Best attractions and places to see around Estevelles, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region, serve as a base for exploring the diverse historical, cultural, and natural attractions of its surrounding area. The locality is bordered by the Canal de la Deûle, one of northern France's oldest canals. The region features a mix of natural landscapes, including canals and former mining spoil heaps, alongside significant historical and cultural sites in nearby towns.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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Beautiful panoramic view of Lens and the surrounding area. Be careful when you climb onto the spoil heap during a storm, it's a real hair-raiser!
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Magnificent trail. Bicycles are not prohibited, but the path is very narrow and there are many walkers, sometimes even dogs. You often have to slow down. So avoid it during busy times. I find the surface perfectly acceptable for gravel riding.
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Most of the path is very smooth and you can enjoy the few birds and (rarely) the sun reflecting in the water. Unfortunately it is very often spoiled by the discharges from factories or sewers which often bring a foul smell, especially when the water is stirred up by the few barges that pass by.
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Some time ago this path was forbidden to bicycles. Has this changed?
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The Canal de la Deûle is one of the oldest canals in northern France and connects the river Scarpe at Douai with the river Lys at Deûlémont, near the Belgian border. The canal is approximately 34.8 km long and has 3 locks. Most of the canal is included in the high-quality Dunkerque-Escaut waterway, and the remaining section through the port of Lille is often considered a branch of the main route, hence the alternative names Liaison or Antenne Bauvin-Lys.
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Don't miss the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap, an astonishing and unusual spectacle. There are five hills made of coal waste, and this one is the highest, reaching 146 meters, the highest in Europe! Hike to the top and admire the views. You can see how nature has transformed the hills with plants, animals and even grapes. Take the opportunity to learn about this UNESCO World Heritage site and discover its rich history and culture at Base 11/19.
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The Drocourt slag heap is like a bike park (without the cable cars ;o). Ideal for improving technique or letting off steam for two hours
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The area around Estevelles offers several interesting natural and man-made features. You can enjoy peaceful walks along the Canal de la Deûle, one of northern France's oldest canals, which forms the southern boundary of Estevelles. For more active exploration, the former mining spoil heaps like Terril de Drocourt and Ostricourt slag heap provide unique landscapes and challenging trails.
Yes, the region is well-suited for cycling. The Canal de la Deûle offers smooth paths ideal for leisurely rides, while the Path Along the Seclin Canal is also suitable for cycling. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Terril de Drocourt is described as a bike park, perfect for improving technique or a two-hour workout. You can find various cycling routes, including easy to difficult options, in the Cycling around Estevelles guide.
Estevelles is a great base for exploring significant historical sites. The Hill 70 Canadian Memorial, commemorating a strategic World War I victory, features an obelisk, sculptures, and interpretive panels with views of Lens. Nearby towns like Douai and Arras boast impressive belfries, recognized as heritage sites, and Arras also hosts the Carrière Wellington museum, a series of WWI tunnels.
Absolutely. Just a short drive away in Lens, you'll find the renowned Louvre-Lens Museum, which displays semi-permanent collections from the Louvre in Paris. The vibrant city of Lille, about 21 km from Estevelles, offers a rich cultural experience with sites like the Cathédrale Notre Dame de La Treille. Douai and Arras also provide cultural insights with their historic town centers and belfries.
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Canal de la Deûle offers peaceful paths for family walks or bike rides. The Hill 70 Canadian Memorial is also considered family-friendly, with walkways and interpretive panels. For a broader experience, the Parc zoologique de Lille is located about 21 km away in Lille.
You can find a variety of hiking trails near Estevelles. The paths along the Canal de la Deûle offer easy and scenic walks. For more challenging options, the former mining slag heaps like Terril de Drocourt and Ostricourt slag heap provide trails with climbs and descents. Explore more options in the Hiking around Estevelles guide, which includes moderate trails like 'The terrils 83 and 94' loop.
Yes, the Hill 70 Canadian Memorial is designed to be wheelchair accessible, offering a level driveway that winds up to the stele at the top, allowing everyone to experience this significant historical site.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences available. The Canal de la Deûle is loved for its smooth paths and natural beauty, despite occasional industrial odors. The Terril de Drocourt is popular among cyclists for its challenging, bike-park-like terrain. The Hill 70 Canadian Memorial is valued for its historical significance and the panoramic views it offers.
Several nearby towns host local markets, offering a glimpse into regional life and local produce. You can find markets in Courrieres (Wednesday, 3km away), Harnes (Thursday, 3km away), Carvin (Saturday, 4km away), and Lens (Tuesday, Saturday, Friday, 7km away).
For outdoor activities around Estevelles, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather with milder temperatures, ideal for cycling, hiking, and exploring. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it might be warmer. Winter activities are possible, but some trails might be less accessible due to weather conditions.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the former mining spoil heaps provide exciting terrain. The Terril de Drocourt is known for its challenging climbs and descents, ideal for mountain biking. Similarly, the Ostricourt slag heap features bumps, a long single track, and a very steep descent, requiring care and a good sense of balance.
For peaceful walks or easy trails, the Canal de la Deûle offers smooth paths perfect for a relaxed stroll or an easy bike ride. The Path Along the Seclin Canal is another excellent option, featuring beautiful plane trees and a generally flat terrain suitable for leisurely exploration.
Estevelles itself is a smaller commune, serving primarily as a gateway to the wider region's attractions. Lens, on the other hand, is a larger town known for specific significant sites like the Louvre-Lens Museum and the Hill 70 Canadian Memorial. While Estevelles offers direct access to natural features like the Canal de la Deûle and slag heaps, Lens provides more concentrated cultural and historical landmarks within its immediate vicinity.


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