Nicknamed the City of the Bernardins – in reference to the Bernardine sisters who founded a convent there in 1814, then to the tasty biscuit that made its fame in 1830 – Fleurus is a rapidly growing commune that has benefited from its strategic position at the crossroads of Hainaut, of Walloon Brabant and the Namur region. With a rich history, this town in full revitalization is distinguished by its dynamism, its quality sports and cultural infrastructures, as well as its green spaces, including the Forest of Leisure, a true green lung in urban area. Living in Fleurus means enjoying all the shops, services and facilities of a big city while enjoying the typical friendliness of the villages.
1 entity, 8 villages
In addition to its urban center, Fleurus consists of the 7 villages of Brye, Heppignies, Lambusart, Saint-Amand, Wagnelée, Wanfercée-Baulet and Wangenies. With nearly 23,000 inhabitants, it is – outside of Charleroi – the third most populous commune in the territory of Charleroi Métropole.
At the crossroads of three provinces
Located about ten kilometers northeast of Charleroi, at the crossroads of three provinces (Hainaut, Walloon Brabant and Namur), Fleurus has been able to take advantage of its strategic position to develop, notably through the intermediary of several economic activity parks that host cutting-edge industries and numerous SMEs. The municipality also benefits from its excellent mobility, with direct access to major roads, a train station and a multitude of TEC bus lines, as well as Charleroi airport, which extends partly on its territory. The growth that Fleurus is currently experiencing also marks the face of the city, which is transforming and becoming more attractive with urban revitalization projects, such as the one related to the development of the north of the city center, called ‘TRANSFORM’, in the so-called ‘Champs Élysées’ area.
The City of the Bernardins
Strategic battlefield of invaders from all origins, Fleurus is renowned for its thousand-year history, but it is also known for its pastry specialties. Thus, if the city hosted the famous battle of Fleurus (also called the battle of Ligny) which ended with Napoleon I’s last victory before his arrival at Waterloo, it is mainly known as the City of the Bernardins; a nickname referring to the Bernardin, a small biscuit made from almonds, sugar and brown sugar which owes its name to its light brown color evoking the cowl of the Bernardine monks.
The assets of the city and the friendliness of the villages
Through folklore, the Cavalcade, ducasses and many other local festivities, Fleurus has preserved the spirit and friendliness typical of villages. The Forest of Leisure, also called Bois de Soleilmont, is also conducive to meeting. A true green lung in an urban environment, this wonderful wooded estate of 44 hectares, property of the City of Fleurus, allows Fleurusiens to cross paths and regularly take their dose of nature and relaxation by enjoying seven circuits-walks, barbecue areas and a playground.
Land of culture, leisure, sport and nature, in Fleurus, one can: nourish and stimulate their body and mind, develop a rich social life – or even a professional project–, enjoy nature, benefit from the local economic momentum, create, develop, get involved… In short, it is a city full of riches and promises!
Strengths
- Close to major highways : E42, A15, N29, N567
- Train station : Fleurus BSCA
- Numerous schools, including three secondary schools
- Several economic activity zones
- Many TEC bus lines (17, 67, 73, 147a, 156, 163, 568, 710, LBV, etc.) and his Aerobus (A2)