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W3 La Véloroute des Carnavals
Family
113.5 km
De Tubize à Chimay
The first part of the W3 long-distance route immerses you in what was, in the 20th century, Belgium’s biggest iron and steel centre. From Tubize, you head south along the RAVeL that borders the Charleroi–Brussels canal, the Charleroi–Brussels historical canal and a short stretch of the Canal du Centre. Having crossed the city of wolves, La Louvière, a daughter of industry, the Line 422 RAVeL takes you gradually into rural settings.
Further on, you are invited to meet the Gilles, the famous carnival characters, in the fortified town of Binche. You carry on through woods, fields and pastures on the RAVeL of Lines 108 and 109/1 towards Thuin, in the heart of the Thudinie region, where you can admire the hanging gardens or visit the Musée vivant du Tram Vicinal (tram museum). On some days you can even enjoy the unique experience of boarding an old tram along a track the runs alongside the RAVeL.
Your route then continues on the Line 109/2 RAVeL towards Beaumont and its famous macaroons. Its Salamandre Tower stands before you, recalling its military past. Near Froidchapelle, if you have a sudden desire to bathe, you can pop over to the Eau d’Heure lakes along the Lakes cycling route.
At the end of this trip lies Chimay, where you can visit the castle or taste a cheese and a Trappist beer carefully prepared by the monks of the Benedictine abbey of Scourmont.
Interactive Route Map
Route Stages : W3 La Véloroute des Carnavals3
De Tubize à La Louvière (stage 1)
On the RAVeL of the Charleroi-Brussels canal, the Charleroi-Brussels historical canal and the Canal du Centre
Right from the start of your trip Tubize, a centre of the steel industry, with the Clabecq blast furnaces, reminds visitors of the economic importance of this region during the 20th century. You make your way in total safety along the Charleroi–Brussels canal towards Ronquières.
Family
38 km
De La Louvière à Thuin (stage 2)
On the RAVeL of Lines 422, 108 and 109/1
Before leaving La Louvière, a multicultural place, go and take a look at the hydraulic boat lifts on the Canal du Centre historique, which are included on the UNESCO Heritage of Humanity list.
Family
30,5 km
De Thuin à Chimay (stage 3)
On the Line 109/2 RAVeL
You leave Thuin and the Thudinie region along the Line 109/2 RAVeL, heading out of the restful Sambre valley and into the Botte du Hainaut through pastures, fields of crops and small valleys where silence reigns supreme. At the start of your route, Line 109/2 is shared between the RAVeL and the tourist tramway.
Family
45 km
