Attractions and Places To See around Douvrin - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Douvrin include a mix of historical sites, natural features, and cultural landmarks. This commune in Pas-de-Calais, France, serves as a base for exploring both local points of interest and significant regional attractions. The area is characterized by its historical mining heritage, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside natural spaces offering trails and biodiversity. Visitors can discover diverse attractions ranging from industrial history to war memorials and scenic waterways.
Best attractions…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Canal de la Deûle
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Hill 70 Canadian Memorial
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Calvary of Captain Paul Adrian Kennedy
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Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery
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Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap
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Tips from the Community
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!
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An interesting anecdote concerns the excavations in 2009. During these excavations, the bodies of 250 British and Australian soldiers were discovered in mass graves. Thanks to DNA research, many of these soldiers could be identified, giving their families clarity about their fate. This research has helped to bring the stories of these soldiers back to life and to honor their memories.
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Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery is the Commonwealth war cemetery in Fromelles, located next to the Musée de la Bataille de Fromelles. The cemetery was created in 2010 following the discovery of mass graves in the area. It contains the graves of 250 British and Australian soldiers who died during the Battle of Fromelles. Of these graves, 126 are unidentified.
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Attacking in a southerly direction, Capt Kennedy was shot while leading 'B' Company in the Battle of Aubers Ridge. He and his men had got well beyond the German line which ran roughly east-west where the preserved bunkers are today. His mother later wrote "He had crossed the road and was on the Fromelles side of it when he was shot by a sniper. His men tried to carry him back but he was terribly wounded and after they had carried him back across the road he told them to put him down..." Capt P A Kennedy, 2/Rifle Brigade Killed in action 9 May 1915. No known grave. Remembered on the Ploegsteert Memorial.
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Most of the path is very smooth and you can enjoy the few birds and (rarely) the sun reflecting in the water. Unfortunately it is very often spoiled by the discharges from factories or sewers which often bring a foul smell, especially when the water is stirred up by the few barges that pass by.
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The Canal de la Deûle is one of the oldest canals in northern France and connects the river Scarpe at Douai with the river Lys at Deûlémont, near the Belgian border. The canal is approximately 34.8 km long and has 3 locks. Most of the canal is included in the high-quality Dunkerque-Escaut waterway, and the remaining section through the port of Lille is often considered a branch of the main route, hence the alternative names Liaison or Antenne Bauvin-Lys.
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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore around Douvrin?
You can visit the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, which is the highest in Europe at 146 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Another significant natural feature is the Canal de la Deûle, one of the oldest canals in northern France, featuring smooth paths ideal for enjoying the water and local birds. Additionally, the nearby Parc de Nature et de Loisirs Marcel Cabiddu in Wingles offers vast natural spaces with trails and rich biodiversity.
What historical landmarks and cultural sites are worth visiting near Douvrin?
The area is rich in history. You can explore the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the story of the region's mining past. For military history, visit the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, which holds the graves of British and Australian soldiers from the Battle of Fromelles, or the Hill 70 Canadian Memorial, commemorating a strategic victory in 1917. The Calvary of Captain Paul Adrian Kennedy also marks a significant historical event from the Battle of Aubers Ridge. Further afield, the Louvre-Lens Museum offers a major cultural experience, and the Beffroi de Béthune is a UNESCO World Heritage belfry showcasing historical architecture.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Douvrin?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Canal de la Deûle offers smooth paths for leisurely walks or cycling, which families can enjoy. The Hill 70 Canadian Memorial is also listed as family-friendly, with walkways and interpretive panels. The Parc de Nature et de Loisirs Marcel Cabiddu in Wingles provides a large natural space for outdoor activities, and Park Cytises in Benifontaine is listed under 'Zoos & aquariums,' suggesting animal exhibits or nature focus that could appeal to children.
What outdoor activities can I do near Douvrin?
Douvrin is a great base for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Canal de la Deûle, which is part of several routes like the 'Deûle Canal – Deûle Canal loop from La Bassée'. For running, there are trails such as the 'Hairpin Descent – Marcel Park Pond loop from Douvrin'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like 'Cabiddu Park MTB Base – In the open fields loop from La Bassée'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Douvrin, Running Trails around Douvrin, and MTB Trails around Douvrin guides.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions around Douvrin?
Yes, the Hill 70 Canadian Memorial is listed as wheelchair-accessible, featuring a level driveway that winds up to the stele at the top. This allows visitors to experience the memorial and its views comfortably.
When is the best time to visit Douvrin for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Douvrin for outdoor activities is generally during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking, cycling, and exploring natural sites. Summer months can also be enjoyable, though it might be warmer. Always check local weather forecasts before planning your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Douvrin?
Visitors particularly enjoy the panoramic views from the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, appreciating how nature has reclaimed the industrial landscape. The smooth paths along the Canal de la Deûle are popular for their tranquility and opportunities to observe local wildlife. The historical significance and well-designed interpretive panels at sites like the Hill 70 Canadian Memorial and Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery are also highly valued for their educational and commemorative aspects.
Are there opportunities for water-based activities near Douvrin?
Yes, the Canal de la Deûle itself offers opportunities for activities like cycling or walking alongside the water. Additionally, the Parc de Nature et de Loisirs Marcel Cabiddu in Wingles features a nautical center with a large body of water for various activities. The Base Nautique de Loisinord in Noeux-les-Mines also provides options for water-based recreational activities.
Where can I find places to eat or stay near the attractions?
While Douvrin is a smaller community, it serves as a convenient base. Les Ecuries de Douvrin is mentioned as a Western-style establishment that could offer dining or entertainment locally. For more options, exploring nearby towns like La Bassée, Lens, or Béthune, which are a short drive away, will provide a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation.
What is the significance of the mining heritage in the Douvrin region?
The region around Douvrin is part of a former mining basin that is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This heritage is prominently displayed at the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, which stands as a testament to the area's industrial past. The transformation of these sites into natural and historical landmarks offers a unique insight into the region's history and its ecological recovery.
Are there any notable churches or architectural sites nearby?
Yes, the Église Saint-Vaast in La Bassée, approximately 2.7 km from Douvrin, is a notable architectural site. It has been rebuilt multiple times due to war damage, with its most recent reconstruction utilizing reinforced concrete, making it an interesting example of modern religious architecture. Further away, the Beffroi de Béthune is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing historical architecture.
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