Nature Festival in Scarpe-Escaut: Discovering Local Biodiversity

📅 From 14 April to 29 August 2026
📍 Parc naturel regional Scarpe-Escaut

The Parc naturel regional Scarpe-Escaut invites you to celebrate nature throughout spring and summer! The Nature Festival offers nature activities, guided walks, discovery workshops and outings to explore the park’s exceptional biodiversity.

Programme: wildlife and flora observation, hikes through marshes and alluvial forests, nature workshops for children and adults, nocturnal outings to discover bats… A rich programme to appreciate the natural environments of the Park.

The Scarpe-Escaut PNR, France’s first regional natural park, harbours surprising landscapes and remarkable biodiversity between the Lille metropolitan area and the mining basin.

Reconnect with nature in the Scarpe-Escaut Park!

🔗 More info on pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr

Valenciennes Urban Trail 2026: Running Through the City of Giants

📅 Saturday 19 September 2026
📍 Valenciennes (59300)

The Valenciennes Urban Trail returns for a new sporty and festive edition! On Saturday 19 September, runners take over the streets, squares and monuments of the city for an original route through Valenciennes’ heritage.

This unique sporting event allows you to discover Valenciennes from a new angle, running through the historic districts, green spaces and iconic monuments. A route that combines physical effort and heritage discovery in a convivial atmosphere.

Open to runners of all levels, the Urban Trail is also an opportunity to share a sporting moment with family or friends in the exceptional setting of Valenciennes city centre.

Lace up your running shoes and join the urban adventure!

🔗 More info on valenciennes.fr

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

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

📅 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

Urban Beach in Bruay-La-Buissiere — Family Summer from 24 July to 9 August

📅 From 24 July to 9 August 2026
📍 Bruay-La-Buissiere (location confirmed on the town hall website)

The Bruay-La-Buissiere urban beach is back for summer! Sandpits, water games, inflatable structures and activities for children: everything you need for a great holiday without leaving the mining basin.

Every year, the town of Bruay-La-Buissiere transforms a green space into a temporary seaside resort. Children can enjoy the water games while parents relax on deck chairs. Sports and leisure activities are organised throughout the day.

It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunny days in a festive, family atmosphere. The urban beach is free and open to all. Don’t forget your sunscreen and swimsuit!

Source: Town of Bruay-La-Buissiere

Climbing the Loos-en-Gohelle Twin Slag Heaps — Nature Hike

📅 From 22 July to 26 August 2026
📍 Loos-en-Gohelle Twin Slag Heaps, 62150 Loos-en-Gohelle

Make the most of your holidays with family or friends and recharge at the top of the twin slag heaps! These guided nature hikes offer breathtaking landscapes and a panoramic view over the entire mining basin.

The Loos-en-Gohelle twin slag heaps, iconic symbols of the mining landscape, rise nearly 190 metres. Former mining waste hills, they have been reclaimed by nature and offer an exceptional panorama over the region. The climb, led by naturalist guides, will help you discover the remarkable biodiversity that has settled on these heights.

It’s also an opportunity to understand the mining history of this UNESCO-listed territory, where industrial heritage meets natural reclamation. Walking shoes recommended.

Source: Lens-Lievin Tourist Office

Wellness Sessions at the Louvre-Lens Park — Summer Relaxation

📅 From 5 July to 30 August 2026
📍 Louvre-Lens Park, 99 rue Valentin Meunier, 62300 Lens

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the Louvre-Lens Park differently. Yoga, tai chi and outdoor relaxation sessions in an exceptional green setting, surrounded by landscape artworks designed by Catherine Mosbach.

The Louvre-Lens Park, labelled a “Remarkable Garden”, offers a haven of nature in the heart of the mining basin. In summer, it transforms into a true wellness destination with professionally guided sessions. Yoga, meditation, tai chi: there’s something for everyone and all levels.

Whether you’re a regular practitioner or a beginner, these sessions are open to all. A health and nature rendezvous not to be missed this summer in Pas-de-Calais.

Source: Lens-Lievin Tourist Office

Urban Beach in Bruay-La-Buissière — Summer in the Mining Basin

📅 From July 24 to August 9, 2026
📍 Bruay-La-Buissière

No need to go far to enjoy summer! The city of Bruay-La-Buissière sets up its urban beach with water activities, sun loungers and free entertainment.

The urban beach is the clever trick of Bruaysiens for a vacation without leaving town. Paddling pools, inflatable water structures, deck chairs and parasols — everything you need for a refreshing moment.

Activities are planned throughout the period: games, workshops and surprises for children and adults alike. A proven family rendezvous every summer!

Also on the program: summer walks, sports in the park and many other summer activities offered by the town.

Source: Ville de Bruay-La-Buissière — Agenda

Head to the Bruay urban beach! ☀️🏖️

📅 From July 11 to August 22, 2026
📍 Loison-sous-Lens / Harnes

Between Loison-sous-Lens and Harnes, the canoe ride on the Souchez is an invitation to slow down. Glide on the calm water through a verdant and surprising landscape, in the heart of the transformed Mining Basin.

Accessible to everyone, even beginners, this activity is ideal for a family or friends outing. Canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are available to explore this waterway that has regained its beauty.

Source: Lens-Liévin Tourist Office