Guided Tour: The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and Their Surrounding Areas - La Louvière and Le Roeulx, Hainaut

Overview

Welcome to our comprehensive guide about the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their surroundings in La Louvière and Le Roeulx, Hainaut, Belgium! This guide is designed for tourists who wish to explore the unique engineering marvels, rich history, and picturesque landscapes of this region.

The Canal du Centre

The Canal du Centre (Central Canal) was constructed between 1782 and 1804. It plays a vital role in connecting the Scheldt to the Sambre and Oise rivers, providing a significant waterway for transportation and trade across Belgium. The Four Lifts, a series of lock-and-lift complexes, were added between 1962 and 1973 to improve the canal’s efficiency.

The Four Lifts (Les Quatre Écluses)

Lift 1 - La Louvière (Écluse n°1)

• Location: Located in the heart of La Louvière, this lift was completed in 1962 and is the first in the series.
• Features: With a height difference of 14.8 meters, this lift can lift vessels with a capacity of up to 500 tons. It’s equipped with two gates and two lock chambers.
• Visitor Center: The Lift 1 Visitor Centre (Centre d’Interprétation des Écluses) provides information about the canal, its history, and the surrounding area.

Lift 2 - Le Roeulx (Écluse n°2)

• Location: Situated in Le Roeulx, this lift was completed in 1970.
• Features: With a height difference of 14.3 meters, it can handle vessels with a capacity of up to 650 tons. Like Lift 1, it’s equipped with two gates and two lock chambers.

Lift 3 - La Louvière (Écluse n°3)

• Location: Another lift located in La Louvière, this one was completed in 1965.
• Features: With a height difference of 22.4 meters, it can handle vessels with a capacity of up to 800 tons. It features three lock chambers and one basin for mooring.

Lift 4 - Le Roeulx (Écluse n°4)

• Location: The final lift in the series, located in Le Roeulx, was completed in 1973.
• Features: With a height difference of 25 meters, it can handle vessels with a capacity of up to 800 tons. It features three lock chambers and one basin for mooring.

Surrounding Areas - La Louvière and Le Roeulx

La Louvière

• Historic Centre: Explore the charming streets, picturesque squares, and historic buildings in the town centre, such as the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the Church of St. Peter (Église St. Pierre).
• Museums: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts), which houses an impressive collection of works by local and international artists, or the Musée Belfroid, dedicated to the works of the symbolist painter James Ensor.
• Parks and Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Parc de la Haute-Itonne or Jardin du Val d’Oise, both offering stunning views and peaceful environments.

Le Roeulx

• Château de Rœulx: Discover this magnificent 13th-century castle, which has been beautifully restored and features an on-site museum showcasing its rich history.
• Natural Park of the Haine Valley (Parc Naturel du Val de la Haine): Enjoy a peaceful walk through this picturesque park, which offers various hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the Haine Valley.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

• The Four Lifts are open to visitors throughout the year, with slight variations in opening hours during the winter months. For the most accurate information, check the official Canal du Centre website (www.canalducentre.be).

Tickets

• Entrance to the Four Lifts and their Visitor Centres is usually free, although there may be additional fees for guided tours or special exhibitions. Check the official website for the most accurate information.

Getting There

• By Car: The Four Lifts are easily accessible by car via the E42 motorway.
• By Train: La Louvière and Le Roeulx both have train stations, with regular connections to Brussels and other major Belgian cities.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information about exploring the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their surroundings in La Louvière and Le Roeulx, Hainaut. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to share your experiences with us!