Bruay-la-Buissiere combines a down-to-earth mining heritage with a passion for historic architecture. The beautifully restored Art Deco swimming pool is a national showpiece. Visit the family-friendly mining museum, explore the ruins of a centuries-old castle and hike up a cone-shaped slag heap.
Things to do in Bruay-la-Buissière
Pack your swimsuit and enjoy a dip at Piscine Roger Salengro. Opened in 1936, the Art Deco swimming pool will impress you with its grand scale. It’s one of the best preserved public pools in France and features beautiful stained-glass windows, glazed tiles and balustrades. Swim laps in the main pool, sunbathe on the terrace and jump off the diving boards.
Learn about the region’s blue-collar past at Musée de la Mine de Bruay. Exhibits introduce you to century-old mining techniques and spotlight dangers like rockslides and explosions. Entering the dark and dimly lit museum feels like descending into a mine.
Visit Donjon de Labuissière and explore the ruins of a 12th-century castle. The imposing stone keep is all that’s left of the stronghold. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch on the grass. Fill your basket with local delicacies like duck pate and “flamiche au Maroilles” cheese tart. Don’t forget a bottle of full-bodied French wine.
Explore scenic hiking trails in Terrils des Jumeaux, a pair of conical twin slag heaps reimagined as a unique recreation area. Today the 180-metre-tall slags are covered with natural vegetation. Follow the narrow staircase up one of the slags for breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. The views stretch all the way to the Belgian mountains on clear days.
Getting around Bruay-la-Buissière
Bruay-la-Buissiere is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Hauts-de-France region, a one-hour drive from Lille. Trains run between Lille and Bethune in 30 minutes. From here, it’s a 15-minute drive to Bruay-la-Buissiere. Lille Airport is a one-hour drive away.