Lens

Lens is composed of the villages of Bauffe, Cambron-Saint-Vincent, Lens, Montignies-lez-Lens, and Lombise.

Through its narrow streets, you can discover its remarkable buildings, chapels, the Calvary, and its mill on the Dendre. Among its famous residents, Lens is home to Paul Cuvelier, an artist, sculptor, and comic book creator. Bauffe and Cambron-Saint-Vincent are mainly agricultural villages, ideal for all kinds of walks. Montignies-lez-Lens, famous for its breeding and as the birthplace of the Belgian horse breed, boasts many remarkable farms, such as the Cense du Marais and the Cense du Parc, with remnants of a watermill along the Dendre.
Another interesting place is the Notre-Dame de Lourdes grotto, built in 1895 in a rocky massif, famous for its pilgrimage on August 15th. Lombise has the most remarkable central square in the area. Other curiosities, such as the Chapelle de Notre Dame du Cerisier, built around 1666, and the convent on Avenue de l'Yser, are also worth discovering.

Notre-Dame de Lourdes in Montignies-Lez-Lens: A haven of peace

Did you know that the famous Lourdes grotto has more than 1,000 replicas in Belgium?

One of them, located in Montignies-Lez-Lens, offers a soothing natural setting. Accessible via a green path, the grotto, inaugurated in 1895, invites meditation and reflection. Every year, believers and curious visitors go there to pray or simply enjoy its unique atmosphere. With processions in May and on August 15th, this iconic site remains at the heart of local life, attracting more than 3,000 visitors per year.

Place de Lombise-Lens: A journey through history

Are you a fan of old stones and scenic paths? Visit Lombise, a charming village in the Lens region. Its central square, surrounded by remarkable monuments, bears the history of the Boëssière-Thienne family.

The 18th-century castle, located in a vast park, offers a stunning panorama. Next to it, the Church of Notre-Dame de Foy, built in 1852, impresses with its volume and neo-Romanesque style. The remains of the past, such as the funeral stones of the counts, remind us of the influence of this family on the village. Facing the church, neo-traditional buildings and the charming Maison du Cocher, now a restaurant, complete this unique picture.

The countryside with many flavors: Discover Lens in a different way

The municipality of Lens also attracts visitors with its local products.

Behind its imposing farms, some over a century old, hide culinary treasures. For those who enjoy short supply chains, the Panier Lensois gathers local producers who offer weekly baskets of fresh, seasonal produce. Passing through? Stop by Au Fil des Saisons, rue du Thy, where Anaïck and Frédéric highlight local specialties like fruits, vegetables, chocolates, liqueurs, and pâtés. In Lens, savor the richness of the land and support engaged and solidarity-based farming.

Paul Cuvelier, a talent born in Lens

Comic book lovers remember Corentin Feldoë, the hero created by Paul Cuvelier, a close friend of Hergé.

Born in Lens in 1923, this brilliant illustrator, who made his name through Journal de Tintin, became a pioneer in the comic world. Encouraged by Hergé at the age of 19, Cuvelier joined the famous newspaper, where his virtuoso style amazed many. While Corentin made him famous, Cuvelier had a passion for painting and the landscapes of his homeland. The farms and horses of Lens, often immortalized in his works, are a testament to his deep connection to his land. After passing away at 55, Paul Cuvelier now rests in his village, where his talent continues to shine.