Description
The artificial lakes produced by the dams cover a large superficy (several square kilometres). The entire area is surrounded by trails and there are many excellent vantage points looking over the various lakes. Furthermore, there are many parking areas, bicycle rentals, and several restaurants around the lakes.
The largest and deepest lake is the westernmost Plate Taille, which in the winter frequently harbours uncommon species such as the Corcodel cu gât negru, Cufundar mare, Cufundar polar, or Rață catifelată. Hundreds of birds of more common species are present on the water at most hours of the day, such as Rață mică, Rață moțată, and Rață fluierătoare.
The southernmost lake Falemprise is commonly occupied in the winter by Rață sunătoare, Rață cu cap castaniu, and occasionnally small groups of Lebădă de iarnă.
The "middle" lake, l'Eau d'Heure proper, may have in addition to the above species stray individuals of the species Rață cu cap negru, Ferestraș mic, Ferestraș mare or occasionally geese such as Gâscă de vară and Gârliță mare.
The woods surrounding the entire area are also quite rich in species, including notably Scatiu, Mugurar, Ciocănitoare de stejar, and Țiclean.
The entire site is also replete with seagulls of various species and common waterfowl such as Rață mare, Rață moțată, Lișiță, Rață pestriță and Rață moțată.
Unfortunately because of the important disturbances by high tourism in the spring and summer, there is little to observe at those seasons.
Details
Access
It is a half hour drive from Charleroi, most notably through route de Philippeville and the N5. The entire site is surrounded by large paved paths that can be travelled on by foot or by bicycle, and numerous small parking areas allow travel by car between distant areas of the lake for easier observation.


