Musical and Nature Walk
Discover the heritage of the Bois des Hautois.
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Oignies
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ℹ️Practical info — Oignies
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore Le 9-9bis, a former coal mine that has been transformed into a spirited cultural space.
- Notice the characteristic red-brick architecture of the Corons (miners' settlements) that still define the townscape.
- It is best to travel by car, as public transport in this region operates less frequently outside peak hours.
- Take time for a walk on the greened slag heaps (Terrils), which now offer excellent vantage points.
🍽 Food
🍽
Carbonnade Flamande
Try this traditional Flemish beef stew prepared with beer at the local brasseries.
🍽
Frites & Fricadelle
Grab authentic Northern French fries at one of the local chip stands (Friterie) in town.
🍽
Maroilles Cheese
Look on restaurant menus for dishes baked with this strong, regional cheese.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local Bakeries
Buy fresh baguettes and local pastries for a picnic in the former mining areas.
🛍
Weekly Market
Visit the local market to discover cheeses and regional specialties from northern France.
🧘
The Terrils
Hike up the greened slag heaps for a wide, undisturbed view over the flat landscape.
🧘
Parc des Hautois
A quiet nature reserve with ponds nearby, good for bird watching and relaxing walks.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Located in the Pas-de-Calais department within the Hauts-de-France region, Oignies is a pivotal destination for understanding the extensive industrial heritage of northern France. It was here, back in 1842, that coal was first discovered, sparking an economic boom that forever transformed the local landscape and culture. Today, the town proudly preserves its fascinating past, most notably at the carefully restored 9-9 bis mining pit, which stands as a prominent symbol of the UNESCO-listed Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin. Visitors can explore the impressive surface installations, admire the iconic pithead gears, and dive deep into the daily lives of the former coal miners at the Centre of Mining and Railway History. Beyond its rich heritage, Oignies looks towards the future with modern cultural venues like Le Métaphone, an extraordinary concert hall whose very architecture acts as a massive acoustic instrument. Surrounded by rehabilitated slag heaps that have now been fully reclaimed by lush nature, the area provides unexpected and highly scenic hiking trails with panoramic views over the region. Whether you are passionate about European industrial history or interested in modern cultural revival, Oignies provides a profoundly moving day trip.
- Location: Hauts-de-France, France
- Top sights: Fosse 9-9bis · Saint-Barthélemy Church · Le Métaphone
- Nearby: Noyelles-Godault (5 km)
- Population: ~10.323
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
- The 9-9bis mine pit began operations in 1930.
- The Metaphone is a concert hall with acoustic exterior walls.
- Oignies is located approximately 20 km south of Lille.
- Henriette de Clercq was a major benefactor of the town.
- The town witnessed significant combat during World War I.
- The slag heaps of Oignies are now protected nature reserves.
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
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→18:143.2 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 33–45 €Entries 39€ · Transport 0€
Morgen: We start the day in the quiet city center, admiring the classic architecture of the Town Hall and the peaceful atmosphere of the Saint-Barthélemy Church. Mittag: Our walk takes us further to the region's fascinating museums, which bring us closer to Oignies' rich industrial and railway history. Nachmittag: After lunch, we dive into the heart of the old coal mining era at Fosse 9-9bis, a monumental relic of hard underground labor. Abend: Finally, we climb the renatured Terril 110, where a magnificent panoramic view at sunset rewards us, and nature triumphs over industry.
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📍
09:10 · 45'
Oignies Town Hall
Admire the elegant architecture of the Oignies Town Hall, a symbol of local pride, and look closely at the historic facade details while exploring the quiet central square.
🚶 8'0.25 km
⛪
10:03 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Visit the impressive Saint-Barthélemy Church with its tranquil atmosphere offering deep insights into religious history, and make sure to photograph the beautiful stained glass windows.
🚶 16'0.67 km
🎨
11:09 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Discover the fascinating CMCF model railway museum, which recreates the region's industrial heyday in detail, and take your time to study the lovingly crafted miniature landscapes.
🚶 6'0.17 km
🎨
12:55 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Experience the authentic atmosphere of coal mining at Pit No. 2, where historic machinery is on display, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the exciting underground guided tour.
🚶 37'1.69 km
🏛️
15:12 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
Explore the iconic Fosse 9-9bis, a masterpiece of industrial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and start your walking tour early to fully appreciate the massive scale without the crowds.
🚶 12'0.47 km
📍
16:44 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Climb Terril 110, a renatured coal slag heap offering a wide-open panoramic view of the region, and remember to pack a bottle of water for the steep ascent to the top.
09:00→18:143.2 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 33–45 €Entries 39€ · Transport 0€
Start your rainy walk at the town hall, keeping an umbrella handy. Midday offers shelter in the fascinating railway and mining museums. In the afternoon, explore the historic 9-9bis site under the rain. Conclude by carefully climbing Terril 110; the wet paths require sturdy, waterproof footwear.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Oignies Town Hall
Admire the classic architecture of the town hall from under your umbrella, noting its historical details in the rain.
🚶 8'0.25 km
⛪
10:03 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Seek temporary shelter inside this peaceful church to dry off and admire its beautiful stained glass and quiet interior.
🚶 16'0.67 km
🎨
11:09 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Explore the vast collection of vintage locomotives inside the spacious, dry halls of the fascinating railway museum.
🚶 6'0.17 km
🎨
12:55 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Dive into the fascinating underground mining history where the exhibits stay perfectly dry regardless of the weather.
🚶 37'1.69 km
🏛️
15:12 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
Discover the rich industrial heritage of this imposing mine site, taking full advantage of the sheltered indoor areas.
🚶 12'0.47 km
📍
16:44 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Climb the slag heap carefully in waterproof boots; the wet black paths are slippery, but the moody landscape is remarkable.
09:00→18:143.2 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 33–45 €Entries 39€ · Transport 0€
Bundle up for a brisk winter walk starting at the town hall. Midday is perfect for exploring the warm, indoor industrial museums. In the afternoon, the historic mining structures of 9-9bis look striking against the pale sky. Finish early at Terril 110 to catch the stunning winter sunset around 17:00.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Oignies Town Hall
Start your chilly morning viewing the town hall's crisp facade; wear warm gloves as you photograph this civic landmark.
🚶 8'0.25 km
⛪
10:03 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Step inside the quiet church to escape the biting winter wind and enjoy the warm glow of light through its windows.
🚶 16'0.67 km
🎨
11:09 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
The enclosed railway museum provides a comfortable, cool retreat where you can marvel at historic trains away from the frost.
🚶 6'0.17 km
🎨
12:55 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Warm up as you explore the immersive indoor mining exhibits, offering a first-rate escape from the freezing outdoor temperatures.
🚶 37'1.69 km
🏛️
15:12 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
The towering brick structures look magnificent in the winter light; wrap a thick scarf around you while exploring the grounds.
🚶 12'0.47 km
📍
16:44 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Reach the summit by 16:30 for a wide-open winter sunset over the mining basin, but watch out for frosty patches.
09:00→19:184.6 km ride8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 48–66 €Entries 45€ · Transport 12€
Morgen: A brisk morning bike ride first takes us to the remote Chapelle Saint-Joseph and then onwards to the profound history of the Mine-image. Mittag: We cycle through the urban center, passing the historic railways at the CMCF and admiring the majestic town hall and church. Nachmittag: The route leads us to the monumental Fosse 9-9bis mining complex, where the extraordinary sonic architecture of Le Métaphone surprises us. Abend: The day ends with a ride to Terril 110, where a steep footpath provides an unforgettable view across the vast landscape.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Saint-Joseph Chapel
Visit the characterful Chapelle Saint-Joseph, a quiet architectural gem on the outskirts of town, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings best during a crisp morning walk.
🚲 16'2.11 km
🎨
10:16 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Experience the authentic atmosphere of coal mining at Pit No. 2, where historic machinery is on display, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the exciting underground guided tour.
🚲 4'0.17 km
🎨
12:00 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Discover the fascinating CMCF model railway museum, which recreates the region's industrial heyday in detail, and take your time to study the lovingly crafted miniature landscapes.
🚲 7'0.68 km
📍
13:47 · 45'
Oignies Town Hall
Admire the elegant architecture of the Oignies Town Hall, a symbol of local pride, and look closely at the historic facade details while exploring the quiet central square.
🚲 5'0.25 km
⛪
14:37 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Visit the impressive Saint-Barthélemy Church with its tranquil atmosphere offering deep insights into religious history, and make sure to photograph the beautiful stained glass windows.
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏛️
15:35 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
Explore the iconic Fosse 9-9bis, a masterpiece of industrial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and start your walking tour early to fully appreciate the massive scale without the crowds.
🚲 3'0.07 km
📍
16:58 · 45'
Le Métaphone
Be amazed by the futuristic concert hall Le Métaphone, whose facade acts as a gigantic musical instrument itself, and make sure to check the event schedule online before your visit.
🚲 5'0.4 km
📍
17:48 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Climb Terril 110, a renatured coal slag heap offering a sweeping panoramic view of the region, and remember to pack a bottle of water for the steep ascent to the top.
09:00→19:184.6 km ride8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 48–66 €Entries 45€ · Transport 12€
Put on your best waterproof cycling gear for a wet ride through Oignies. Morning stops at the chapel and museums keep you mostly dry. In the afternoon, carefully navigate wet roads to the heritage sites. End your damp adventure at Terril 110, taking care on the slippery trails.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Saint-Joseph Chapel
Park your bike and step into this characterful chapel to shake off the rain and enjoy a quiet, dry moment of reflection.
🚲 16'2.11 km
🎨
10:16 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Leave your wet gear in the cloakroom and spend a fascinating couple of hours exploring the dry underground mining galleries.
🚲 4'0.17 km
🎨
12:00 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Cycle carefully to the railway museum, where you can admire giant historical locomotives safely out of the persistent rain.
🚲 7'0.68 km
📍
13:47 · 45'
Oignies Town Hall
A quick stop to view the town hall's imposing architecture; be cautious when braking on the slick, wet cobblestones nearby.
🚲 5'0.25 km
⛪
14:37 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Lock your bike and take a brief, dry sanctuary inside the church to admire its peaceful ambiance while avoiding the showers.
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏛️
15:35 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
The historical mining buildings offer numerous covered spots to explore the site's rich heritage without getting completely soaked.
🚲 3'0.07 km
📍
16:58 · 45'
Le Métaphone
Marvel at the unique facade of this concert hall; the wet surfaces often create beautiful reflections of its distinct architecture.
🚲 5'0.4 km
📍
17:48 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Push your bike up the lowest paths or secure it at the base; the black slag is very slippery when wet, so hike up with extreme care.
09:00→19:184.6 km ride8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 48–66 €Entries 45€ · Transport 12€
Wear thermal layers and windproof gloves for this brisk winter cycling tour. The morning route relies on warm museums to thaw out. As the afternoon progresses to the striking heritage sites, remember that sunset falls early around 16:30. Ensure your bike lights are bright for the ride home.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Saint-Joseph Chapel
Start your frosty ride here, rubbing your hands warm inside the small chapel while admiring its simple, serene beauty.
🚲 16'2.11 km
🎨
10:16 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Escape the biting cold on your bike by delving into the fascinating, temperature-stable underground mining environment.
🚲 4'0.17 km
🎨
12:00 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Park your bike and thaw your frozen toes in the expansive indoor halls while marveling at restored vintage trains.
🚲 7'0.68 km
📍
13:47 · 45'
Oignies Town Hall
The town hall stands majestic against the stark winter sky; keep moving to stay warm as you snap a quick photo from your saddle.
🚲 5'0.25 km
⛪
14:37 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Step off your bike to enjoy a few minutes of quiet warmth and beautiful winter light filtering into the church.
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏛️
15:35 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
Bundle up tightly as you cycle around the vast, wind-swept grounds of this iconic and historical mining site.
🚲 3'0.07 km
📍
16:58 · 45'
Le Métaphone
As the early afternoon light fades, the striking modern architecture of this venue provides an excellent winter photo opportunity.
🚲 5'0.4 km
📍
17:48 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Lock up and hike the heap for a 16:30 sunset; ensure your bike lights are fully charged for the dark, chilly ride back.
09:00→19:002.4 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 43–57 €Entries 50€ · Transport 0€
Morgen: We start our comfortable car journey at the Mine-image, where we delve deep into the historic world of the Oignies miners. Mittag: We park near the center to experience the model railways of the CMCF and the quiet splendor of the Saint-Barthélemy Church. Nachmittag: A short drive brings us to the impressive Fosse 9-9bis facility and the mining museum, which celebrate the region's industrial heritage. Abend: After a look at the futuristic Le Métaphone, we conclude the day with the climb up Terril 110 and its magnificent views.
← swipe for more places →
🎨
09:10 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Experience the authentic atmosphere of coal mining at Pit No. 2, where historic machinery is on display, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the exciting underground guided tour.
🚗 4'0.17 km
🎨
10:54 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Discover the fascinating CMCF model railway museum, which recreates the region's industrial heyday in detail, and take your time to study the lovingly crafted miniature landscapes.
🚗 5'0.67 km
⛪
12:39 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Visit the impressive Saint-Barthélemy Church with its tranquil atmosphere offering deep insights into religious history, and make sure to photograph the beautiful stained glass windows.
🚗 6'0.88 km
🏛️
13:35 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
Explore the iconic Fosse 9-9bis, a masterpiece of industrial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and start your walking tour early to fully appreciate the massive scale without the crowds.
🚗 3'0.13 km
🎨
14:58 · 100'
Mining and Railway Center
Dive deep into the symbiosis of mining and railways by marveling at historic locomotives, and be sure to ask the passionate staff for fascinating anecdotes about the miners' lives.
🚗 3'0.12 km
📍
16:41 · 45'
Le Métaphone
Be amazed by the futuristic concert hall Le Métaphone, whose facade acts as a gigantic musical instrument itself, and make sure to check the event schedule online before your visit.
🚗 4'0.4 km
📍
17:30 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Climb Terril 110, a renatured coal slag heap offering a panoramic panoramic view of the region, and remember to pack a bottle of water for the steep ascent to the top.
09:00→19:002.4 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 43–57 €Entries 50€ · Transport 0€
A rainy day in Oignies is perfectly suited for a driving tour. The morning is easily spent hopping between the dry, indoor mining and railway museums. In the afternoon, drive smoothly to the historic 9-9bis site, keeping your wipers on. Finish with a cautious walk up Terril 110, ensuring you have sturdy, waterproof boots in the trunk.
← swipe for more places →
🎨
09:10 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Park right near the entrance and dash inside to explore the immersive, fully enclosed underground mining world away from the rain.
🚗 4'0.17 km
🎨
10:54 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
A quick drive takes you to the vast, dry railway sheds where you can comfortably marvel at the massive historic locomotives.
🚗 5'0.67 km
⛪
12:39 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
Leave the car briefly and use an umbrella to reach the church, finding a dry, peaceful haven inside to admire its architecture.
🚗 6'0.88 km
🏛️
13:35 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
Drive directly to the site parking and explore the impressive industrial heritage buildings, using their covered sections during heavy showers.
🚗 3'0.13 km
🎨
14:58 · 100'
Mining and Railway Center
Enjoy the convenience of arriving by car to thoroughly explore this combined center, staying completely dry while learning the local history.
🚗 3'0.12 km
📍
16:41 · 45'
Le Métaphone
View this architectural gem from the comfort of your heated car, or dash out quickly for a photo of the rain-slicked surfaces.
🚗 4'0.4 km
📍
17:30 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Change into waterproof boots from your trunk before ascending the slippery black paths; the dramatic, cloudy views are entirely worth it.
09:00→19:002.4 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 43–57 €Entries 50€ · Transport 0€
Take advantage of your car's heater on a crisp winter tour. The morning is perfect for deep dives into the temperature-controlled museums. Midday offers clear, frosty views of the 9-9bis heritage site. Ensure you drive cautiously on icy patches and aim to reach Terril 110 before the early 16:30 dusk settles.
← swipe for more places →
🎨
09:10 · 100'
Mine-image of Pit No. 2
Leave the cold behind as you step from your heated car into the fully enclosed and relatively warm underground mining world.
🚗 4'0.17 km
🎨
10:54 · 100'
CMCF Oignies Railway Museum
Enjoy a quick, warm drive to the railway sheds, where massive steam locomotives are preserved safely away from the winter frost.
🚗 5'0.67 km
⛪
12:39 · 50'
Saint-Barthélemy Church
A brief chilly walk from your parking spot brings you into this quiet church, beautifully illuminated by the low winter sun.
🚗 6'0.88 km
🏛️
13:35 · 80'
Fosse 9-9bis
The imposing brick structures stand sharply against the winter sky; dress warmly when stepping out of the car to explore the site.
🚗 3'0.13 km
🎨
14:58 · 100'
Mining and Railway Center
Park conveniently close and dive deep into regional history in this indoor center, avoiding the freezing outdoor temperatures completely.
🚗 3'0.12 km
📍
16:41 · 45'
Le Métaphone
Roll down your windows briefly to photograph this unique building, whose sleek design looks incredibly sharp in the cold winter air.
🚗 4'0.4 km
📍
17:30 · 60'
Slag Heap Terril 110
Time your arrival for 16:30 to hike up and catch a spectacular early sunset; keep an ice scraper handy for your car windows later.
Sights in the town Oignies (9)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Oignies?
The 9-9bis site, a former coal mine complex now serving as a cultural and music venue.
Does Oignies have a mining history?
Yes, it was the heart of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais coal basin, where the last coal was extracted in 1990.
Where can one walk in Oignies?
The Parc de la Gare d'Eau gives pleasant green spaces on the site of a former industrial area.
How far is Oignies from Lille?
It is located about 20 kilometers south of Lille, easily reached via the A1 motorway.
When are concerts held in Oignies?
The Le Métaphone cultural center organizes regular concerts throughout the year.
Oignies: where is it located?
Oignies is located in Hauts-de-France, France.
Oignies: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fosse 9-9bis, Saint-Barthélemy Church, Le Métaphone.
Oignies: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Oignies: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the Pas-de-Calais department within the Hauts-de-France region, Oignies is a pivotal destination for understanding the extensive industrial heritage of northern France.
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