Attractions and Places To See around Pont-À-Celles - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pont-À-Celles, a municipality in the Belgian province of Hainaut, offer a blend of cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty. The area is characterized by its green and rural environment, featuring agricultural lands and charming villages. The Brussels-Charleroi Canal traverses the municipality, providing routes for walking and cycling. Pont-À-Celles is also known as the birthplace of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.
Best attractions and places to see around Pont-À-Celles
- The most popular attraction is…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ronquières Houseboat Village
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It is located between lock number 26 and 27.
Lock …
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Ronquières Inclined Plane
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Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal
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Pont de l'Origine Drawbridge
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Ronquières Boat Lift
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A quiet and peaceful spot. A place to sit when the sun is shining and enjoy the coolness of the trees and the water.
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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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Beautiful section of the old canal
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Ronquières, elevator to see
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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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The Bridge of Origin bore this name because from this point the tax to be paid was calculated, corresponding to the distance to be covered by boat. This tax is called the navigation tax and is calculated in tons/kilometer. This bridge is of the drawbridge type, that is to say that it rotates while going up around an axis located at the level of the deck. The structure of the bridge is called a latticework and offers a navigable passage of 6 meters. The swing is balanced by a counterweight on top of the structure.
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It is a beautiful area and super picturesque along the canal. You can admire the old lock keepers' houses along the old Brussels - Charleroi canal. In my opinion, the most idyllic and picturesque cycling route in the meadow area.
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It is a beautiful area and super picturesque along the canal. You can admire the old lock keepers' houses along the old Brussels - Charleroi canal. In my opinion, the most idyllic and picturesque cycling route in the meadow area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Pont-À-Celles?
Pont-À-Celles is rich in history. You can visit the village of Liberchies, known as the birthplace of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, and see the Saint-Pierre Church there. The municipality's name itself comes from a historical bridge built by monks over the Pieton river. Don't miss the Pont de l'Origine Drawbridge, which played a role in calculating navigation fees on the canal.
Where can I enjoy nature and outdoor activities in Pont-À-Celles?
The region offers a green and rural environment perfect for outdoor activities. You can explore the three nature reserves: Étang du Launoy, Biernimont, and Viesville, which provide tranquil spaces to observe local flora and fauna. The Brussels-Charleroi Canal also offers picturesque routes for walking and cycling.
Are there good places for walking or cycling along the canal?
Absolutely. The Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal is a popular cycle way where you can walk or bike, observing the remains of old locks and guard houses. The Ronquières Houseboat Village is also located at the end of the old disused canal, offering a beautiful area for walking or cycling.
What kind of engineering marvels can I see in the area?
The most prominent engineering marvel is the Ronquières Inclined Plane, also known as the Ronquières Boat Lift. This unique boat lift, built in 1968, allows barges to overcome a significant drop using a system of sliding trays. It's an impressive industrial monument and a UNESCO-listed site.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Pont-À-Celles?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Ronquières Houseboat Village and the Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal are great for walks and bike rides. The Ronquières Inclined Plane is also a fascinating site for all ages to witness impressive engineering.
What cycling routes are available near Pont-À-Celles?
You'll find various cycling opportunities. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'Grasdelle Trail Clearing – Grippensdelle MTB Singletrack loop' or 'Wind Turbines near Nivelles – Seigneur Farm loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Château de Bois-Seigneur-Isaac – View of the Fields loop' or 'Barge on the River – Saint-Amand Church loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking around Pont-À-Celles and Road Cycling Routes around Pont-À-Celles guides.
Are there running trails around Pont-À-Celles?
Yes, there are several running trails to explore. Popular options include the 'Ligne 10 Cycle Path – Vauhallan Nature Reserve loop' and various loops around the 'Viesville Birdwatching Area'. These trails offer moderate difficulty and distances ranging from 7.5 km to 12.6 km. More information is available in the Running Trails around Pont-À-Celles guide.
What is the cultural significance of Liberchies?
Liberchies holds significant cultural importance as the birthplace of the legendary jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. The village celebrates his legacy with the annual Festival 'Django'.
Are there any guided nature experiences available in the region?
Yes, for those interested in guided outdoor experiences, Défi Nature, a local association, organizes themed walks and nature-oriented activities within the Province of Hainaut, including Pont-À-Celles. You can find more information on their activities at visitwallonia.com.
What do visitors enjoy the most about the canal area?
Visitors particularly enjoy the peaceful and scenic environment along the Old Brussels–Charleroi Canal. Many appreciate the opportunity to walk or bike along the meandering canal, discovering the fascinating remains of defunct locks and guard houses, which evoke a sense of the 19th century.
What is the best time of year to visit Pont-À-Celles for outdoor activities?
The rural landscape and canal-side routes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, when the weather is most favorable for walking, cycling, and exploring the nature reserves. This period allows for comfortable outdoor enjoyment.
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Most popular attractions around Pont-À-Celles
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