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20 years of the Circle of Friends: Historical discovery in Bruay-la-Buissière!
Experience visiting the historic Cité des Électriciens in Bruay-la-Buissière: a look back at mining history and culture.
20 years of the Circle of Friends: Historical discovery in Bruay-la-Buissière!
On Monday, September 8, 2025, members of the Fröndenberg-Bruay-la-Buissière Circle of Friends visited the settlement in Bruay-la-Buissière to explore the historical and cultural significance of the region. The participants included Christian, Udo, Friedhelm, Martin and Gaby, who took an informative tour of the Cité des Électriciens together. The tour was led by Udo and a friendly companion.
The theme of the city tour was “From mining to industrial wasteland to a modern residential city”. The group visited a variety of locations, including the velodrome, the church, the impressive Donjon La Buissière, the Art Deco swimming pool Piscine and the Stade Salengro. Particularly noteworthy is the Cité des Électriciens, which is considered the oldest surviving mining town in northern France and was built in 1856 by the Compagnie des Mines de Bruay.
Cultural heritage of the region
The Cité des Électriciens symbolizes the coal boom and the industrial paternalism of the 19th century. It was declared a historical monument in 2009 and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012. The cultural and tourist center is open to visitors and offers insights into the events of the industrial revolution right up to the closure of the last mine.
Particular attention is paid to the development of the region's water supply, which transitioned from wells to running water in the 1950s. The integration of foreign workers was also crucial to meet labor needs. Since 2009, all facades and roofs of buildings on certain streets have been protected as historical monuments.
The Cité des Électriciens visitor center
The Cité des Électriciens visitor center has an impressive exhibition space of 1000 m², offering visitors the opportunity to intensively discover the mining heritage. In interactive areas, guests can experience a unique journey through time through the history of mining. This center, designed by the Philippe Prost architectural agency and the Museum Exhibit Designers Du&Ma, consists of a modern building and a former residential building that has been rehabilitated.
The modern façade made of enamelled red tiles won the 2016 Laterrecuite Architendance Prize in the Tertiary category. The exhibition focuses on the mountain landscape and urban planning from Valenciennes to Béthune. Another highlight is the rehabilitated miners' home, which focuses on the lifestyle and building materials of the mining towns.
Interactive elements such as models, games and audiovisual content ensure that the mining heritage is conveyed in an entertaining and informative way. This makes the center a place that is appealing to visitors of all ages.
After the intensive impressions and the shared exchange, the group returned to the hotel after an eventful day to reflect on their experiences while eating together. Saying goodbye to Bruay and the friendly clubs and organizers was not easy for the participants. The journey home was announced for the following day.