The site sits on land reclaimed from the intensive coal extraction activities that dominated the region for over a century.
The water feature is part of a larger ecological restoration project aimed at reconnecting fragmented habitats in the Pas-de-Calais department.
It is situated within the perimeter of the Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012.
The landscape design intentionally reflects the undulating topography created by industrial terrils (slag heaps) nearby.
The Cascade de Souchez is a man-made waterfall feature located within the Parc de la Deûle near the site of the former slag heaps in the Souchez valley. It serves as a landscaped element integrated into the reclaimed industrial terrain of the Lens-Liévin mining basin. The waterfall utilizes a recirculating system designed to improve local water oxygenation and provide an aesthetic focal point in the green space. Paths surrounding the feature connect directly to the wider hiking network of the Bassin Minier, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is characterized by its transformation from an industrial mining landscape into a reforested ecological corridor. Its design emphasizes the intersection of natural reclamation and the region's coal-mining history.
The lower observation bridge facing the waterfall for a full view of the cascade and the reflective pool.
Bring waterproof footwear if visiting after rainfall, as the surrounding earth paths can become muddy.
Combine your visit with a hike up the nearby slag heaps for a panoramic view of the Souchez valley.
Use insect repellent during late spring and summer months due to the proximity of the water feature and surrounding vegetation.
Attempting to climb the steep, non-stabilized sides of the nearby slag heaps, which can cause erosion and pose safety risks.
Stick to marked walking trails to protect the surrounding flora and fragile reclaimed soil.
