A century-old canal
Well, the Canal du Centre historique and its four hydraulic elevators are one of the most remarkable examples of the industrial landscape of the last century.
The Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are its century-old elevators, which are unique in the world! After all, they're the only ones still operating in their original state, powered solely by water.
Boat excursions
To make the most of this historic site, we offer boat cruisesDepart from the Strépy-Thieu funicular elevator to the Canal du Centre historique, to cross the elevator n°4 and then disembark opposite elevator n°3 to visit the machine room, where you can discover the secrets of manufacture and operation.
It really is a walk along the water, and a charming one at that! Of course, the boat sails slowly, allowing you to admire a bucolic landscape in the heart of an urban area steeped in industrial history.
A historic site
Speaking of historical places, there's the Cantine des Italiens, which stands on the banks of the historic Canal, with an interpretation center that bears witness to the living conditions of Italian immigrants.
But it's also a place for relaxation, with a restaurant and terrace where you can enjoy a meal or a drink. And let's not forget one of our fun activities our license-free electric boats which allow you to navigate a portion of the historic Canal du Centre. It's a great activity for families and friends alike, as you cruise along the water's edge, discovering structures such as Lift No. 1 and the Houdeng-Aimeries swing bridge.