To Charleroi (La Providence)

Cycling tour around Charleroi via the RAVeL. If you love contrasts, you should definitely take this route.
The first part along the Samber shows us the decline of heavy industry in the Bassin du Centre. In the distance, we can see the headframes of the old pit of Marcinelle (Bois du Cazier). After passing the South Station of Charleroi - we cross the bridge to the south side - the apocalyptic landscape begins in all possible shades that rust has: the beauty of decay.
In Marchienne-au-Pont, you can grab a drink at Rue de la Lorraine and possibly eat a roll next to the church. The people there are remarkably friendly. Then we cross the bridge to continue cycling along the other bank. Passing the "inner harbor" of Marchienne-au-Pont, we leave the Samber. We cycle briefly through the poor community that has suffered greatly from factory closures, including la Providence and Arcelor Mittal. Now we ride (watch out for the heavy traffic!) along the Route de Mons. Be sure to stop by Rockerill when the door is open. Just before the spoil tip la Blanchisserie, right in front of the canal, we descend the stairs to the bike path. Here again, almost apocalyptic scenes of decay. We ride past the canal to the cooling towers of the power plant up to the old railway bridge at the spoil tip, where Bois d'Heigne is now located. We climb the spoil tip along the RAVeL. From now on, we will only occasionally catch a glimpse of what lies beyond this green tunnel. You can also take a break at the Relais du Ravel at the old Gare de Gilly-Sart-Allet station.
The detour to the Charbonnage du Gouffre is worth it for lovers of industrial archaeology. It does require some effort (short steep ascent!). Then the descent to the Samber begins.
We started the tour near the Châtelet station. It is easier to reach by car than the South Station and parking is free there.