La Louvière, Belgium
Museums
If you're interested in museums, you may want to visit the Royal Museum of Mariemont, which is about a 20-minute drive from La Louvière. It features a diverse range of collections such as art, archaeology, and decorative arts. Another option is the Musée Ianchelevici, located in the nearby town of La Louvière itself, which is dedicated to the works of Romanian-born sculptor Idel Ianchelevici.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in La Louvière and its surrounding areas are:
1. Carbonnade flamande: a beef stew cooked with beer, onions, and spices.
2. Waterzooi: a creamy soup made with chicken or fish, vegetables, cream, and eggs.
3. Boulets à la liégeoise: meatballs made with pork and beef, served with a rich sauce made from onions, beer, and mustard.
4. Frites: Belgium's famous fries, which are often served with a variety of sauces such as mayo, ketchup, and curry.
5. Gaufres de Liège: a type of sweet waffle made with dough instead of batter, featuring large sugar crystals that caramelize when cooked.
6. Speculoos: spiced shortcrust biscuits that are popular throughout Belgium and the Netherlands.
7. Jambon d'Ardenne: a cured ham from the Ardennes region of Belgium, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
8. Trappist beers: La Trappe, Chimay, Orval, and Rochefort are some of the most well-known Belgian beers brewed by Trappist monks, and are highly regarded by locals.
Activities
Some fun activities that locals in La Louvière enjoy include visiting the Bois-du-Luc site, which is a former coal mine and industrial complex that has been turned into a museum and cultural center. Another popular activity is exploring the city's parks and green spaces, such as Parc de la Louvière, which features walking paths, gardens, and a playground. Additionally, locals enjoy attending events at the Maison de la Culture, which hosts concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events throughout the year.
