Canal du Centre Boat Lifts

The old Canal du Centre linking the Meuse and Scheldt basins had to climb about sixty-six metres in a short distance, and rather than build a long flight of locks the engineers installed four hydraulic boat lifts, the first opened in 1888 and the other three in 1917, each raising a caisson of water with the boat in it by hydraulic ram against a counterweighted twin. All four still work using their original machinery, which is why they were inscribed by UNESCO in 1998: they are the only lifts of this type anywhere still in their original condition and in use. Commercial traffic moved to the modern Strepy-Thieu lift in 2002, so the old canal now carries only pleasure and trip boats, and one lift has a visitor centre.

What you actually see

• Four original hydraulic lifts - working with their 1880s and 1910s machinery.
• Counterweighted caissons - the twin tanks that raise and lower together.
• The old canal in use - trip boats passing through the lifts.
• The engine houses - the hydraulic machinery in its buildings.

When to go

April to October for boat trips through the lifts, which is much the best way to see them; the towpath is walkable year round and free. Half a day. Trips run on set days and need booking.

Honest expectations

Boat trips run on limited days and book out. Without a trip you watch from the bank, which is less than half the experience. Interpretation is in French. The four lifts are spread along several kilometres and need a car or bike between them.

Nearby

Strepy-Thieu is on the modern canal alongside; La Louviere lies east.