The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Hainaut Province, Wallonia

>>> OPEN ONLY BY APPOINTMENT <<< This outstanding museum of Decorative Arts (from 1775 to 1825) exhibits not only a prestigious collection of clocks (more than 300 ! ) including the largest ensemble of pendules "Au bon sauvage" (exotic subjects in patinated and ormoulu bronzes) in the world, but also exceptional French gilt bronzes,porcelains (from Paris and Brussels including marvels painted by viruoso Frederic-Theodor(e) FABER),silver,jewellery and other very rare objects. You will discover the way of living in Paris from the time of Louis XVI to Napoleon Ier and Charles X. An astonishing and dazzling beautiful visit !!! Michelin 2 stars for the whole Museum and above it: 2 specific stars for the "extraordinary collection of clocks" and, since 2015, 2 more stars for the "marvelous collections of porcelains" !!! 3 times worth seeing : a MUST !

Fly a real Boeing 737 simulator. European Flight Simulator is an adventure for everybody, even if you have no experience at all. You'll have the opportunity to live an unique and unforgettable experience. After 30 minutes of briefing, you'll take place in the simulator, with a professional pilot by your side to assist you during the flight.

Pairi Daiza is home to 7,000 animals, including numerous endangered species that are housed in the Jardin des Mondes as part of protection and breeding programmes for endangered species. Pairi Daiza is 70 hectares of sumptuous, authentic and varied gardens. A true journey across five continents.

Come and spend an unforgettable moment in the largest museum of Wallonia ! Upon arrival, let yourself fall under the charm of our natural and archaeological parc in which you’ll encounter romantic ruins of an 18th century castle and majestic exotic essences. At the heart of this verdant oasis, an ambitious architectural achievement invites you to a journey at the crossroads of time and cultures : treasures from all over the world and of great civilisations -from antique Rome to ancient China, including Egypt and Middle East- intertwine with those of our own Hainaut province and Belgian history.

Test the biggest boat lift in the world! Open to the navigation in 2002, the Strepy-Thieu boat lift is an EXTRAordinary heritage! Its exceptional dimensions and its unique technical performance raise it as the biggest boat lift that ever exists. Rather see: 117 meter high, 130 meter long and 75 meter wide. Alone, it can overcome a difference in level of 73.15 meter. It takes your breath away! Come to discover the know-how of the Belgian civil Engineering of the 20th and 21st centuries! Cross the lift! Take a ride with the Strepy-Thieu funicular lift by boat! An unforgettable moment... Also to do: The audiovisual experience "Spirits of Belgium" Take in the major moments of Belgian inventiveness. In addition watch a film showing the construction and the working of this outstanding work of art! Do not miss the wonderful view on the region and the machine room from the cafeteria on the 8th floor.

Première attraction du Pays de Charleroi avec 65.000 visiteurs annuels, cet incontournable est à marquer d'une croix sur la carte touristique de Wallonie ! Ancien site minier, le Bois du Cazier est devenu aujourd'hui un lieu de vie culturelle avec ses 3 musées et ses terrils aménagés en sentiers de promenade.

SEE A CENTURY OF AUTOMOBILE HISTORY !When Ghislain Mahy bought his first car in 1944, he had no idea that this 1921 Ford T would be the first car in a collection of more than 1000 vehicles by the year 2000. The first vehicles of the collection were stored for more than half a century in Ghent, at the old “Winter Circus” building. 230 of our mechanical gems were transported to the Brussels “Autoworld” museum in 1986, where they are still on display. The other, approximately 750, vehicles had to wait until 1997 for a new home to be found. This turned out to be the old “Ernaelsteen” factory in Leuze-en-Hainaut, where we are today. The new site is called “Mahymobiles”. This private collection, unique because of the diversity of vehicles included, shows automotive history from it’s humble beginnings at the end of the 19th century to the present day.Amble through the world history of automobiles from 1895 to the present day (300 veteran and vintage vehicles) and gain mechanical knowledge in the educational area. In other areas of Mahymobiles you will discover exceptional collections of miniature cars, historic bicycles & motorcycles, a children’s mini circuit, a gallery dedicated to the evolution of the coach building and a special display on world famous ‘raids’.Come and visit “Mahymobiles” car museum regularly, so you will be able to see for yourself the evolution and continuing expansion.