Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, France

A sunset hike to the twin spoil heaps of pit No. 6 at Maisnil-lez-Ruitz and Ruitz promises solitude and wonderful panoramas. – © Yannick Cadart / Pas-de-Calais Departmental Council

Tours at the Historic Mining Centre in Lewarde encourage young visitors to see beneath the surface. – ©Jean-Michel André

Truly a sensational, daring, and original experience, Loisinord at Noeux-les-Mines provides an opportunity to ski on a spoil heap. – © Mission Bassin Minier

With its majestic facades and formal gardens, the Lens Mining Company Central Office in Lens was a true mark of the power exerted over the region. The directors commissioned renowned Art Deco designers, including Marjorelle and Daum, to furnish and decorate the building’s interior. – © Jean-Michel André

Take in the site's unassuming artistry with a poetic and refined look at the twin slag heaps of Loos-en-Gohelle from the Canadian Vimy Memorial. – © Jean-Michel André

The first garden city in continental Europe was built in 1904 by the Société des Mines de Dourges. The Antique Bruno Garden City in Dourges is a small nugget of the mining basin, and has just been rehabilitated. – © Jean-Michel André

A sunset hike to the twin spoil heaps of pit No. 6 at Maisnil-lez-Ruitz and Ruitz promises solitude and wonderful panoramas. – © Yannick Cadart / Pas-de-Calais Departmental Council

Visit

Hours

The Arenberg Pit at Wallers:
Opening hours: Visits by appointment only through the Porte du Hainaut Tourist Information Office.

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The Delloye Pit, Mining History Centre at Lewarde:
Opening hours:
From 1 March to 14 November: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:30.
From 15 November to 28 February: Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 17:00. Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 to 17:00.
Pre-booked group visits from 8:00.

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The 9/9b Pit at Oignies:
Opening hours: Visits by appointment only through the 9/9b Heritage Department.

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The 11/19 Pit at Loos-en-Gohell:
Opening hours: Visits by appointment only through the Lens-Liévin Tourist Information Office.