Fresnes-Sur-Escaut- Le Parc Joliot CurieFresnes Sur Escaut Parc Joliot Curie Otcvmclaude.waeghemacker Hd 40
©Joliot Curie Park in Fresnes Sur Escaut|Claude Waghemacker
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Our UNESCO Landscapes

The Nord-Pas de Calais coalfield has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a Living Cultural Landscape (2012). It is a remarkable example of the transformation of a historic rural landscape by three centuries of coal mining. The property covers 4,000 hectares of landscape.

Back to basics the mine

Welcome to the cradle of the mining epic. It was here, in 1720, that the long history of the coalfield began… Here, nature blends with mining history, and we venture into landscapes shaped by 3 centuries of coal mining. Some of the elements of the World Heritage Site can be explored by streetcar or bicycle.

The ultra-natural reconversion of the local mining landscape is the pretext for a colorful green getaway and a wealth of experiences: a stroll along the banks of the Escaut River, a walk on the edge of the incredible mining subsidence ponds… on the iconic slag heaps, to take in the view. Our mining landscapes are also the setting for some amazing sporting challenges!

Panoramic view of Condé-sur-l'Escaut from the top of the Ledoux slag heap.Panoramic view of Condé-sur-l'Escaut from the top of the Ledoux slag heap.
©Panoramic view of Condé-sur-l'Escaut from the top of the Ledoux slag heap.|©D.Boukla
Or a stroll around a mining subsidence pond?
Dutemple headframeDutemple headframe
©The Chevalement Dutemple in Valenciennes|©Claude Waeghemacker
Must-see mining sites around Valenciennes
Terril Ledoux- Chabaud-Latour
©Le Terril Ledoux - Chabaud-Latour mining site at Condé-sur-l'Escaut |©S.Zimny
Or climb a slag heap around Valenciennes?
The Un'Escaut loopThe Un'Escaut loop
©The Un'Escaut loop |©Dboukla
Cycling from mine site to mine site
Conde Gravel Is Mine1 OtcvmConde Gravel Is Mine1 Otcvm
©Conde Gravel Is Mine1 Otcvm
Sport & Nature on our heaps
VUEDENHAUT_TERRILLEDOUX@OTCVM.jpgConde_Terril_ledoux
©Le Terril Ledoux at Condé-sur-l'Escaut|©Dboukla
The Chaîne des Terrils in northern France
The Chabaud-Latour mining siteConde Sur Lescaut Chabaud Latour Otcvmclaude.waeghemacker Hd 22
©The Chabaud-Latour mining site at Condé-sur-l'Escaut|Claude.waeghemacker
The Nord Pas de Calais coalfield: a World Heritage landscape
Le Coron des 120 in Valenciennes and AnzinLe Coron des 120 in Valenciennes and Anzin
©Le Coron des 120 in Valenciennes and Anzin|©Dboukla
By tramway, from mine site to mine site

Want to discover a mining site?

Discover the living heritage of the Basin Minier, and experience an unforgettable adventure!

This living, evolving cultural landscape bears witness to human ingenuity and the richness of our heritage. It’s a journey through time…

Explore three centuries of history and discover how man has shaped his environment through coal mining. Admire unique panoramas where nature and industry meet, creating tableaux of striking beauty. Enjoy immersive experiences, meet the locals, feel the authentic atmosphere of the mining towns and discover the enduring local traditions.

Tramway Destinationg2084 DbouklaTramway Destinationg2084 Dboukla
©Tramway Destinationg2084 Dboukla|Francois LO PRESTI
Let yourself be transported between present and future with the Destination G2084 podcast
LegendR, La fosse Ledoux
©Terril Ledoux -LegendR|Michel Verpoorten
Climb to the top of a slag heap and contemplate 3 centuries of mining history

You may also like Our other exceptional landscapes

In more than one “prestigious” respect, our landscapes are exceptional and universally recognized… As a Unesco World Treasure, part of France’s oldest Regional Nature Park! Even our so-called “wetlands” are an integral part of our national heritage and contribute to France’s international appeal as a tourist destination.