Boussu

Composed of the municipalities of Boussu and Hornu, the entity – whose etymology means "the place abundant in boxwood" – is located in the Borinage, a region formerly known for its mining basin.

The Grand-Hornu site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 and a major heritage site of Wallonia, which includes the industrial remains of a mine and its workers' housing, is a trace of this mining past, one of the highlights of the municipality. The architectural heritage is also a valuable asset characterizing the Boussu entity. From the Castle of Boussu to the Church of Saint-Géry, passing through the bandstand on the Main Square or the funeral chapel of the Lords of Boussu, the municipality is truly worth a visit.

Nature lovers will also be delighted. From the Castle of Boussu Park with its remarkable trees and 2-km trail to the Gérin Park and the Hanneton Valley with its Maya beehives, Boussu is a real green haven.

The municipality offers a variety of festivities and events throughout the year. For example, during the Heritage Days weekend, nearly 8,000 people participate in activities organized by the Castle of Boussu. Its Sunday morning market is one of the largest in the region and attracts a large crowd each week. Hornu en fête, the Boussu flea market, as well as exhibitions at MAC’S and CID, among others, complete the annual agenda. Handicrafts are also a strong point of the Boussu area. Various local products, such as the Château aperitif, beer, and even Château wine, are available in the municipality.

Boussu’s Main Square, a jewel of history and heritage

The Main Square of Boussu is a central location that combines accessibility with rich heritage.

Surrounded by remarkable buildings, it houses a music kiosk dating from 1863, a symbol of the community's musical traditions. Among the noteworthy buildings is the town hall, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance inspiration built in 1875 by the architect Joseph Hubert from Mons, reflecting the economic boom led by François Dorzée in the 19th century.

Nearby, the former neo-Gothic boarding school of 1875, now rehabilitated, and the neoclassical Peace Court of 1825 complement this exceptional heritage. Finally, the Hôtel Guérin, a classical gem from the early 19th century, reveals an unusual history, with elements from the Abbey of Saint-Ghislain. Every corner of the square invites you to explore a unique part of local history.

The Grand-Hornu Site

When industrial heritage meets contemporary creation

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, the Grand-Hornu, located in Boussu, is an iconic witness to the Belgian industrial revolution of the 19th century. This vast mining complex, designed by Henri De Gorge, blends history and modernity by hosting today the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MAC’s) and the Centre for Innovation and Design (CID).

The Grand-Hornu offers a unique experience where contemporary artworks engage in dialogue with the industrial architecture of the past. With ever-evolving exhibitions, the site surprises and inspires its visitors. Whether you're passionate about art, design, or simply curious, this historic place is a true showcase of contemporary creation at the crossroads of Europe.

The Castle of Boussu

A symbol of the municipality of Boussu, the castle promises a journey through time!

The Castle of Boussu, designed by Jacques Du Broeucq in the 16th century, was one of the most beautiful residences in the Netherlands. Residence of Jean de Hennin-Liétard, it hosted historical figures such as Charles V and Louis XIV. Today, it houses a museum that traces its history and displays objects found on the site. The château, set in the heart of a romantic 12-hectare park, has become a central hub of the community, hosting various cultural and festive events. Its park, with centuries-old trees and beehives, is also an ideal place for a walk.

The Funeral Chapel of the Lords of Boussu

The Lords' Chapel is one of those monuments that you pass by without realizing the treasure it holds...

The Lords’ Chapel in Boussu, attached to the Church of Saint-Géry, houses the most beautiful collection of Renaissance mausoleums in Belgium. These funerary monuments, dating from the 16th century, honor the Counts of Boussu, key figures in local history. Among the remarkable pieces is the mausoleum of Jean de Hennin-Liétard, designed by Jacques Du Broeucq. The chapel also features realistic effigies and 19th-century funerary urns. On the upper floor, the galleries house a religious art museum with statues and liturgical objects dating from the 12th to the 18th century, reflecting the region's religious heritage.

The Deseveaux Brewery : beers made from grains in Boussu!

In Boussu, in a two-century-old farm, Sébastien Deseveaux brews truly unique beers.

A buckwheat beer, who would have thought! At the heart of the Hanneton Valley, the pink Boussu farm, dating back to 1821, is now home to the Deseveaux Brewery. Here, Sébastien Deseveaux creates unique beers, such as the Sarazen, a blonde beer made with buckwheat. Passionate about innovation, he also brews the Saison Avena, made with barley malt and oats. The brewery participates in local events and opens its doors on the first Sunday of every month for guided tours, allowing visitors to discover the brewing process in a historical setting.

The Brasserie du Borinage – a collaborative and bold project

Founded in 2019 in Boussu, the Brasserie du Borinage is the result of the passion of a group of friends in love with their region and beer.

The Brasserie du Borinage, launched in 2019 in Boussu, combines rigor and a quirky spirit to brew unique craft beers. It revisits old recipes, brings back forgotten flavours, and innovates with surprising combinations. Far from conventionality, the brewery focuses on fun, the joy of indulging, and pleasing others. In addition to its daring beers, the brewery is developing as a cooperative with a collaborative production and tasting space in partnership with brewers from around the world. "La Déwanne" reigns here, always accepting a challenge.

Contact

Municipal Administration of Boussu
Rue François Dorzée, 3 - 7300 Boussu
Tél: +32 (0) 65/71.73.00 - www.boussu.be