The fifth biggest city in Belgium, Charleroi is situated in the southern French-speaking region of Wallonia. Previously an industrial city famous for its coal fields, Charleroi has since diversified its economy into other areas. Charleroi Airport is less than 50km south of the Belgian capital Brussels, and is a busy international hub for many carriers. Hiring a car from Charleroi is a great way to visit the city?s museums, as well as to visit the capital. Those who want to explore further can go on to discover the wider scenic Wallonia region of Belgium.
Built in 1666 by the Spanish, the city gets its name from the then-king of Spain. While Charleroi is well known for its industrial background - as reflected in the city?s architecture - there is still a lot to get out of a trip there, with many examples of Gothic and Art Deco architecture on display throughout the city. Charleroi is culturally well stocked, with the Mont-sur-Marchienne district being home to many of the city?s museums and galleries. Among the museums worth visiting are the Museum of Fine Art which is located in the Charleroi Town Hall; the Glass Museum; and the Photography Museum, which is the largest museum dedicated to photography in Europe. It contains works from the early period of photography right through to the modern era. Rent a car in Charleroi and you will be able to travel around the city with ease. Its proximity to Brussels makes Charleroi an excellent place to stay when visiting the region. Charleroi?s relatively central location makes it an ideal first point of call for exploring Belgium thanks to the well-connected motorway network.
