Houdeng-Goegnies on the historic Canal du Centre

Houdeng-Goegnies is an interesting destination for anyone who wants to combine culture, the history of technology and active exploration. The historic Canal du Centre, with its exceptional boat lifts, is a defining feature. There is also a cycling route, a museum about Italian immigration, a church with notable artistic and historical details, and special experiences such as the P'tit Train d'Houdeng. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can choose the town as a base for a trip focused on industrial heritage, activity and local attractions.

The lifts on the Canal du Centre

Along a 7 km stretch, the historic Canal du Centre comprises a unique series of four boat lifts. Each of these lifts overcomes a difference in elevation of 15 to 16 m. The four hydraulic boat lifts, including the Houdeng-Goegnies lift, are the only ones in the world preserved in their original working condition. This combination of waterway, mechanics and historic engineering alone makes the Canal du Centre a notable focus for a stay.

Lift No. 1 in Houdeng-Goegnies was inaugurated in 1888 by King Leopold II. Anyone interested in the history of technology and the development of transport routes will find a tangible starting point here for exploring the town. The dimensions of the overall route and the individual differences in elevation also help put the scale of this canal structure into perspective, without limiting the visit to a single attraction.

Culture between monument, church and museum

Houdeng-Goegnies also offers several historical details away from the canal. The war memorial in Houdeng-Goegnies was inaugurated on 21 October 1923 and is topped by a statue of a cockerel. In Saint-Géry Church, the base of the baptismal font dates from the 16th century. Construction work on the church began in 1905. Saint-Géry also has a stained-glass window created by Bertrand Bardenhewer in 1911. It depicts the Virgin Mary handing the rosary to Saint Dominic.

La Cantine des Italiens adds the history of Italian immigration to this cultural focus: the building houses a corresponding museum. La Cantine des Italiens also offers electric boat rentals through the ASBL Voie d’eau Du Hainaut. This makes it possible to take different interests into account when planning a trip: one day can focus more on history and memorial sites, while another can be devoted to the canal and its surroundings.

Cycling route and special activities

For active days, the cycling route along the historic Canal du Centre is an itinerary in its own right. It runs from Lift No. 1 in Houdeng-Goegnies to Lift No. 4 in Thieu and passes through La Louvière. The stated starting and ending points give the route a clear direction and connect several of the canal's technical landmarks. Those travelling with different age groups can divide their stay according to their interests and combine cultural visits with a bike tour.

Another unusual option is the P'tit Train d'Houdeng. Visitors can ride on a railway network almost 800 metres long in carriages pulled by electric, internal-combustion or steam locomotives. The railway network comprises three loops, and rides on the P'tit Train d'Houdeng are free of charge. For planning the day, this activity offers a clear contrast to the cycling route and the historical tour.

Guidance for finding accommodation

When choosing your accommodation, it is worth first deciding on the focus of your trip. If the Canal du Centre and its lifts are to be the main focus, you can direct your search towards Houdeng-Goegnies. For a trip combining a cycling route, museum, church and technical attractions, it makes sense to organise your planned activities before booking and then compare the location of the respective accommodation with your own daily itinerary. This way, the holiday apartment or holiday home remains a practical base, while the choice is guided by the specific interests of your travel group.

Along the route, there is a car park in Houdeng-Goegnies on Rue du Nouveau canal with 15 parking spaces. This specific reference point can be helpful when planning an outing along the canal. Whether you prefer technological history, religious art, immigration history, cycling or a ride on the P'tit Train: Houdeng-Goegnies offers several clearly distinct ways to experience its character.

Other destinations in the area

If you would like to explore other places for your travel planning from Houdeng-Goegnies, here is a compact selection: Pecq, Frasnes-Lez-Anvaing, Braine-Le-Comte, Morlanwelz, Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont, Leernes, Fleurus and Flobecq.

For the higher-level travel overview: Hainaut.