📅 Sunday 10 August 2025 at 10:00 AM
📍 9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, 62590 Oignies

Follow in the footsteps of Madame de Clercq on a heritage walk through the remarkable mining site of 9-9bis. This guided tour will introduce you to the fascinating history of this emblematic site in the mining basin, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Madame de Clercq, an iconic local figure, left an indelible mark on the history of Oignies and its region. As you stroll, you’ll discover anecdotes and secrets about this remarkable woman.

The 9-9bis, a former mining site converted into a cultural and artistic centre, offers a unique setting for this historical walk. Between rehabilitated slag heaps and reinvented industrial architecture, every step tells the story of the mining basin.

🔗 More info: 9-9bis.com

📅 13 September 2026
📍 Valenciennes (start and finish at Place du Marché aux Poissons)

The Tour du Saint Cordon is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions of Valenciennes. Every September, thousands of walkers follow the historic route of the Saint Cordon, a procession dating back to the 11th century.

This urban pilgrimage, blending faith and conviviality, offers a chance to discover Valenciennes’ remarkable heritage: its churches, lively squares and listed town centre. Family-friendly and sportive routes are available.

The walk is followed by the traditional blessing and a moment of sharing on the Grand’Place.

🔗 [Ville de Valenciennes](https://valenciennes.fr/agenda/)

📅 19-20 September 2026
📍 Mining Basin, Northern France (multiple sites)

The European Heritage Days return on 19 and 20 September 2026 across the entire mining basin! A unique opportunity to discover or rediscover the architectural, industrial and cultural treasures of our territory.

Every year, hundreds of sites exceptionally open their doors: UNESCO belfries, pithead frames, mining estates, and museums usually closed to the public. Guided tours, workshops, exhibitions and activities make this an unmissable weekend.

The mining basin, a UNESCO cultural landscape since 2012, reveals itself in a new light with themed tours: industrial heritage, workers’ housing, social history and mining techniques.

Check the official programme on your local town hall or tourist office website to plan your visits.

🔗 [Official Heritage Days programme](https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine)

Aperitif at the Belfry of Arras: A Drink with Panoramic Views

📅 Until 30 August 2026
📍 Belfry, Place des Heros, Arras (62000)

This summer, climb to the top of the Arras belfry for an unforgettable experience! The Rendez-vous au sommet invites you to discover the city from above while enjoying an aperitif with an exceptional panoramic view over the two baroque squares and the rooftops of Arras.

The Arras belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers the finest viewpoint in the city. After a guided tour, settle in at the top to enjoy a drink while admiring the unique urban landscape. A magical moment to share as a couple, with family or friends.

An original way to discover the iconic Arras belfry, a symbol of the city and the region.

Look up… and raise your glass!

🔗 More info on arraspaysdartois.com

Vitrum Exhibition in Cambresis: Glass, From Sand and Fire

📅 From 15 March to 31 October 2026
📍 Archeo’site, 882 rue Haute, Les Rues-des-Vignes (59258)

The Archeo’site in Cambresis presents a fascinating exhibition on the art and science of glass. Vitrum: Glass, From Sand and Fire traces the millennial history of this material that has transformed human civilisations, from Antiquity to the present day.

Through ancient objects, demonstrations and interactive activities, discover how sand and fire transform into glass of infinite shapes and colours. The Archeo’site, with its unique archaeological trail, offers an ideal setting for this exploration of glass heritage.

A must-visit for families and history enthusiasts in the heart of Cambresis!

🔗 More info on destination-cambresis.fr

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

📅 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

📅 Friday 31 July 2026 at 6:30 PM
📍 9-9bis, rue Christophe Colomb, Oignies

On Friday 31 July, 9-9bis invites you to a meet & drink event dedicated to Ernest Delille, a genius architect of the mining basin. Accompanied by Rémi Godderis, architect at Maisons &Cités, this evening offers a chance to discover the remarkable work of this architect who shaped the mining landscape.

Ernest Delille left a lasting mark on the architecture of the mining basin. His garden cities, churches and public buildings testify to unique expertise. This conference-apero is an opportunity to understand how a visionary architect designed the daily life of miners and their families.

The event takes place as part of the 9-9bis summer programme, a UNESCO-listed remarkable mining site. An evening combining heritage, culture and conviviality.

👉 More info on the 9-9bis website

📅 From 25 July to 29 August 2026
📍 Douaisis Tourisme, 70 place d’Armes, Douai

Discover Douai in 60 minutes! This summer, the tourist office offers flash tours of the city, giving you all the essentials in record time. Belfry, Spanish houses, Chartreuse Museum… the guides will tell you everything about the City of the Gayant Giants.

These flash tours are perfect for those who want to discover Douai without spending half a day. In 60 minutes, you’ll explore the must-sees of Douai’s heritage, from medieval streets to Flemish facades. An ideal format for curious visitors in a hurry!

Tours run regularly throughout the summer, starting from the tourist office. Don’t forget to book your slot.

👉 More info on the City of Douai website