Château de Boussu

About the museum

Set in the marshy valley of the Haine, the fortress of Boussu is attested in texts from the 13th century. Owned by the Hennin-Liétard family from 1225, it was ruined in 1478 by a siege by the French army. Under Charles V, Jean V de Hennin-Liétard had an exceptional residence built, under the direction of the Mons-born architect-sculptor Jacques Du Broeucq: the first Renaissance-style castle built north of the Loire. In the 19th century, the last count of Boussu, Maurice de Caraman, laid out an English-style romantic park around his residence.

After the property was bought by a doctor in 1966, several property projects threatened the site, including a housing estate aimed directly at the ruins. The non-profit association (asbl) Gy Seray Boussu was founded on 13 September 1984 to defend this heritage. The archaeological site and the ruins of the gatehouse were protected in 1988, and the park became municipal property in 1990. Archaeological excavations have been carried out there since 1991, and the Renaissance section has been classified as an exceptional archaeological site of Wallonia.

Today the interpretation centre occupies the 16th-century entrance gatehouse, the only structure still standing above ground, restored in phases. Four rooms present the site's archaeological and historical collections, from Gallo-Roman times to the German occupation in the Second World War. About 300 metres away, the funerary chapel of the lords, adjoining the Saint-Géry church, houses recumbent effigies and Renaissance tombs.

Highlights

• 16th-century entrance gatehouse, remnant of the first Renaissance castle north of the Loire
• Four rooms on the site's history, from Gallo-Roman times to the Second World War
• Lapidary museum and 3D reconstruction of the castle
• Funerary chapel with two transi figures and three Renaissance tombs
• English-style romantic park, free to enter all year round

Permanent exhibitions

• Centre d'interprétation du château de Boussu – Four rooms in the entrance gatehouse: lords of Boussu, medieval fortress, Renaissance palace, Caraman villa and results of archaeological excavations since 1991, with a lapidary museum and 3D reconstruction.
• Chapelle funéraire des seigneurs de Boussu – Early 16th-century Hainaut Gothic chapel housing two transi figures and three Renaissance tombs, as well as a collection of religious art.

Operated by

asbl Gy Seray Boussu

Admission & discounts

The park is free to enter all year round.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The park paths are gravel. At the Interpretation Centre and the chapel, access is limited to the first level, pending the next phase of works on the gatehouse. Bicycles are not allowed in the park.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

By car from the E19/E42: exit 25 (Saint-Ghislain) when coming from Belgium, exit 26 (Dour) when coming from France. From Boussu station, take Rue du Moulin to the left after the level crossing; the entrance to the site is immediately on the left.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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