# Lens

> commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q165271](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q165271)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens,_Pas-de-Calais)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lens-q165271

## Summary
Lens is a commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. It is part of the Hauts-de-France region and serves as a significant urban center within the arrondissement of Lens, known for its historical, cultural, and industrial importance.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Pas-de-Calais department, Hauts-de-France region, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 50.431388888889, Longitude 2.8325.
- **Population**: Estimates vary between 30,413 and 32,920 residents across different years.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Lens, which was established on January 12, 1962.
- **Cantons**: Divided into multiple cantons, including Lens-Est, Lens-Nord-Est, Lens-Nord-Ouest, and the unified canton of Lens (established March 22, 2015).
- **Notable Landmarks**:
  - **Louvre-Lens**: Art museum opened in 2010.
  - **Stade Bollaert-Delelis**: Football stadium with significant local and national importance.
  - **Lens railway station**: Inaugurated in 1927.
- **Sports**: Home to R.C. Lens, a prominent French football club founded in 1906.
- **Website**: Official municipal site at [https://villedelens.fr](https://villedelens.fr).

## FAQs
**Where is Lens located?**
Lens is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. It lies at coordinates 50.431388888889 latitude and 2.8325 longitude.

**What is the population of Lens?**
The population of Lens has fluctuated between approximately 30,413 and 32,920 residents in recent years, reflecting its status as a mid-sized urban commune in France.

**What are the notable landmarks in Lens?**
Lens is home to several significant landmarks, including the Louvre-Lens art museum, which opened in 2010, and the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, a major football stadium. The Lens railway station, inaugurated in 1927, is another key infrastructure point.

**What sports team is based in Lens?**
R.C. Lens, a professional football club founded in 1906, is based in Lens. The club has a strong local following and competes in France's top football leagues.

**What administrative divisions is Lens part of?**
Lens is part of the arrondissement of Lens, established in 1962, and is divided into several cantons, including Lens-Est, Lens-Nord-Est, and Lens-Nord-Ouest. These cantons were historically significant but were reorganized into a single canton of Lens in 2015.

## Why It Matters
Lens plays a crucial role in the cultural and economic landscape of northern France. As a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department, it contributes to the regional identity and serves as a hub for sports, arts, and transportation. The presence of institutions like the Louvre-Lens museum and the R.C. Lens football club enhances its cultural and social significance, making it a point of interest for both locals and visitors. Additionally, its strategic location and infrastructure, such as the Lens railway station, facilitate connectivity within the region and beyond.

## Notable For
- **Cultural Hub**: Home to the Louvre-Lens, a satellite museum of the famous Louvre in Paris, which attracts art enthusiasts from across the region.
- **Football Legacy**: Host to R.C. Lens, a historic football club with a passionate fan base and a significant presence in French football.
- **Transportation Node**: The Lens railway station, operational since 1927, serves as a key transportation link in northern France.
- **Administrative Significance**: The arrondissement of Lens, established in 1962, oversees a broader administrative area, highlighting the commune's importance in regional governance.
- **Historical Cantons**: Previously divided into multiple cantons (Lens-Est, Lens-Nord-Est, Lens-Nord-Ouest), which were consolidated in 2015, reflecting its evolving administrative structure.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Lens is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. Its geographic coordinates are 50.431388888889 latitude and 2.8325 longitude, placing it in a strategic position within the region. The commune is part of a broader urban area that contributes to the economic and cultural dynamics of northern France.

### Administrative Structure
Lens is an integral part of the arrondissement of Lens, which was established on January 12, 1962. This arrondissement oversees multiple communes and plays a vital role in regional administration. Historically, Lens was divided into several cantons, including Lens-Est, Lens-Nord-Est, and Lens-Nord-Ouest. These cantons were significant administrative divisions until they were consolidated into a single canton of Lens on March 22, 2015, streamlining governance and representation.

### Cultural and Sports Landmarks
Lens is renowned for its cultural and sports landmarks. The **Louvre-Lens**, opened in 2010, is a satellite museum of the Louvre in Paris and serves as a major cultural attraction, showcasing a diverse collection of art and artifacts. The **Stade Bollaert-Delelis** is another notable landmark, serving as the home ground for R.C. Lens, the local football club founded in 1906. The stadium is a focal point for sports enthusiasts and hosts various football matches and events.

### Transportation Infrastructure
The **Lens railway station**, inaugurated in 1927, is a critical transportation hub in the commune. It facilitates rail connectivity within the region and beyond, supporting both passenger and freight services. The station's strategic location enhances Lens's accessibility and contributes to its role as a regional transportation node.

### Sports and Community
R.C. Lens, the local football club, is a cornerstone of the community's sports culture. Founded in 1906, the club has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. It competes in France's top football leagues and has contributed significantly to the local and national football scene. The club's presence fosters community engagement and pride, making it a vital part of Lens's identity.

### Economic and Social Role
Lens plays a significant role in the economic and social fabric of northern France. Its cultural institutions, sports legacy, and transportation infrastructure contribute to its regional importance. The commune's administrative structure, including its cantons and arrondissement, ensures effective governance and representation, supporting its continued growth and development.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. archINFORM
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. MusicBrainz
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. Populations légales 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [Source](https://it-ch.topographic-map.com/map-zmb9tj/Lens/?zoom=19&center=50.42864%2C2.83179&popup=50.42877%2C2.8317)
25. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
26. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
27. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
28. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
29. museum-digital
30. [Source](https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJgmQtq9HrmCwqcHfRHKVC.html)
31. YouTube API