Cycling in Wallonia: canals and UNESCO gems in Hainaut

This delightful bike ride will take you along the Canal du Centre: perfect to explore the Hainaut region and learn more about its cultural heritage, protected by UNESCO.

From Binche, famous for its carnival (considered a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO), the route will guide you to the peaceful village of Estinnes-au-Val. A few kilometres further, cycling along the water, the canal's boat lifts (also on the UNESCO list) will prove quite an impressive sight.

Do take the time to visit Bois-du-Luc, a former mining site, before joining the RAVel and cycling back.

Description

Start / Finish: Tourist Office - Grand'Place - Binche
Distance: 38 km
Difficulty: average
Markings: RAVel and nodes

Click here to download the interactive map, description of the itinerary and the GPX file for this route.

Along the way

• The Musée international du Carnaval et du Masque in Binche
• The Strépy-Thieu funicular lift, a river gem in Wallonia
• The hydraulic boat lifts of the Canal du Centre
• Bois-du-Luc: a UNESCO mining site, witness of the Industrial Revolution

Accommodation

• Les Estinnes: a countryside gîte in Estinnes-au-Mont
• Le Castillon: a guesthouse in La Louvière
• The Orange Hotel in La Louvière