Lens bears witness to the ravages of the First World War and the industrial revolution. But today it is a lively, diverse and original town nestling at the heart of the mining area which generated the region’s wealth. And out of this rich past, the commune has preserved a unique landscape, dotted with immense trenches, slag heaps and mining towns. Lens has come to terms with the end of this era and has become an attractive place, a university town which plays to two strengths: youth and culture. As testimony to this past there are many museums (including an outpost of the Louvre due to open in 2010), historic cemeteries and memorials in the area.

The same cultural influences can be seen in the towns and villages of the North and especially in its 23 belfries, architectural masterpieces in a variety of styles (Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque...) which were recently classed as a World Heritage site. They are grandiose in stature and a unique and vibrant testament to the flourishing of local democracy between the 11th and 17th centuries.