Quaregnon

Located in the heart of the Borinage region, it is home to part of the Marionville ornithological nature reserve, classified as a Natagora site by the Walloon Region in 1991.

The town has retained many remnants of its past economic activity, mainly the remains of coal mines. However, black has given way to green—the green of the slag heaps, which have become oases of greenery and rich biotopes to be preserved. Several trails throughout the area have been restored, along with guided walking circuits that offer a different way to discover Quaregnon: its history, heritage, environment, twin cities, and local culture.

Several buildings will delight architecture enthusiasts, including the Tower of Saint-Quentin Church, the only remaining structure of the Romanesque church, the Château du Diable, of which only its thick walls remain today, and the Art Deco Town Hall.

Events and cultural life are also thriving, with the rich and varied program of the Maison Culturelle de Quaregnon and major events such as the Cavalcade and the Piano Festival.

Quaregnon played an important role during World War I. The war memorial on the Grand-Place and plaques scattered throughout the city serve as reminders of this past.

A Grand-Place Full of History

The Grand-Place of Quaregnon is a unique site where 1,300 years of history blend with a rich architectural heritage. Discover its secrets and immerse yourself in the identity of a town with a fascinating past.

Town Hall

Located at the heart of the newly renovated Grand-Place, the Quaregnon Town Hall is a true gem of Art Deco architecture. Designed by architects Bodson and Lhoir, this emblematic building, inaugurated in 1938, embodies the modernist elegance of its time. Its imposing steps, monumental entrance, and square tower dominate the urban landscape.

More than just a building, the Town Hall reflects Quaregnon’s rich and unique history. Its bold style pays tribute to the town’s working-class dynamism, which was deeply rooted in historical events such as the adoption of the Charter of the Belgian Workers' Party in 1894. The works of Fernand Allard l’Olivier, displayed within its walls, add an artistic touch to this historically significant site.

Tower of Saint-Quentin Church

The Saint-Quentin Tower, a classified relic from the 11th century, is a unique testament to Quaregnon’s rich historical past. Originally part of the Romanesque Saint-Quentin Church, built in the 15th century and completed in the 16th century, the tower survived the architectural transformations and the demolition of the old church in the 18th century when a new church was constructed.

Archaeological excavations carried out in 2008 during the Grand-Place renovation revealed an exceptional Merovingian burial site near the tower. This discovery included a remarkable collection of adornments, such as necklaces, a pearl bracelet, and a fibula, attesting to the cultural and historical wealth of the site.

The Works of Fernand Allard l’Olivier in Quaregnon

Fernand Allard l’Olivier, a Belgian artist of the 20th century, left his mark on Quaregnon with paintings that reflect the socialist aspirations of the post-war era. His works, still exhibited today, bear witness to a rich artistic and social heritage.

Born in Tournai in 1883, Fernand Allard, known as Allard l’Olivier, grew up in an artistic environment thanks to his father, a drawing teacher. After studying in Tournai, Brussels, and Paris, he served as a war painter during World War I, immortalizing the tragedies of the front.

Between 1921 and 1922, he created five paintings for the Maison du Peuple of Quaregnon, including The Victors of Militarism and The Worker’s Leisure. These works celebrate socialist ideals and serve as a landmark for workers' struggles. Since 1978, they have been preserved in the Town Hall and the Allard l’Olivier Hall, representing a cherished heritage for Quaregnon and the Borinage.

Grotte Notre-Dame de Lourdes à Quaregnon

An Unusual Grotto at the Foot of a Slag Heap

In Quaregnon, a faithful replica of the Notre-Dame de Lourdes Grotto has attracted visitors and pilgrims since 1903. Located at the foot of the Croix slag heap, it is a unique place of contemplation.

The Notre-Dame de Lourdes Grotto in Quaregnon was inaugurated in 1903, thanks to Father Charles Mahieu. This remarkable reproduction, nestled at the foot of the Croix slag heap, invites visitors to meditate, whether they are believers or simply curious.

This unusual site also hosts an annual pilgrimage every second Sunday of September, continuing a deeply rooted regional tradition. Its 15 chapels, representing the mysteries of the Rosary, add to its spiritual and historical character. A must-visit site showcasing the religious and mining heritage of Quaregnon.

The Slag Heaps of Quaregnon: Historical Witnesses and Natural Treasures

The slag heaps of Quaregnon, remnants of the mining industry, are now remarkable sites where nature and history meet.

The slag heaps in southern Quaregnon are impressive natural monuments dominating the landscape. These mounds, vestiges of the coal industry, have been transformed into exploration sites. Each slag heap has its own character: the Saint-Placide slag heap offers a spectacular view from its monumental cross, the Saint-Félix slag heap attracts mountain biking enthusiasts with its bike park, and the Trannoy slag heap is a haven of biodiversity, home to remarkable trees and Lebanese cedars.

These slag heaps are not only places of memory but also living testimonies of Quaregnon’s history, where visitors can explore stunning landscapes and breathtaking panoramas.

The Marionville Nature Reserve: A Wild Haven of Peace

Discover the 65 hectares of marshes and ponds in the Marionville Nature Reserve, a place where nature and wildlife thrive in perfect harmony.

Located between Saint-Ghislain and Quaregnon, the Marionville Nature Reserve is a true haven of biodiversity. Once a marshland, it has now been transformed into walking trails and is home to exceptional flora and fauna. Along its paths, you can observe rare birds and fascinating plants, such as the carnivorous bladderwort. To learn more, dive into our full article on this unique reserve!

The Quaregnon Market : One of the Three Largest Markets in Wallonia

A Must-See Event Every Monday

Recognized as one of the three largest markets in Wallonia, the Quaregnon Market is much more than just a place of exchange—it is an institution that has shaped local life for generations.

Every Monday morning from 8 AM, the city center comes alive with nearly 170 merchants offering a vibrant display of colors, flavors, and aromas. From textiles to fresh products and local and international specialties, this market provides a unique experience for all. Friendliness, authenticity, and tradition blend to make this weekly gathering a true heritage event cherished by Quaregnon residents and many other visitors.

The Maison Culturelle de Quaregnon

Since its founding in 1991, the Maison Culturelle de Quaregnon has shared arts and culture.

Throughout the seasons, this house, designed by architect Pigeolet in 1932, offers the public a wide range of artistic and creative activities, including music, theater, painting, crafts, cinema, literature, comic books, photography, and more. These various artistic expressions help energize cultural life around the Black Pyramids, the imposing slag heaps that have shaped the identity of the Borinage. The programming embraces all forms of exploration, especially when it comes to discovering emerging arts or new forms of creation.

Contacts

Boutique le champ Pagnon
(Tourist Information)
Grand-Place, 7 - 7390 Quaregnon
Tél : +32 (0) 65/46.86.61

Town Hall
Grand-Place, 1 - 7390 Quaregnon
Tél : +32 (0) 65/46 86 11
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Maison culturelle de Quaregnon
Rue Jules Destrée, 355 - 7390 Quaregnon
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