Some of the defining themes in Annay are its mining heritage and local history, as well as walks, wildlife watching and disc golf. Historic buildings offer a different focus from outdoor recreation and exercise. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus more on the history of mining and sacred architecture or on recreational activities at the Marais.
Mining Heritage and Local History
The “Camus haut” is element 52 of the “Bassin minier du Nord-Pas-de-Calais,” which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. The house in Annay-sous-Lens is the last surviving example of the most recent type of miners’ housing built by the Houillères du Bassin Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Its condition is classified as poor in the regional heritage inventory. The Camus haut thus represents both the region’s industrial history and the types of housing associated with mining.
The Abbaye de la Brayelle, also known as the Notre-Dame d’Annay Abbey, was founded in Annay in 1196. Another historical thread leads to the chapel of Annay: Lambert, Bishop of Arras, transferred its patronage in 1110. After the chapel was completely destroyed in 1740, it was rebuilt in the town center in 1745.
The Saint-Amé parish church adds a specifically described hall-style building to the town’s historical landmarks: it is rectangular, built of reinforced concrete and topped with a single-pitch copper roof. Its features include a wide nave, a choir and a sacristy, as well as a winter chapel, a covered patio and a baptistery. Annay’s miners’ housing, the history of its abbey and chapel, and its parish church of a different architectural form thus offer distinct ways of exploring local history.
Walks, Nature and Activities
The centrally located ponds of Annay have been developed as a recreational area and are used by walkers and anglers. A municipal membership card entitles holders to fish for trout in ponds No. 1, 2 and 3. As municipal fishing rules may change, check the current regulations before planning a day of fishing.
The Marais site in Annay is used for walks and offers the opportunity to discover its wildlife and plant life. The Parc du marais d’Annay has a disc golf course with nine baskets. The new course was inaugurated in 2023; it was intended to host regional and national competitions. The Annay Disc Golf Club offers the sport to the public and welcomes students, families, and people of all ages. As course details and club arrangements may change, check them before taking part.
Some paths at the Marais site are accessible to vehicles and to people with reduced mobility. If you need a specific route or type of access, check current accessibility before your visit. The outdoor areas have different focuses: the ponds combine walks and fishing, while the Marais offers nature watching and disc golf alongside walking.
Discover more destinations: Lumbres, Oye-Plage, Wamin, Campagne Lès Boulonnais, Chériennes, Dainville, Nuncq-Hautecôte, Airon-Notre-Dame
View the broader travel guide: Pas-De-Calais.
