Page 183 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

bel gium and l uxembourg region b y region  181

western wallonia

Stretching across the Province of Hainaut, Western
Wallonia is redolent with the romance of history in such
impressive châteaux as beloeil, Seneffe and attre, and the
intimate medieval centre of Tournai. Hainaut also played a
key role in belgium’s industrial development, a past that is now
celebrated in several fascinating showpieces of industrial heri tage
across the region.
Historically a border county, Hainaut industrial development within Belgium.
has been contested over the centuries Canals and water ways were built to link
between France and the rulers of the rest the area to Germany, France and the
of central Belgium. The region around North Sea. The region’s affluence grew
Tournai, a city with Roman origins, was owing to the mines and factories,
the centre of the Frankish empire in the but districts around the major cities
5th century and remained French until struggled with growing industrialization
1513. After a brief English occupation and the resultant poverty.
under Henry VIII, it was French again Today, Western Wallonia remains the
during the time of Louis XIV and through epitome of Belgium’s varied history.
the turmoil that followed the French The industrial areas across the centre
Revolution (1789–99). This influence is of the region have redefined their collieries
reflected in the local language, Picard, and mines as dynamic museums and
which is distinct from Wallon and centres for the arts that draw hundreds
shared with Nord-Pas-de-Calais in of enthusiasts. In addition, the stately
neighbouring France. châteaux dotting the region bring the
In the 19th century, the green hills of splendour of the late medieval period
central Hainaut, around the his toric cities to life for Belgians and visitors alike.
of Charleroi and Mons were found to The most popular times to visit are
contain rich seams of coal. This led to the when towns across Western Wallonia
development of the Région du Centre, hold lively carnivals, steeped in pageantry,
around La Louvière, as a powerhouse of that attract people from across the world.

Immaculately costumed participants at the bold and sparkling carnival of Binche
Pedestrians walking past the historical Cathedrále Notre-Dame, Tournai

180-181_EW_Belgium.indd 181 16/10/14 3:32 pm