Abbaye d'Aulne

Some 12km/7.5mi west of Charleroi stand the impressive ruins of the Abbaye d'Aulne, founded in the seventh C. by St Landelin of Lobbes. It was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147 and burnt down by French revolutionaries in 1794.

The abbey remains are well worth seeing. They include the great court and Prince-Bishops' reception hall, also the 14th-15th C. choir and transepts of the ruined abbey church.