Terril n°42, Mining summit and viewpoint in Nœux-les-Mines, France
Terril n°42 is a large slag heap that rises above the town and offers panoramic views across the former mining region. From the summit, you can see the surrounding landscape and industrial structures that still mark the terrain.
This slag heap formed between 1864 and 1961 from mining operations at shaft 3 of the Noeux colliery, accumulating waste from coal extraction. After the mine closed, the site was transformed and given new purpose for the region.
This site represents the industrial past that shaped the region and its people over many decades. Walking here, you can understand how coal mining influenced the landscape and daily life in this area.
You can reach the summit through a lower gate that is open during daylight, with clear paths to the viewing areas. The site is easy to walk around and has several spots where you can stop and enjoy the views.
The site was equipped in 1996 with France's first synthetic ski slope, giving the former mining area an unexpected sporting use. An artificial lake at the peak enables water activities, an uncommon addition to a site rooted in coal extraction.
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