The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut).
The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre, located near La Louvière and Le Roeulx in Hainaut, Belgium, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing late-19th-century hydraulic engineering. These unique hydraulic boat lifts, built between 1888 and 1917, are the last of their kind still operating in their original condition, designed by English engineer Edwin Clark. Each lift spans a change in level of 15 to 16 meters, connected by a counterbalancing system of mobile caissons. Visitors can experience the lifts firsthand through guided boat trips and engage with interactive exhibits about their historical significance. The scenic area around the lifts is perfect for recreational activities like walking and cycling, making it an ideal blend of history and leisure.