The historic “Canal du Centre” and its hydraulic lifts

 

 

 

                   

 

 

   Come and discover the historic “Canal du Centre” and its four hydraulic lifts, the only ones in the world still in use and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Let yourself fall under the century-old spell of these hydraulic lifts.  Each one is able to compensate for a change in level of approximately 17 metres thanks to a single source of energy : water.

There are a whole range of possibilities available allowing you to discover all the treasures of this exceptional site :
tourist trips on the little train, a guided tour of one of the engine rooms, educational days for infant and primary classes, and of course the cruises that include the chance to take a ride with these timeless structures.

Also to be discovered : the “Cantine des Italiens” (Italian’s Canteen). Witness of the post-war immigration, it shelters henceforth a museum and a restaurant. Also, The oldest construction on the site, hydraulic lift no. 1, welcomes you to a fun exhibition, “Engineer Clarck's remarkable machine”, where you will discover the history of the lifts and how they work through original documents from the era (maps, plans, etc.) as well as modern, interactive media (duration : about 30’ – only possible in  and ,  on request)

 

 

 

 

Excursions 

    

        

Round Trip

 

Trip on the little tourist train, guided tour of one of the engine rooms and guided boat trip going through one or more hydraulic lifts.

Duration : about 2 hours

Guided tour possible in      

 

Visit +

 

Round trip + visit to the “Spirit of Belgium” audiovisual experience at the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift (travel between the two tourist sites not included).

Duration : about 4 hours.

Guided tour possible in      

 

 

Price

 

 

 

 

Site opening dates

 

 

Individuals and families

 

Round trip / Visit +

Daily from 15 March to 31 October 2009 (except on Sundays in March and on Easter Monday : 05 April).

Two departures a day leaving from the Italian’s Canteen : 10 am and 2 pm precisely
Last tickets sold 15 minutes before departure. Considering the number of places available, booking in advance is strongly recommended.

 

 

Groups (minimum 20 people)

 

Round trip / Visit +

Daily from 01 April till 31 October 2009 (except on Sundays in March and on Easter Monday : 05 April).
Booking requested at least two weeks before the chosen date

Parking at the Italian’s Canteen (cars and coaches)

 

 

Other possibilities

 

 

Also possible to discover the boat lifts by bike or to combine the old lifts and the Strépy-Thieu giant boat lift with a boat trip (click here for further information)

 

 

For any further information

 

Individuals an families

Italian’s Canteen - Ticket Office
Tel : +32(0)78-059.059 • E-mail : info.canalducentre@hainaut.be
Open from 9 am to 5 pm

Groups from minimum 20 people

Voies d’Eau du Hainaut • Booking Department
Tel : +32(0)78-059 059 • E-mail : info.voiesdeau@hainaut.be

Restaurant « La Cantine des Italiens »

Tel : +32(0)64/84.78.32 • Fax : +32(0)64/28.11.05 • E-mail : la_cantine_des_italiens@skynet.be

 

 

Location

 

 

 

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