The Province of Hainaut, located in Wallonia, is a real treasure trove for urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. This industrial region is full of abandoned sites that bear witness to a rich history, often marked by the rise and fall of industry. Here is a selection of the 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 the industrial history of Hainaut. Closed for several decades, this foundry was abandoned, but still retains a large part of its original infrastructure.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Industrial buildings, blast furnaces, and large 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 condition of the structures.
2: The Chartreuse Fort
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 mix of military architecture and encroaching nature.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Barracks, underground tunnels, and vast fortified spaces.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with parts still well preserved.
- Access: Easy, but with precautions to be taken due to the instability of certain structures.
3: The Coal Mine of Chance
The Charbonnage du Hasard is an emblematic urbex site in Hainaut. This mining complex, once in full activity, is today a ghostly place, frozen in time since its closure.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Mine towers, machine rooms, and administrative buildings.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with parts of the site partially collapsed.
- Access: Difficult, with risks linked to the collapse of structures.
4: The Sanantorium of Mont-Saint-Guibert
The Sanatorium of Mont-Saint-Guibert is another fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts 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 disturbing 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 Verrerie de Lodelinsart is an unmissable urbex site that reflects the history of the glass industry in Belgium. This factory, once a thriving production center, is today a place of desolation where you can still see the remains of the furnaces and workshops.
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 urbex sites that capture the imagination and offer a fascinating insight into the industrial and military history of the region. Each of these places tells a unique story, made of past grandeur and inevitable decline. Whether you are a photographer looking for striking shots or an urban explorer eager for new discoveries, these sites will offer you an unforgettable experience. Always remember to respect the places and take all the necessary precautions for a safe exploration.
