Step off the plane and into your hire car to discover Charleroi, Belgium’s second largest city tucked away in the Wallonia region.

From exquisite art museums and fine dining, to gothic landmarks and stunning nearby riverside towns, Charleroi and beyond has much to offer the adventurer.

With Brussels just an hour down the road, it’s hard to know which way to steer. Hiring a car at Brussels South Charleroi Airport gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, opening up a wealth of sightseeing opportunities in and beyond this charming city.

We make car rental easy, because we know you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the road and get the very most out of your stay. Wherever your travels take you, the keys are waiting for you to unlock the world.

Drive just 15 minutes from Brussels South Charleroi Airport along the E420 and you’ll reach Charleroi, a charming town offering fine dining, historic sights and several museums.

Top of the list is the Museum of Fine Arts, which has an expansive collection from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works from the neo-classical, impressionist and surrealist movements. Look out for famous names like Navez, Paulus and Magritte.

If camerawork is more your thing, a trip to the Photography Museum is an experience not to be missed. Showcasing a collection of exhibits charting the entire history of photography, it offers a unique insight into this revolutionary art form.

Landmark-wise there’s plenty to spot too, such as the Town Hall – a charming building displaying a fascinating combination of classical and art deco design. Listen out for its legendary set of 47 bells that play ‘Land of Charleroi – it is you I love best’ every hour.

The gothic-style Sainte Vierge Marie Church is also a must-see. Highlights include two imposing 15th century tombstones, which were erected in honour of the Lord of Monceau, Jean de Hamal, and his two wives.

Finally, don’t forget to visit Trazegnies Castle. Just a 20-minute drive from the airport, it dates back to the late 16th century (the original castle was destroyed around 1554). It’s a unique example of the Louis XIII architectural style.

From here, the road is yours. Explore Charleroi, Wallonia and beyond from the comfort of your Avis hire car.

Frequent renters get upgraded – and additional days for free – by signing up for Avis Preferred loyalty benefits. Simply choose a date and time and we’ll prepare your quality hire car.

Wallonia (the mainly French-speaking part of southern Belgium) is a fascinating destination serving up a platter of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural attractions and historic cities. It also provides easy access to the capital, Brussels.

Dinant

Drive for around 55 minutes (via the E42 and E411) to find the charming town of Dinant. Nestled along the Meuse river, discover the imposing fortified 11th century citadel home to Dinant’s Arms Museum. Other attractions include the Collegiate Church of Our Lady, occupying a stunning position at the foot of a cliff opposite the river and showcasing remarkable stained glass.

Brussels

The city of Brussels is around an hour’s drive from Brussels South Charleroi Airport via the E420 and E19. Start your tour in the famous Grand Place, a delightful cobbled market square surrounded by elegant guild houses and hosting a daily flower market from March to October. Other must-see attractions include the famous fountain, Manneken Pis, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Retail therapy is plentiful, while antique lovers should head to the Place du Grand Sablon market.

This and much more awaits you in Charleroi, Wallonia and beyond. All you have to do is drive. Pick up your hire car from Brussels South Charleroi Airport and make it unforgettable.