A weekend in Wallonia: Discover Charleroi differently

To discover the contemporary face of Charleroi, start with its urban art path. Departing from Charleroi-Central station, the Carolo Street Art Tour crosses both the lower and upper town.

Along the route, you will come across murals, sculptures, repurposed urban furniture, decorated electrical cabins, and various spaces for artistic expression. The walk allows you to explore the city on foot while observing how artists have appropriated its facades and public spaces.

This walk is an excellent introduction to Charleroi. It reveals a creative city, sometimes raw, but always full of contrasts. Keep your eyes open: some works occupy entire facades, while others are hidden in less frequented streets.

You can then head to Charles II Square, observe the Town Hall and its belfry, and settle in one of the downtown addresses for a break.

To better grasp the identity of the region, a visit to Bois du Cazier is essential. This former mining site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the main mining sites in Wallonia, is now a place of memory and discovery.

Its course covers the history of coal, steel, and glass, three industries that have profoundly shaped Charleroi and its surroundings. The old buildings, machines, and museum spaces help to better understand the daily life of workers and the economic evolution of the region.

The visit also evokes the 1956 mining disaster, which left a lasting mark on Belgium and many families who came from different countries to work in the mines.

The site is located in a lush environment that allows for an extended visit with a walk. This combination of memory, heritage, and nature makes it an outing as interesting for adults as for families with older children.

The slag heaps are now an integral part of the Charleroi landscape. Once associated with mining, several of them have become walking spaces offering unexpected views of the city.

The Black Loop, integrated into the GR412, is one of the region's iconic routes. It crosses urban neighborhoods, former industrial sites, and several slag heaps. The complete course is more suitable for seasoned walkers, but it is possible to draw inspiration from certain sections to organize a more accessible outing.

Climbing a slag heap allows you to discover Charleroi from a different angle. At the top, the landscape blends reclaimed nature, former industrial sites, communication routes, and urban neighborhoods. This contrast tells a part of the local history by itself.

Housed in a former convent in Mont-sur-Marchienne, the Museum of Photography is another major stop on a weekend in Charleroi.

The museum traces the history of the medium from its beginnings to contemporary practices. Its collections, temporary exhibitions, and visiting facilities address both technical developments and various artistic movements.

At the back of the building, a park covering several hectares offers a pleasant space to extend the visit in greenery. The average announced duration for discovering the museum is about two hours, which allows for easy integration into a day already dedicated to the city center or industrial heritage.

The Van der Valk Hotel Charleroi Airport is particularly well-suited for travelers taking flights. Located near Brussels South Charleroi Airport, it offers modern rooms, a restaurant, a fitness room, and various services designed to simplify your stay.

Arriving the night before an early departure avoids a nighttime drive, unexpected traffic, and a last-minute rush. After dropping off your luggage, you can dine at the hotel, rest, and reach the airport under better conditions.

The hotel notably offers solutions combining overnight stays and parking as part of certain packages. Parking terms, durations, and transfers should be verified at the time of booking, as they may vary depending on the chosen offer.

The brasserie is open every day and allows for sharing a meal in a friendly atmosphere, whether you're in transit or on a tourist stay.

On Saturday, start with the city center and the street art path. After a break at Charles II Square, head to the Museum of Photography or one of the cultural spaces in the city.

On Sunday, dedicate your morning to Bois du Cazier. In the afternoon, plan a walk on a slag heap or explore a section of the Black Loop.

Back at the Van der Valk Hotel Charleroi Airport, you can end your day with a meal and enjoy the comfort of your room. And when the stay precedes a flight, this night allows the vacation to start before even taking off.

For a future getaway, our Van der Valk hotels also welcome you in Nivelles-Sud, Charleroi Airport, Mons Congrès, Liège Sélys, Liège Congrès, Verviers, and Spa.

Cultural city trips, stays in nature, wellness weekends, or vacation departures: each destination offers a new way to discover Wallonia in a comfortable and friendly setting.