Discover Saint-Ghislain: Railway Culture, Trails and Unique Experiences

Saint-Ghislain combines railway history, art, walking trails and unusual leisure activities. Those looking for a mix of culture and active experiences for their holiday will find various options here for planning their days. The journey itself can also be taken into account when getting your bearings: Saint-Ghislain railway station was inaugurated on 7 August 1842 as part of the Mons–Quiévrain railway section.

Railway History and Local Memories

The RETROTRAIN Museum focuses on restored locomotives, carriages and other restored rail vehicles. The collection is complemented by a large model railway recreating railway scenes, as well as a historical photo exhibition on the history of railways in Belgium. The museum is being developed in the former Saint-Ghislain carriage workshop. There is a clear reference point for your visit: the RETROTRAIN Museum is located 300 metres from Saint-Ghislain railway station and is open on the first Saturday of every month.

Another museum is dedicated to the history of the town. The Memory section of the Museum of the Fair and History tells the story of Saint-Ghislain through an 8-metre-long timeline, postcards and archives, as well as objects made of earthenware, porcelain and collectibles. The museum also offers a one-hour guided tour of Saint-Ghislain’s local history. Depending on your interests, you can therefore choose between an independent tour and a more guided approach to the town.

Art in the Centre and a Folklore Festival

The Tour Ockeghem stands in the centre of Saint-Ghislain’s Grand-Place. Regular exhibitions by local and international artists take place inside. The venue adds a contemporary artistic touch to the historical museums. Another cultural aspect is showcased by the Festival Mondial du Folklore: it lasts nine days and includes singing, performances and handicrafts. If you would like to plan your trip around an event of this kind, you should check the specific festival dates separately.

Walking Trails, Wetlands and Ponds

Saint-Ghislain offers five walking trails for exercise. The Promenade du Moulin is available in 10.8-kilometre and 21.6-kilometre versions and passes through the municipalities of Sirault, Villerot and Hautrage. It starts at the former town hall, which is now used as a sports hall. The two route lengths allow for different day plans without requiring you to commit to a single distance.

The Marionville nature reserve between Saint-Ghislain and Quaregnon provides a distinct natural attraction. It covers 65 hectares of wetlands and ponds. Those who would like to include open landscapes in their trip alongside museums and local history can consider this natural area as a separate excursion destination.

Active Days Around Saint-Ghislain

Dock 79 brings together several experiences: bouldering, padel tennis, an escape game course, a cable park, a high ropes course and an aquapark. This makes it possible to combine cultural sightseeing with an active day. From Saint-Ghislain railway station, Dock 79 can be reached by bus 78 followed by a 15-minute walk. When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider whether museums, walking trails or activities of this kind should be the focus of your trip.

For further orientation, you can also visit other destinations: Boussu, Aiseau-Presles, Houdeng-Goegnies, Thuin, Erquelinnes, Comines-Warneton, Châtelet and Seloignes.

For the broader travel overview: Hainaut.