Location: Charleroi
Top Things to do in Charleroi
- 1. Le Bois du Cazier
- 2. Musee de la Photographie
- 3. Comedie Centrale de Charleroi
- 4. Church of St. Christopher
- 5. Centre commerciale Rive Gauche
- 6. Hotel de Ville (City Hall)
- 7. La Ruche Theatre
- 8. Musee du Verre - Charleroi, Marcinelle
- 9. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Charleroi
- 10. BPS22 Musee d'art de la Province de Hainaut
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Charleroi, Belgium
Charleroi (French pronunciation: [ʃaʁləʁwa], Walloon: Tchålerwè) is a city and a municipality of Wallonia, located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. By January 1, 2008, the total population of Charleroi was 201,593. The metropolitan area, including the outer commuter zone, covers an area of 1,462 square kilometres (564 sq mi) with a total population of 522,522 by January 1, 2008, ranking it as the 5th most populous in Belgium after Brussels, Antwerp, Liège, and Ghent. The inhabitants are called Carolorégiens or simply Carolos.
Restaurants in Charleroi
1. Le Bois du Cazier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
UNESCO World HeritageTo the South of Charleroi (Belgium), the Bois du Cazier has become a place of life and meetings set against a background of industrial heritage. Situated in the hollow of a setting of greenery, this architectural whole, crowned by two head frames, is encircled by three slagheaps which are ideal places for walks.Scene of a terrible mining disaster, the Bois du Cazier is a mmuseum route devoted to coal, steel and glass includes three sites: the 8th August area, the Industry Museum and the Glass Museum.
Reviewed By stephenfin - Limerick, Ireland
We had some time to kill while waiting for a connecting from the airport (CRL) and this was one of the few attractions in the area (not to mention one open on a Sunday). We spent approximately three hours here and enjoyed the experience.
We traveled from the airport using the bus to Charleroi South train station (stop to the extreme left as you exit the airport), and then got a taxi to the museum (were we doing this again, we would have got a taxi straight there). The drive itself isn't fantastic - Charleroi isn't renowned for it's beauty or wealth - but it was quick.
The museum itself is modern and beautiful. It actually consists of three museums: a museum on the industrial age machinery, a museum on glassworks and a museum on the Bois du Cazier mining accident. Each of these museums had numerous permanent exhibits. None of these exhibits will blow you away, but combined they are interesting enough to hold your attention for a few hours. The giant mine elevator shafts are also a great sight on a good day.
The industrial age machinery and mining accident parts of the museum provided info placards in Dutch, French and English (sadly the glassworks museum only provided Dutch and French). In addition, it is possible to get an audio guide for 1€ that provides some context about the museum and site. This audio guide provided in a conversational style (two people talking, with one supposed to be a former miner). I wasn't a fan of this and stopped using it after some time but other people may enjoy it.
Outside of the exhibits, the museum also provides a cafe and the obligatory gift shop. Once again, neither of these will stun you but you may pick up the odd interesting trinket.
The museum is not by itself a reason to visit Charleroi (there aren't many, it seems). However, as the title suggests it is a great option should you be killing time during a layover in Charleroi Airport (or Brussels South, as Ryanair like to refer to it). It is well enough run, sufficiently interesting and (most importantly?) close enough to the airport to warrant a visit.
2. Musee de la Photographie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Nicole N - Brussels, Belgium
We came here to see the Stephan Vanfleteren exhibition which was beautiful.
In fact this is the second time I come to photography museum and come away pleased. They always have great Exhibitions and the fact that this building used to be a cloister add to the museum's charm.
3. Comedie Centrale de Charleroi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By WhiskySocietyClub - Liege, Belgium
Cette critique concerne plus le restaurant du Comédie Centrale que le Théâtre lui-même...
Ma compagne est comédienne et bien entendu, elle a beaucoup d’amis, d’amies, de collègues, de connaissances qui partagent sa passion. Nous allons, dès lors, voir plus que régulièrement des spectacles de théâtre. Début du mois, rendez-vous est pris au Comédie Centrale de Charleroi. On m’a venté la qualité de la table, de sa cuisine et de la bonne humeur ambiante, c’est le moment, c’est l’instant, une table pour deux couverts est réservée.
Le restaurant est bondé, c’est déjà très bon signe… On nous installe à une table de deux, suffisamment spacieuse, j’aime ça, et éloignée des autres tables, et c’est mieux encore. D’emblée, une Wodka Martini pour préparer le terrain, elle arrive, elle est royale, je me régale ! Un bourgogne blanc pour Carine… ce sera un Pouilly Fumé, qui, ma fois, s’avère être de très bonne facture, et ce, pour un prix tout à fait honnête. Nous nous laissons tenter par les menus artistes 3 services, dont le prix est plus qu’abordable. Je m’abandonne à mes sempiternelles côtes d’agneau qui s’avère être délicieuses, dommage que ce ne soit pas une couronne, c’eut été parfait !
Je vous recommande le lieu, que vous y alliez pour voir un spectacle ou non. Félicitations à la patronne aux fourneaux et à l’escouade de jeunes filles très dynamiques, autant que professionnelles, qui assurent un service impeccable avec le sourire constamment aux lèvres. Ladies, bravo !
Si cette critique vous a aidé, merci de [Liker]
4. Church of St. Christopher
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Robert S - Zagreb, Croatia
Located on main square, this Baroque looking church will surprise you mostly by it's modern interior. It has been renovated couple of times through history giving it rather unique look. It's interior differs quite a lot from most of other baroque churches, being quite dark and with grey concrete walls, with spectacular gold mosaic behind choir.
5. Centre commerciale Rive Gauche
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 62 reviews
6. Hotel de Ville (City Hall)
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By ArtDecoooooooooooooo - Amstelveen, The Netherlands
What an unbelievable building. Cross one of the three heavy bronze port doors and you're surrendered by an overwhelming combination of high class materials and decorations in the hall of honor. Chocolate brown and black marbles, statues and sculptures, brass and woodwork. The pictures speak for themselves! The building dates from 1936 and everything breathes the prosperity of Charleroi with its coal mines and metallurgy activity. It was designed by Joseph André. Inside there are beautiful murals by Anto Carte. What a luck, Charleroi doesn't hide this art deco treasure for visitors passing by. You can pop in for free, but a tour is recommended if you want to see ALL the details.
7. La Ruche Theatre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By jeanne880 - Lobbes, Belgium
le programme est varié, agréable ou amusant mais sans plus; le gros problème c'est la salle longue, haute, sans air, surchauffée, sans lumière et l'impression que l'évacuation du lieu serait pénible voire dangereuse
8. Musee du Verre - Charleroi, Marcinelle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
This museum is located inside the Le Bois du Cazier mining museum and entry is effectively free. There's an eclectic collection of glass vases, sculptures and other glass based ornaments. All items are labeled, just not in English. So unless you can read French/Flemish, it's strictly look and no comprehension.
Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with he museum per se. Without any English translation, there's simply no context to appreciate what's on display.
9. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Charleroi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
There's an eclectic collection of paintings, modern art and sculptures in this museum. Unless you can read French/Flemish, there's no easy way to understand what's being displayed. Not that there's much in the way of descriptions anyway. What's displayed is however very good quality. There's an interesting focus on working man paintings centred around mining which is interesting. The sculpture room is tiny and contains maybe 20 pieces of art, not specifically Beaux-art.
10. BPS22 Musee d'art de la Province de Hainaut
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
The BPS22 is the Province of Hainaut's art museum, located in an ancient industrial hall built in iron and glass, dating back to 1911. The Museum hosts an exciting exhibition programme focusing on social issues, together with its own art collection and various works from the Province of Hainaut, of which it is the depository.
Reviewed By Alison G
Looked very nice from the outside! Unfortunately today for some unknown reason they decided they didn't want visitors(no notice on the door to explain why and opening hours clearly state 1100-1900hrs on both website and doors).. Main glass doors locked at 11am, had a little wander around Charleroi and back again around 12:30 still the same(although bizarrely there appeared to be people inside on the lower levels?).. Might be worth contacting directly before planning a trip to ensure you won't be disappointed as I certainly was.
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