Wallonia Folk Museum
Liège
6.42 Km 00:13
Maison des Terrils
An ideal experience for those who love meaningful nature walks, open-air memorial sites and peaceful discoveries, where Wallonia’s industrial history can be read in a surprisingly vibrant landscape.
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Information
Maison des Terrils, walking through industrial heritage in the heart of restored nature
At the Maison des Terrils, the landscape tells a powerful story: that of a territory shaped by industry and now reclaimed by nature. Located in an original building, the former coal washing plant, this site of memory opens onto 42 hectares of greenery where industrial heritage and biodiversity meet in a remarkable balance. From the moment you arrive, it is clear that this will not be an ordinary visit: here, every step invites you to understand, observe and feel.
The site impresses with its scale and the striking contrast between traces of human labour and the softness of the present landscape. Many visitors leave with the rare feeling of having discovered a place that is both peaceful, informative and deeply authentic.
Two slag heaps, two atmospheres, one shared emotion
The Maison des Terrils revolves around two very different slag heaps, each offering a distinctive experience. The first, wooded, immerses visitors in an almost forest-like atmosphere where vegetation has fully reclaimed the terrain. The second, more open, reveals a nature reserve bathed in light, ideal for observing wildlife and plant life.
A network of signposted walks of around 4 km allows visitors to explore these unusual landscapes at their own pace. Along the way, viewpoints multiply and offer an unobstructed view over the steel industry basin, reminding visitors of the central role industry once played in shaping the region. The walk becomes a moment of gentle reflection between discovery and contemplation.
An industrial landscape turned natural refuge
What stands out at the Maison des Terrils is the richness of the biodiversity that has developed on these former industrial sites. The slag heaps have become true refuges for many animal and plant species. The silence is punctuated by birdsong, the wind moving through tall grasses and sometimes the subtle rustle of wildlife.
One element particularly intrigues visitors: the dragonfly-shaped storm basin overlooking the valley. Both functional and poetic, it perfectly symbolises the transformation of the site, where engineering and nature interact in an unexpected harmony.
A place to enjoy with the family
The Maison des Terrils can also be experienced as a place of relaxation and conviviality. After the walk, many visitors extend their visit by sharing a pleasant moment: a cafeteria, a playground, barbecue areas and a pond are all available. Everything is designed to welcome families and groups in a simple and friendly atmosphere.
Children find a vast playground for exploration, while adults appreciate the calm, the open space and the historical dimension of the site. Learning happens almost naturally, guided by the pleasure of being outdoors and by the powerful character of the landscape.
Understanding the past to better see the present
The museum helps place the slag heaps within their historical context by recalling the role of the coal washing plant and the industrial activities that shaped these artificial hills. This perspective on the past gives even greater meaning to the walk: what is now experienced as a natural space is also the result of the labour of entire generations.
In this way, the Maison des Terrils successfully conveys a living industrial heritage, not through heavy nostalgia but through respect, clarity and insight.
Opening times
Monday to Friday: 8.00 - 17.00. Weekends: 10.00 - 18.00 • Closed on 1/01, 1/11, 11/11, 25/12
Price
Free entry • Audio guide (EN / FR) €2
Guided tour
€80 (on request): Coal face biotope - Wild plants - Ornithology - Bees - Insects - Meteorology - Geology - Edible plants - Magnifying glass & tales.
Tour length
1 hr to 1.5 hrs
Group
Guided tour By reservation: 2-hour nature tours and activities (max. 25 people): €110. Several themes: Landfill biotope - Wild plants - Ornithology - Bees - Weather - Insects - Geology - Edible berries - Magnifying glass & storytelling • Birthday parties: €170 for 10 children.
