Charleroi Travel Guide

Experience the best of Charleroi - a comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, food, and drink scene, transportation, accommodations, safety, and health tips.


Introduction to Charleroi

Charleroi, the picturesque town in Wallonia, Belgium, is renowned for its art, history, and industrial heritage. The city serves as a gateway to discovering rich fabric of Wallonia through its unique culture, historic landmarks, and natural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Charleroi

Charleroi is a perfect blend of artistic heritage, industrial history, and picturesque landscapes. Here are the top places to visit in Charleroi:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Belfry of Charleroi - A 42-meter tall belfry constructed in 1936, that stands tall in the city center.

  2. Bois du Cazier - A historic site, turned museum, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the coalmine, glass museum, and the memorial of the tragedy in the 1966 mine accident.

  3. Museum of Fine Arts in Charleroi - A unique collection of Belgium and international artworks from the 19th century to the contemporary period.

  4. Charleroi-Danses - A contemporary cultural center that promotes and supports the art of dance, culture, and local talent.

  5. Charleroi Adventure - An innovative amusement park offering a unique experience that can amaze kids of all ages.

Natural Attractions of Charleroi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Nature Park of La Sambre - A natural reserve for birds to observe the indigenous flora and fauna in the region.

  2. Boat ride along the Canal du Centre - Discover Charleroi from a unique perspective, and enjoy the beautiful landscape while cruising along the Canal.

  3. Parc du Bois de la Houssière - A woodland park in the city offers a beautiful landscape with hiking and biking trails.

  4. The Lakes of Eau d’Heure - A vast complex of one of the artificial lakes of Belgium, individual activities, or a leisure activity in the warm summer months.

  5. Parc de la Boverie - A beautiful park located in the city center, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Charleroi

The region of Charleroi offers multiple routes for hiking and biking enthusiasts, and here are some popular ones to discover:

  1. The RAVel network in Charleroi - A system of a dozen cycle tracks and greenways that connect the different areas and tourist sites of the region.

  2. Bois du Luc Discovery Loop - A 3.3 km trail running throughout the mining villages and the charming forest of Bois du Luc.

  3. Bois du Prince - A delightful walk in the heart of the countryside with a variety of landscapes like fields, woods, and riverside.

  4. The Canal du Centre - A bike-friendly, serene environment amidst the picturesque countryside of Wallonia.

  5. Plate Taille Route - A 37 km circular track that runs through the southeastern part of the province.

Best Things to Do in Charleroi: Activities and Tours

Charleroi offers a range of activities and tours that cater to all ages and interests.

  1. Guided walking tours - Explore the charming historical landmarks of Charleroi accompanied by a guide to discover the city’s rich heritage and learn about its industrial past.

  2. Nightlife Tours - Experience the city’s vibrant and happening nightlife in the company of a guide who knows the region best.

  3. Cooking Classes - Learn how to cook Belgian food from local chefs and take home with you a unique gastronomic experience.

  4. Art Classes - Take up art classes to explore your creativity or learn advanced techniques of painting, drawing, or mixed media.

  5. Culinary Tours - Discover the city’s food and drink culture on a guided tour around the best local hotspots, cafes, and restaurants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Charleroi

Charleroi is packed with numerous attractions, activities, and leisurely excursions that make it the perfect destination for a week-long vacation. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Charleroi:

Day Plan
Day 1 Explore the best museums and historical landmarks of Charleroi
Day 2 Take a leisurely boat ride along the Canal du Centre and enjoy the scenic landscape
Day 3 Discover the Bois du Cazier and the art scene of Charleroi-Danse
Day 4 Hike through the Parc du Bois de la Houssière, to explore the lush green woodland
Day 5 Witness the beauty of the Lakes of Eau d’Heure and enjoy the water sports
Day 6 Discover the local culture, food, and drink scene of Charleroi
Day 7 Take an exciting cycling tour of the RAVel network of Charleroi and explore the historic mining villages

Food and Drink Scene of Charleroi

Charleroi boasts a diverse food and drink scene with an array of tasty dishes. Here are some must-try dishes in Charleroi:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Carbonade Flamande - A hearty Belgian Beef stew brewed in beer and served with fries.

  2. Boulette sauce lapin - Rabbit Meatballs in a delicate sauce are a must-have delicacy in Charleroi.

  3. Mitraillette - A sandwich made with various meats, fries, and mayonnaise.

  4. Waterzooi - A stew dish made of chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream.

  5. Salade Liégeoise - A salad with bacon, potatoes, and green beans, garnished with a boiled egg and apple cider vinegar.

Local Beverages

Charleroi’s drink scene includes local beers, regional wines, and specialty spirits. Here are some drinks to try on your next trip:

  1. La Chimay - A Trappist beer brewed in the Scourmont Abbey of Chimay.

  2. Pèket - Wallonia’s favorite spirit made from wheat or oat, served cold with different flavors.

  3. Poiré - An alcoholic beverage made from pears instead of apples.

  4. Vin Moselle - A popular white wine from the Moselle region.

Where to Stay in Charleroi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Charleroi offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Novotel Charleroi - A four-star hotel located in the city center offering beautiful views of the river.

  2. Ibis Budget Charleroi Airport - A cost-effective hotel situated close to the Charleroi airport.

  3. Hotel de la Basse Sambre - A charming hotel with a garden terrace, situated in the heart of Charleroi.

  4. La Perle d’Eau - A beautiful guest house in the countryside with picturesque views of the river and hills.

  5. Airbnbs - You can find a variety of Airbnb rentals that offer unique experiences like staying on a farm or in a historic castle.

What to Buy in Charleroi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Charleroi’s Artisan products are handmade with local ingredients and passed on for generations.

Here are some souvenirs and local products you can find in Charleroi:

  1. Ardennes Ham - A delicacy made by smoking and salting Belgian pork legs.

  2. Chimay Cheese - Belgium’s most famous cheese from the Scourmont Abbey.

  3. Crystal - Unique handmade crystal glassware by Val Saint Lambert.

  4. Boulets à la Liégeoise Spice Mix - A spice blend used to make the famous rabbit meatballs.

  5. Belgian Chocolates - Indulge in some of the world’s most delicious chocolates and take a box home from some of the famous chocolatiers in Charleroi.

Local Culture and Customs of Charleroi

Charleroi is a part of the French-speaking province of Hainaut, Wallonia, and has a unique set of cultural traditions.

Here are some cultural customs of Charleroi:

  1. Language -The language spoken in Charleroi is French, though most people can speak English or Dutch.

  2. Traditional Festivals - Charleroi gets involved in a few traditional festivals like Carnival, where dressing up is encouraged, and everyone has a good time.

  3. Architecture - Charleroi possesses a unique blend of industrial and Art Nouveau architectural styles, intriguing to explore.

  4. Music - Wallonia has popular musicians like Stromae and Jacques Brel, whose songs are closely associated with the culture and tradition of Charleroi.

Best Time to Visit Charleroi

The best time to visit Charleroi is in the summer (June to August) when the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in full bloom. However, be prepared for large crowds and higher prices.

If you prefer a milder climate, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) can also be a great time to visit, as the temperatures are favorable and the city is less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Charleroi

Remember these essential Do’s and Don’ts while exploring Charleroi:

Do:

  1. Learn French phrases - Knowing some French words and phrases can go a long way in enhancing the experience and communication.

  2. Try Local food and drink - Be sure to try some Belgian chocolates, waffles, and other traditional dishes, and also the Pèket, and La Chimay.

  3. Respect cultural customs - Charleroi residents have unique cultural traditions. Respect and adapt to their customs to experience local culture to the fullest.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter - Make sure to dispose of your trash correctly.

  2. Don’t forget to validate your train tickets - Avoid paying hefty fines for not validating your train tickets.

  3. Don’t underestimate the distance - Plan for adequate travel time as the distance between attractions can be quite large.

Safety and Health

Here are some essential safety and health tips to keep in mind while traveling to Charleroi:

Safety in Charleroi

  1. Keep your belongings safe - Make sure to secure your belongings, especially in crowded areas and public transportation.

  2. Be vigilant at night - Avoid walking alone at night, and stick to well-lit and public areas.

  3. Stay alert - Charleroi and its surroundings are generally safe, but be alert due to the possibility of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Health in Charleroi

  1. Get Travel Insurance - make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

  2. Stay hydrated - Carry water bottles and stay hydrated during your trip.

  3. Wear sunscreen - In summer months protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen.

Getting to Charleroi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Charleroi is well-connected by air, train, and road. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Charleroi

  1. Brussels Airport - is 70 km from Charleroi and is connected by trains and buses.

  2. Charleroi Airport - Also, known as Brussels South Charleroi Airport and is the closest to the city.

  3. Liege Airport - Located about 85 km from Charleroi, and offers a few flight services.

Bus Stations Near Charleroi

  1. Gare de Charleroi Sud - the central bus station for long-distance coaches.

  2. Gare de Charleroi Nord - a central station connecting inner-city buses.

  3. Gare de Lodelinsart - a stop for some regional bus services.

Other Options

  1. Train - The Charleroi Sud train station is located in the city center and has high-speed trains connecting other parts of Belgium and Europe.

  2. Car Rental - Several car rental services are available at Charleroi airport, and you can also rent from the city.

How to Get Around in Charleroi

Charleroi is a compact city, and it is best to use public transportation to navigate the city. Most of the tourist attractions are located in walking distance from the city center. Public transportation options include buses, trains, and bikes.

Where to Go Next from Charleroi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Charleroi is well connected to several nearby destinations and short excursions. Here are few choices worth considering:

  1. Brussels - The Belgian capital and the EU headquarters are about 60 km by train or car.

  2. Bruges - An idyllic trip to Bruges, takes you through one of the most famous UNESCO heritage sites of Belgium.

  3. Namur - The heritage city of Namur lies on the confluence of the rivers Sambre and Meuse and is only a short drive from Charleroi.

Conclusion

Charleroi is a perfect destination for travelers looking to explore an authentic Belgian experience. Its blend of industrial heritage, cultural landmarks, and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal vacation spot. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can discover the best of Charleroi and plan a memorable trip. Bon voyage!

A map of the former municipalities, now parts of Charleroi, and neighbouring ones. Click the image for a detailed description. A map of the former municipalities, now parts of Charleroi, and neighbouring ones. Click the image for a detailed description. The Brussels South-Charleroi Airport The Brussels South-Charleroi Airport The Charleroi metro system is a mixture of tram and underground light rail The Charleroi metro system is a mixture of tram and underground light rail The lines of Charleroi metro The lines of Charleroi metro The town hall of Charleroi The town hall of Charleroi Quai de Brabant over the Sambre Quai de Brabant over the Sambre The Museum of Photography in Charleroi The Museum of Photography in Charleroi The former ''Bois du Cazier'' coal mine in Marcinelle was transformed into a museum complex The former ''Bois du Cazier'' coal mine in Marcinelle was transformed into a museum complex Sunday market on Place Charles II Sunday market on Place Charles II