Natural monuments around Liévin showcase a diverse landscape, from re-naturalized mining spoil heaps to ancient historical sites. The city, situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, is recognized for its green spaces and commitment to preserving natural areas. These sites offer opportunities for outdoor activities, wildlife observation, and reflection on the region's ecological and historical evolution. Many areas reflect the transformation of the former mining basin into a network of natural spaces.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
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Memorial that should not be missed at all.
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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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The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9-12, 1917) This is one of the most famous battles for Canadians during the First World War. Vimy Ridge was a strategic position fortified by the Germans since 1914. In April 1917, the four Canadian divisions, united for the first time, attacked to retake it. - 💥 The bombardments that created the shell holes Before the assault For several weeks, Allied artillery (mainly British and Canadian) bombarded the German positions to weaken the defenses, cut the barbed wire, and destroy the enemy trenches. It is estimated that more than a million shells were fired in preparation for the attack. During the attack On April 9, 1917, the Canadian infantry advanced under a creeping barrage, that is, artillery fire that advanced just ahead of the soldiers to protect their advance. Result These intense bombardments literally riddled the ridge with craters. Each shell exploding in the ground dug a hole of varying width (depending on the caliber, often between 1 and 5 meters in diameter). 🏞 After the War Why are the shell holes still there? After 1918, it was decided to preserve certain areas as they were, particularly around the future memorial, to demonstrate the scale of the fighting. The land was therefore not leveled or cultivated, unlike other areas of the front, which reverted to agricultural fields. A Landscape for Remembrance The shell craters, reconstructed trenches, and replanted trees (each tree represents a killed Canadian soldier) create a living memorial park, keeping the scars of the conflict visible for future generations.
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Vimy Foundation Centennial Park Vimy Foundation Centennial Park offers visitors a unique and reflective space to reflect on the horrors that occurred on these lands during the Great War, contrasting with the solemnity and grace of the adjacent Canadian National Memorial. The main attraction of the four-acre park is 100 Vimy Oak trees, grown from acorns collected on the battlefield in 1917, along with the Borden bugle, the Centennial Flagpole, and 360-degree memorial views of the First World War battlefield. One hundred years after the war, the Park ensures that we never forget the sacrifice of all those who served our country. The Vimy Foundation The Vimy Foundation is a national charitable organization whose mission is to preserve and promote Canada's legacy of the First World War, symbolized by the victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917. This momentous event is widely considered a pivotal moment in our history, Canada's first steps onto the world stage. Through youth education programs, awareness campaigns, and legacy projects, including the new Vimy Visitor and Education Centre and Centennial Park, the Vimy Foundation provides Canadians with opportunities to learn how the First World War transformed our nation. Vimy Oaks The park's oak trees are directly descended from acorns collected on the Vimy Ridge battlefield by a Canadian soldier, Lieutenant Leslie Miller of Scarborough, Ontario, and later planted on his farm in Canada, which he named The Vimy Oaks. A number of these majestic oaks are still alive today in Canada, while virtually none of the Vimy Ridge oaks survived the First World War. The Vimy Oaks Legacy Society, a Canadian non-profit volunteer association, was created to repatriate young Vimy oaks descended from acorns collected after the battle. Volunteers landscaped and planted these repatriated Vimy oaks, which now stand guard in this park adjacent to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
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it's written like that on the sign
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legend of the fairies who dance around the dolmen
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This site is part of the unknown treasures of the Land of Artois. The various megalithic sites are good for a beautiful walk, among mysteries and legends, history and extraordinary landscapes
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La Carrière de Craie de Bray is a quarry in the municipality of Mont-Saint-Éloi. It is a popular place for hikers and nature lovers because of its beautiful surroundings. The hills around Mont-Saint-Éloi consist of a thick layer of secondary-age chalk, formed by the accumulation of skeletons of marine animals when Artois was submerged in a shallow sea.
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The region offers a fascinating blend of re-naturalized industrial sites and ancient landscapes. You can visit the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, one of Europe's highest re-naturalized mining spoil heaps, offering panoramic views. Another unique feature is the Passage dolmen: The Fairy Table, a megalithic complex over 4000 years old. The Vimy Ridge Shell Craters also present a stark, preserved landscape from World War I.
Yes, several natural monuments offer marked hiking trails. The Terril de Pinchonvalles, for instance, has three marked trails ranging from 1.6 km to 3.6 km, providing spectacular panoramic views. The Bois de Riaumont also features well-maintained trails for walking and jogging. For more extensive routes, you can explore MTB Trails around Liévin or Cycling around Liévin.
The natural monuments in Liévin can be enjoyed throughout the year, each season offering a different experience. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. The Bois de Riaumont is particularly beautiful in autumn with its changing colors. Summer allows for longer days and outdoor activities, while winter can offer a unique, serene atmosphere, especially on the slag heaps.
The Vimy Ridge Shell Craters and Vimy Foundation Centennial Park are both listed as family-friendly, offering historical context in an outdoor setting. Additionally, the Parc des Cytises (near Liévin) is an excellent destination for families, featuring an animal area, a large playground, and orientation circuits for children.
Dog policies vary by site. Dogs are permitted on a leash at the Terril de Pinchonvalles, which is a great option for walks with your pet. However, dogs are generally not allowed in the Parc des Cytises. Always check specific site regulations before visiting.
The natural monuments are rich in biodiversity. The Terril de Pinchonvalles is a designated biotope, home to diverse flora and fauna including amphibians, reptiles, various insects, hedgehogs, squirrels, and weasels. Goats are also pastured there. The Bois de Riaumont is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including deer. The Parc des Cytises features an animal area with over 350 specimens from 80 different species, such as wallabies, llamas, and peacocks.
Beyond exploring the monuments themselves, the Liévin area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for Gravel biking around Liévin, MTB Trails around Liévin, and Cycling around Liévin. These guides provide options for different skill levels and distances, allowing you to combine your visit with a ride.
Yes, several natural monuments in the Liévin area have significant historical importance. The Passage dolmen: The Fairy Table is an ancient megalithic complex. The Vimy Ridge Shell Craters and Vimy Foundation Centennial Park are poignant reminders of World War I. Even the Terril de Pinchonvalles, a former coal mining slag heap, represents a unique blend of industrial heritage and ecological rehabilitation, forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
While specific parking details for each site are best checked locally, generally, natural monuments and parks like the Terril de Pinchonvalles and Parc des Cytises, which are popular visitor destinations, offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to look for local signage upon arrival.
The time needed varies greatly depending on the site and your interests. For a site like the Terril de Pinchonvalles, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring one of its hiking trails. Historical sites like the Vimy Ridge areas could take 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Family-friendly parks like Parc des Cytises could easily fill half a day or more, especially with children. It's recommended to check specific site information for estimated visit durations.
Absolutely. The Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views over the mining basin from its summit. Similarly, the Terril de Pinchonvalles offers expansive vistas from its highest points. The Vimy Foundation Centennial Park also provides 360-degree memorial views of the First World War battlefield.


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