OCTOBER 14th
LILLE AND THE MUSEUM "LA PISCINE" IN ROUBAIX
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OTC Lille / © Alain LEPRINCE - MAIAD |
| This tour will introduce you to the Barbieux Park, Drapiers row, the Motte-Bossut factory, a jewel of industrial architecture, the exceptional decorative character of the Condition Publique and, let's not forget, the Grand'Place, City Hall and St Martin's Church. Next, dive into a unique place - a former public swimming pool transformed into a museum of art and industry. this exceptional Art Deco style building was constructed from 1927 to 1932 and is listed as a 20th century historic site. Its pool is now home to sculptures, the showers hold exhibits of decorative arts, and the wings where the bathtubs were once located are now covered with a collection of fine art. The former snack bar has become a restaurant and tearoom. |
OCTOBER 15th
THE OLD LILLE AND DISCOVERY OF COMTESSE MUSEUM
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OT Lille / © maxime dufour photographies |
OT Lille / © maxime dufour photographies |
| First stroll around the Old Lille and then discover this former hospital, founded in 1237 by Jane of Flanders. Itdisplays works from Lille's past: objects from everyday life, wood sculptures, earthenware, furniture and paintings. |
OCTOBER 16th
THE ROYAL DISTRICT AND CHARLES DE GAULLE BIRTHPLACE
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OT Lille / © Laurent Ghesquière photographies |
| Leave the historic city centre and head for the rue Royale. This 18th century district with its beautiful mansions was built after the arrival of Louis XIV, and is also home to the Saint André Church. It was in this former Carmes chapel that Charles de Gaulle was baptized in 1890. Visit another exceptional landmark - the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, where he supposedly spent the best moments of his life. Here, you'll discover numerous personal and historic keepsakes. |
OCTOBER 17th
THE MINING HISTORY CENTRE IN LEWARDE
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Vue aérienne du Centre Historique Minier © Pierre Cheuva/Centre Historique Minier |
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Les galeries © E. Watteau/Centre Historique Minier |
The Mining History Centre, created in 1982 at the impetus of the nationalised mining company, opened to the public in 1984. Its aim is to conserve and promote the Nord-Pas de Calais's mining culture, so that future generations can learn about three centuries of mining in the area.
The site is made up of three entities : a mining museum, a documentary resources centre which houses the archives of the Nord-Pas de Calais coalfield nationalised mining company, and a scientific and technical energy culture centre explaining the history of coal in the context of the wider history of energy.
Gradually, the site took on its current appearance: the machine building with its glass roof, the galleries and the first themed exhibitions were set up during the 1980s. Then, in the 1990s, new editorial and events policies were implemented: each year, a new publication was added to one of the centre's two collections and several temporary exhibitions and events were organised for visitors to the centre, including the Patois Festival, Museums at Night and the Heritage Days.
During the 2000s, the Mining History Centre, which had reached saturation point in terms of visitor capacity, was restructured to create 4,000m² of new or renovated buildings: a new reception building to welcome visitors in more comfortable surroundings and new exhibition areas, both permanent and temporary.
Today, 150,000 people visit the site each year. The centre is classified as a historic monument and belongs to the Nord-Pas de Calais Region. It is also subsidised by the French government, Douai Urban Area and the Heart of Ostrevent local towns.
With the help of audio guides in available in English, German, Dutch, Polish, Italian and Spanish, you can visit the themed exhibitions to learn all about how coal is formed, the history of the mining era in the region and the daily lives of miners and their families. Then, with a guided tour of the galleries, step into the miners' underground world, recreated by the throbbing of the machines and projected images to help visitors imagine the miners at work. As an addition to your visit, we offer a very special "Meet a former miner" experience (in French only): the miner will tell you all about his career, working conditions, safety underground and much more.
