Lens
City Tours · Hauts-de-France
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© 2022
Lens, located in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region, is perhaps France's most underrated metropolis. Over the last few decades, the city has transformed from a purely industrial center into a glittering cultural and commercial hub.
We found a city with friendly inhabitants charting their course into a new future. A particular highlight is the train station, whose main building—with a little imagination—resembles an old steam locomotive. New residential buildings are emerging along the main access roads, respectfully continuing the charming style of the old mining settlements.
Strolling & Dining
The city center is excellent for strolling. The restaurants, in particular, surprised us: they often appear modest from the outside but unfold a culinary power inside that takes your taste buds on a real journey.
The Great Lighthouse: Louvre-Lens
The absolute cultural highlight is the branch of the Louvre in Lens. Built on the site of an old mine, mining heritage meets world-class exhibits. All around, the massive slag heaps characterize the landscape—silent witnesses to an era where coal defined life. Today, young companies find their place in the old colliery buildings, allowing the old and the new to flow harmoniously together.
Editor's Tip
Climbing the slag heaps requires fitness and is far less trivial than it looks from below—the view, however, makes up for every effort!
