Fouquières-lès-Lens is a small town in the heart of the former coalfield of northern France. With around 6,000 inhabitants, it lies about 5 km east of Lens. Pits of the Compagnie des mines de Courrières once operated here, and the town is part of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape since 2012.
Why stay in Fouquières-lès-Lens
It is a practical, affordable base for visiting the Louvre-Lens, the mining heritage sites and the First World War memorials of the Artois.
Things to see nearby
The mining landscape
Miners’ housing estates, pit heads and the great slag heaps (terrils) shape the landscape around Lens – some can be climbed for wide views.
The Louvre-Lens
The Louvre-Lens museum, built on a former mine site, displays masterpieces from the Louvre’s collections in a striking modern building.
The WWI memorials
The Notre-Dame-de-Lorette necropolis and its Ring of Remembrance, and the Canadian memorial at Vimy, are a short drive away.
Lens and its stadium
Lens is famous for its passionate football club and the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Best time to visit
April to October is best for outdoor sites and walks on the slag heaps.
Getting there
The town is served by exit 15 of the A21 motorway. Lens station, about 9 km away, has TGV and regional trains. The nearest airport is Lille-Lesquin.
What to eat
Northern specialities: carbonnade flamande, welsh, frites, Maroilles cheese and local beers.
FAQ
How far is Fouquières-lès-Lens from the Louvre-Lens?
Just a few kilometres – about 10–15 minutes by car.
Is the mining basin really a UNESCO site?
Yes – the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin was listed in 2012.
