Courrières () is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France about northeast of Lens. The Lens canal and the canalized river Deûle forms three quarters of the borders of the commune.

Nearest communes

  • Harnes (west)
  • Estevelles (northwest)
  • Carvin (north)
  • Oignies (east)
  • Dourges (southeast)
  • Montigny-en-Gohelle

History

The Courrières mine disaster which resulted in 1,099 deaths on 10 March 1906. All the regions' coalmines were closed by 1970. It was the site of a massacre in 1940.

Population

Notable people

  • Jules Adolphe Aimé Louis Breton, painter
  • Catherine Plewinski, swimmer
  • Eric Sikora, footballer

International relations

Courrières is twinned with:

  • Barlinek, Poland
  • Aylesham, United Kingdom

See also

  • Communes of the Pas-de-Calais department

References

  • Official website of the town
  • Regional website
  • Website about the town
  • The CWGC cemetery