A former training centre for young miners, a fully protected church and a 320-metre-long synthetic slope show just how many different ways there are to discover Nœux-Les-Mines. Mining history, art, landscape and gliding sports are distinct highlights. This variety can help you decide what to focus on: architecture, mining, artworks, nature or a gliding sports facility?
Church and mining history
The Église Sainte-Barbe was built in 1878 to a design by the architect Constant Moyaux. It was listed as a Monument historique by a decree dated 9 October 2009, with the listing covering the entire church. Visitors interested in architecture and heritage protection will find both in this building.
The Musée de la mine de Nœux-les-Mines is housed in a former training centre where 14-year-old Galibots learned the mining trade. It reconstructs 200 metres of tunnels and working areas, using modern techniques from the era of iron and electricity as well as older timber-support methods. The site thus offers two perspectives on mining: the technical work underground and the former training of young miners in the building. Visits are possible by prior reservation and subject to guide availability.
Art and gliding sports
The Donation Ladislas Kijno is a museum of modern and contemporary art. Its permanent exhibition includes 60 works by Ladislas Kijno, who was born in Nœux-les-Mines. Guided tours, performances and workshops in artistic practice are open to all audiences; educational and artistic projects are also available for groups. The programme therefore includes artistic practice as well as the collection. Unlike the Musée de la mine, which reconstructs tunnels and mining techniques, the Donation focuses on art and Kijno’s work.
The Loisinord sports and leisure complex comprises two facilities mainly dedicated to gliding sports: the Stade de Glisse and the Stade Nautique. The Stade de Glisse has a synthetic slope covering 10,000 m² and measuring 320 m in length. These dimensions refer to the Stade de Glisse slope; both facilities are part of the complex.
Terril and walking trail
The Terril du Belvédère is in the centre of Nœux-les-Mines and offers panoramic views across the mining landscape. Nature has reclaimed the site, and the terril is home to numerous animal and plant species. Those who prefer to explore mining heritage through its landscape will find a different perspective here than in the museum’s reconstructed tunnels.
The terril lies along the 4 km walking trail “A la découverte du patrimoine minier - autour de Noeux-les-Mines”, which starts at the Stade de Glisse. This connects the gliding sports complex and the terril via a specifically named route dedicated to mining heritage. Its length and starting point give the walk a clear framework, while the terril’s panorama and biodiversity offer their own highlights.
Discover more destinations: Guisy, Bermicourt, Bourlon, Bainghen, Givenchy-en-Gohelle, Aire-Sur-La-Lys, Heuchin, Vendin-Le-Vieil
For the regional travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.
