The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut)

Discover the remarkable spectacle of the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs in La Louvière and Le Roeulx, Belgium. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this engineering marvel, steeped in industrial history, and its peaceful surrounding landscapes and cities, offer an amazing experience for every traveller. This fusion of industrial heritage and verdant landscapes makes this location a diamond that attracts tourists from around the world. Start planning your visit with our travel guide.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: La Louvière and Le Roeulx, Belgium
📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October
⏳ Time Needed: Multi-day trip
✈️ Nearest Airport: Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
🏨 Nearest City: La Louvière, Belgium

Book Your Flight

History & UNESCO Significance

The four hydraulic boat lifts are masterpieces of 19th and early 20th-century canal engineering. UNESCO recognized these structures due to their industrial and technological significance. Constructed between 1888 and 1917, these lifts overcame a gradient of 66 meters along a 7km stretch of the canal. Today, they remain the only lifts of their kind in the world still in operation. Positioned amid idyllic rural surroundings, their contemporary aesthetic contrast against nature’s backdrop provides a unique sight to behold.

Rent a Car at La Louvière and Le Roeulx

To maximize your trip, consider renting a car in La Louvière or Le Roeulx. This will offer you the freedom to explore the surrounding region, filled with charming towns, and scenic views, at your own leisure.

Rent Your Car

Best Places to Stay Near The Four Lifts

Check out available hotels:

Top Things to Do around The Four Lifts on Canal du Centre

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in the area:

Visit the Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift, the tallest boat lift in the world.
Explore the historic city center of La Louvière.
Take a boat tour on the Canal du Centre to witness the lifts in action.
For leisurely pursuits, cycling and walking trails are plentiful.

Final Thoughts & Summary

The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre echo an exciting era of industrial innovation, offering a perfect blend of history, engineering marvel, and naturesque beauty. Catering to everyone’s interest, this cultural asset proves to be an ideal getaway destination. This region, rich in contrasts, will amaze and captivate you at every corner. Don’t delay – plan your journey today and come to explore the extraordinary four lifts on the Canal du Centre.