Canal du Centre Boat Lifts

The boat lifts on the Canal du Centre near La Louvière form a unique set of four hydraulic elevators dating from the late 19th and early 20th century. They were built to overcome a height difference of 66 metres and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. They are the only hydraulic boat lifts in the world still functioning in their original condition, a fascinating testament to Belgian industrial ingenuity.

Accessibility at the site is partial. The visitor centres and museum near the boat lifts are accessible to wheelchair users, with adapted parking spaces and toilets. The towpath along the canal is largely paved and suitable for wheelchairs. The boat lifts themselves can be well observed from outside. Unfortunately, the boat cruises on the canal are not accessible to persons with reduced mobility due to boarding arrangements.

The boat lifts are spread along a 7-kilometre stretch between Houdeng-Goegnies and Thieu. The visitor centre at boat lift no. 1 in Houdeng-Goegnies is the best starting point. From there you can also visit the nearby Strépy-Thieu boat lift, the most modern in the world with a lifting height of 73 metres. The combination of old and new offers a fascinating picture of two centuries of hydraulic engineering heritage.