Mines de Beffrois

Le blog touristique du bassin minier

Category: Nature

  • Canoeing on the Souchez: A Unique Aquatic Walk

    📅 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

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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/)

  • Canoeing on the Souchez: A Water Adventure Between Loison-sous-Lens and Harnes

    📅 From July 11 to August 22, 2026
    📍 Canoe route: Loison-sous-Lens – Harnes on the Souchez river

    Hop in a canoe and paddle along the Souchez! Between Loison-sous-Lens and Harnes, this round-trip route lets you discover the mining basin from the water.

    A fun and refreshing summer activity, suitable for all levels. Glide across the water and admire the natural landscapes bordering this river in the heart of the mining basin.

    A unique experience to see the area from a different angle!

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

  • Yoga in the Exhibition at 9-9bis in Oignies

    Yoga in the Exhibition at 9-9bis in Oignies

    Sunday 5 July 2026 at 10 AM
    9-9bis, Salle des Douches, Rue de l’Egalite, Oignies

    The 9-9bis invites you to a unique yoga session in the exhibition “Remonter au jour”, led by Celine from Yoga out of the Box.

    Remember to bring your yoga mat!

    More info

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