Top Things to do in Chatelet
The 10 Best Things to Do in Chatelet, Belgium
Discover the best top things to do in Chatelet, Belgium including European Flight Simulator, Le Bois du Cazier, Helico, Abbaye de Villers, Chateau de Seneffe, Musee royal de Mariemont, Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude, Claire-Fontaine Leisure Centre, Mala india spa, Centre General Gerard.
Restaurants in Chatelet
1. European Flight Simulator
Overall Ratings
5 based on 341 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Yvan D
After a 30 minutes briefing to learn the basics of flying, you take place in a "real" cockpit, ready for your first take-off. The instructor is helping you with the secondary commands, give you the right tips to take off, and a bunch of instructions during the flight. After a first landing, I made a second take-off and after a few minutes flight, a barrel (all the alarms of the plane were beeping ! ), followed by another approach of Brussel International. This was really nice ! The instructors are really helping, and giving good advices.
One negative point is the video they suggest you to buy 25€. I bought it and i'm disappointed, as the quality is not that good and you get better view plan from inside the plane (if you have a passenger with you in the plane)
2. 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.
3. Helico
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By GaeJa - Leuven, Belgium
I wanted to surprise a friend of mine who came to visit me from the UK, but it was very last minute. I called him around 5pm to arrange something the day after. He went out of his way to look at a possible time (weather wasn't going to be good) and agreed to do this (even though I suspect he actually did not have much time that day).
We ended up being incredibly lucky - or he just really knows how to read weather maps - and we went on a great tour with him. Even though he must be doing this for quite a while, his enthusiasm and passion for flying really makes the flight worthwhile (on top of the obviously thrilling in-the-air-experience of course). Because there wasn't too much activity on the base, he even showed us what a helicopter can do when we came back: 360, up, down, back, left, right, very fast,... Honestly, could not have wished for a more kind, experienced and enthusiastic pilot!! The bubbles at the end were the perfect end to a perfect experience.
If you're thinking of a helicopter ride in Belgium, this would be my number 1 pick!
4. Abbaye de Villers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Villers Abbey (abbaye de Villers) is an ancient Cistercian abbey located near the town of Villers-la-ville, 50 minutes from Brussels. Founded in 1146, the abbey was abandoned in 1796. Most of the site has since fallen into ruins.
Reviewed By Iweinvanaalst - Herentals, Antwerpen, Belgium
The Cistercian abbey of Villers was founded in 1146 and flourished particularly in the thirteenth (first golden age) and eighteenth (second golden age) century. The complex was sacked in 1789 and 1794 before permanent abandonment in 1796.
The visit starts with a small museum with touch screens and a scale model. Next up you can discover the ruins with the help of information panels and reconstruction drawings. The latter are most useful since the topography of the area has changed (construction of streets and a railroad) and several buildings have been altered or demolished (home and infirmary of the converts, dormitory of the monks).
An audio guide is available for people with a deeper interest in the history of the abbey and the life of the monks.
Three reasons to visit the site :
Villers is a fine example of a Cistercian abbey. The typical layout is easily recognizable and numerous thirteenth century structures have been preserved. Highlights include the home of the guests, the church, the refectory of the monks, the cloister and the prison.
The atmosphere is serene and peaceful despite the vicinity of a railroad and streets. You can relax in the sun with a book or enjoy a family pick nick.
The ruins are very picturesque. A lot of people seem to come here to take photos. We noticed several marriage couples, Goths and even some fashion models !
PS :
Honor and praise to management and staff for their efforts to make the site accessible for disabled people (installation of lifts) and for their language skills (multilingual audio guide, shopkeeper fluent in dutch) !
5. Chateau de Seneffe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By MikeWNewport_Uk - Newport, UK
despite knowing the area for many years we had never been to Seneffe castle. We chose it as it was near. The approach was badly signposted by the free car park generous in scale. After that things got really better - the Gardens were human scale and well managed - balanced between upkeep and nature, scattered sculptures here and there helped the walking. The Chateau is modestly price entrance but its two floors are a gem - the rooms are wonderfully restored and a joy and education to visit. The audiovisual supplements just add that touch of panache. We were transposrted back to the era for about 2 hours - this is a wonderful restauration and a well curated display. Not over the top, it achieves each and every one of its aims. A must for a 1/2 day out - afterwards visiti Ecaussines or Ronquiers, all close by
6. Musee royal de Mariemont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By seolram - Leiden, The Netherlands
Oh my! There's a department with art and objects involving the former castle that stood in this place.
The regional archaeology is nice, it tells the story opf the surroundings, than there's Greece and Rome, Egypt, Near East, Fasr east, religious objects, precious books... it's quite the colletcion, and all for an entrance fee of 1 euro!! (first sunday of the month free admission) For special Exhibitions you pay extra, but wow, where do you get to see all that for such a price?
It's a true gem, dfid not expect to see all this in the middle of Wallonia, not even in a big city.
If you have some time left and the weather is okay: wander through the lovely park
7. Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Elwing - Antwerp, Belgium
I was really looking forward to visiting this impressive Romanesque church, but I walked around it and could not find any way in. Maybe it is just closed on Tuesdays, there were signs but I could not read them as they were only in French. I tried to ask for help at the city hall, which is attached to the building, but I could not find any person who was willing to speak to me or even look at me. So I peeked trough the windows and caught a few glimpses of what looked like a wonderful old cloister.
And then I left Nivelles disappointed, musing about the pettiness of the Belgian language struggle. Tourist go home!
8. Claire-Fontaine Leisure Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
The claire-Fontaine Leisure Centre welcomes you in a green setting: playground, camping, Minigolf, swimming, paddle boat, beach-volley and even fishing! Open from 01 May till 30 Septembre. Swimming from 15 June till 15 Septembre.
Reviewed By iannazzone - La Louviere, Belgium
Super camping très bien entretenu personnel compétent.y séjourne depuis 1 an rien a dire que du positif.Animation pleine de jeux pêche pedalo et journée a thème super...etc
9. Mala India spa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Caroline D - Gembloux, Belgium
Une vraie bulle de bonheur !
La chambre est magnifique (meubles de style indiens, couleurs chaudes, nombreuses bougies,...). Côté équipement, il y a jaccuzi, sauna, fishpedicure, lit à baldaquin, bar, smart tv avec netflix, salle de douche,...
La terrasse avec piscine est également très jolie (même si vu la météo nous n'en avons pas vraiment profité).
Les repas sont très bons et copieux. En entrée: saint jacques à la crème de poireaux pour lui, carpaccio de boeuf pour moi. En plat: orichiettes aux brocolis et à la chaire de saucisse pour tous les deux. En dessert: moelleux au chocolat pour lui, banana split pour moi. Top !
Le service est parfait et les patrons très sympas.
Nous y retournerons.
10. Centre General Gerard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Peter L - Durham, United Kingdom
This museumn is devoted to the battle of Ligny 17th June 1815, the Prussians suffered a clear defeat here , 16000 casualties , the French 12000 ; the scale of the slaughter at Ligny was appalling. Before visiting the Museum take a walk through the town to the Farm of En Haut , this formidable defensive structure changed hands several times during the battle. It was fiercely defended by the Prussians. The Museum contains maps , models ( a very good model of En Haut ) & artefacts picked up on the battlefield. During my tour of the Waterloo Battlefields this was my favourite museum. Check the opening times before visiting.
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