Car & Van Hire - Monceau Sur Sambre

Brussels dishes up trendy hotspots and historic locations in equal measure. Its multicultural roots and bright cityscape make it a thrilling destination in its own right. Like any self-respecting Brussels town, Monceau-sur-Sambre has its share of cosy cafes and lazy park terrain.

Nelson Mandela Park is, perhaps, its proudest stretch of land. This 67-hectare space dates all the way back to the 17th century. The park is home to five ash trees and a massive, isolated dogwood with a one-metre circumference. Entry is free, so you can explore the gardens without digging into your travel funds. Pack a picnic and spend a serene day on the banks of the lake.

History-loving travellers will want to make a beeline for Monceau-sur-Sambre's own fortified castle, which dates back to 1143. Monceau Castle once welcomed Louis XIV during a military campaign. Centuries later, it barely survived Germany's scorched earth policy of 1914. Ultimately, the building fell into the hands of the City of Charleroi, which performed important restoration work to reinstate its historic splendour. Today it's used for cultural events, so travellers can only explore its outer regions. The surrounding hiking trails will keep you entertained for hours, so the trip is well worthwhile. The 3.7-kilometre loop trail provides easy terrain for beginners in a varied wooded biome. If you prefer pedal power, the pathway is suitable for cyclists.

Once you've worked up an appetite, authentic Belgian cuisine will taste even more delicious. If you're hungry, head to Le Bar a Brochettes to experience Monceau-sur-Sambre's unique take on the country's traditional dishes. This is where the locals go, which is a sure sign of authenticity. Don't miss the Belgian fries and waffles.

If your interests are more aesthetic than gastronomic, Le Fond de la Biche will allow you to create your own artwork under the guidance of the famous local sculptor Genevieve Vastrade. She works with fabrics and collages, so this is an excellent opportunity to learn about mixed media while discovering Monceau-sur-Sambre's artistic heritage.

Technology enthusiasts can sate their appetites for all things industrial at The Martinet Site. This is where the ruins of an old engine room lie, surrounded by buildings that once supported 18th-century miners. The extraction well was put out of commission in the Sixties, and today, it serves as an example of Monceau-sur-Sambre's industrial history.

Monceau-sur-Sambre is a tiny town with a population of fewer than 9,000 people. For tourists, that means miles of empty roads and easy travelling. The area is largely free of traffic jams, but you'll want to avoid the E42 at Fleuris during rush hour. The N90 experiences congestion, particularly at its intersection with the N583. If you're travelling to Nelson Mandela Park, it's thus best to use the backroads or detour via Rue des Coqueticots. Part of the N90 is an ongoing construction zone that's best avoided in the mornings and evenings. There are also frequent road closures to the west of Charleroi and along the N579. It is worth checking your navigation app to check on traffic flow before you head east.

Monceau-sur-Sambre might be a small town, but it's surrounded by a network of well-developed highways. If you're relying on car or van hire in Monceau-sur-Sambre, you'll drive into town via the N579 and N90. The R3 covers the region south of town, while the N579 and N569 carry travellers in from the north. Brussels is one of the most congested cities in Europe, but you can avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic by relying on backroads when you drive into town.

You'll find plenty of street parking during your trip, but if you're in search of more secure options, Gare de Marchienne and Rue Auguste Frison are attendant alternatives. There's also a sparse collection of commercial lots to the west of the E420.

Belgians drive on the right side of the road and pass left. All the continental port motorways are well cared for and easy to traverse. Direction signs are everywhere, and you won't experience any obscure fees or traffic restrictions. Monceau-sur-Sambre's alcohol limits are, however, lower than most other regions. Potential penalties include a three to six-hour driving ban and a 15-day licence suspension.

Travellers should carry their documentation at all times. You'll need your insurance paperwork, "controle technique" certificate, passport and driving licence. The region accepts International Driving Permits, but you can also rely on your EU or UK licence.

Monceau-sur-Sambre's drivers tend to be aggressive on the road. Cyclists and pedestrians often swerve into the street without warning. To make matters even more disquieting, you can also expect plenty of speeding and overtaking. You'll cope best if you drive defensively and keep your blind spots in mind. Don't let it worry you, though – you'll soon get used to the Belgian driving style.