The best cycling routes around La Louvière
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Touring cycling routes around La Louvière are primarily defined by the region's extensive canal networks and industrial heritage. The landscape features numerous scenic towpaths along waterways like the Canal du Centre and the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. Green spaces, including parks and transformed mining slag heaps (terrils), offer varied terrain and elevated perspectives. The area's relatively mild topography makes it accessible for a range of cycling abilities.
Best touring cycling routes around La Louvière
- The most popular touring cycling route is Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift – The Strépy-Thieu boat lift loop from La Louvière-Centre, a 30.3 miles (48.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 56 minutes to complete. This route offers views of the impressive Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift and surrounding industrial architecture.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Strépy‑Thieu Boat Lift – Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift loop from Besonrieux, an easy 13.2 miles (21.3 km) path. This route provides a closer look at the modern engineering marvel of the Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Old Lift Lock No. 2 – Historic Lift No. 3 loop from La Louvière-Centre, a 12.8 miles (20.6 km) trail leading through the historic Canal du Centre area, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Touring cycling around La Louvière is defined by its intricate canal systems, UNESCO-listed industrial heritage sites, and rewilded mining slag heaps, offering a blend of cultural exploration and outdoor activity. The network provides options for various ability levels, from easy canal paths to more challenging routes with greater elevation gain.
- The routes in La Louvière are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 1,300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore La Louvière's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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18.1km
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around La Louvière
Tips from the Community
Beautiful site on the old canal
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The path is once again passable along its entire length from Ronquières to Ecaussinnes with a beautiful tarmac strip.
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The Ronquières inclined plane is a unique boat lift. Built in 1968, it allows barges to overcome a drop of nearly 70 meters thanks to a system of sliding trays. The structure can be observed from the cycle path along the canal.
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Ronquières, elevator to see
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short, easy and very pleasant hike.
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The Ronquières inclined plane is a ship lift near the Belgian village of Ronquières. It is an inclined plane on the Charleroi-Brussels Canal. It bridges the height difference with the Hainaut Plateau. The inclined plane was completed on 1 April 1968 after a construction period of six years. The plane is 1400 metres long and bridges a drop of 68 metres, with a gradient of almost 5%. There are two ship barges, each 85.50 metres long and 11.60 metres wide. The barges run like wagons on rails and are moved by cables. Each barge has its own counterweight, which runs on rails under the barge. The barges can thus operate independently of each other, which is important for maintenance and in the event of any malfunctions. In such cases, the plane continues to operate, but with limited capacity. The total cost of the work was approximately 3.1 billion Belgian francs (approximately €77 million), about twice as much as was thought at the start of construction. The plane is self-sufficient in energy. Next to the slope is a pipe through which water flows that drives a turbine, which provides the electrical energy for the work of art.
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Some other impressive testimonies to the artistic work of Jaume PLENSA (born 1955) can be found in the following places and are also documented here in the komoot system as hiking highlights: => “Laurelle” in Bonn (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/6685486 => “Seele?” in Erkrath (Mettmann district, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/4183261 => “Love” in Leeuwarden (Friesland, Netherlands) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/3906357 => “Lou” in Caen (Normandy, France) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/5933145 => “Sanna” in Bordeaux (New Aquitaine, France) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/5784432 => “Julia” in Madrid (Spain) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/6131314 The following two groups of figures by the artist offer a different perspective: => “Air-Earth” in Bamberg (Bavaria, Germany) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/2559580 => “Seven Poets” in Andorra la Vella (Andorra) see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/4741064
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Lift No.4 on the old Canal du Centre at Le Roeulx is a beautifully preserved boat lift from the early 20th century, and a masterpiece of industrial architecture. Made from steel and sheet metal, this historic lift lifts boats between different water levels and remains an impressive sight in the landscape. A visit to this unique UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating insight into the engineering feats of yesteryear and the rich history of Hainaut’s waterways.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in La Louvière?
There are over 90 touring cycling routes around La Louvière, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 33 easy routes, 48 moderate routes, and 9 more challenging options.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in La Louvière?
La Louvière experiences a temperate oceanic climate. Spring and autumn are particularly appealing for touring cycling, offering mild weather ideal for exploring the canal networks and industrial heritage sites.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, La Louvière offers 33 easy touring cycling routes. An excellent option for a relaxed ride is the Strépy‑Thieu Boat Lift loop from Besonrieux, which is 21.3 km long and provides close-up views of the modern boat lift. Another easy route is the Historic Lift No. 3 loop from La Louvière-Centre, covering 20.6 km through the historic Canal du Centre area.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in La Louvière?
The landscape is primarily defined by its intricate canal systems, featuring scenic towpaths along waterways like the Canal du Centre and the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. You'll also encounter green spaces, including parks like the Mayeur Garden, and transformed mining slag heaps (terrils) such as Pétria Spoil Tip No. 1, which offer unique elevated perspectives.
What historical or industrial attractions can I visit along the cycling routes?
La Louvière is rich in industrial heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can cycle along the historic Canal du Centre to see the century-old hydraulic boat lifts, or visit the modern Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift, one of the tallest in the world. The region also features the Ronquières Inclined Plane and the Bois-du-Luc Mining Site, offering insights into the area's past.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in La Louvière?
Yes, many routes in La Louvière are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Strépy-Thieu boat lift loop from La Louvière-Centre (48.8 km) and the Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift loop from Besonrieux (21.3 km).
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in La Louvière?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained towpaths along the canals, the unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, and the accessibility of routes for various skill levels.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking more elevation gain, there are 9 difficult routes available. One such route is the Historic Lift No. 3 – Binche City Walls loop from Strépy-Bracquegnies, which covers 41.1 km with significant ascents.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots along the routes?
Absolutely. The transformed mining slag heaps, known as terrils, offer elevated perspectives. For instance, you can find a notable View from the Terril de l'Héribus. The canal towpaths themselves also provide picturesque views of the waterways and surrounding meadows.
Are there any castles or historical monuments to see near the cycling paths?
Yes, the region around La Louvière features several historic castles. You can explore sites like Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle, Feluy Castle, or Château de Seneffe and Gardens, many of which are accessible via routes that incorporate the region's cultural treasures.
Are there any natural monuments or unique natural features to discover?
Beyond the canals, you can discover unique natural features. The Hyon Waterfall and Ponds offer a tranquil spot, and the region also has the intriguing The Neolithic Menhir, a prehistoric standing stone.
How can I access the cycling routes using public transport?
La Louvière-Centre is a central point with public transport connections, making it a convenient starting point for many routes. For example, the Strépy-Thieu boat lift loop from La Louvière-Centre begins directly from the city center, which is well-served by local transport.
Most popular routes around La Louvière
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