Bois-du-Luc: a UNESCO mining site, witness of the Industrial Revolution

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.