The best city hikes and walks around Béthune

A bastion adjoining the chapel, whose entrance was defended by a drawbridge and a moat. The Saint-Pry bastion was particularly important because it was located in a strategic location within the city. The Anglo-Dutch siege of 1710 only confirmed the strategic role of this bastion. The bastion and the circular Saint-Pry gate date from the 14th century, during the reign of John the Good. While this bastion attracts attention, its surroundings have changed profoundly over time. Some buildings have disappeared, while others have appeared. Around the chapel stood the old Béthune hospital, which ceased operating in the early 1980s. On October 13, 1982, there was considerable excitement around the bastion. And for good reason! 180 patients had been transferred to the Germon and Gauthier Center. In the early 1960s, a residence was built a few meters from the bastion, which still exists today. In March 1962, the local press reported that "Upper Béthune is being built on Rue de la Gendarmerie, giving the town a modern appearance." In October 1962, it was revealed that "the Vauban residence, which, alongside the belfry and the Saint-Vaast tower, now dominates the town of Béthune and symbolizes the new life that animates it today." (c) https://www.arnaudwillay.net/article-un-bastion-nomme-saint-pry-86957447.html

Built in 1828, the Cultural Space Chapel is the last remaining building of the former hospital. It was renovated in 1992. This chapel is now the exhibition space of the Regional Ethnology Museum, offering over 200 m² of exhibition space. (c) https://www.bethune.fr/lieux-culturels/musee-d-ethnologie-regionale/la-chapelle-espace-culturel-535.html

The Grand'Place de Béthune is the focal point of the city of Buridan. Destroyed in 1918, it was rebuilt and stands as an architectural example. A group of architects led by L.M. Cordonnier gave it its present-day appearance: eclecticism, Art Deco, and neo-regionalism combine to create a diverse ensemble. Town Hall Rebuilt many times, the current Town Hall was designed by architect J. Alleman. Built between 1924 and 1929, the building stands out from the other buildings with its massive form. Its façade embodies the city's titles and glories: the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honor, as well as the city's coat of arms. The Town Hall has been listed as a Historic Monument since April 2002. Some of the square's façades, representative of the Art Deco style, are also listed as Historic Monuments. The Cellars of the Grand'Place Vast cellars, boves, and countermine galleries: the underground of Béthune bears witness to the city's intense activity. During the First World War, the cellars served as refuges for the inhabitants of Béthune. Some cellars of private homes are now open to the public. (Notably at No. 42 Grand'Place) (c) https://www.bethune.fr/bethune-brille/patrimoine-historique/la-grand-place-558.html

The Béthune Theater was inaugurated in 1912. At that time, the large theater had proscenium boxes and side galleries. In total, the hall held 1,200 seats, 300 more than today. The shells of the First World War forced a 14-year intermission. In 1928-29, the people of Béthune found their theater completely redesigned in an Art Deco style. The Second World War also affected the theater. It was not until 1961 that the theater saw the completion of endless renovations, which were continually interrupted by post-war budgetary difficulties. Completely renovated, the theater reopened its doors in 1961. The purple curtain rose on Bréal's "The Hussars," performed by Jacques Fabbri's company. (c) https://www.bethune.fr/bethune-brille/lieux-culturels/theatre-municipal-538.html

The Béthune water station is a body of water covering approximately 4.5 hectares near the town center. This former water station was completely renovated in the 1970s. Closed to navigation, it retains its two canal branches. Open all year round (c) https://www.tourisme-bethune-bruay.fr/a-voir-a-faire/s-eclater-au-grand-air/parc-de-la-gare-d-eau-1001637

The Saint-Pry bastion in Béthune is a historical vestige dating from the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. It was part of the city's fortifications, designed to protect Béthune against invasions. This bastion has been listed as a historical monument since 1993. Today, it is located near Boulevard Vauban and is an important testimony to the military architecture of the time.

The Porte Saint-Pry in Béthune was a historic gate that formed part of the city's medieval fortifications. Although the gate itself no longer exists, there are still some remains of the old city walls and fortifications in the area. The site of the former gate is now marked as a memorial site, and the area around the Chapelle Saint-Pry offers a glimpse into the history of Béthune and its defenses.

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