Things To Do
in Lens
Lens is a northern French city in the Pas-de-Calais region that has transformed from its industrial roots into a modern cultural hub anchored by the Louvre-Lens. The city blends art, history, and accessible green spaces, making it a convenient base for exploring Hauts-de-France. Its compact center is walkable, with good public transport links to Lille and Arras.
Visitors are drawn by world-class galleries, canal-side strolls, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Lens Train Station, where you can grab a coffee and pastry and soak in the local atmosphere. Next, visit the Louvre-Lens Museum, where you can explore masterpieces and engage with innovative exhibitions. Take your time as you wander through the outdoor art installations and gardens surrounding the museum.
After lunch in a local bistro, venture to the Puits 11/19, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can learn about the mining history of the region. A guided tour will take you underground, providing insight into the lives of the miners. Following the tour, relax in the nearby Parc des Lauriers where you can enjoy nature and watch the world go by.
As the sun sets, unwind at a cozy café in the town center where you can savor traditional French cuisine. Try local specialties accompanied by a glass of regional wine while listening to live music at a nearby venue. End your night with a stroll through the illuminated streets of Lens, appreciating the unique architecture and ambiance.
Start your day with a visit to the Musée du Louvre-Lens, where you can immerse yourself in art from various periods and styles. The contemporary building and serene surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for artistic inspiration. Don't forget to take a stroll through the landscaped grounds to admire the outdoor art installations.
Lunch in Lens offers a variety of options, where you can taste local dishes in a charming bistro. Afterward, dive into local history at the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, where you can learn about the impact of World War II on the region. Engaging exhibits and artifacts help illuminate this crucial period of French history.
For dinner, reserve a table at a restaurant known for its regional specialties, where the atmosphere is filled with the warmth of French hospitality. Post-dinner, catch a performance at the local theater, allowing you to experience the town's vibrant culture. As the evening winds down, take a leisurely walk past the Église Saint-Laurent, beautifully lit under the night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧀Local cheese or specialty snack | $5-12 |
| 🧃Soft drink or bottled water | $2-4 |
| 🧖Spa or wellness treatment | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to Lille and Arras for extended nightlife and museums
- Louvre-Lens provides world-class cultural experiences
- Walkable city center with good public transport
- Strong cycling routes and green spaces
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Weather can be rainy and windy
- Some attractions require travel to larger nearby towns
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est…?" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Lens
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic glass-and-steel architecture with reflective surfaces, perfect for modernist photography and wide-angle shots.
Historic square with fountains and sculptures, ideal for street photography and people-watching.
Massive brick-and-glass stadium that offers dramatic lines for architectural photography, especially at golden hour.
Waterways along the city edge provide tranquil reflections and nature shots around dawn or sunset.
Food in Lens
Lens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed mussels served with thick-cut fries, a Northern classic enjoyed in many bistros along with a regional beer.
Must-Try!
A rich beef stew braised in beer with onions and dark malt, often served with bread or fries.
A Flemish dish of jellied meats served cold or at room temperature, reflecting cross-border culinary influences in the region.
A baked cheese sauce on toast, a nod to cross-border culinary influences found in some northern eateries.
Artisanal confections from nearby workshops that make great gifts or dessert treats.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market with fresh produce, cheese, meats, bread, and seasonal specialties, plus small street-food stalls on market days.
Occasional pop-up stalls near waterways offering quick bites and regional snacks on warm weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite Bonjour or Bonsoir in shops; handshakes in formal settings and with new acquaintances; use Mr./Mme for formal introductions.
French is preferred; attempting a few phrases in French is appreciated and helps with service in local establishments.
Safety
Tipping in Lens
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if service is not included. For cafes and bars, a small tip for good service is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards (Carte Bancaire) are widely accepted; cash is useful in markets and smaller venues; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days with longer daylight; occasional rain showers. Great for outdoor markets, canal walks, and terrace dining.
Comfortable temperatures with turning foliage; frequent mist and light rain can add atmosphere to photos and strolls.
Cool to cold with a possibility of frost or light snow; shorter days but atmospheric lighting around city lights.
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers in parks and along canal paths; ideal for walking tours and photography.
Lens at Night
Hiking in Lens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and river trails near Liévin, Arras, and Notre-Dame de Lorette; options range from short half-day walks to longer hikes.
Airports
How to reach Lens by plane.
Closest international airport; 20-45 minutes by train or car to Lens; serves domestic and international flights.
Major international hub with frequent connections; approximately 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train or car.
Another major hub with regional and international flights; reachable in roughly 2 hours by rail or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Diverse mix of families, students, and retirees; presence of communities from various backgrounds in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular pastime with local clubs and regional enthusiasm; matches draw local crowds.
Strong cycling culture with scenic routes along canals and rural lanes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many bistros offer vegetarian versions of local dishes; ask for vegetable-based stews or salads, and enjoy regional cheeses and breads.
Most places can accommodate gluten-free requests; opt for grilled meats, salads, and seafood, and check bread options with staff.