But very quickly, the public authorities realised the unique potential of this area. In the 1980s, the A.G.L.E.H. association (association for the management of the Eau d'Heure Lakes) was created to maintain, promote and run the area, attracting the first sailing clubs and the ADEPS centre to the shores of Lake Plate Taille.
The Domaine then established itself as a testing ground for sustainable and structured tourism, combining water-based activities, nature, sport and relaxation. However, it was not until the fourth state reform in 1993 and the transfer of tourism powers to the Walloon Region that development gained new momentum. Now considered a strategic driver of economic development, tourism received funding to match its ambitions.
The turning point came in 1996 with the creation of the non-profit “Eau d'Heure Développement”, born of a partnership between the Walloon Region and the French private company PROJENOR. An initial development phase was launched thanks to joint support from the Region and the ERDF as part of Objective 1 Hainaut. PCA No. 1 was launched, followed by the construction of iconic infrastructure such as the waterpark and the indoor tennis courts.
The Domaine entered a new era of holiday tourism. The developer DORMIO created the first holiday village comprising 232 houses, built by Thomas & Piron and operated by Landal Greenparks, marking the beginning of a structured, professional accommodation offering.
In 2006, the merger of the two historic non-profits gave rise to the non-profit ‘Les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure’, under the control of the Walloon Region, with the mission of continuing and expanding the development of the area. Supported by massive public investment – via the Region, the CRAC (regional aid centre for municipalities) and European funds – the Domaine underwent a remarkable transformation. New public-private partnerships were formed, notably with the Lamy Group, for the creation of a second holiday village, an aparthotel and a seminar centre, paving the way for business tourism and more regular visitor numbers throughout the year.
Mission, Vision, Values
Today, the Domaine des Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure embodies a true tourism ecosystem. It attracts a diverse clientele – members of sports clubs, day-trippers, and tourists staying longer – thanks to a rich and varied offering: accommodations, sports activities, outdoor recreation, relaxation areas, cultural events, and customized services.
In 2018, SA IMMOWAL, commissioned by the Minister of Tourism, was entrusted with the mission to enhance the infrastructure. The objective is clear: to position the Eau d'Heure Lakes as a flagship of Walloon tourism, at the crossroads of Charleroi Metropolitan Area and the future Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park. Ideally located on the outskirts of Brussels, Flanders, Benelux and Hauts-de-France, the Domaine aims to become a destination of choice through an approach that combines high aesthetic standards, environmental excellence and quality hospitality.