Le Manoir Du Capitaine

This museum building in concrete, glass and steel is reminiscent of the world of Le Corbusier. It replaced the 19th century château destroyed in a fire in 1960, and was inaugurated in 1975. The museum houses collections showcasing the classical civilisations of Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as the art of China, European decorative arts and local history and archaeology. The sumptuous library is also worthy of a mention, with its precious collection of books built up by the industrialist Raoul Warocqué, alongside a unique collection of Tournai porcelain. The landscaped grounds are a harmonious mix of lawns, lakes and areas of plantings, featuring centuries-old trees and exotic specimens. All this provides a setting for the monumental sculptures and the romantic ruins of Charles de Lorraine’s palace.

This exquisite building was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez, and now houses the French Community of Belgium’s Silversmiths’ Museum. On either side of its neoclassical façade run two long galleries of ionic columns, while the main courtyard features a wrought-iron gate. The small theatre, which is a perfect example of Neo-Palladian architecture from the second half of the 18th century, hosts concerts and exhibitions. The orangery, which was originally built for the orange trees that adorned the main courtyard and the château’s surroundings, is now used to hold concerts, lectures, exhibitions, receptions and other events. Come and discover the elegant lifestyle of the 18th century. You can also enjoy the permanent exhibition “Grandeur and Intimacy”. Between tradition and gallantry, frivolity and influence, austerity and indulgence, you can admire more than 500 pieces of silverware collection staged to enhance the value of their function. Between green spaces and water’s mirror, in the middle of buildings which evoke both past and present, come and discover a remarkable and living site.

Between La Louvière and Thieu, four hydraulic boat lifts have been in operation for over a century. They were built between 1882 and 1917, and each one of them spans a height difference of around 17 metres, powered solely by water. It is just like travelling back in time, as the boats take you on a voyage of discovery around this unique system of waterways, which was granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 1998. There are different options to choose from – trips by boat or tourist train – seminars – corporate events – themed days, etc.