Attractions and Places To See around Divion - Top 20

Within Divion, you can discover several historical sites. These include a 15th-century Monumental Sandstone Cross, a War Memorial commemorating WWI, and the 19th-century Saint-Martin Church, built on the site of an old castle chapel. Additionally, Divion is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its significant mining basin heritage.

Divion's landscape is shaped by the Lawe and Biette rivers. For recreation, you can visit the Parc du Domaine de la Biette, which offers tree-lined walkways and fishing routes. The town also provides various recreational facilities like 'city stadiums,' a skate park, and a fitness trail.

Yes, there are a couple of notable viewpoints. You can visit Terril Number 5 of Lapugnoy, a former slag heap offering views of the surrounding countryside and the Bois de Lapugnoy. Another excellent spot is The belvedere at Olhain Park, which is the highest point in Pas-de-Calais, providing panoramic views of the Artois hills, the mining basin, and the Flanders mountains from its 40-meter height.

Near Divion, you can explore two significant historical castles. Olhain Castle, dating from the 13th and 15th centuries, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in northern France, surrounded by moats. Another option is Bours Keep, a 14th-century tower that was once a family fortress, known for its impressive stone structure and six cylindrical turrets.

For families, the belvedere at Olhain Park offers not only panoramic views but also a slide and zip line for adventure. The park itself is lush and green, perfect for outdoor fun. Divion also has a unique spherical-roofed 'Tournesol' swimming pool that can be partially opened in summer, and various 'city stadiums' and a skate park for active children.

The area around Divion offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find trails that explore Divion's heritage or the hilly, wooded surroundings and waterways. The local tourist office provides maps. You can also explore numerous routes for different sports; for example, there are several hiking trails around Divion, including a moderate 9.5 km loop from Calonne-Ricouart. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes and gravel biking options, such as a moderate 32.7 km route along the Lawe from Lapugnoy.

While Divion itself is a smaller town, several nearby towns host regional markets. Béthune, approximately 11-13 km away, has markets on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays. Other towns like Calonne-Ricouart (Thursday), Bruay-la-Buissière (Sunday & Friday), Marles-les-Mines (Saturday), and Auchel (Tuesday) also offer market days for local produce and goods.

Divion's location makes it a good base for exploring the wider Pas-de-Calais region. Béthune (11-13 km) is home to the Beffroi de Béthune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arras (28-29 km) offers the Arras Citadelle and the Beffroi et hôtel de ville d'Arras, both historical sites, along with the Arras Carrière Wellington museum. Aire-sur-la-Lys (20 km) is known for its ornate bailliage building, and Saint-Omer (35 km) is an attractive town with well-preserved houses.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. For instance, the Caucourt Ford and Watermill is loved for its 'magical' atmosphere and the unique experience of crossing the river. The former mining slag heaps, like Terril Number 5 of Lapugnoy, are valued for showcasing the region's industrial heritage reclaimed by nature, offering both history and scenic views. The panoramic views from The belvedere at Olhain Park are also highly praised.

Yes, nature enthusiasts can explore the Réserve naturelle nationale des grottes et des pelouses d'Acquin-Westbécourt et des coteaux de Wavrans-sur-l'Aa, located about 35 km away, which offers insights into the regional natural beauty. Additionally, the Forêt d'Hesdin, approximately 36 km from Divion, provides opportunities for nature walks and outdoor activities.

The region is generally pleasant to visit during the warmer months, from spring to early autumn (April to October), when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and for exploring historical sites and parks. The 'Tournesol' swimming pool in Divion is partially opened during the summer, offering a refreshing option. Many natural sites and gardens, like Les Jardins de Sericourt, are also at their best during these seasons.