Discover Binche: Carnival, City Walls and Cultural Heritage

Binche combines vibrant traditions with a remarkable urban history. Particularly impressive is the Binche Carnival, which takes place every year during the three days before the beginning of Lent and encompasses the historic city centre. Other highlights include the belfry, the Grand-Place, the collegiate church of Saint-Ursmer, fortification walls and routes suited to a range of day-trip plans.

Carnival and Grand-Place

On Shrove Tuesday, the Carnival celebrations reach their peak on the Grand-Place. This is when the Gilles de Binche arrive and the Rondeau takes shape. During the Carnival, several hundred Gilles in red, yellow and black costumes parade through Binche. Their attire includes ostrich-feather hats, wooden clogs, bells and wax masks; they march through the city to the sound of drums. If you would like to experience this tradition, plan your trip around the three days before the beginning of Lent. The Grand-Place is also the setting for important city gatherings and events.

Belfry, Saint-Ursmer and City History

The belfry of Binche has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. The building adjoins the town hall and dates from the 14th century. It therefore offers a tangible connection to the history of the city centre, without requiring your stay to focus solely on the Carnival.

The collegiate church of Saint-Ursmer also takes you through several historical periods. It contains Romanesque remains dating from around the 12th century. Its tower reflects the history of the church and the changes it underwent between the 12th and 17th centuries. The church treasury includes old chalices and reliquary arms from the possessions of the canons of the chapter of Lobbes. Anyone interested in church art and historical details will find another cultural highlight here to include in their travel plans.

Routes, Crafts and Flavours

For an active way to discover Binche, there is the urban Totemus treasure hunt “À la découverte du Carnaval de Binche”, which covers 3.8 km. The RAVeL routes 108 and 422 also run through Binche. Anyone wishing to combine exercise and exploration can take these options into account when planning their trip.

Another special feature is bobbin lace, which has been made in Binche since the 17th century. For a food-focused break, the Brasserie-Restaurant La Binchoise at the foot of the fortification walls is an appealing option. It is located in the premises of a former malt house; visitors can sample the beers brewed at La Binchoise there.

The Right Holiday Apartment for Your Travel Plans

When choosing your holiday apartment in Binche, it is worth first deciding what you want the focus of your stay to be. If the Carnival is to be the centrepiece, the period before the beginning of Lent is crucial. If you would like to get to know Binche independently of the festivities, you can focus on the city’s history. This allows you to tailor your search for a holiday apartment to the experiences that matter most to you in Binche.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

For further destination ideas, you can also explore Chimay, Bernissart, La Louvière, Châtelet, Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont, Thuin, Pecq and Momignies.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Hainaut.