La Route du Louvre

Exit the rivalry between the "Sang et or" of Lens and the Lille "Dogues" ! ⚽

The aim of the La Route du Louvre, created in 2006 (if you’re a football fan, that date might sting, sorry 😭), is to connect the two cities 🔗 through races, hikes and trails in a sporty and festive 🎉. You’ll have the chance to travel between Lille and Lens and visit the « second Louvre », tucked in a heart of a park of 20 hectares, for an atmosphere that is half-urban half-nature 🏙🌳 depending on the distances chosen. And there are plenty of distances to pick from! You can choose among the 2 trails of 15 km and 9 km, the 5 hiking routes of 9 km, 10 km, 14 km, 15 km and 24 km and the 4 road races of 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and the marathon. Had you done the math yet? 😳 That’s 11 different distances in total! 🤯 11 chances to bring the two cities closer, so close yet so far at the same time. 11 chances also to enjoy the festive, natural, urban, and cultural vibes of the event ❤️‍🔥. And if the adventure appeals to you, you’ll also have to let yourself be won over by the North. See you in Mayin the Pas-de-Calais, in Hauts-de-France, in Lens 🏃‍♀️.

On the program: gardens and public parks, long strides along the Deûle, the terrils, visits to nearby villages such as Emmerin, Bauvin or Wingles... And more! 😉 With this rich cultural and historical heritage, the options are wide in the region. And, of course, the highlight of this race is the Louvre-Lens Museum 🖼. Opened in 2012, this art center with a "remarkable garden" is a worthy replica of its twin located in the capital... Up to the pyramids! 🔺And yes, with the slag heaps outside the city, you could almost feel like you’re in Paris.

By the way, these slag heaps are worth talking about! You’ll have a chance to see them and maybe even climb them (a bit of a must) during the many races that will take you through the city’s miner’s past ⛏🪨. You won’t learn anything if you’re not from the region, of course, but for history or literature lovers, it’s a golden opportunity to discover the heritage and culture of the Nord and the miners who shaped it 🔥. The mining basin, where Lens is located, has just been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s Émile Zola who would be happy about this: finally, we recognize these great men and women for their true value, more than a century after Germinal 🙏.

So you’ve got it: this will be a concentrated mix of culture, art, history, nature and sport 😍. An unforgettable weekend under the spring temperatures of May. May

And as good news never comes alone, know that we weren’t lying about the festive side of the competition: Pasta party, local product market, musical performances 🥳🎷. All the ingredients are here for you to have an amazing time! This little trip could also let you enjoy Lille, just 40 minutes away by car! This stop should delight party lovers seeking nightlife. The Capitale des Flandres has nothing to prove in that regard. Becoming a student, dynamic, attractive and multicultural city, it has a thousand opportunities to end this experience in style 🙌.

So what are you waiting for to Lens-er and become the Mona Lisa of running? 👰‍♀️