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Saturday 29/07/2023

Boat trip from Ronquières to Thieu, with passage over the Inclined Plane of Ronquières and through the boat lift of Strépy-Thieu. Return by bus or your own bike.

The Charleroi-Brussels Canal connects the former coal basins of Charleroi with the port of Brussels. In the 20th century, it became increasingly important for more and larger ships carrying their coal, steel and building materials to be able to travel smoothly between Wallonia and Brussels, which was impossible with the many small locks on the old canal....

In 1957, work began on the construction of a wider and deeper canal and the construction of a 1400m 'Inclined Plane'. In one go the 16 small locks on the old canal could be replaced by this single construction. The inclined plane of Ronquières was commissioned in 1968.
Our boat trip starts at the foot of this inclined plane. In a large water basin, we 'track' upwards and overcome a height difference of 68m. Having reached the top, we set course for Seneffe, where the Charleroi-Brussels Canal and the new Centre Canal merge.

We then cruise on the new Canal du Centre, which was built over some 500m as a kind of aqueduct high above the Hainaut landscape. While nipping from your drink, you will enjoy wide views of the surroundings from the deck of the ship.

Finally, we reach the impressive ship elevator of Strépy-Thieu. After a 73m descent in this impressive cable lift we reach the quay of Thieu, where our boat trip ends.

After arriving at Thieu, we take a short walk to the hydraulic ship lift n° 4 on the historic Centre Canal. The guide explains this unique old type of ship lift (recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site).

We bring you back to Ronquières by our or your own bus. Or you can bike back.

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FYI: subject to the permission of the Walloon waterway authority:

  • either a visit to the hydraulic boat lift n°4 at Thieu will be organised
  • or a visit to the hydraulic lift n°1 at Houdeng-Goegnies (during the boat trip)

Catering on board

Would you like to eat something during your tourist boat trip?
We offer a number of catering options.
Reservation in advance is required.

Have a look at our beverage lists:
>> Beverage list for DE ARK and VIVALDI
>> Beverage list for MOZART, VERDI and KATIMA

If you wish to eat something on board on a tourist trip, it's possible:
>> Tasty and budget-friendly meals on DE ARK and VIVALDI
>> Tasty and budget-friendly meals on MOZART and VERDI

Shared meals that require special equipment (cool box, large packaging, plate and cutlery) are not allowed on board.
Bringing your own sandwich is allowed. Beverage must be purchased on board.

Our ships

The Rivertours ships can welcome 30 to 300 guests for an event, a party, an excursion,... Each ship has its own atmosphere, setting and décor and is equipped with a bar, as well as audio and multimedia equipment. We set out from various embarkation points, with or without catering.

Verdi

Verdi

Mozart

Mozart

Vivaldi

Vivaldi

Katima

Katima

De Ark

Ark