Made up of the villages of Boussu and Hornu, this district, whose name means “place where there are many box trees”, is in the Borinage, a region that was once a wellknown coal-mining area.
The Grand-Hornu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, as well as a Major Walloon Heritage Site, encompasses the ruins of a former coalmine and some of the miners’ cottages. It thus reminds us of the mining culture that is such as key part of the area’s history.
Boussu also has some other interesting buildings, including its castle, St Gery’s Church, the kiosk in the Grand-Place and the Funerary Chapel of the Lords of Boussu, which make it well worth a visit. Nature lovers won’t feel left out either. From the Castle Park with its remarkable trees, and the 2 km (1,08 mi) nature trail to the Gérin Park along the Hanneton valley with its MAYA beehives, Boussu is a fantastic natural attraction.
Throughout the year, the town council puts on plenty of festivals and events. During the Open- Door Heritage Days weekend, some 8,000 people come along to take part in the activities at the castle. Boussu’s Sunday morning market is one of the biggest in the region, attracting a sizeable crowd every week. Hornu en Fête, the Boussu jumble sale, and the exhibitions at MAC’s and Grand-Hornu Images are just some of the highlights of the annual calendar. Crafts are also a distinctive feature of Boussu. A number of local specialities, including the Apéritif du Château and the Castle’s beer and wine are sold in the town.
Did you know?
The Confrérie du Comté (broterhood) was set up in 2013. Its purpose is to promote the Castle of Boussu, its history and that of the Renaissance, the many arts of that time and local products.
Administration communale de Boussu
Rue François Dorzée, 3 - 7300 Boussu
Tél: +32 (0) 65/71.73.00 -
www.boussu.be
