The Slopping lock of Ronquières

 

 

                     

 

 

 

On the Charleroi-Brussels canal, the inclined plane of Ronquières compensates for a difference in level of 68 metres between the reaches of the canal for vessels of up to 1,350 t. Built in 1968, this impressive structure, which resembles a lock with a mobile locking mechanism, is composed of two gigantic water tanks on rails. 

 

 

 

"A boat, a life"      

 

 

The “A boat, a life” audiovisual experience plunges visitors into the daily life of a boatman through three-dimensional scenery with giant screens, automatons and modern audiovisual techniques (audio guided tour with infrared earphones). Also recommended viewing : a film about the Slopping Lock and how it works, the boats entering and leaving the water tanks, and an exceptional panorama of the “Petites Ardennes” region with audio guide.
Its Visitors' Centre allows you to observe canal traffic from the glass footbridges overlooking the site, accessible via panoramic lifts.

Duration : about 2 hours

Visit possible in      

Boat trips

 

Take the opportunity to take a relaxing trip on a passenger boat to the big lock at Ittre. Or pass through the Slopping Lock.

Duration : about 1 hour

Comment on board possible in      



Difficult access for disabled persons

 

Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sites opening dates

« A boat, a life » and panorama

 

Daily from 15 March to 31 October 2010
From 10 am to 7 pm (last visitors accepted at 5 pm)
Groups from 20 persons : booking requested at least two weeks before the chosen date

 

Boat trip

 

From 02 May to 12 September 2010
Last sales for the combi ticket visit + boat at 3 pm
Groups from 20 persons : booking requested at least two weeks before the chosen date

BE CAREFUL : NO BOAT TRIP ON SATURDAY 28 and SUNDAY 29 AUGUST ! We will propose you for once to discover the slopping lock with a little tourist train

Boat trip to Ittre

On Tuesday and from Thursday till Saturday
Boarding downstream at 11.45 am - 1.45 pm - 3.15 pm - 4.45 pm precisely.

Trip across the Slopping Lock

Sundays only
Boarding downstream : 11.30 am or 4 pm / boarding upstream: 2 pm or 5 pm.
25-minute walk back to the landing stage along a tarmac path with information panels along the way.

 

Other possibilities

 

Possibility of having a boat trip in combination with the Strépy-Thieu Giant Boat Lift (click here)

 

For any further information

 

 

Indivuals and families

Slopping Lock of Ronquières

Tel : +32(0)078-059 059 • E-mail : info.ronquieres@hainaut.be

Groups from 20 persons

Voies d'Eau du Hainaut • Booking Department

Tel : +32(0)78-059 059 • E-mail : info.voiesdeau@hainaut.be

Location

 

 

 
 
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