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A small historic town in Artois, a historic region in northern France, Béthune is located southwest of Lille and not far from the other historic city in the region, Arras. Béthune is a city rich in architectural and historical heritage. The center of this town – which has just over 25,000 inhabitants – is very beautiful and is centered around the Grand Place – a large paved square with shops, cafes and the famous Belfry – and rue Grosse-Tête where there are beautiful historic houses with typical facades. The Belfry of Béthune is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Béthune Christmas market is the most important event of the Christmas period in this Artois town. During your visit to Béthune, don’t miss tasting the “Fort de Béthune”, a typical cheese made from leftover cheeses mixed with a little spice, white wine or alcohol and then packaged in jars. It is a fermented cheese that was once the staple food of miners.
BÉTHUNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Béthune Christmas Market (Marché de Noël). The Béthune market is one of the most famous in Artois, the stalls are usually set up along the Grand Place (Place du Beffroi) in the historic center of this beautiful Artois town. Every year the market focuses on a particular theme, in addition to the always present stalls – where you will find traditional sweets and handicrafts – usually during the Christmas holidays you will find rides, street artists, and usually an ice skating rink is also set up .
The magic of Christmas invades the city of Béthune, from the end of November the city is embellished with lights and Christmas decorations. During the Christmas period it will be possible to take carriage rides, observe live nativity scenes, have fun on the ice skating rink, on the wheel and on the Venetian carousel. Special for children: Santa’s house offers free workshops for children.