Car & Van Hire - Saint Ghislain

Located near the French-Belgian border, Saint-Ghislain is both a city and a municipality encompassing the towns of Baudour, Hautrage, Neufmaison, Sirault, Tertre and Villerot. It is a popular destination for lovers of nature, history and culture, with museums and well-preserved architecture as well as vast areas of natural woodlands and fields to explore.

Take a visit to Grand Place de Saint-Ghislain, and you will find several monuments to the city's history. Take a look at the magnificent town hall, built in the 18th century using a combination of brickwork and blue stone. Other attractions include the rebuilt church of St. Martin's, the obelisk that serves as Saint-Ghislain's war memorial, the Ockeghem Tower and the Musée de la Foire et de la Mémoire.

In the middle of Grand Place de Saint-Ghislain sits the Ockeghem Tower, the centrepiece of the city square. The tower dates back hundreds of years and was part of the original St. Martin's church that once stood in that spot. While the original church was destroyed in World War 2, the tower remained standing along with its vaulted ceilings and arcades. Today the tower serves as both a museum and an exhibition space for local artists and festivals.

The nearby Musée de la Foire et de la Mémoire, or Museum of the Fair and History, offers a unique glimpse into the area's history, particularly regarding its funfairs and carnivals. The museum features an amazing collection of carousels, fairground pipe organs, skill games and more, and many of these items have not only been restored but are also fully interactive. Exploring the museum allows you to immerse yourself in the history of Saint-Ghislain's festivals, and there is also a section featuring archives and documents that explain the commune's history.

Not far from the city, just east of the village of Tertre, the Marionville Nature Reserve offers visitors 65 hectares of marshland and forest to explore. The area features a 3 km walking trail that leads to two observatories where you can watch and listen for the local birdlife, including robins, nightingales and warblers. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, there is also the Dock79 water park nearby. Including a 10-hectare lake, the park features activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and more, so it is a popular location for children and adults alike.

Saint-Ghislain also hosts some extraordinary festivals and events. The World Folklore Festival has taken place in the city for over 30 years and features music, dances and art from performers that come from all over Europe, Africa, Asia and America. Ascension Day sees the city come alive with a colourful hot air balloon display, while other events such as the Echo Festival, Inter Celtic Gathering and Neufmaison en Fête also attract many local and international visitors.

It is easy to access Saint-Ghislain from any major city in Belgium or bordering cities when you choose a car or van hire in Saint Ghislain. For example, the E19/A7 motorway, which connects the Netherlands to France, runs through the north of the city. Alternatively, if coming from Charleroi Airport, take the E42/A15 heading west until you reach the E19/A7.

If you are planning to drive in Saint Ghislain, then you will need to be aware of the road rules. As with many European countries, Belgium is a right-hand-driving country. This means you overtake on the left, but make sure to leave at least 1 metre between you and cyclists and moped riders when doing so – failure to leave a big enough gap could result in a fine.

Speaking of bicycles, nearly 50% of the population use them as their main form of transport, so always keep an eye out when turning or changing lanes. Cycle lanes are clearly marked, and motor vehicles are permitted to use them, but it's illegal to overtake, and your maximum speed must be 30 km/h, the same as around a school. When driving in residential areas, the speed limit always is 20 km/h, rising to 50 km/h in built-up areas and 120 km/h on motorways.

Finally, Belgian law states that drivers must carry a safety kit at all times. If you choose a car hire in Saint-Ghislain, the rental company should provide this as standard, but it's always best to check. These kits need to include a reflective jacket for staying visible if unexpectedly stopped, particularly in a no-parking zone or major intersection, a warning triangle in case of a breakdown, and a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.

Overall, Belgian roads are well maintained, with the best-lit system in Europe. This makes driving in Belgium, even at night, very comfortable, even for first-time visitors. If you're not a Dutch, French or German speaker (the three main languages used on road signs), then make sure to preplan your route to avoid getting lost. But even if you do, don't worry; 55% of the country speaks English.