The Province of Hainaut, located in Wallonia, is a true treasure trove for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. This industrial region is brimming with abandoned sites that bear witness to a rich history, often marked by the rise and fall of industry. Here is a selection of five must-see urbex sites in the Province of Hainaut, each offering a unique experience for explorers.
1: The Couillet Foundry
The Couillet Foundry is an emblematic site of Hainaut's industrial history. Closed for several decades, this foundry has been left abandoned, but still retains a large part of its original infrastructure.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Industrial buildings, blast furnaces, and vast workshops.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with structures in ruins but still accessible.
- Access: Moderate, some parts of the site are difficult to access due to the state of the structures.
2: The Fort of the Chartreuse
Located near Liège, the Fort de la Chartreuse is a former military fort built in the 19th century and abandoned after the Second World War. This site offers a fascinating blend of military architecture and encroaching nature.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Barracks, underground tunnels, and vast fortified areas.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with some parts still well preserved.
- Access: Easy, but with precautions to take due to the instability of some structures.
3: The Coal Mine of Chance
The Hasard coal mine is an iconic urban exploration site in Hainaut. This mining complex, once in full operation, is now a ghostly place, frozen in time since its closure.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Mine towers, engine rooms, and administrative buildings.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with parts of the site partially collapsed.
- Access: Difficult, with risks related to structural collapse.
4: The Sanantorium of Mont-Saint-Guibert
The Mont-Saint-Guibert Sanatorium is another fascinating site for urban explorers in Hainaut. This former sanatorium, built in the 1930s to treat tuberculosis patients, is now abandoned. The long corridors, empty rooms, and treatment rooms create an atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, treatment rooms, and dormitories.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with parts of the site still relatively well preserved.
- Access: Moderate, but some areas may be difficult to access due to the condition of the buildings.
5: The Lodelinsart Glassworks
The Lodelinsart Glassworks is an unmissable urban exploration site that reflects the history of the glass industry in Belgium. This factory, once a thriving production center, is now a desolate place where the remains of the furnaces and workshops can still be seen.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Workshops, glass furnaces, and warehouses.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with many structures in ruins.
- Access: Easy, but some areas require great caution.
Conclusion
The Province of Hainaut offers a multitude of urban exploration sites that capture the imagination and provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial and military history. Each of these locations tells a unique story, one of past grandeur and inevitable decline. Whether you're a photographer seeking striking shots or an urban explorer eager for new discoveries, these sites will offer an unforgettable experience. Always remember to respect these places and take all necessary precautions for safe exploration.
