Béthune is a city and commune of northern France, sous-préfecture of the Pas-de-Calais département. It is the administrative center of the Communauté d'agglomération de l'Artois.

East of Pas-de-Calais (Béthune, Lens, Hénin-Beaumont)

History

Béthune is located in the former province of Artois.

Sights

Béthune is famous for its Beffroi (tower in the central square of the city).

Miscellaneous

Béthune was the birthplace of:

• Jean Buridan, probably born in Béthune (1300-1358), philosopher who sowed the seeds of religious scepticism in Europe
• Antoine Busnois, born near Béthune (c.1430-1492), composer and poet of the early Renaissance Burgundian School
• Pierre de Manchicourt (c. 1510-1564), composer of the Renaissance

External links

• City council website (in French)
• http://www.theotherside.co.uk/tm-heritage/towns/bethune.htm