Tunnel de la Bête Refaite

The Tunnel de la Bête Refaite is a 1,267-meter passage running beneath a watershed separating the Meuse and Escaut river basins, linking the industrial zones of Brussels and Charleroi. The Godarville entrance retains original stonework features, while the Seneffe entrance shows only remaining masonry fragments.

Built between 1827 and 1832 under architect Jean-Baptiste Vifquain's direction, the tunnel allowed wooden boats with 70-ton capacity to pass through. Its creation coincides with industrial expansion and the growth of inland waterway transport in the region.

The name comes from a tavern nearby where coach horses rested during trips between Courcelles and Nivelles. This reflects how the canal shaped the routes and stops of regional travel.

Access is available through two entrances, though conditions and accessibility vary at each point. Visitors should expect variable lighting and potentially damp conditions inside.

The tunnel now serves as a shelter for two bat species including the moustached bat and Brandt's bat, with protective barriers installed at both entrances. This transformation demonstrates how an old industrial structure has become a modern wildlife refuge.

Location: Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont

Inception: 2002

GPS coordinates: 50.50556,4.28833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43