These massive black pyramids dot the entire landscape.
Most are small and irregularly shaped, but the pair at Loos-en-Gohelle are exceptional.
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The once despised slag heaps are now a symbol of proud mining heritage.
“Because of the mines, the people here were tough and the bonds between them were strong.
Life was extremely hard.
Today we are proud of that.”
And nature is slowly transforming these barren heaps of soil into fertile grounds.
The surprising biodiversity has been exploited by the local people in various ways.
In another terril, a few miles to the west, another businessman grows vines to make wine.
Some of the terrils, including the 11/19, are now on the UNESCO world heritage list.
