Places to visit | Local area map | | Quick Tour Trains from Lille, Hazebrouck and Arras
Béthune

Lively weekly market in Béthune's main square around the old medieval belfry	Old coal mining town The medieval town of Béthune grew spectacularly when coal-mining started there in the 19th century. First World War Like much of the coal-mining basin, Béthune was occupied by German forces in the First World war, and left in ruins by fighting and bombardments. The town centre was re-built in the 'twenties and 'thirties in flemish style, with attractive red-brick buildings, typical stepped gables and some unusual art-deco houses.
Belfry The 14th century belfry is one of the few survivals from older times. It has a carillon of 36 bells - some of which were taken by Spanish king Charles V from the town of Thérouanne. It is now open to the public, and you can climb to the top. The Tourist Office is in the base of the tower.
Béthune's belfry in the town square dates from 1376, when it replaced an old wooden watch-tower (built 1346 - the year of the Battle of Crecy). It stands alone in the Grand-Place.
1. 'The Economies' by Jules Charles Delannoy, in the Musée d'Ethnologie Regionale, Bethune. 1902 - symbolises the life-long poverty of peasants in this area 100 years ago. 2. The "Charitables" Brotherhood of Béthune - an ancient tradition dating back to a 12th century plague, when victims were bravely buried. 3. 'Loisinord' dry ski slope at nearby Noeux-les-mines; a former slag-heap
Medieval Bethune - the walled market town had many churches; in the background, the chalk hills around Arras; in the foreground, market gardens on the marshes of the Lys valley. Boats came up the river Lys from the Flemish coastal ports.	Bethune's characterful Christmas market with festive craft and regional produce stalls near the belfry.

Weblinks and more information: OFFICE DU TOURISME, le Beffroi, Grand-Place, BETHUNE Tel: 00 33 (0)3 21.57.25.47 - Fax: 00 33 (0)3 21 57.01.60		Local area map: Click on places for more information
Places to visit: Olhain Castle - moated medieval castle Olhain Park & Arbronauts - live in the trees in a local forest Loisinord ski resort, Noeux-les-Mines - new use for an old coal-mine slag-heap Centre Historique Minier, Lewarde - mining museum in former colliery Bruay Mining Museum - hear about life underground in guided tours by old miners Christmas markets - a tradition that's more popular each year	QUICK TOUR round the Artois region, starting with Vimy Ridge...
Background information: Coal mining Belfries Markets

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