On the old mining site, the Belvedere has been the object of several fates: firstly a hotel, then it became a school, before being left to ruin in the 1980s. The town of Dour decided to buy the site 30 years later to renovate it, much to the joy of the Dour citizens who were in despair at seeing this beloved place going to ruins. Many had taken their first steps in water here. It was also an emblematic place for meetings and leisure. After seven years of work, the Dour citizens could be proud of their new site with a particularity never before seen in Belgium...

A biological swimming pool!

The first 100% natural public swimming pool in Belgium! 473 m² with an average depth of 1.3 m to 2.5 m. This Olympic swimming pool also contains a diving pit with a depth of up to 5.2 m. Furthermore, there is a medium-sized pool of 330 m² with a depth of between 1.2 m and 1.3 m as well as a paddling pool with water jets, to amuse the younger visitors.
 
The water in these pools is filtered thanks to an independent pool with different layers of volcanic rock and plants (bulrush with large leaves, reeds, sweet flag and swamp iris). Swimming, now biological, presents a number of advantages both for the environment and for the swimmers. No chemical products are released into nature, a living plant environment has been created that looks good and furthermore integrates perfectly in its environment. The water contains no chemical agents, which is a huge positive point for people with sensitive skin or chlorine allergies.
Lastly, the water is only heated by the sun. Due to this, a system of flags, similar to the one used at the Belgian coast, that has been put in place: a red flag flying means that the water temperature is less than 18 degrees, bathing is prohibited. Between 18 and 20 degrees, an orange flag is flying, bathing is possible but not advised. Above 20 degrees, a green flag flies and bathing is open in all of the pools. Some pretty coloured huts to get changed in also give it the “beach” feeling.
 

A diving zone!

Ideal for getting some depth, close to home! Professional instructors assist you with your first swim underwater with fins and for the experienced divers, you have the possibility of following multiple types of training. Whether it has a medical direction (life-saving classes, detection of risk and potential problems, security, etc.), or an unusual character (floatability, underwater photography, initiation for children, hiking in your palms, etc.) or even to become an instructor yourself, everything is put in place to respond to your wishes. In addition, new quality material is available for rent on site (suits, buoyancy compensators, palms, masks, oxygen bottles, watch computers).
 
Another extra, a birthday package is available for children. If your young swimmer is aged at least 8, why not give him/her an underwater birthday at the Belvedere of Dour? A little family diving or with friends, what an original gift! All the material is provided (except swimming costume and towel), as well as snacks and drinks served in the Belvedere tower. According to the package chosen, you can enjoy a fantastic birthday cake on the theme of diving. Also, each participant will receive a diving certificate at the end of the session. Don’t worry, the depth will not exceed 2 metres. Advance reservation necessary.

What else?

For those who don’t want to take a dip, rest assured, the site of the Belvedere of Dour has more than one string to its bow. There is also a recreation and sports centre! Two tennis courts and a Vita trail around the domain for the more motivated, lawns and stands by the water for a relaxing moment. And the Malakoff Tower, an old coal mine rebuilt identically thanks to a precise plan. You can visit this architectural symbol with an Anglo-Norman art deco style. Inside it, today you can find the HORECA installations that allow you to eat in an unusual setting.
 
Don’t miss the concerts by local artists as well as the various popular events of the year.

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Contact

Site du Belvédère de Dour Chemin des Croix, 1 – 7370 Dour
Tel.: +32 (0)65/34 86 80 or +32 (0)478/78 19 13
Email: info.rcadouroise@gmail.com

Access ramp for persons with reduced mobility – showers – WC – large car park located at the Rue de la Drève