Attractions and Places To See around Annequin - Top 20

Beautiful panoramic view of Lens and the surrounding area. Be careful when you climb onto the spoil heap during a storm, it's a real hair-raiser!

The Grand'Place de Béthune is the focal point of the city of Buridan. Destroyed in 1918, it was rebuilt and stands as an architectural example. A group of architects led by L.M. Cordonnier gave it its present-day appearance: eclecticism, Art Deco, and neo-regionalism combine to create a diverse ensemble. Town Hall Rebuilt many times, the current Town Hall was designed by architect J. Alleman. Built between 1924 and 1929, the building stands out from the other buildings with its massive form. Its façade embodies the city's titles and glories: the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor, as well as the city's coat of arms. The Town Hall has been listed as a Historic Monument since April 2002. Some of the square's façades, representative of the Art Deco style, are also listed as Historic Monuments. The Cellars of the Grand'Place Vast cellars, boves, and countermine galleries: the underground of Béthune bears witness to the city's intense activity. During the First World War, the cellars served as refuges for the inhabitants of Béthune. Some cellars of private homes are now open to the public. (Notably at No. 42 Grand'Place) (c) https://www.bethune.fr/bethune-brille/patrimoine-historique/la-grand-place-558.html

absolutely stunning

The military cemetery commemorates English soldiers of Portuguese origin who died in the First World War. It is the only one of its kind in all of France.

Cemetery of the First World War under the authority of the Portuguese Government which has brought together, since 1924, 1,831 bodies from the battlefields of France, Belgium and Germany. The memorial in the background was inaugurated in November 1928. The walls, the monumental gate and the tombs were built in 1935 with materials directly imported from Portugal. Classified as a historic monument since 2017, it is the only exclusively Portuguese cemetery in France.

Don't miss the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, an astonishing and unusual spectacle. There are five hills made of coal waste, and this one is the highest, reaching 146 meters, the highest in Europe! Hike to the top and admire the views. You can see how nature has transformed the hills with plants, animals and even grapes. Take the opportunity to learn about this UNESCO World Heritage site and discover its rich history and culture at Base 11/19.

This park commemorates the Battle of Hill 70, a strategic victory for the Canadian Army in August 1917. The park features an obelisk that symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of Canadians, as well as walkways, sculptures and interpretive panels which tell the story of the battle. You can also admire the view of the city of Lens, which was occupied by the Germans at the time.

These hills, which were named after their height, are known along the entire front. Hill 70 is a Canadian memorial to the troops who fought here at the time. Access via a level driveway, winding like a snail shell up to the stele at the top. The originally well-designed information boards at the foot of the hill are unfortunately currently damaged by vandalism.