Centre Historique Minier de Lewarde

Beschrijving

If you're passing through Cœur d'Ostrevent, the Lewarde Mining History Center is a must-see. It's the kind of place where you learn a lot without even noticing the time passing. Treat yourself to a guided tour—it’s honestly worth the detour. The explanations are simple and concrete; they tell you about the miners’ lives, their daily routines, and what it was like to work underground. And then there’s the walk through the underground tunnels: you descend via the impressive elevator, retrace the path where the miners worked, and immediately gain a better understanding of what it was like.Depending on the time of year, you might also come across temporary exhibits—always different—that offer a fresh perspective on the mine, local history, or more current topics. The site regularly hosts events and activities, especially for families, which makes every visit a little unique. Before you leave, a quick stop at the gift shop is a must: books, souvenirs, gift ideas… perfect for extending your visit or taking home a memento of the local heritage. And this isn’t just any site: the Lewarde Historic Mining Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A place that’s interesting, welcoming, and easy to explore—ideal for having a good time while discovering an important part of the mining heritage.

Accessibility for people with disabilities:

- Mobility impairments:
Paved walkways have been created to connect the various buildings at the mine:
most of the site is now wheelchair accessible. To compensate for areas they cannot access, visitors in wheelchairs are shown a presentation video; after watching it on a TV, the visitor rejoins the rest of the group to continue the tour
- Hearing impairment:
Guided tours in French Sign Language (LSF) are available for groups, led by trained interpreters
Video guides are provided
- Intellectual disability:
The restaurant Le Briquet holds the “Tourism and Disability” certification for all four types of disabilities, thanks to renovations completed in 2009. Visitors wishing to go there should proceed to the reception desk at the Historic Mining Center from the main parking lot, where the receptionists will direct them.
In 2010, the Historic Mining Center received the “Museum for All, Museum for Everyone” award, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, for its “outstanding achievement and best practices in accessibility for visitors with disabilities.” Then, in 2014, the Center was also awarded a “Positive Accessibility” certificate in the “Access” category by the National Council on Disability.
- Visual Impairment:
Acquisition of a tactile model of the site, designed to facilitate engagement with visually impaired visitors, enabling them to understandthe size of the site and the layout of the various buildings.
Enhanced lighting in the galleries, activated on demand.
White markings along the edges of the walkways connecting the buildings to help visually impaired visitors navigate, as well as markings on pillars, windows, and steps
Updating the site’s signage to comply with the guidelines for visually impaired visitors