Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Category: Nature

  • Ascent of the Pinchonvalles Slag Heaps: The Highest in Europe

    📅 From July 24 to August 28, 2026
    📍 Avion, Pinchonvalles Slag Heap

    This is an experience to try at least once in your life: climbing a slag heap, those iconic mining mountains of the Mining Basin! Accompanied by a mediator from the Pays d’art et d’histoire Lens-Liévin and a nature guide, you’ll discover the history of these slag heaps, the unique flora that grows there, and the grandiose landscape visible from the summit.

    A walk between history and nature, accessible to everyone, that will make you see the territory from a different angle. The Pinchonvalles slag heap is one of the highest in Europe, a powerful symbol of the Mining Basin’s reconversion.

    Source: Lens-Liévin Tourist Office

  • Chauve qui peut! Show: Bats and Nature Evening in Brillon

    📅 Friday, July 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
    📍 Halle de Brillon (behind the town hall), Brillon

    The show “Chauve qui peut!” by the Audomare & Cie company sets up in Brillon for an original and humorous evening! This quirky scientific conference about bats combines ecological awareness with bursts of laughter.

    Professor Rhinolphe and his assistant Mr. Pipistrelle revisit what we know about this often misunderstood flying mammal, with infectious humor. The show, free and suitable from age 7, will take place under the Brillon village hall at 9 PM.

    After the show, the bravest can join a twilight walk to observe and listen to bats in their natural habitat (registration required). Bring a light sweater!

    An event organized by the Parc naturel régional Scarpe-Escaut as part of its summer activities.

    🔗 More info: pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr

  • Nordic Walking in the Land of Slag Heaps: Sport and Heritage at 9-9bis

    📅 Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM
    📍 9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, 62590 Oignies

    The 9-9bis offers a sport and heritage morning with a Nordic walk through the land of slag heaps! Accompanied by a heritage guide and a trainer from Étoile Oignies Athlétisme, you’ll discover the history of the mining site while learning Nordic walking techniques.

    This walk between sport and history will take you to higher ground to contemplate the landscape that has formed and now makes up the Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking poles are provided by the association — just bring your hiking shoes or sneakers!

    A family-friendly and accessible activity, perfect for combining heritage discovery and physical well-being. See you on Sunday morning at 9-9bis!

    🔗 More info and booking: 9-9bis.com

  • Sensory Walk at 9-9bis: Explore the Scents of Mining Heritage

    📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM
    📍 9-9bis, Rue Alain Bashung, 62590 Oignies

    The 9-9bis invites you to a unique sensory experience: an olfactory walk through the remarkable mining site, led by Faustine Delestre. Let your nose guide you and discover the scents that make up the landscape of the mining basin, from slag heaps to workers’ gardens and rewilded nature.

    This original tour combines industrial heritage with sensory discovery: smell the damp earth of the slag heaps, the wild flowers colonizing former mining sites, the aromatic herbs of industrial wastelands. A one-of-a-kind moment for all ages, far from the usual guided tours.

    Reservation recommended on the 9-9bis website.

    🔗 More info and booking: 9-9bis.com

  • Hike In Canadian Territory at the Vimy Memorial

    📅 July 18, 2026
    📍 Memorial canadien de Vimy, Neuville-Saint-Vaast

    On July 18, follow in the footsteps of Canadian soldiers at the Vimy Memorial during a historical hike through the battlefield landscape of Vimy Ridge.

    This event takes place in the heart of the Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great opportunity to discover the local heritage and culture.

    Source: Official website

  • Treasure Hunt at Parc des Cytises

    📅 From July 15 to August 19, 2026
    📍 Parc des Cytises, Henin-Beaumont

    Put on your walking shoes and go on an adventure! The treasure hunt at Parc des Cytises in Henin-Beaumont invites you to find hidden treasures from July 15 to August 19. A perfect family activity.

    This event takes place in the heart of the Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great opportunity to discover the local heritage and culture.

    Source: Official website

  • Nature Festival in Scarpe-Escaut: Walks and Activities in the Regional Park

    📅 In July 2026
    📍 Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park, various sites

    The Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park celebrates the nature festival with a program of activities for the whole family! On the program: guided walks, nature outings, biodiversity discovery workshops and activities around eco-gardens.

    The Scarpe-Escaut PNR, France’s first regional nature park, offers exceptional landscapes between the Scarpe and Escaut valleys, just steps from the mining basin. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the natural richness of this territory.

    The eco-garden open days allow you to visit ecological gardens and leave with tips for your own garden.

    🔗 More info: [PNR Scarpe-Escaut](https://www.pnr-scarpe-escaut.fr/en-ce-moment?type=evenement)

  • Yoga on the Slag Heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens

    📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 9am
    📍 Slag heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens

    Share a yoga session in the heart of nature, surrounded by trees, with our passionate guide. The slag heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens offer an exceptional setting for outdoor yoga, with a breathtaking view of the reclaimed mining landscape.

    This session is open to all levels, beginners and experienced alike. Bring your mat and good humor for a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of the mining basin’s reborn nature.

    A unique experience combining physical well-being and landscape discovery, typical of what the territory offers at its most surprising.

    Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Yoga on the Slag Heaps: Wellness with a View at Fouquières-lès-Lens

    📅 Friday, July 11, 2026
    📍 Fouquières-lès-Lens – Slag heaps of the Marais

    Join a yoga session in nature, surrounded by trees, with a stunning panoramic view of the mining basin’s slag heaps!

    The slag heaps of the Marais de Fouquières-lès-Lens provide an exceptional setting for outdoor yoga. Breathe in the fresh air, take in the unique landscape of these mining mountains and let an experienced instructor guide you.

    A revitalising experience blending physical wellbeing and the beauty of natural heritage. Reservation required.

    🔗 Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

  • Rando des 1000 Feux: Night Hike and Fireworks at Vimy

    📅 Sunday, July 13, 2026
    📍 Vimy – Neuville-Saint-Vaast

    The Rando des 1000 Feux combines hiking and a spectacular fireworks display! Join an evening walk through history, then enjoy a breathtaking pyrotechnic show.

    A unique event blending sport, heritage and wonder on the grounds of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. An opportunity to discover the mining basin landscapes under the glow of the night.

    Walking shoes recommended. Bring your headlamp!

    🔗 Source: [Lens Tourist Office](https://tourisme-lens.fr/sortir/les-evenements/)

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