La Louvière Travel Guide

Discover and explore the beauty of La Louvière in Belgium with this comprehensive travel guide. Read on to find out about the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to La Louvière

Nestled in the province of Hainaut in Wallonia, Belgium, La Louvière is a beautiful and historic city that offers visitors an array of cultural, natural, and outdoor attractions. Home to around 80,000 people and named after a wolf (loup) that once roamed the area, La Louvière boasts stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, La Louvière has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at La Louvière’s top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, local food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, and local culture and customs. We’ll also provide information on transportation options, nearby destinations, and more. Let’s get started.

List of Places to Visit in La Louvière

  • Bois-du-Luc Mining Site and Glass Museum
  • Canal du Centre and its boat lifts
  • Chapelle de Bois-du-Luc
  • Ecomuseum of the Bois-du-Luc
  • Louvière Museum of Fine Arts
  • Parc des Sculptures
  • Place Maugrétout
  • Saint-Pierre Church
  • Strépy-Thieu boat lift
  • The Trevi fountain

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bois-du-Luc Mining Site and Glass Museum

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for anyone interested in industrial history. The Bois-du-Luc mining site is home to a well-preserved collection of 19th-century miners’ houses, a glass museum, and a remarkable example of early industrial architecture.

Chapelle de Bois-du-Luc

Built-in 1833, the Chapelle de Bois-du-Luc is one of the most beautiful examples of neoclassical architecture in Belgium. Admire the temple-shaped building and its impressive façade.

Ecomuseum of the Bois-du-Luc

One of the most engaging museums in La Louvière, the Ecomuseum of the Bois-du-Luc is dedicated to the history of the industrial heritage of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits, historic equipment and artefacts to learn about the industrial past.

Louvière Museum of Fine Arts

Located in the heart of La Louvière, the Louvière Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century art. Admire works by Belgian and international artists and learn about the city’s artistic heritage.

Natural Attractions of La Louvière: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Canal du Centre and its boat lifts

A great way to see La Louvière is by taking a leisurely cruise along the Canal du Centre. The canal is known for its impressive boat lifts, which are among the tallest in the world and offer spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Parc des Sculptures

With over 50 sculptures by renowned artists, the Parc des Sculptures is a beautiful outdoor space. Spend an afternoon strolling among stunning artworks whilst indulging in a picnic.

Strépy-Thieu boat lift

The Strépy-Thieu boat lift is one of the most impressive structures of its kind in Europe. You can climb to the top and enjoy magnificent views of the region from the highest viewpoint in Wallonia.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Louvière

RAVeL 1

RAVeL 1 is a cycle network that connects Liege to Charleroi, and passes through La Louvière. It offers a perfect route for cyclists and hikers, through beautiful landscapes like Sambre Biesmelle Valley.

Trapped Paths

Experience La Louvière’s countryside on the trap paths, a unique form of transportation. Travel through the leafy forests and picturesque countryside while experiencing the thrill of the journey.

Best Things to Do in La Louvière: Activities and Tours

Explore the Canal Boat

Explore the Canal boat by taking a boat trip from Houdeng to Strépy-Thieu. Enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area and learn about the canal and the boat lifts.

Cité des Songes

The Cité des Songes is a family-friendly attraction that features educational exhibits about science and history. Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and a range of fun activities like mining simulations and hands-on experiments.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Louvière

Day 1: Visit Bois-du-Luc Mining Site and Glass Museum to learn about the industrial heritage of the region. In the afternoon, take a leisurely cruise along the Canal du Centre and enjoy the boat lifts. Day 2: Explore the Chapelle de Bois-du-Luc and learn about the history and architecture of the neoclassical building. In the afternoon, visit the nearby village of Strépy-Thieu and experience the boat lift. Day 3: Spend a day in the Louvière Museum of Fine Arts, exploring the rich artistic heritage of the city. Day 4: Take a trip to the Parc des Sculptures, admiring the beautiful artworks in the park. In the afternoon, take a bike ride on RAVeL 1 and enjoy scenic views of the countryside. Day 5: Experience the unique form of transportation by travelling through the countryside on the trap paths Day 6: Visit the Cité des Songes with your family and enjoy interactive exhibits and fun activities for kids. Day 7: Visit Saint-Pierre Church and the Trevi Fountain and learn about their history and cultural significance.

Food and Drink Scene of La Louvière

Must-Try Dishes

La Louvière is well known for its delicious cuisine. The must-try dishes include:

  • Waterzooi, a fish or chicken stew in a creamy broth
  • Carbonnades, a beef and beer stew with onions
  • Liège waffles, thick and fluffy waffles with caramelized sugar crystals

Local Beverages

Belgium is famous for its beer and La Louvière is no exception. Local breweries such as Brasserie d’Ecaussinnes and Brasserie Minne offer a range of unique and flavoursome beers that are well worth sampling.

Where to Stay in La Louvière: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of great places to stay in La Louvière, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some options are:

  • Best Western Plus Orange Hotel La Louvière
  • Hotel Le Val-Fayt
  • Tristar Hotel

What to Buy in La Louvière: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Le Bovido

Located in the city centre, Le Bovido offers a wide range of souvenirs, gifts, and local products that are perfect for taking home.

Local Culture and Customs of La Louvière

The locals of La Louvière value their traditions and place high importance on their cultural heritage. The city hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fêtes de la Madeleine, the Ducasse of La Louvière, and the large Shrove Tuesday Carnival.

Best Time to Visit La Louvière

The best time to visit La Louvière is from May to October, when the weather is warmer and outdoor activities are at their peak. However, each season has opportunities to explore and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Louvière

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Do visit the cultural attractions and historic sites
  • Do learn a few words of French or Dutch

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or be disrespectful of the local customs
  • Don’t forget to respect local customs, such as the kiss on each cheek as a greeting

Safety and Health

Safety in La Louvière

La Louvière is generally a safe city, but like any other city, visitors should take precautions to avoid theft or other crimes. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.

Health in La Louvière

Belgium has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors can easily access medical care in case of an emergency.

Getting to La Louvière: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Louvière

The nearest airport to La Louvière is Brussels-Zaventem International Airport, which is 85 km away.

Bus Stations Near La Louvière

There are regular bus services to La Louvière from the nearby town of Charleroi.

Other Options

La Louvière is easily accessible from Brussels and Charleroi by train. The city also has an efficient local bus system.

How to Get Around in La Louvière

La Louvière is a small city that is easy to explore on foot. Bicycles are also available to hire and perfect for exploring the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from La Louvière: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

A great day trip from La Louvière is a visit to the beautiful city of Mons, which is just an hour away by train. Visitors can explore the historic centre, tour the Gothic Collegiate church of Sainte-Waudru and enjoy the picturesque squares like Grand-Place.

Conclusion

La Louvière is a hidden gem in Belgium, offering visitors a unique mix of industrial heritage, cultural attractions, natural beauty, and a great food and drink scene. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a nature enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. Plan your trip to La Louvière now, and experience all this beautiful city has to offer!

Le Canal du Centre Le Canal du Centre les ascenseurs hydrauliques les ascenseurs hydrauliques