Lens, winners of the 2026 French Cup, against Paris Saint-Germain, the 2026 French champions.

    A historic event for the mining basin
    It’s a huge moment for regional football: RC Lens, the emblematic club of the mining basin, has been chosen to host this prestigious match at home. The atmosphere at Bollaert promises to be incredible, with passionate Lens supporters pushing their Sang et Or.

    A match to kick off the season
    The Champions Trophy marks the official start of the football season. It’s also a chance to see the two best French clubs face off in a unique confrontation before the league resumes.

    Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens (62300). Tickets available on the official RC Lens and LFP websites.

  • Bethune Retro 2026: The Rock’n’Roll and Vintage Festival Returns for 3 Days

    Bethune Retro 2026: The Rock’n’Roll and Vintage Festival Returns for 3 Days

    From Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026, the town centre of Bethune turns back the clock to the 1950s! Bethune Retro, the major gathering for vintage and rock’n’roll enthusiasts, takes over the streets and historic squares for three days of free festivities.

    Classic cars, Hot Rods and concerts
    The festival transforms Bethune into a massive gathering of classic cars and Hot Rods. Expect vintage vehicle parades, retro styling, vintage markets and no fewer than 42 concerts spread across the town’s stages. Rock’n’roll, rockabilly and good vibes are on the programme!

    A 100% free and family-friendly event
    Bethune Retro is completely free and open to all. Stroll among classic vehicles, dance to rock’n’roll rhythms, browse vintage stalls and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year to the heart of the mining basin.

    Town centre of Bethune (62400). More info at bethune.fr.

  • Bivouac Festival 2026: The Eco & Slow Festival Returns to Olhain in the Mining Basin

    Bivouac Festival 2026: The Eco & Slow Festival Returns to Olhain in the Mining Basin

    From Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026, the Bivouac Festival sets up its stages at the Parc departemental d’Olhain in Maisnil-les-Ruitz, right in the heart of the Pas-de-Calais mining basin. After a first edition praised for its exemplary carbon footprint, this eco & slow festival returns for a second season designed as a summer camp for adults.

    A bold and curious lineup
    The 2026 lineup features contrasting styles: British artist Baxter Dury (spoken-word pop) on Friday 28 August, followed by French electro with Cassius and You Man on Saturday 29. Discoveries include Arma Jackson, Nina Uzan, Blandine, Arthur Fu Bandini, and many regional and Belgian artists. Priority is given to local artists to reduce the lineup’s carbon footprint.

    A human-scale festival
    Capacity is capped at 2,000 people per day: you’ll bump into artists between sets, with no endless queues at the bar. Between stages, the park offers a 4-season luge, treetop adventure, suspended nets, yoga, and swimming. Sunday is a slow morning: breakfast in the park and nature activities.

    Practical info
    Prices: day pass 30 euros, weekend pass 55 euros, children under 14: 27 euros. Tent camping 20 euros for 2 nights with breakfast. Free shuttle from Bethune station. Arrive by bike = free camping and 2 free drinks!

    Parc d’Olhain, Maisnil-les-Ruitz (62620). More info at bivouacfestival.com.

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