Many people know Lens for its soccer club, RC Lens, or its mining past, but this Pas-de-Calais town has much more to offer. Between culture, history, gastronomy and nature, I invite you to discover this charming city.
A rich historical and industrial past
The history of Lens is inextricably linked with that of the coal industry. This natural resource, discovered in the 18th century, transformed the town and its region, triggering a demographic and economic boom that profoundly marked the local identity.
For almost three centuries, generations of miners descended into the shafts, some to depths of over 1,000 metres, to extract the precious“black gold“. Those days are long gone, the last mines having closed their doors in the 1990s, but the imprint of this industrial history remains deeply rooted in the landscape and collective memory. The Louvre-Lens Museum, opened in 2012, is a symbol of this memory.
It is a bridge between past, present and future. Its very design, by Japanese architects Sanaa, is a tribute to the area’s industrial history, with low, elongated buildings reminiscent of industrial sheds, built in aluminum and glass to symbolize the transition from the industrial era to the age of knowledge and culture. A visit to the museum is complemented by a tour of the surrounding landscaped park, with its gardens and forest, to see how nature has reclaimed these former industrial sites.
And for the more inquisitive, a visit to the nearby Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde (Lewarde Mining History Centre) provides a real-life insight into the working conditions of miners and the importance of this industry to the region. A visit to Lens means plunging into the heart of France’s industrial history, but also discovering how this history continues to live and change, between memory and renewal.
Louvre Museum-Lens
A dynamic sports town
The pride of Lens is undeniably its soccer team, Racing Club de Lens, more affectionately known as“Les Sang et Or” because of their distinctive jersey colors. Founded in 1906, the club has a long and rich history that includes several spells in Ligue 1, the highest division of French soccer, and a French championship title in 1998. Lens fans’ attachment to their team goes beyond mere sporting results.
RC Lens is a symbol of the city, a factor of identity and social cohesion. On match days, the whole city vibrates to the rhythm of soccer. Fans gather in the cafés and streets, before heading for the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in a friendly, festive atmosphere. The Stade Bollaert-Delelis, named after two of the club’s former presidents, is one of the largest stadiums in France. With a capacity of over 38,000 spectators, it can accommodate almost as many people as the entire population of Lens. The atmosphere at matches is reputed to be one of the most passionate and vibrant in France, if not Europe. The chants of the fans resonate, creating a veritable“cauldron” that impresses even the opposing teams.
Attending a match at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis is an immersive experience, whether you’re a soccer fan or simply a visitor curious to discover this facet of local culture. But Lens’ sporting effervescence is not limited to soccer.
The city also boasts numerous clubs in other disciplines, such as rugby, basketball and athletics, as well as top-quality sports facilities such as the Olympic swimming pool and tennis complex. Every year, major sporting events are organized, such as the Lens-Liévin half-marathon and the international judo tournament. nough to satisfy sports enthusiasts of all levels and ages.
Stade Bollaert-Delelis
Lens gastronomy
When we talk about the city of Lens, we inevitably mention its rich gastronomic scene. From traditional dishes to craft beers, the region offers a variety of flavors sure to please gourmands and gourmets alike. Here are just a few of the emblematic culinary specialties of Lens that you absolutely must try during your visit.
Flamiche with Maroilles cheese
Start your gastronomic exploration with flamiche au maroilles, a delicious savory tart from Northern France.
Maroilles, a strong-tasting cheese with a powerful aroma, is the main ingredient in this tart. The shortcrust pastry generously accommodates this cheese, which, once baked, offers a unique, melt-in-the-mouth flavor. It’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s usually enjoyed with a fresh, crisp salad to balance the flavors.
Libouli pie
It’s a tart made with leavened dough and filled with a mixture of cream, butter and sugar. Baked to a golden brown, libouli has a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, melting interior. Perfect for a sweet afternoon snack or as a dessert after a meal, it is often accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea.
Potjevleesch
Potjevleesch, which literally translates as“meat in a pot“, is a dish featuring several types of white meat. Traditionally, chicken, veal, pork and rabbit are used. The meats are cooked together, then cooled in their broth, which turns into a natural jelly. Potjevleesch is usually served cold, often with French fries or steamed potatoes. It’s a rustic dish that offers an explosion of flavors on the palate.
Local beer
And of course, to accompany all these tasty dishes, there’s nothing like a good local beer. The Lens region is known for its rich brewing tradition, with a wide range of beers, from light blondes to full-bodied browns. Beer lovers will certainly appreciate visiting the local breweries, which often offer guided tours and tastings.
Geographical location
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