- Attractions
- Museum or Interpretation Centre
- Architectural heritage
- Industrial heritage
The Bois-du-Luc mining site was one of the main witnesses of the industrial revolution in Wallonia. This extraordinary historical heritage, wonderfully well preserved, is protected by UNESCO.
The mine, which opened in 1685 and closed in 1973, had a particularly long life. One of its characteristics is the workers' village, right by it, where the offices, workshops and communal spaces (typical house, 19th-century classroom) can still be visited.
Bois-du-Luc offers exceptional insight into the daily life of miners and their family.
The history of Bois-du-Luc
The Société des Charbonnages de Bois-du-Luc (created in 1685) decided at the beginning of the 19th century to make use of the Saint Emmanuel pit - the oldest mine in Belgium. Men would go as deep as 558 m under ground to work.
A mining village unique in Europe
A mining village was built nearby by the company to make the miners' lives easier. There, they could buy food (grocery store, butcher, mill/brewery), get treated (hospital, hospice), relax (party hall, park, music kiosk, leisure activities), get an education (schools, library) or go to church. The village was managed by the company's director.
Bois-du-Luc, one of the four authentic coal mines left in Europe, is on the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH).
A UNESCO site
Bois-du-Luc, together with The Grand-Hornu, Bois du Cazier and Blegny-Mine, were added to the UNESCO list in 2012.
Cycling
Borrow one of the bikes on site and enjoy a ride on the tree planted heaps: quite a fascinating nature site.
Visitors with specific needs
Please click here to see the list of facilities and activities accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Wallonia has developed the Access-i program to give travellers a clear understanding of what the infrastructures offer.
Contact
Before getting on the road, do contact the closest tourist office to your destination. If you are going to the Hautes Fagnes, please remember the number of visitors is limited each day. The Hautes Fagnes Tourist Office will give you the latest details. The Luxembourg and East Cantons Tourist Office will give you the ski slopes opening times. For additional skiing and winter sports information in Belgium, you can contact the East Contons Tourist Office.
Equipement
Cafe - Shop - Car parking - Motor Home parking - Parking - Common bathroom
Visites
Guide available/groups - EN - FR - IT - NL - Audioguide/mobile app/tablet
