Explore Bully-les-Mines through the varied traces of its mining history: a monument commemorates miners from the Cité des Brebis who died in the First World War, and the former Salle Jean Vasseur was the assembly hall of the Compagnie des mines de Béthune. There are also two distinct green spaces: a mining spoil heap that is significant for animal and plant species, and a wooded park. You can tailor your visit to your interests, balancing historic sites, walks and sports activities.

Memorial Sites and Mining History

The Monument aux morts de la Compagnie des Mines de Béthune is located on Place de la Marne. It commemorates 935 miners from the company and the Cité des Brebis who died at the front in the First World War. Historic monument protection covers not only the memorial but also its plaques and the railings of the Cité des Brebis. The number, connection to the area and scope of protection make clear that this memorial is dedicated to a specific group.

The Monument au soldat Marche stands at the entrance to Square Henri Darras. It was inaugurated on 4 October 1925 and moved to this entrance in the late 1970s. It has been protected as a historic monument since the decree of 12 January 2010. Its inauguration, subsequent relocation and protected status mark three distinct points in its history.

In the Brebis district, the Salle Jean Vasseur was the former assembly hall of the Compagnie des mines de Béthune. During the First World War, it first served as a military hospital for French troops and later for British troops. Its transition from assembly hall to military hospital, and its successive use by French and British troops, give this building a historical profile distinct from that of the monuments. It complements the memorial sites with a building whose history was also shaped by its former function.

Terril 52 and Parc Henri Darras

Terril 52, also known as “Terril du 2”, is a mining spoil heap one kilometre long and 300 metres wide. Today, it is a reservoir of biodiversity for animal and plant species. It is also used for recreation, including walks and sports; sporting activities include disc golf. If you are planning a visit specifically for this activity, check in advance whether it is currently available.

Parc Henri Darras offers a different experience: it is wooded and covers more than seven hectares. It is used for walks and sports activities, as well as outdoor celebrations; specific event dates depend on the programme. Unlike the wooded park, the spoil heap combines the landscape of a mining site with biodiversity and recreational use. This gives you two distinct landscape settings to choose from, rather than assigning the same role to both green spaces.

Church, Former Clinic and Weekly Market

Église Saint-Maclou is a distinctive church in the centre of Bully-les-Mines. The former Sainte-Barbe maternity clinic, now Les Marronniers, represents another chapter in the town’s architectural history: its façades and roof are protected. Together, the church and former maternity clinic broaden the picture beyond monuments associated with mining and wartime history.

The market and a stall also offer a practical way to plan your day. The market takes place on Place Victor Hugo on Thursdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm; on Saturdays, a stall is open on Boulevard Alfred François from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. The offerings are therefore available on different days of the week and in different locations. If you would like to combine a visit with either one, check the times in advance, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Vaulx, Maresville, Camiers, Airon-Notre-Dame, Lumbres, Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Inglevert, Le Portel

For the broader travel overview: Pas-De-Calais.