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There are an array of things to do in France, with Lens sharing quite a few of those!
Embark on a sensory journey through the heart of Northern France, where history, culture, and beauty converge in a kaleidoscope of experiences.
From the glittering glass facades of the Louvre-Lens Museum to the enchanting gardens of the Château de la Buissière, Lens is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
So, come and indulge your senses with the myriad of things to do in Lens.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Lens:
1. Louvre-Lens Museum
The Louvre-Lens Museum is a satellite branch of the famous Louvre Museum located in Lens, France.
What to see or do: The museum offers a fresh take on the Louvre’s extensive collection by showcasing it in a unique and contemporary setting. Visitors can explore a variety of carefully curated exhibitions that cover a range of historic and art-related subjects.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Galerie du Temps, a stunning exhibit that features over 200 major works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and antiquities.
The exhibit takes visitors on a chronological journey through history, from the birth of civilization to the present day.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit ahead of time and purchase your tickets online to avoid long lines at the museum entrance.
2. Bollaert-Delelis Stadium
Bollaert-Delelis Stadium is a sports stadium located in Lens, France. It is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the RC Lens football club.
What to see or do: Watch a thrilling football match at the historic Bollaert-Delelis Stadium and feel the excitement and energy of the passionate fans.
You can also take a stadium tour and see behind the scenes of the stadium, which has been renovated recently and now has a capacity of over 38,000 spectators.
Don’t miss: The atmosphere at a RC Lens football match – it’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to immerse yourself in French football culture.
Insider travel tips: – Book your tickets in advance, as matches often sell out quickly.
3. Canadian National Vimy Memorial
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Lens, France is a commemorative monument dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who died during World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the monument’s impressive architecture and intricate sculptures that symbolize Canada’s independence and sacrifice during the war. There is also a museum that showcases the Canadian soldiers’ contributions and bravery.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sight of the monument from afar and to pay respects to the fallen soldiers by walking through the surrounding ridge park.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the monument early in the day to avoid crowds.
4. Notre-Dame-de-Lorette National Cemetery
Notre-Dame-de-Lorette National Cemetery is a French military cemetery and ossuary located near the village of Souchez in the department of Pas-de-Calais.
What to see or do: The cemetery is the largest in France and contains the remains of more than 40,000 French soldiers who died during World War I.
Visitors can pay their respects at the graves and observe the somber beauty of the monument. The nearby museum tells the story of the conflict and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from the top of the Lantern Tower.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the site is quite large. Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon can be less crowded and provide a more peaceful experience.
Entrance to the site is free.
5. Necropolis of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
The Necropolis of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is a large French military cemetery in Lens, Pas-de-Calais.
It is the largest military cemetery in France and serves as a memorial to the soldiers who died in various conflicts.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the cemetery and pay their respects to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The cemetery is home to over 40,000 graves, including those of soldiers from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The visitors’ center offers exhibits and information on the cemetery’s history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Ring of Remembrance, a circular monument made of bronze panels that display the names of over 580,000 soldiers who died in the region during World War I.
The monument is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the cemetery during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. It is also recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the cemetery is large and requires a lot of walking.
Additionally, be respectful when visiting and remember that this is a solemn site.
6. Lens 14-18 Great War Museum
A museum dedicated to the First World War, located in the French city of Lens and opened in 2014.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore over 3,000 square meters of exhibition space, where they can learn about the causes and consequences of the Great War and its impact on all aspects of life during that time.
The museum has an impressive collection of objects, photographs, and documents that provide insight into the daily lives of soldiers, their families, and civilians on both the front lines and at home.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the immersive experience that transports visitors into the trenches, complete with the sights, sounds, and even smells of war.
The museum’s extensive audio-visual collection also offers visitors the chance to watch rare footage and listen to contemporary accounts of the war.
Insider travel tips: Visit during weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds. The museum can get busy on weekends and holidays.
Consider purchasing a museum guidebook to get the most out of your visit, and don’t forget to allocate enough time to explore all of the museum’s exhibits.
If you have any interest in WWI history or enjoy visiting museums, the Lens 14-18 Great War Museum is a must-visit when in the area.
7. Maison de la Photographie
Museum dedicated to photography in the city of Lens, France.
What to see or do: View a collection of over 80,000 photographs by both French and international photographers. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the works of famous photographers as well as emerging artists.
Visitors can participate in guided tours, workshops, and lectures on photography.
Don’t miss: The rooftop terrace that provides stunning views of the city of Lens. Additionally, the museum’s bookstore contains a great selection of photography books.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. It can get quite busy during the peak tourist season, so plan to arrive early to avoid crowds.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, consider taking a photography workshop offered by the museum to enhance your skills.
8. Parc des Cytises
Parc des Cytises is a beautifully landscaped park located in the city of Lens, northern France.
What to see or do: The park covers an area of 14 hectares and offers various activities for visitors of all ages. The lush greenery, winding paths, and serene lakes create a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.
Children can enjoy playing on the playground equipment, while adults can take a relaxing boat ride or picnic by the lake.
The park also has a mini-golf course for those looking for a fun activity.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the Parc des Cytises is its stunning rose garden. Visitors can marvel at the various colors and fragrances of over 380 different types of roses.
Also, make sure to visit the bird sanctuary, which is home to many different species of birds.
Insider travel tips: – The park is open all year round. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months when the roses are in full bloom.
9. Parc de la Glissoire
A beautiful public park in the city of Lens, located in northern France.
What to see or do: The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including a playground area, walking paths, and a large pond.
Visitors can also rent paddleboats to enjoy on the pond or simply sit and relax on one of the many benches throughout the park.
Don’t miss: The park’s standout feature is the large hill, or “glissoire,” for which it is named.
Visitors can climb to the top of the hill and then slide down the large slide, which offers a fun and unique perspective of the park.
Insider travel tips: For those interested in history, the park is located just a short walk from the Lens 14-18 Great War Museum, which offers a fascinating look into the region’s role during World War I.
Additionally, the park is a popular spot for locals to enjoy picnics, so consider bringing a blanket and some snacks to have your own little picnic in the park.
10. Parc des Rives de la Haute-Deûle
Parc des Rives de la Haute-Deûle is a beautiful green space in northern France, located in the city of Lens. It spans over 13 hectares and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a range of activities in the park, including cycling, walking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park features a network of trails that wind around a lake, through meadows, and into wooded areas.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop by the art installation “Le Petit Prince” which is inspired by the famous book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
In addition, there is a playground for children and a large open-air amphitheater that hosts summer concerts and events.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day enjoying the park’s natural beauty. Bring a camera and take photos of the sculptures and the incredible views around the lake.
Visitors should also know that the park is free to enter and has ample parking available on site.
11. Stade Couvert Régional Jean-Pierre-Bruyère
Stade Couvert Régional Jean-Pierre-Bruyère is a modern indoor sports stadium located in Lens, France.
What to see or do: The stadium hosts a variety of sports events including basketball, handball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. It is also a popular venue for concerts and other entertainment events.
Don’t miss: If you’re a sports fan, make sure to catch a game or event at the stadium. The atmosphere is electrifying and the modern facilities are top-notch.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning on attending an event at Stade Couvert Régional Jean-Pierre-Bruyère, it’s best to book your tickets in advance as the stadium can get crowded during peak season.
Additionally, make sure to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion and find a good parking spot.
12. Église Saint-Léger
A beautiful church located in the city of Lens, in northern France.
What to see or do: Admire the striking Gothic architecture of the church, featuring a blend of classic and modern art. The interior is also gorgeous, with intricate decorations and stained-glass windows.
Don’t miss: The impressive organ, which is the largest in the region. It was refurbished in the early 2000s and is a must-see for music lovers.
Insider travel tips: Check the church’s website for information on mass and choir performances, as the acoustics inside the building are incredible. Additionally, tourists can get a guided tour upon request.
Lastly, take time to explore the charming city center of Lens, which includes a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor markets.
13. Écopark Adventures
Écopark Adventures is an outdoor adventure park that offers thrilling activities for all ages.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: – Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot for the activities.
14. Centre Aquatique Nautilens
Centre Aquatique Nautilens is a modern, state-of-the-art aquatic complex located in the town of Lens, in northern France.
What to see or do: The complex offers a wide range of aquatic activities, including swimming, diving, aqua-fitness classes, and water games for children. The pool is also equipped with various water attractions and a giant slide.
Don’t miss: If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss the diving board or the diving pool, which are sure to test your bravery. For younger children, there are separate areas with shallow water, small slides, and a playground.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit is during the week, as the Centre Aquatique Nautilens tends to get very crowded on weekends.
Another tip is to bring your own towels and snacks, as these can be expensive to rent or purchase on site.
Finally, make sure to bring coins for the lockers, as they require a deposit.
15. Capelle-en-Pévèle Windmill
Capelle-en-Pévèle Windmill is a historic windmill located in the town of Capelle-en-Pévèle, near Lens in Northern France.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the windmill and learn about its history and operation. The mill is still operational and produces flour that can be purchased on site.
Don’t miss: Be sure to climb to the top of the windmill for a great view of the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should call in advance to confirm the windmill’s opening hours and availability. It is also recommended to visit on a windy day when the sails are turning for the full experience.