Lens railway station

Lens railway station is a building in northern France designed with a distinctive 23-meter-high tower resembling a locomotive chimney and large arches shaped like steam engine wheels. The structure creatively blends practical railway functions with symbolic references to train technology.

The building was constructed between 1926 and 1927 after World War I left the region in ruins and reconstruction efforts began. It became an important symbol of economic recovery for the mining area in northern France.

Inside, you can see cubist mosaics by August Labouret showing scenes of coal mining and workers. These artworks remind visitors that this station belongs to a region shaped by its industrial past.

The station connects Lens to Paris via high-speed trains and offers regional services to nearby cities. Keep in mind that this is an active railway hub, so plan your visit to explore the building architecture alongside regular train operations.

The building rests on hydraulic jacks beneath its reinforced concrete foundation that protect it from damage caused by ground subsidence from nearby mine shafts. This hidden engineering solution allows the historical structure to stand safely on unstable ground.

Location: Lens

Inception: 1927

Architects: Urbain Cassan

Official opening: 1927

Elevation above the sea: 34 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: SNCF

Part of: northern French coal mining region

GPS coordinates: 50.42680,2.82820

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48