A chapel built in gratitude after an epidemic, and ponds that serve as breeding grounds for several amphibian species, reveal different sides of Mazingarbe. Other highlights include the Church of Sainte-Rictrude, the Town Hall and the park of the former Château Mercier. If you want to combine heritage with landscape and nature, the town offers tangible points of interest: architectural history, local traditions, former coal-mining sites and amphibian habitats. This mix can help you decide whether Mazingarbe matches the themes you want to focus on when choosing your destination.
Historic buildings and their traces of time
Mazingarbe Town Hall was built at the beginning of the 20th century under the direction of Louis Mercier, who was then managing director of the Compagnie des Mines de Béthune. From 1946 to 1970, the building was converted into a maternity hospital. The same building thus brings together its construction in the early 20th century and a later conversion that took place during a clearly defined period. This change is a distinct aspect of the town’s history alongside the architecture.
The Église Sainte-Rictrude offers a different perspective: it is built of white stone in the 12th-century pointed-arch style, and its exterior underwent extensive renovation in 2006. Here, a medieval stylistic reference sits alongside a much later renovation date. Comparing it with the Town Hall takes you from the building history of a municipal building to a church with a different architectural and historical context.
Chapels with different histories
The Chapelle Saint-Roch was built in 1724 by the Dupuich family in gratitude for protecting their family members and the villagers during the Suette epidemic. The Chapelle Saint Hubert was built in 1745 by BĂ©harelle, a farmer from Saulchoy. Since 28 March 1977, it has been listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments. The two chapels offer different historical points of interest: at Saint-Roch, the reason for its construction takes centre stage, while at Saint Hubert, its precise date and heritage protection status can be considered together.
Park and leisure at Parc Mercier
The former Château Mercier has a large park with ponds. It broadens the view beyond individual buildings and adds its own landscape interest. Parc Mercier also has a mini-golf course and a pump track. Tennis can be played there free of charge; reservations must be made through Maz'Appli. If you plan to play tennis, include the reservation in your preparations. Check the current status of the facilities and the reservation procedures before your visit, as facilities and booking arrangements may change.
At the terril: industrial heritage and amphibians
Terril No. 58a – Grenay Mazingarbe is connected with the former coal-mining sites nearby in Mazingarbe. Ponds on the terril serve as breeding grounds for the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita), the parsley frog (Pelodytes punctatus) and the midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans). This landscape brings together two distinct aspects: its connection with former coal-mining sites and the ponds’ ecological role as a habitat for three amphibian species. For nature enthusiasts, this perspective is quite different from the stories associated with the churches and Town Hall.
Heritage at the municipal and building levels
Mazingarbe is one of the municipalities whose heritage was recognised and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. This recognition at the municipal level is distinct from the listing of the Chapelle Saint Hubert in the supplementary register of historic monuments. This means a broader heritage framework and a specific protection status for a chapel sit alongside one another, without equating the two forms of recognition.
Discover more destinations: Labroye, Oye-Plage, Beaurains, Beauvois, Vaulx, Salperwick, Montcavrel, Samer
For the full travel guide: Pas-De-Calais.
