Lens Travel Guide (Hauts-de-France/France/Europe)

A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Lens, Hauts-de-France

Nestled in the Hauts-de-France region of Northern France, Lens is a charming city that captures the essence of the country’s heritage, art, and cuisine. With its winding streets, ornately dressed windows, and vibrant local culture, Lens offers a unique experience of the French way of life. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the must-visit places, the best things to do, its hiking/biking routes, its food and drink scene, where to stay, transportation logistics, and more.

Introduction to Lens

Lens is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of Hauts-de-France, near the Belgian border, and about 200 km from Paris. It’s best known for the Louvre-Lens Museum, a satellite museum of the Louvre that showcases masterpieces of European art, and for its mining heritage that shaped its identity. Though small in size, Lens has a lot to offer visitors who want to delve into its local culture and history.

List of Places to Visit in Lens

Here are the top places to visit in Lens, spread across its cultural and natural heritage.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Louvre-Lens Museum: The Louvre-Lens Museum is the most popular attraction in Lens, featuring over 2000 artworks from the Louvre collection. It’s located inside a contemporary glass and steel atrium building, which has won several architecture awards for its innovative design.
Mining History Centre: Mining used to be a major industry in Lens and shaped its identity. The Mining History Centre is dedicated to exploring the history of mining in the region, including interactive exhibits and underground tours of the shafts.
Bollaert-Delelis Stadium: The Bollaert-Delelis Stadium is home to the Lens football team and is one of the largest stadiums in the region. Visitors can take tours and learn about the history of the stadium and the team.

Natural Attractions of Lens: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

La Bassée Canal: The La Bassée Canal is a serene waterway that runs through the heart of Lens. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride or walk along the canal and enjoy the scenic views.
Le Parc des Cytises: Le Parc des Cytises is a beautiful park located a few kilometers from Lens. It features landscaped gardens, a lake, and a playground for children. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
Le Bois des Loups: Le Bois des Loups is a protected forest area located just outside of Lens. It features hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lens

Lens has several hiking and biking routes that are perfect for exploring its natural beauty. Here are some of the best routes:

Le Tour du Bassin Rond: This is a 12-kilometer bike route that takes you around the Bassin Rond, a small lake in Lens. It’s an easy ride suitable for all skill levels.
Le Circuit des Terrils: This is a 23-kilometer hiking route that takes you through the mining heritage of Lens, including the slag heaps (terrils) that remain from the mining era. It’s a moderate hike suitable for intermediate hikers.
La Voie Verte: This is a 130-kilometer biking and hiking trail that connects Lens to neighboring towns and villages. It’s a scenic route that takes you through forests, canals, and farms.

Best Things to Do in Lens: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Lens that offer a unique experience of the city:

Take a Mining Tour: Learn about the history of mining in Lens and take a tour of the shafts and galleries. These tours are led by former miners who share their experiences and stories.
Visit the Christmas Markets: During the holiday season, Lens is transformed into a magical wonderland with festive lights, Christmas markets, and ice skating rinks.
Sample Local Beer and Cheese: There are several breweries and cheese makers in Lens that offer tastings and tours. Sample local beer and cheese and learn about the production process.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lens

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the best of Lens:

Day 1	Arrival, check-in, and explore the city center
Day 2	Visit the Louvre-Lens Museum and the Mining History Centre
Day 3	Take the Circuit des Terrils hike and explore the mining heritage of Lens
Day 4	Visit Le Parc des Cytises and enjoy a picnic
Day 5	Take a mining tour and learn about the history of mining
Day 6	Visit nearby towns and villages on La Voie Verte
Day 7	Sample local beer and cheese

Food and Drink Scene of Lens

The food and drink scene in Lens is a rich tapestry of traditional and modern French cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Potjevleesch: Potjevleesch is a traditional Flemish dish made of meat and served cold. It’s typically made with beef, chicken, rabbit, and pork, and is flavored with juniper berries, cloves, and vinegar.
Carbonade Flamande: Carbonade Flamande is a hearty beef stew made with beer, onions, and brown sugar. It’s traditionally served with potatoes or bread.
Tarte au Maroilles: Tarte au Maroilles is a savory tart made with Maroilles cheese, a pungent cheese from Northern France. It’s typically served as an appetizer or light breakfast.

Local Beverages

Bières de L’Artois: Bières de L’Artois is a local brewery that produces several types of beer, including blonde, amber, and white. Each beer has a distinct flavor and is a perfect accompaniment to local cuisine.
Vin de Pays du Nord: Vin de Pays du Nord is a regional wine made from grapes grown in the Northern part of France. It’s a light and fruity wine that pairs well with traditional French dishes.

Where to Stay in Lens: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lens has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to upscale hotels. Here are some of the best options:

Hotel Bollaert: Located near the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium, Hotel Bollaert is a three-star hotel with comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
L’Auberge EverHotel Lens Noyelles-Godault: This budget-friendly hotel is located a few kilometers from Lens. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and easy access to the motorway.
La Maison d’Hôtes - Les Rêveries: If you’re looking for a unique experience, stay at La Maison d’Hôtes, a guesthouse located in a historic building near the city center. It features beautifully decorated rooms, a garden, and homemade breakfast.

What to Buy in Lens: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some local products and souvenirs to bring home from Lens:

Maroilles Cheese: Maroilles Cheese is a pungent cheese from Northern France that’s been produced for centuries. It’s a perfect souvenir for cheese lovers.
Moules de Bouchot: Moules de Bouchot are mussels that are grown and harvested in the nearby town of Ambleteuse. They’re a local delicacy and can be found in most supermarkets and markets.
Beer from Bières de L’Artois: Bring home a few bottles of beer from Bières de L’Artois, a local brewery that produces several types of beer.

Local Culture and Customs of Lens

The people of Lens are known for their warmth and hospitality. Here are some local customs to keep in mind when visiting:

Greeting: When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to shake hands.
Dining: When dining, it’s polite to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.
Language: Though French is the official language, some locals may speak Flemish, a dialect of Dutch.

Best Time to Visit Lens

The best time to visit Lens is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be busy with tourists, and winter can be cold and damp.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lens

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Lens:

Do:

Try the local cuisine and beer
Learn about the history of mining in the region
Take a boat ride along the La Bassée Canal

Don’t:

Behave loudly and disrespectfully in public places
Underestimate the weather if visiting during the winter months
Touch historical artifacts in museums or historical places

Safety and Health

Safety in Lens

Overall, Lens is a safe city for tourists. However, it’s always advisable to take the usual precautions:

Keep your valuables safe and secure.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Avoid walking alone in dark or deserted areas.

Health in Lens

There are several hospitals and clinics in Lens that provide high-quality medical care. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Lens: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lens is easily accessible by public and private transport. Here are some options:

By Air: The nearest airport to Lens is the Lille Airport, which is about 35 km away. From there, visitors can take a train or a taxi to Lens.
By Train: Lens has a train station that’s connected to several major cities in France, including Paris, Lille, and Calais.
By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate between Lens and neighboring towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Lens

Lens is a compact city that’s easy to navigate by foot or bike. Public transport options include buses, trams, and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Lens: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that are worth a visit:

Lille: Lille is a charming and vibrant city located about 30 km from Lens. It’s known for its architecture, cuisine, and cultural heritage.
Arras: Arras is a historic city located about 15 km from Lens. It features a grand central square, ornate buildings, and a vibrant local culture.
Amiens: Amiens is a picturesque town located about 70 km from Lens. It’s home to the famous cathedral and several other cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Lens is a hidden gem in the Hauts-de-France region of France that offers visitors a unique perspective on the country’s culture and history. With its mix of museums, natural attractions, and delicious cuisine, Lens is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Lens and made it an unforgettable experience.

Lens Image Gallery

Union Hall of Miners

Vimy Ridge Canadian Memorial