Currency: Euro

Calling Code: +33

Nearest airports from city center: Lille Airport (34km), Charleroi Airport (140km), Brussels Airport (158km), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (179km), Paris Orly Airport (212km).

TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING

*** LOUVRE-LENS MUSEUM (99 Rue Paul Bert, 62300 Lens)

It opened in 2012 and reveals a secret side of the famous collections of the world’s leading artists. About 200 works from the Louvre are presented and renewed at regular intervals.

*** PLACE JEAN JAURES

It is the heart of the city and from here we would recommend you start your walks to enjoy the beautiful mansions with the bright colors.

*** ST LEDGAR’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (Rue Berthelot, 62300 Lens)

It was opened in 1926 and is essentially a reconstruction of the former church that was destroyed in 1918. The only thing left of the first church is the statue of the Virgin Mary that was found after the First World War.

*** LA BASE 11/19 ( 62750 Loos-en-Gohelle)

It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and the two numbers 11 and 19 refer to the numbers of the ancient mine shafts. Explore the development of the city’s mining and industry in general.

***  NOTRE DAME DE LORETTE (2 Place de Notre Dame de Lorette, 62153 Ablain-Saint-Nazaire)

The hill where the Basilica is located was the place where terrible battles took place from October 1914 to October 1915. Ten years later a cemetery was created with a Basilica and a Tower. It is now the largest military cemetery in France.

*** THE CANADIAN NATIONAL VIMY MEMORIAL (Route départementale 55, Chem. des Canadiens, 62580 Givenchy-en-Gohelle)

The memorial is a tribute to Canadians who lost their lives in the First World War. There is a large park with trenches, tunnels and a place where you will learn the historical facts especially about the battle of April 9, 1917.

*** PARK CYTISES

It is a wonderful facility with a pine forest, a fir forest and an undergrowth that extends over 15 hectares. See over 350 animals from around 80 species. It also has a playground for your children to play.

*** TERRIL DE LOOS EN GOHELLE

It is a historical attraction and ideal for hiking and enjoying the city from above.

*** ARENA TERRIL TRAIL 94 (A21, 62221, Noyelles-sous-Lens)

This is a trail that is one of the most popular hiking spots for locals. Now there are also many pieces of equipment to improve trail running.

*** TERRIL DE PINCHONVALLES

It is a historical attraction in an idyllic landscape, worth walking and exploring.

ΤΗINGS TO DO

*** There are many places worth walking, such as La Glissoire.

*** Parc des Faitelles is a great park to relax.

*** Marais de la Galance is also another place to have a carefree time.

*** After visiting the Louvre-Lens Museum, we would recommend you also walk through the wonderful Parc du Louvre Lens.

FOOD AND DRINK

The city is famous for its very good cuisine and the wonderful culinary inspirations of the local chefs. You will find restaurants that have cuisines from all over the world, but we would recommend you to try the local delicacies. Try the carbonnade, potjevleesch, smoked deli meats and pastries, boeuf bourguignon, soups (especially onion soup) and the traditional mimolette, maroilles, fort de Lens cheeses. Don’t forget to eat snails, pasta with local recipes and flammekeuche which is the traditional pizza. Accompany your meals with beer or wine.

WHERE TO STAY

You can find several accommodations and hotels both in the city center and a little outside the center. We would recommend that you book a hotel as close to the center as possible.

FUN AND SHOPPING

*** Loos Parc is a great place to be a kid again. You will definitely have a great time if you have children with you.

*** Ch’ti Parc is also an exquisite recreation area.

*** In Place Jean Jaures you will find many shops for your shopping.

HOW TO GET AROUND

The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.

CITIES NEAR LENS

Major cities close to Lens are Lille (37km), Dunkerque (99km), Ghent (110km), Brugge (115km), Brussels (148km), Antwerp (162km), Paris (204km), Tilburg (241km), Eindhoven (245km), Rotterdam (262km),  The Hague (289km).