Tour Bleue

Wallonia


Rising some 75m above the city centre, the aptly named 'Blue Tower' is Charleroi's most eye-catching new building. Designed by celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel, the tapering blue-brick landmark houses the city's police headquarters. The adjoining buildings – redesigned by the same firm – house dance studios and artist residences for Charleroi/Danses, a rather surprising pas de deux between law enforcement and the performing arts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Wallonia attractions

1. Le Bois du Cazier

2.14 MILES

This sizeable complex occupies a mine site where a horrific accident killed 262 miners in 1956. A gripping multilingual video commemorates that; admission…

2. Musée de la Photographie

2.68 MILES

One of Europe’s biggest and most impressive photography museums, it has an engrossing collection of historic, contemporary and artistic prints. Don’t miss…

3. Abbaye d’Aulne

6.21 MILES

With origins in the 7th century, but destroyed post–French Revolution in 1794, this atmospheric monastery is a mixture of picturesque ruins, surviving…

4. Beffroi de Thuin

8.91 MILES

Looming high above the village is Thuin's 1639 stone bell tower topped with five slate spires and numerous gilded baubles. Apart from the (loud!) bells…

5. Musée de la Bataille de Ligny

8.99 MILES

At Ligny, against Blücher's Prussians, Napoleon won his last victory. Battle fans can visit the memorabilia-filled Musée de la Bataille, with two floors…

6. Distillerie de Biercée

10.28 MILES

Around 6km south of Thuin, the Distillerie de Biercée is a great opportunity to see inside one of Wallonia's classic fortified-farm complexes. This one is…

7. Château de Sombreffe

10.37 MILES

The village of Sombreffe's castle has a particularly fine quiver of variously shaped towers. If the gate's open, you can wander in to have a peek at the…

8. Château de Corroy-le-Château

12.26 MILES

Built by the Count of Vianden, this impressive 13th-century castle is a photographer's wonderland, with impressive stone towers, a majestic chapel and an…

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