Base 11/19 and Terrils Loos-en-Gohelle
Ascend Europe's tallest twin slag heaps for breathtaking panoramic views and a journey through France's industrial past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views, clear skies
Base 11/19 and Terrils Loos-en-Gohelle
Best Time
Best views, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Europe's tallest twin slag heaps for breathtaking panoramic views and a journey through France's industrial past.
"A great walk with excellent views at the top, a must-do in good weather!"
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
The final ascent to the slag heap summit is steep and can be tricky. Grippy footwear is essential for a safe climb.
🚶♀️ Great for Walks & Runs
Enjoy leisurely strolls or a more vigorous run up the slag heaps with rewarding views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twin Slag Heaps (Terrils 74 & 74a)
Loos-en-Gohelle
Europe's tallest twin slag heaps offer breathtaking panoramic views. A must-see for history buffs and hikers!
Base 11/19 Mining Site
Loos-en-Gohelle
Explore preserved buildings from one of the largest mining sites in the region, now a hub for diverse activities.
Summit Panorama
Top of Terril 74a
Experience a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape from the highest point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Slag Heaps
Embrace the Industrial Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
The final ascent to the slag heap summit is steep and can be tricky. Grippy footwear is essential for a safe climb.
🚶♀️ Great for Walks & Runs
Enjoy leisurely strolls or a more vigorous run up the slag heaps with rewarding views.
Visiting Lens in about a week, any recommendations for places to visit? Preferably nature or nice villages etc.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the top are incredible. Don't forget your camera to capture the industrial heritage.
🤔 Reflect on History
Take time to ponder France's energy past and its reliance on coal while enjoying the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
The final ascent to the slag heap summit is steep and can be tricky. Grippy footwear is essential for a safe climb.
🚶♀️ Great for Walks & Runs
Enjoy leisurely strolls or a more vigorous run up the slag heaps with rewarding views.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the top are incredible. Don't forget your camera to capture the industrial heritage.
🤔 Reflect on History
Take time to ponder France's energy past and its reliance on coal while enjoying the scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from the top of Europe's tallest twin slag heaps, calling it a rewarding climb and a great spot for walks. The site's historical significance as a former mining hub is also highly appreciated, with many noting the impressive preservation and redevelopment efforts. Some mention the steepness of the final ascent requires good footwear.
"Great walk or run up nice steep slopes with excellent views at the top."
peterhuli
"A great little walk. The last stage of the hill is steep and a bit tricky, so need grippy shoes for this bit."
Chris Hancox
"In operation from 1894 to 1986, the mining site was one of the largest in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Basin.
Thanks to the efforts of elected officials and associations, and its listing as a Historic Monument, most of the buildings have been preserved. Now redeveloped, the site hosts economic, environmental, social, and cultural activities.
In the distance, you can see the gigantic twin slag heaps 74 and 74a, the highest in Europe. The slag heaps are accessed by crossing a footbridge that spans the mining ring road.
For the more adventurous, the climb to slag heap 74a is possible; the view from its summit is breathtaking."
Gėdėon Brulant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options might require transfers, so checking local bus routes or train schedules to nearby Lens is recommended. The Reddit tip mentions a Google Maps link for navigation.
While direct public transport to the very top of the slag heaps might be limited, you can reach the general area via local buses to Loos-en-Gohelle. From there, it's a walk to the base of the terrils.
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area. The landscape is relatively flat around the base, and there are paths that can lead you to the terrils.
The site is quite spread out. Walking is the primary way to explore. For the slag heaps, follow the marked paths. The Google Maps link provided on Reddit is very helpful for orientation.
Parking is generally available at the Base 11/19 site, especially during off-peak hours. Arriving earlier in the day can ensure easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the general site and the slag heaps is typically free. However, specific cultural or economic activities hosted on the site might have their own admission fees.
The slag heaps are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light for safety and for enjoying the views.
No, climbing the slag heaps is free. It's an open-access area for visitors to explore and enjoy the landscape.
Most of the buildings have been preserved and the site hosts various activities. Access to specific buildings might depend on ongoing events or their current use.
Information on guided tours might be available through local tourism offices or associations managing the site. It's worth checking their websites for schedules and booking details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Follow the marked paths. The last section is steep and requires good grip. Take your time and enjoy the ascent.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Hauts-de-France landscape, offering a unique perspective on the region's industrial past and present.
The climb is moderately difficult, especially the final steep section. It's manageable for most people with reasonable fitness, but grippy shoes are crucial.
Facilities can vary. While the general site is redeveloped, specific amenities like restrooms or cafes might be concentrated in certain areas or depend on the businesses operating there.
This was one of the largest mining sites in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Basin, operating from 1894 to 1986. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving industrial heritage.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the slag heaps offers incredible panoramic shots. The preserved mining structures also make for dramatic industrial photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the landscape and structures.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, for commercial purposes or specific events, it's advisable to check for any restrictions.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the twin peaks, close-ups of the textures, and dramatic silhouettes against the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's essential to check local aviation rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👟 Active & Sporty Visitors
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Terrils
Once at the top, visitors are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the Hauts-de-France landscape. It's a place that inspires reflection on France's energy history and its reliance on coal for industry.
For photographers, the terrils offer dramatic compositions, from sweeping wide-angle shots of the twin peaks to detailed textures of the slag. The changing light throughout the day, particularly during sunrise and sunset, can create stunning visual effects, making it a prime location for capturing industrial heritage in a natural setting.
Base 11/19: A Revitalized Industrial Hub
Exploring the preserved structures offers a tangible connection to the lives of the miners and the scale of operations. The site's transformation highlights a successful model of heritage preservation and adaptive reuse. Visitors can learn about the region's past while also engaging with its present and future through the various initiatives hosted here.
This revitalization makes Base 11/19 more than just a historical monument; it's a dynamic space that continues to evolve. The presence of diverse activities ensures that the site remains relevant and engaging for a wide range of visitors, from history enthusiasts to those interested in sustainable development and community projects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit