Canadian Race
A commemorative race to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for our freedom.
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Avion
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ℹ️Practical info — Avion
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take time to understand the region's mining past; it explains the unique landscape punctuated by slag heaps (terrils).
- The Parc des Glissoires is very busy on sunny afternoons; arrive in the morning to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
- The memory of the WWII Resistance is very present in the town; look out for the memorials in the center.
- As the town is not overrun by tourists, expect authentic Northern French hospitality rather than souvenir shops.
🍽 Food
🍽
Frites from a Friterie
Try authentic Northern French fries, ideally paired with a frikandelle from a local fry stand.
🍽
Carbonade Flamande
A sweet and savory beef stew braised in beer. Order it in the traditional brasseries in the area.
🍽
Maroilles Cheese
A strong-flavored regional cheese that is frequently served melted on savory tarts (Flamiche).
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Regional Craft Beer
The culture of the North is closely tied to brewing; look for bottles from local microbreweries.
🛍
Local Weekly Markets
Visit the farmers' markets in the Lens arrondissement to discover fresh agricultural produce from the Hauts-de-France region.
🧘
Parc des Glissoires
The green heart of Avion; the lakes and wooded paths on former mining grounds are excellent for relaxing walks.
🧘
Hike the Slag Heaps (Terrils)
Just a short drive away, the planted slag heaps offer surprisingly peaceful nature and expansive views.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Avion is a town in the Pas-de-Calais department, deeply anchored in the coal mining heritage of northern France. Located in the heart of the Mining Basin, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Avion's identity was forged by the rhythmic life of the coal pits and the solidarity of its labor force. The urban fabric is dominated by characteristic brick houses and the towering slag heaps, known as 'terrils,' which have now been rehabilitated into ecological parks. The town is historically significant for its fierce resistance during World War II, a legacy that earned it the Croix de Guerre. Since the decline of the mining industry in the late 20th century, Avion has reinvented itself as a modern residential and administrative center within the Lens-Liévin metropolitan area. It places a strong emphasis on social cohesion and environmental restoration, exemplified by the transformation of industrial wasteland into the lush Glissoire recreational park, which serves as a major hub for sports and family activities.
- Location: Hauts-de-France, France
- Top sights: Parc des Glissoires · Saint-Denis Church · Terril de Pinchonvalles
- Nearby: Loison-sous-Lens (4 km)
- Population: ~18.245
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 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 55 | 53 | 41 | 59 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 52 | 65 | 71 | 74 |
Geography
Facts
- Part of the UNESCO Mining Basin
- Total area: 13.04 km²
- Maximum elevation: 77 meters
- Recipient of the Croix de Guerre
- Strategic rail link to Paris and Lille
- Postal code: 62210
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Avion (7)
Frequently asked questions
What is the mining history of Avion?
Avion was an important coal mining center in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais basin, as evidenced today by the slag heaps.
What does the Parc de la Glissoire offer?
This former mining site has been transformed into a huge park with lakes, fishing spots, and trails for walking and cycling.
How far is Avion from the Louvre-Lens?
The famous Louvre-Lens museum is only about 5 km away and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car or bus.
Are there memorial sites in Avion?
Nearby is the Canadian National Vimy Memorial Park, an important memorial site for those who fell in World War I.
When does the weekly market take place?
The market of Avion takes place every Thursday morning at Place Jacques Duclos.
Avion: where is it located?
Avion is located in Hauts-de-France, France.
Avion: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parc des Glissoires, Saint-Denis Church, Terril de Pinchonvalles.
Avion: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Avion: why is it worth visiting?
Avion is a town in the Pas-de-Calais department, deeply anchored in the coal mining heritage of northern France.
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