July 14th Concert: Julien Lieb in Anzin
Celebrate the national holiday with Julien Lieb at Place Roger Salengro. The Star Academy finalist brings his hits to the stage for a festive evening.
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Anzin
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Anzin
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Look out for historical plaques, as Anzin is widely known as the cradle of French coal mining.
- Use the tramway network (Tramway de Valenciennes) which connects Anzin perfectly to neighboring towns.
- Parking is mostly free on residential streets, but double-check signs if you leave your car near Avenue Anatole France.
- Explore the nearby old slag heaps (terrils), which have been beautifully transformed into green nature reserves.
- Act like a local and grab a portion of French fries from a traditional 'baraque à frites' in the evening.
🍽 Food
🍽
Baraque à frites
Find a local chip stand for authentic northern French fries served with a variety of hearty sauces.
🍽
Carbonade Flamande
Try this traditional and hearty beef and beer stew at regional restaurants.
🍽
Gaufres (Waffles)
Pick up a fresh, sweet waffle at a local bakery or market stall for a quick treat.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Avenue Anatole France
Walk down this main thoroughfare to browse local bakeries, small shops, and boutiques.
🛍
Weekly Markets
Head to Place Roger Salengro on Tuesdays or Fridays to shop for fresh groceries and clothing.
🧘
Parc de la Sablière
Relax in this quiet local park, which is well-suited for a short stroll under the trees.
🧘
Château de la Princesse grounds
While the chateau itself is an administrative building, the surrounding park area provides a very pleasant and calm atmosphere.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
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Located in the heart of the Nord department near Valenciennes, Anzin is a fascinating town that is inextricably linked to the history of the Industrial Revolution in France. Once a pulsating center of coal mining, the town served as the direct inspiration for Émile Zola's famous novel "Germinal," which immortalized the dramatic miners' strike of 1884. Today, Anzin has undergone significant transformation, offering visitors an engaging mix of rich historical heritage and modern urban renewal. A stroll through the expansive Parc Dampierre, a green lung right in the city center, quickly makes you forget the industrial hustle and bustle of bygone days. The majestic Municipal Theater (Théâtre municipal) is an impressive example of early 20th-century architecture and testifies to the cultural flourishing that the wealth of coal once brought to the region. While the smoking chimneys are long gone, the characteristic red-brick architecture of the old mining settlements, known as "corons," still vividly recalls the proud and arduous past that has so deeply shaped this dynamic northern French region.
- Location: Hauts-de-France, France
- Top sights: Théâtre d'Anzin · Église Sainte-Barbe · Parc Dampierre
- Nearby: Aulnoy-lez-Valenciennes (5 km)
- Population: ~13.587
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 59 | 56 | 41 | 59 | 63 | 70 | 76 | 53 | 63 | 70 | 76 |
Geography
Facts
- First coal discovery: 1734.
- Part of the UNESCO Mining Basin site.
- Home to the Anzin Theater.
- Postal code: 59410.
- Served by the Valenciennes tramway.
- Area: 3.64 km².
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Anzin (5)
Frequently asked questions
What is Anzin historically famous for?
Anzin was the birthplace of coal mining in Northern France in the 18th century with the famous 'Compagnie des mines d'Anzin'.
What is the main cultural venue?
The Théâtre d'Anzin, one of the largest stages in the region with a diverse program from theater to concerts.
How to get from Valenciennes to Anzin?
The city is directly connected to Valenciennes by tram lines T1 and T2 (just a few minutes away).
Are there parks in Anzin?
Parc Dampierre is the green lung of the city, good for walks and family outings.
What traces of mining can still be seen?
You can see the old workers' houses (corons) and the former administration building of the mining company.
Anzin: where is it located?
Anzin is located in Hauts-de-France, France.
Anzin: what is there to see?
Highlights include Théâtre d'Anzin, Église Sainte-Barbe, Parc Dampierre.
Anzin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Anzin: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the heart of the Nord department near Valenciennes, Anzin is a fascinating town that is inextricably linked to the history of the Industrial Revolution in France.
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