Starting from the brand new Strépy-Thieu funicular lift (which is already 22 years old 🤣), the route climbs back up the slope and follows the (new) canal upstream to its junction with the historic canal.
Four lifts, two drawbridges, two swing bridges and a few other remains enhance the walk to the small marina at Thieu. The buildings housing the engine room of lift no. 3 are remarkable.
Note the passage next to the Cantine des Italiens, barracks built in 1946-1947 to house Italian immigrants who came to work in the Gustave Boël steelworks located just opposite the canal. Today, the Cantine des Italiens is the historic canal's must-visit restaurant.
At km 17, the route leaves the canal to join the Haine river at Boussoit, crossing a small wood and a nature reserve. At km 20, the walk passes under athird and then afourth drawbridge before reaching the other bank of the central canal via a huge metal footbridge.
The Canal du Centre
The central canal and the historic canal have joined forces with a short stretch of the Haine to create a delightful walk along the water.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
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Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 24.14 km -
Average duration: 7h 20 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 139 m -
Descent: - 143 m -
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Highest point: 130 m -
Lowest point: 42 m
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Country:
Belgium
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District:
La Louvière -
Start/End: N 50.476834° / E 4.106025° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 60 m - Visitor parking at the Strépy-Thieu lift
- 1 : km 7.68 - alt. 121 m - Junction of the canals
- 2 : km 17.17 - alt. 47 m - Leave the canal
- S/E : km 24.13 - alt. 60 m
Other walks in the area
The canals in the centre, the old and the new, via Strépy-Bracquegnies
Visorando member 
17.41 km
+101 m
-100 m
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Wallonie
Starting from the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift, the walk takes you on a discovery of the infrastructure of both canals, the historic and the recent.Four lifts, two drawbridges, two swing bridges and a few other remains, documented on four-language information panels, enhance the walk along the historic canal to its junction with the new canal at its eastern end.
Engineering structures around Strépy-Bracquegnies
Visorando member 
14.32 km
+216 m
-214 m
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Wallonie
During this easy walk, you will discover some prodigious engineering works built on the Canal du Centre, culminating in the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift,the second largest boat lift in the world.
The Canal du Centre and its lifts
Visorando member 
11.86 km
+118 m
-117 m
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Wallonie
Admire the landscape of the Canal du Centre, the century-old drawbridges and the lifts that operate solely on hydraulic power.
Between two waters from Thieu to Ville-sur-Haine
Tourist office 3.81 km
+41 m
-39 m
1h 10
Easy
Departure from La Louvière (Hainaut)
As you travel along both the old and new canals, journey from Thieu to Ville-sur-Haine whilst discovering or rediscovering the engineering structures of the waterways (drawbridges, locks and lifts, etc.). Enjoy the peace and quiet as you stroll at your leisure along the towpaths.
The Grandes Eaux departing from Thieu
Tourist office 5.41 km
+17 m
-16 m
1h 35
Easy
Departure from La Louvière (Hainaut)
Departure from Place Hardat in Thieu (part of Le Roeulx).
Follow the two canals, the old and the new, from Thieu to Ville-sur-Haine, discovering or rediscovering the engineering structures of the waterways (drawbridges, locks, lifts). Enjoy the peace and quiet as you stroll along the towpaths at your leisure.
Around the Bois de La Haye du Roeulx
Tourist office 
8.56 km
+52 m
-48 m
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Le Rœulx (Hainaut)
This walk will allow you to discover the remarkable sites of the town of Le Roeulx and its bucolic landscapes.
Discovering the town centre of Le Rœulx
Tourist office 2.05 km
+7 m
-7 m
0h 35
Easy
Departure from Le Rœulx (Hainaut)
A picturesque tour will allow you to discover the charm of Le Roeulx, guiding you through its characterful houses and iconic monuments. This town has managed to preserve its rural atmosphere while offering architectural treasures to explore.
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