Boat trip from Halle and Tubize to Thieu, including inclined plane Ronquières and ship lift Strépy-Thieu.

Welcome aboard the ship 'De Ark' at Halle and departure of the boat trip.

We sail on the Brussels-Charleroi canal. On our route towards Ronquières we pass the ship locks of Lembeek and Ittre.

At the foot of the Inclined Plane of Ronquières the boat takes place in a large water basin and ‘trails’ up the Inclined Plane, bridging a level difference of 68m. We sail along Seneffe and Houdeng-Goegnies and reach the new 'canal du Centre'.

Around noon, there is an opportunity for lunch on board.

The new 'canal du Centre' is built as a kind of aqueduct above the surrounding landscape, which offers beautiful views of the Hainaut plateau.

Finally, we reach the impressive ship lift of Strépy-Thieu, which will take us down some 73m.

Once disembarked at Thieu the guide will give a brief explanation of the operation of the hydraulic ship lift n°4, situated on the historic 'canal du Centre' (the site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

After this short walk, we take the participants back by bus to the departure point. Return by your own bike is also possible.