Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Author: Luc Hermes

  • Nature Outings with the Scarpe-Escaut Park – Hikes and Summer Discoveries

    From August 2 to September 5, 2026
    Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, Saint-Amand-les-Eaux

    The Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park invites you to its summer nature outings! All summer long, guided walks help you discover the exceptional biodiversity of this territory: birds, butterflies, bats, wetland flora and landscapes of the Scarpe valley.

    Hikes guided by passionate naturalists, observations of local species and moments of sharing in the heart of nature: each outing is a unique opportunity to understand and love this preserved natural environment, between marshes, forests and meadows.

    The outings are suitable for all audiences, beginners and experienced hikers alike. Bring comfortable shoes and water.

    More info: Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park

  • Les Folies de Binbin – The Great Summer Festival in Valenciennes

    From August 28 to 30, 2026
    Valenciennes, Place d’Armes and surroundings

    Les Folies de Binbin is THE must-attend summer event in Valenciennes! For this new edition, Place d’Armes transforms into a giant playground with concerts, street shows, activities for children and entertainment for everyone.

    For three days, the city pulses to the rhythm of the Folies: live music, street theatre, inflatables, food stands and a festive atmosphere bringing together young and old. All in a magnificent setting, between the belfry of the town hall and the pedestrian streets of the city center.

    Binbin, the emblematic giant of Valenciennes, will of course be at the party! A free event open to all, ideal for ending the summer in style in the Valenciennois region.

    More info: City of Valenciennes

  • Phileas Around the World – Storytelling Workshop at the 9-9bis

    Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
    9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, Oignies

    Embark on an extraordinary journey without leaving your seat! Phileas Around the World, a storytelling workshop for ages 6-12, takes you to discover the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites… right to the heart of the Mining Basin!

    The story is told kamishibai-style, a Japanese picture theater that captivates young and old alike. After the reading, children create a special Mining Basin World Heritage thaumatrope, an ancient optical toy combining images and movement.

    A fun and educational moment for families!

    More info: 9-9bis

  • In the Footsteps of Madame de Clercq – Heritage Walk at the 9-9bis

    Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
    9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, Oignies

    Follow in the footsteps of Henriette de Clercq, the only woman to head a mining company! Starting from the 9-9bis, this walk tells the exceptional story of this great figure of the mining basin.

    In the 19th century, Henriette de Clercq managed the Oignies mines with determination, a rare role for a woman of her time. The tour, offered as part of the Great Figures of Hauts-de-France operation by PROSCITEC, combines industrial history, heritage, and anecdotes.

    Hiking boots or sneakers recommended. Ages 12 and up.

    More info: 9-9bis

  • Meet and Greet: Kasimir Zgorecki, the Photographer of Families – 9-9bis

    Friday, August 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM
    Mediatheque Jean Ferrat, 393 rue du 8 mai 1945, Rouvroy

    The 9-9bis presents an exceptional meet and greet, dedicated to Kasimir Zgorecki, known as the photographer of families. Accompanied by Angeline Nison from CRP/*, this evening immerses you in the world of a photographer who immortalized the lives of mining basin families.

    Kasimir Zgorecki, a Polish miner who arrived in the region in the 1920s, photographed the families of his commune with remarkable tenderness and sincerity. His intimate portraits have become unique testimonies of daily life in the North.

    Single entry: 5 euros.

    More info: 9-9bis

  • Yoga on the Pinchonvalles Slag Heap – Breathing and Nature in Haillicourt

    Friday, August 1, 2026
    Pinchonvalles Slag Heap, Haillicourt

    Join a yoga session in the great outdoors, surrounded by trees on the Pinchonvalles slag heap! This unique session invites you to recharge on one of the emblematic slag heaps of the mining basin, with a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.

    Yoga on a slag heap is an extraordinary experience: breathing in the fresh air of the heights, feeling the ground beneath your feet, and letting the mining landscapes inspire your practice. Led by a certified teacher, this class is open to all levels, beginners included.

    Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. Registration recommended.

    More info: Lens Tourist Office

  • Hiking “Storming Lorette” — Walking in the footsteps of history at the 14-18 Memorial

    📅 Tuesday, July 29, 2026
    📍 14-18 Memorial of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Ablain-Saint-Nazaire

    This summer, the 14-18 Memorial History Centre invites you to follow in the footsteps of the First World War battles with the “Storming Lorette” hike. This guided walk takes you to discover military cemeteries and battlefield remains.

    Along the way, guides recount the history of these sites marked by the 1914-1918 fighting. You will discover the national necropolis, the lantern tower and the still-visible traces of trenches. A hike combining physical activity and emotion, on a site steeped in history.

    Hiking boots recommended. Bring water and a hat in case of heat.

    🔗 More info: Lens Tourist Office

  • Storytelling Weeks at the Louvre-Lens Park Festival

    📅 From July 27 to August 9, 2026
    📍 Parc du Louvre-Lens, Lens

    The Louvre-Lens Park Festival presents its “Storytelling Weeks” this summer, a rich program of shows and experiences for the whole family. On the agenda: Stories from Around the World, ongoing creative workshops, and interactive tales.

    Each day, visitors can discover traditional tales told by passionate storytellers, take part in creative workshops, and listen to interactive stories. Both children and adults will find something to enjoy, with outdoor performances and sharing moments around reading.

    This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the magnificent Louvre-Lens Park while being carried away by the magic of stories. An unmissable summer event for families in the mining basin!

    🔗 More info: Lens Tourist Office

  • HGC Quarter Tour in Loos-en-Gohelle — Discovering Local Heritage

    📅 Tuesday 29 July 2026, 2 PM to 6 PM
    📍 Loos-en-Gohelle

    On Tuesday 29 July, the town of Loos-en-Gohelle is organising the HGC Quarter Tour, an event to discover local heritage and community life. From 2 PM to 6 PM, explore the neighbourhoods of this iconic mining basin town, at the foot of the twin slag heaps.

    Loos-en-Gohelle is one of the most committed municipalities in promoting mining heritage. Its twin slag heaps, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, offer an exceptional panoramic view over the entire region. The HGC Quarter Tour allows you to discover the town differently, meeting its residents and exploring its neighbourhoods.

    A friendly afternoon to get to know this pioneering town in ecological and heritage transition in the mining basin.

    👉 More info on the Loos-en-Gohelle website

  • Cyanotype Workshop at 9-9bis — Solar Photographic Creation for Everyone

    📅 Sunday 2 August 2026
    📍 9-9bis, rue Christophe Colomb, Oignies

    On Sunday 2 August, 9-9bis offers an introduction to cyanotype workshop, an ancestral photographic technique that uses sunlight to create captivating blue images. Two sessions are available: one for adults at 10 AM and one for children aged 6-12 at 4:30 PM.

    Cyanotype is one of the earliest photographic techniques, invented in 1842. Simple and magical, it allows you to create unique works by exposing objects or negatives on sun-sensitised paper. A creative and educational workshop, perfect for a family Sunday in the heart of the mining basin.

    The workshop is part of the 9-9bis summer programme, offering visits, concerts and activities all summer long at this unique mining site.

    👉 More info and booking on the 9-9bis website

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