Late evening
1 / 10

Canal de Charleroi Brussels

4.3
·170 reviews·, Belgium

Explore Belgium's industrial past and scenic waterways along the Canal de Charleroi Brussels, featuring the unique Ronquières inclined plane.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Late evening

Canal de Charleroi Brussels

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Belgium's industrial past and scenic waterways along the Canal de Charleroi Brussels, featuring the unique Ronquières inclined plane.

4.3
(170 reviews)

"A lovely section of the canal network for a walk or cycle, with the Ronquières inclined plane being a must-see."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Flat Cycling Routes

Follow the canal from Anderlecht for a mostly flat cycling path, perfect for a relaxed ride.

🚢 Engineering Marvel

Don't miss the Ronquières inclined plane, a unique and impressive feat of engineering.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 170 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ronquières Inclined Plane

Ronquières Inclined Plane

Ronquières

Witness a world-first engineering marvel that lifts boats over a significant elevation change.

Canal Towpath Cycling

Canal Towpath Cycling

Various sections along the canal

Enjoy scenic and mostly flat cycling routes, perfect for a relaxed exploration of the Belgian countryside.

Charming Riverside Stops

Charming Riverside Stops

Ittre

Discover quaint villages like Ittre, offering pleasant spots to rest and enjoy local hospitality.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Waterways

The Canal de Charleroi Brussels offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. Plan for a leisurely pace, whether walking or cycling, to truly soak in the atmosphere. Consider the Ronquières inclined plane for a fascinating engineering marvel.

Cycling Routes & Inclines

For cyclists, the canal towpaths provide a relatively flat route, ideal for exploring. Be aware of the Ronquières inclined plane, a significant engineering feat that bypasses a series of locks. It's a must-see for its historical and technical significance.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for cycling
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ronquières va devenir célèbre car va y être construit un plan incliné sur le canal Bruxelles-Charleroi. Un ouvrage d'art encore jamais réalisé, une première mondiale. Sur cette partie du canal, le dénivelé étant important, il y a actuellement 40 écluses pour une dénivellation de 68 mètres. Depuis mars 1962, 1200 hommes s'affairent à la construction de cet ouvrage.
@la_belgique_autrefois
1.8K likes • 79.5K views

🚲 Flat Cycling Routes

Follow the canal from Anderlecht for a mostly flat cycling path, perfect for a relaxed ride. Reddit

🚢 Engineering Marvel

Don't miss the Ronquières inclined plane, a unique and impressive feat of engineering. TikTok

#brussels #charleroi #belgium #jet2holidays #airport #hotgirlsummer
@arractur_
139 likes • 11.6K views
A lap around BSK (Charleroi, BE 🇧🇪), enjoy! 🤝 #fyp #foryou #karting #rental #kart
@dylandewolff
8.4K likes • 382.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Walks

The towpaths are well-adapted for easy walking, offering a peaceful way to experience the canal. [^Review]

☕ Riverside Refreshments

Stop in charming villages like Ittre for a break at a local bar or cafe. [^Review]

reddit.com

Cycling from brussels

Does anyone here know or can reccomend a 50-80km route from brussels on a bike? Something more flat than hill-y. Thanks

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Flat Cycling Routes

Follow the canal from Anderlecht for a mostly flat cycling path, perfect for a relaxed ride. Reddit

🚢 Engineering Marvel

Don't miss the Ronquières inclined plane, a unique and impressive feat of engineering. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Leisurely Walks

The towpaths are well-adapted for easy walking, offering a peaceful way to experience the canal. [^Review]

☕ Riverside Refreshments

Stop in charming villages like Ittre for a break at a local bar or cafe. [^Review]

What Travellers Say

4.3
(170 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Canal de Charleroi Brussels for its scenic beauty and accessibility, particularly for walking and cycling. The Ronquières inclined plane is a standout attraction, lauded for its engineering marvel. While generally positive, some may find certain sections less picturesque than others.

"A short walking is a good idea. Very chilled, everybody could be go, the level is easy. The ways are adapted for all."

Gwenaël DIELIE

"The canal Brussels - Charleroi was an easy task for Killer Nutria. He went alone as the powerful people do.

On the way you will stop in Ittre, where there is a nice bar.

BEST CANAL BIKE TRIP IN BRUSSELS"

Alberto Killer Nutria AKN

"Very beautiful place to walking 🚶‍♀️ ."

Alfredo Lucas

What People Like

Scenic towpath walks
Flat cycling routes
Impressive inclined plane

What People Dislike

Varying scenery

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access various points along the Canal de Charleroi Brussels by car or public transport. Many visitors start from Brussels and follow the towpaths. Cycling from Anderlecht is a popular option for a flatter route. Reddit

The Ronquières inclined plane is accessible by car and is a key landmark along the canal. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often recommended for direct access. TikTok

Popular starting points include Brussels (e.g., Anderlecht) for cycling and walking routes. For those interested in the inclined plane, heading directly to Ronquières is advisable. Reddit

Ride-sharing services can be a convenient option for reaching specific access points along the canal, especially if public transport is less frequent in certain areas. Check availability in advance.

Parking availability varies along the canal. Some areas, particularly near villages or attractions like the Ronquières inclined plane, offer dedicated parking. Research specific access points beforehand.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, walking and cycling along the public towpaths of the Canal de Charleroi Brussels are generally free and do not require tickets. [^Review]

While the towpaths are free, there might be specific visitor centers or tours at the Ronquières inclined plane that have an admission fee. It's best to check their official website for current pricing. TikTok

Operating hours for the Ronquières inclined plane can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official schedule online before your visit to ensure it's operational. TikTok

Guided tours might be available, especially for specific sections or attractions like the Ronquières inclined plane. Inquire with local tourism offices or check online for tour operators. TikTok

Generally, the towpaths are open to the public. However, be mindful of private property and operational areas related to the canal's industrial use. Always follow posted signage. [^Review]

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The most popular ways to experience the canal are by cycling along the towpaths or taking a leisurely walk. The Ronquières inclined plane is a unique attraction not to be missed. TikTokReddit

Yes, the canal offers easy, flat paths suitable for families with children, making it a great option for a relaxed outing. [^Review]

You'll find a mix of industrial heritage, picturesque countryside, and charming villages. The Ronquières inclined plane offers a unique industrial landscape. TikTok [^Review]

Yes, there are several villages and designated spots along the canal where you can stop for refreshments or enjoy a picnic. Ittre is noted for its nice bar. [^Review]

Comfortable walking or cycling attire is recommended. If cycling, ensure you have appropriate gear. Sun protection is advisable during warmer months. [^Review]

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the impressive engineering of the Ronquières inclined plane, scenic towpath vistas, and charming riverside villages. The interplay of water and industrial structures offers unique shots. TikTok

Drone photography regulations can vary. Always check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. Be mindful of privacy and safety. TikTok

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be good for capturing the scale of the inclined plane. Instagram

The areas around the Ronquières inclined plane provide dramatic perspectives. Look for elevated spots or bridges for wider canal views. TikTok

A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the inclined plane. Consider a polarizing filter for water reflections. Instagram

Canal de Charleroi Brussels (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide