Car free style: Waterloo (Brussels) - Binche

This gîte, nestled in the former stables and barn of a picturesque 18th-century farm, is located near the battlefields of Waterloo. Perfect for those wishing to combine a cultural holiday with an eco-friendly stay! It has been awarded 3 épis for its quality. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/gite-rural-de-la-bachee-a-countryside-lodging-for-7-persons-in-plancenoit-waterloo/10016

From the 17th to the 19th of June 1815, at the end of the Battle of “Quatre-Bras” Wellington set up his headquarters at an inn in the heart of the village of Waterloo. It is here that he drew up his victory bulletin following the Battle of the 18th of June, which he named “Waterloo”. Since then, this building houses the Wellington Museum which includes a unique collection dedicated to each army. It presents in an educational way the role and implication of each of the nations involved in this conflict. Opposite the Museum looms the Chapelle Royale de Waterloo, which was built in 1687. In the wake of the battle, this Royal Chapel was converted into a commemorative temple honouring Wellington and his allies. The walls of the adjacent church are adorned with numerous funerary plaques of officers or soldiers killed in combat. Chaussée de Bruxelles 147 • 1410 Waterloo visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/wellington-museum-waterloo-museum-retracing-1815-battle

The Battle of Waterloo began on the morning of the 18th of June 1815. The French troops fought the British who were joined by the Prussian Army. The battlefield covers an area of just over 600 hectares of fields and meadows across the territories of the towns of Braine-l’Alleud, Genappe, Lasne and Waterloo. At the end of the fight, the French Army surrendered and retreated in chaos. The site is dominated by a monumental mound (the Lion’s Mound), topped with a cast iron sculpture of a lion, to commemorate the spot where the Prince of Orange is presumed to have been wounded on the 18th of June 1815. At its feet, The Domain of the Battle of Waterloo 1815 welcomes you. Guided by a virtual soldier of your favourite army, you’ll discover the mechanism which brings you inevitably to the heart of the battle, in a multisensory experience unique in Europe. Activities are planned during peak season, like a horse-drawn carriage which takes you to the Ferme d’Hougoumont – a major historical site on the battlefield, that showcases an interactive show “The Battle in the Battle”. Route du Lion 1815 • 1420 Braine-l’Alleud visitwallonia.com/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/monument/lions-hamlet-visitors-centre-and-waterloo-battlefield/9245

On the 17th of June 1815, the day before the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington at the head of the British and Allied Forces set up his field hospital at this farm. Over 6,000 soldiers were cared for here and many of them owe their salvation to the proximity of the place to the battlefield. Today, renovated with due regard to history, it is home to a museum which pays tribute to the surgical function of the place. It explains the history of field hospitals and their role during wars. The Ferme de Mont-Saint-Jean also houses a microbrewery, which produces the famous ‘Waterloo’ beer, a micro distillery and a shop selling many different products such as beers, gins and whiskies. Chaussée de Charleroi 591 • 1410 Waterloo visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/mont-saint-jean-farms-microbrewery-and-museum-waterloo

Located in a lustrous, green setting 15 km from the centre of Brussels, this 4-star design & wellbeing hotel is an ideal destination for rest and relaxation. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/hotel-spa-dolce-la-hulpe-brussels/11305

Set in a former farm, the "Haut des Fiefs" is a delightful gîte for up to 6 guests by Braine-le-Château. The site, which enjoys a stunning green setting, has been awarded 3 stars for its quality. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/le-haut-des-fiefs-a-countryside-gite-for-4-6-persons-in-braine-le-chateau/10859

Having left Fleurus castle, Napoleon continued his march forward. On the night of the 17th of June 1815, he established his Headquarters at the Ferme du Caillou - in the little hamlet of Vieux-Genappe, 2.4 miles from Butte du Lion (Lion’s Mound). All night long, an unparalleled tumult reigned here. Today, a museum, which is accessible to all (including people with reduce mobility, visually impaired and deaf visitors), has been established here and allows you to experience the last hours preceding the battle along with the Emperor and his officers. Fun and sensory activities allow you to go back in time and provide insight into the lives of the soldiers and the Emperor’s battle strategy. Chaussée de Bruxelles 66 • 1472 Vieux-Genappe visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/ferme-du-caillou-napoleons-last-headquarters-battle-waterloo

The Château de Seneffe estate and its Museum feature one of Belgium's most important silverware collections. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/chateau-de-seneffe-and-its-estate-silverware-museum

Located in La Louvière, the Orange Hotel offers comfortable rooms, all inspired by the cheerfulness of carnival, a much loved folkloric tradition in the region. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/best-western-plus-orange-hotel-la-louviere/15137

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. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/bois-du-luc-unesco-mining-site-witness-industrial-revolution

"The Hainaut region proves quite artistic, notably near the Canal du Centre. The most impressive pieces are near the Ronquière inclined plane and the Strépy-Thieu boat lifts, listed by UNESCO.Strépy-Thieu boat lifts. Why not indulge in a boat cruise to learn more? visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/hydraulic-boat-lifts-canal-du-centre

Located on the Canal du Centre, the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift is the second largest boat lift in the world and its 73.15 metres incline is quite impressive. An absolute must see if you are travelling through the Hainaut region: the experience will take you to the very top of this concrete giant, a 100 metres above ground.

The Binche belfry, part of the town hall, was built in the 14th century. Burnt down by the French in 1554, the hall was soon restored in a Renaissance style by architect Du Broeucq.

This former farm, renovated with noble and eco-friendly materials, welcomes guest in an authentic and charming atmosphere. It can host up to 4 guests. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/les-estinnes-a-countryside-gite-in-estinnes-au-mont/7768

Les étangs de Strépy, c’est un coin de verdure d’une richesse insoupçonnable à quelques kilomètres du centre-ville. Ils abritent une réserve naturelle dotée d’une faune et d’une flore remarquable, portant le label NATURA 2000. Sur place, il est possible de pique-niquer, de pêcher, de profiter d’une aire de jeux ou encore du Chalet des Etangs proposant une petite restauration.

Lancées dans la bataille du fer afin de répondre à l’énorme demande du secteur ferroviaire, les usines Gustave Boël procédèrent, en 1946, à un recrutement de manœuvres dans le Nord de l’Italie. En 1947, 223 ouvriers italiens sont logés en bordure du Canal du Centre et de l’usine, dans quatre blocs sommairement construits comprenant chacun huit logements de 30 m² avec, en leur centre, un bâtiment servant de cantine. Moins spectaculaire que les ascenseurs, ce lieu de mémoire est néanmoins incontournable pour qui veut approcher le passif émotionnel d’un territoire de labeur et d’une partie de ses habitants. L’une des ailes de ce bâtiment abrite une chambrée reconstituée et le Centre d'Interprétation de l'Immigration en Région du Centre. Il s'agit d'une exposition permanente de près de 100m² consacrée aux phénomènes migratoires qui ont modelé le visage et les habitudes des gens de la Région du Centre depuis la Révolution Industrielle.

Le Centre de délassement de Claire-Fontaine à Chapelle-Lez-Herlaimont (à proximité des axes autoroutiers) vous accueille dans un cadre verdoyant, proche d'une réserve ornithologique. Vous pouvez goûter aux plaisirs nautiques (plan d'eau, toboggan nautique, pédalos, pêche, mini-golf, pétanque, beach-volley,...), laisser vos enfants se dépenser à la plaine de jeux et savourer une spécialité régionale à la cafétéria.

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oboulo.be/fr

www.ferme-de-clerfayt.be/

www.brasserielabinchoise.be

www.glacesfranklin.com

www.gindebinche.be/fr/

le-castillon.be/

Nature in abundance, the wealth of the flora is infinite in this area. The Strépy ponds truly constitute a phenomenal nature reserve. Labelled NATURA 2000 site, it also has a children’s play area and a brasserie-restaurant «Le Chalet des Etangs».

Built in 1946 by the Boël factories for its Italian immigrant workers, its buildings have been rehabilitated into a café / restaurant and an information centre on immigration. From the ‘Cantine des Italiens’, rent electric boats without a license to explore the historic Canal du Centre. It’s fun and informative all at the same time.

www.labarchetta.me/

A 2-hour «NAUTICAL» trip on the ‘Canal du Center ‘with a delicious made-to-measure picnic basket. www.labarchetta.me

www.belle-escapade.be/fr

www.berlanwez.be/

Au Fil de l'Eau is a 3-star hotel in Seneffe (province of Hainaut), It enjoys a lovely situation in a hilly valley, rich in beautiful landscapes.

www.hotelnivellessud.be/

www.fermedegrambais.be/

gitesdewallonie.be/fr/le-mont-saint-roch

Nivelles, a small town with a great history, has a breathtaking historical heritage. Known for its magnificent thousand-year-old Sainte- Gertrude collegiate church, this charming town conceals a thousand and one little well-kept secrets. The city invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of its old quarters with medieval charm, or to stroll among the works of art that are scattered around the Dodaine park. Also discover the only sisterhood in Belgium, its craft beers and its famous ‘Târte al Djote’...

The jacquemart (an animated mechanised figure which strikes the hours on a bell with a hammer) of the Sainte-Gertrude collegiate church in Nivelle is one of 3 in Wallonia. Made of gold plates brass, this representation of a warrior is quite impressive in size: 2 metres high and 350 kg in weight! The locals are so used to the automaton marking the passing of time the city would not be the same without it. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/3/where-to-go-in-wallonia/walloon-towns-and-cities/nivelles

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www.gite-ittre.be