Le Bois du Cazier, Charleroi: Hours, Address, Le Bois du Cazier Reviews: 4.5/5
Le Bois du Cazier
Le Bois du Cazier
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Première attraction du Pays de Charleroi avec 65.000 visiteurs annuels, cet incontournable est à marquer d'une croix sur la carte touristique de Wallonie ! Ancien site minier, le Bois du Cazier est devenu aujourd'hui un lieu de vie culturelle avec ses 3 musées et ses terrils aménagés en sentiers de promenade.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
315 within 3 miles

Mine de Rien
251
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • French • European

Emoción Le Bois Du Cazier
8
152 ftItalian • Spanish
Barrio pizza marcinelle
1
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean

La Baracca
10
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian

Sotto il Ponte
108
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian

Le Rhodini
58
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Greek

L'Adriatica
9
0.9 mi

Restaurant Do Eat
109
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Japanese • Asian

Chez Georges
9
0.9 mi$ • Greek

Charly's
22
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Belgian • European
Attractions
54 within 6 miles

Musée de l'Industrie
15
86 ftScience Museums • History Museums
Espace 8 août 1956
2
86 ftHistoric Sites

Musée du Verre - Charleroi, Marcinelle
18
86 ftArt Museums

Musée de la Photographie
221
1.7 miArt Museums

Comédie Centrale de Charleroi
275
2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Centre de delassement Marcinelle/Loverval
3
0.8 miWater Parks

La Ruche Theatre
21
1.3 miTheaters

Passage de la Bourse - Charleroi
43
1.8 miHistoric Sites • Historic Walking Areas

Shopping Rive Gauche Charleroi
121
1.9 miShopping Malls

Eglise De St. Christopher
73
2.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
443 reviews
Excellent
269
Very good
154
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
1
LHO
27 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
It is a great museum of the history, economic development and life in the Walloon region, it is an important place to visit, a MUST I would say!
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We thank you for your visit and your positive message.
We hope we'll see you again soon.
Written August 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
stephenfin
Limerick, Ireland1 contribution
Jul 2015 • Solo
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.
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.
Written July 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dear Sir,
We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit of Bois du Cazier!
Indeed, it's a good idea for spending time before taking a plane.
We are 20km away from Charleroi South Airport. You can join us by taking 2 busses but the faster is the taxi (20 min).
Written July 23, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK156,914 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
This museum is a fitting memorial to the 256 miners who died 60 years ago in a mining disaster. The museum preserves much of the mine overground as well as restored and repurposed some of the facilities such as shower rooms. The audio guide does an exceptional job of describe the history of the mine, what life was like for the miners and of course about the disaster.
There is also 2 other museums inside the mining museum. The Museum of Industry and the Museum of Glass. The former is highly educational. The latter lacks any English (only French I think), so strictly look in wondrous amazement at what can be done with glass.
Sadly, what once was will never be again. The coal industry isn't coming back to Charleroi, but the museum doesn't dwell too much on pining for a lost cause. The narrative ends with and urges a forward looking future of leveraging the skills that still exist, like glass making expertise.
Definitely the one thing in Charleroi worth seeing and a fitting tribute.
There is also 2 other museums inside the mining museum. The Museum of Industry and the Museum of Glass. The former is highly educational. The latter lacks any English (only French I think), so strictly look in wondrous amazement at what can be done with glass.
Sadly, what once was will never be again. The coal industry isn't coming back to Charleroi, but the museum doesn't dwell too much on pining for a lost cause. The narrative ends with and urges a forward looking future of leveraging the skills that still exist, like glass making expertise.
Definitely the one thing in Charleroi worth seeing and a fitting tribute.
Written June 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your feedback. We were glad to hear you enjoyed it.
We noted your remark about the lack of English in the Glass museum and hope to rectify this situation in the near future.
Written June 23, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
account2018
Nuku'alofa, Tonga133 contributions
Sep 2019
There are much better museums of mining, but this covers general industrial history of the region well, and it’s coverage of the pit disaster is unequalled, perhaps as it’s much more recent than British ones, so the photos and news coverage feels relevant. The extra €1 for the audio guide is worth it. The conversations are rather contrived, but add a lot to the site.
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We thank you for your visit and your return!
Written September 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
582gbes
Brussels, Belgium15 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Interesting testimony on the mining disaster. Combined with a history of the walloon industry. Partly inside, partly outside.
Written December 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for your visit and your positive feedback!
Written January 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gerald L
Brussels, Belgium531 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
This museum and memorial to 262 Italian, Belgian, and other miners killed in a tragic coal mine accident in 1956 is important in Belgium's modern history. That it is housed on the very site, with many of the buildings and much of the machinery still intact is all the more impressive. Combining this with the museum of industry was a stroke of genius, and the audiovisual exhibits highlight this important fact: in the heyday of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, brand-new Belgium (established 1830) was already the world's number two industrial power (after Great Britain, and ahead of the US!).
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for your visit and your positive feedback!
Written August 30, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DHa
Brussels146 contributions
May 2018 • Family
To fill the time before heading to Charleroi airport, I visited this museum and it was really well presented and interesting. We did not have much time, so chose not to take the audio-guide, but most of the information was in French/Dutch and English, so easy enough. We would have loved to walk in the area to see the slagger mountains etc, but we ran out of time.
Written May 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for your visit and your positive message!
Written May 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BertXL
Antwerp, Belgium139 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
Not many people know the name 'Bois du Cazier' but many Belgian people know the link between Marcinelle and mining disaster. In 1956, 262 people die in the mine of many nationalities but many Italians. The site is now a museum and a tribute to them. It tells the history of mine and more.
We visited the site with a group of 20 people and had a Dutch speaking guide. Multiple types of guided visits are possible and in multiple languages (Dutch, French, English, Italian). The guided tour took 2 hours and ended with a moving film of 15' telling the story of the mining disaster in 1956. We were free to walk around on the site after the tour as long as we want.
We ate our picnic in the cafetaria, which was no problem as long as we had a drink.
The area around the site is also very nice. We did a nice hiking of 10km in the neighbourhood, in a nearby forrest, and also climbed the terril Nr 3.
On the terril, specific fauna and flora are developing and, according to the guide, a fantastic view over Charleroi could be seen From the platform at the top of the terril, the view was limited however, because of the trees...
We visited the site with a group of 20 people and had a Dutch speaking guide. Multiple types of guided visits are possible and in multiple languages (Dutch, French, English, Italian). The guided tour took 2 hours and ended with a moving film of 15' telling the story of the mining disaster in 1956. We were free to walk around on the site after the tour as long as we want.
We ate our picnic in the cafetaria, which was no problem as long as we had a drink.
The area around the site is also very nice. We did a nice hiking of 10km in the neighbourhood, in a nearby forrest, and also climbed the terril Nr 3.
On the terril, specific fauna and flora are developing and, according to the guide, a fantastic view over Charleroi could be seen From the platform at the top of the terril, the view was limited however, because of the trees...
Written September 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We thank you for your positive summary of your visit here!
We are happy that you enjoyed the visit and the walking and view of the terrils!
Hope see you another time!
Written September 7, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrea_Watson76
Marple, UK288 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We got the number 52 bus from Charleroi Gare Sud and cosy €2.50 to get there and only took 12 minutes each way.
The cost to get on ale Bois du Cazier was €8 and an extra €1 for the audio which was in English.
You was given a map and all the places had numbers on and when you get there you type the number in the audio and it will tell you all about it and I found it very interesting and informative then if I was just walking around.
We spent 2 1/2 hours there and it was very quiet which was nice.
There was a small glass museum there which had some lovely pieces.
Well worth a visit.
The cost to get on ale Bois du Cazier was €8 and an extra €1 for the audio which was in English.
You was given a map and all the places had numbers on and when you get there you type the number in the audio and it will tell you all about it and I found it very interesting and informative then if I was just walking around.
We spent 2 1/2 hours there and it was very quiet which was nice.
There was a small glass museum there which had some lovely pieces.
Well worth a visit.
Written August 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We thank you for your visite and your positive message!
Written August 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anna100159
Mandalay, Myanmar15 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
A great way to spend half a day, lots to se and do for all ages. Thoroughly recommended family activity.
Written July 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your visit ans message!
Written August 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patrick B
Chauny, France269 contributions
Est-ce possible de visiter en fauteuil roulant ?
Isabelle S
1 contribution
Bonjour, les espaces muséaux disposent d'ascenseurs et sont donc totalement accessibles. Les accès extérieurs sont par contre presque entièrement pavés.
De positieve beoordeling van 450qcb onderschrijf ik. Echter begrijp ik weinig van zijn of haar misprijzing van het glasmuseüm! Wellicht is die ruimte zelf niet heel sfeervol en is de technische kant van produktie enigszins onderbelicht, maar de verzameling (vreemd genoeg in kontra-chronologische volgorde) is veelzijdig en in estetische zin zeer de moeite waard: met prachtstukken uit vele eeuwen. Jakob Grit, NL
Salve siete aperti il 1 maggio
Filippo Faggioli
Cerbaia, Italy196 contributions
Come lo posso sapere io????
Ciro B
2 contributions
Salve, io vorrei visitare il museo..qualcuno può indicarmi i mezzi da prendere? Grazie, ciro neri
leboisducazier
2546731
Buongiorno,
Vi ringraziamo per la Sua email.
Per accedere al nostro museo, potete prendere 2 pulman ( n°1 e 52) a partire della stazione di Charleroi-Sud.
Poi alte alla fermata nella “Rue Florian Montagne” ( per il n° 52) o “ Avenue de la Cité Parc” ( per il n°1).
Spero vi sia utile.
Per tutte oltre informazioni potete conttatare.
Cordiali saluti.
hgeater
Brussels, Belgium2 contributions
Moyens de transport en commun pour y accéder ,
Merci
Charlotte Jeuniaux
Namur, Belgium9 contributions
Bonjour, Au départ de la Gare de Charleroi Sud, vous pouvez emprunter les bus TEC 1 ou 52 qui vous déposeront à proximité du site (durée du trajet en bus: 15-20 min). Je vous souhaite d'ores et déjà une visite agréable.
hgeater
Brussels, Belgium2 contributions
Comment accéder à l'exposition par les moyens de transport en commun ? Merci
leboisducazier
2546731
Bonjour,
Au départ de la Gare de Charleroi Sud, vous pouvez emprunter les bus TEC 1 ou 52 qui vous déposeront à proximité du site (durée du trajet en bus: 15-20 min).
Je vous souhaite d'ores et déjà une visite agréable.
anna14122016
Province of Brescia, Italy1 contribution
Come si arriva, dall'aeroporto? C'è un bus o si deve prendere un taxi? Quanto tempo ci vuole? Scusate le domande ma vorrei andarci e non so quanto tempo mette in conto. Grazie
leboisducazier
2546731
Grazie
anna14122016
Province of Brescia, Italy1 contribution
Come si arriva, dall'aeroporto? C'è un bus o si deve prendere un taxi? Quanto tempo ci vuole? Scusate le domande ma vorrei andarci e non so quanto tempo mette in conto. Grazie
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Bois du Cazier
- Le Bois du Cazier is open:
- Tue - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Le Bois du Cazier:
- (0.42 mi) Marcinelle Apartotel Des Jardins De La Fontaine Qui Bout
- (1.89 mi) Novotel Charleroi Centre
- (1.76 mi) Ibis Charleroi Centre Gare
- (4.99 mi) Hotel South
- (5.92 mi) Hotel Charleroi Airport
- Restaurants near Le Bois du Cazier:
- (0.03 mi) Emoción Le Bois Du Cazier
- (0.17 mi) Mine de Rien
- (1.93 mi) Delphes
- (0.97 mi) Sotto il Ponte
- (2.13 mi) La bouche des gouts