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:
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.
Do you love our waterways and nature, a relaxing bike ride and a fresh breeze aboard a ship? Then a boat trip through the Green Belt, the Zenne Valley or the National Park Scheldt Valley is definitely something for you. Out by boat and back by bike or vice versa: most boat trips can be perfectly combined with a relaxing bike ride. You can explore the region along one of the many signposted cycling routes. Cycling is done on your own initiative and with your own bike.
Combine a bike trip in the Schelde region with a cruise on the river Schelde in the afternoon
Combine a varied boat trip on the Schelde with a bike trip along the dykes and tow paths of the Schelde and Dijle region.
Click here to open the bike route map
Elaborated bicycle routes on fietsknooppunt.be
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.