Binche

Day 1: Shrove Sunday (Dimanche Gras) – Settle in and tune your ear to the drums

Arrive as the town slips into its festive rhythm: Sunday is playful and theatrical, with themed costumes and bands roaming the streets. It’s the best day to get your bearings before crowds peak and the ritual intensity builds.

• Morning: Arrive by SNCB/NMBS train and drop bags; the station is a short walk from the historic centre. Start at the International Carnival and Mask Museum to decode the costumes, masks and drum airs (a great substitute if visiting outside Carnival season).
• Midday: Wander the Grand-Place and neighbouring lanes to meet roving masqueraders (look out for the flamboyant Mam’selles). Lunch in a cosy café; carry some cash and dress in warm, waterproof layers.
• Afternoon: Walk the medieval ramparts and scout quieter vantage points along side streets for Tuesday (Rue de la Hamaide and Rue de la Montagne offer excellent perspectives and easier exits). Note meeting points with your group in case phone signal dips.
• Evening: Soak up the café atmosphere and learn the distinctive drum rhythms you’ll hear all week. Turn in at a sensible hour—tomorrow is lively, and Tuesday starts before dawn.

Day 2: Shrove Monday (Lundi Gras) – Youth Day and mischief after dark

Monday belongs to children and teenagers, with a family feel and lighter crowds. It’s also your day to balance festival time with rest so you can handle Tuesday’s marathon.

• Morning: From 10:00, watch (or join) the confetti battles on the Grand-Place; bring a scarf and glasses to protect eyes. Duck into cafés between rounds to warm up.
• Midday: Simple lunch and a Binchoise beer; if you skipped it yesterday, visit the museum now. Pop into costume rental shop windows to admire traditional outfits (most are pre-booked by locals).
• Afternoon: At around 16:00, enjoy children’s performances and dances, then ramble side streets for candid encounters with costumed groups. Pick up train times or book a taxi for late Tuesday night, and reserve dinner to avoid queues.
• Evening: Follow the Trouilles de Nouilles as friends roam in fantasy costumes playing pranks; fireworks typically light up the evening around 19:00. Turn in early and set alarms for the ramassage—being on the streets by 4:00 on Tuesday is worth the discipline.

Day 3: Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) – The great day of the Gilles

Today is ritual, not spectacle: move with care, keep voices low at dawn, and respect that participants are practising a living tradition. Expect nearly 24 hours of drums, dance, oranges and firelight.

• Morning: From 4:00, trace the ramassage through residential streets as musicians collect each Gille; you may be offered oysters and champagne—accept graciously. By 8:30, the masked march converges on the Grand-Place; around 10:00, witness the rondeau de l’amitié. Etiquette matters: don’t touch costumes or hats, don’t use flash up close, and remember the wax mask is worn only in the morning.
• Midday: A brief lull as medals are awarded at the Town Hall; warm up with a hearty lunch and hot drink. Layer up and protect camera gear—temperatures stay wintry and the pace is relentless.
• Afternoon: From about 15:00, the Grand Cortège: Gilles don feathered hats and throw blood oranges with surprising force. Stand a street or two off the Grand-Place for intimate views and easier movement; never throw oranges back, avoid standing beside glass windows, and wear a hat or hood.
• Evening: From 20:00, the torchlight procession transforms the streets; at about 21:30, the final rondeau and fireworks close the Carnival. Allow extra time for packed exits and trains; if overnighting locally, end the night quietly in a café—tired feet, full hearts, winter burned away.

By Air

• Brussels South Charleroi (CRL): ~35–45 min by car (c. 35 km). Public transport: airport bus to Charleroi-Sud station (15–20 min), then SNCB train via La Louvière to Binche (total ~60–90 min).
• Brussels Airport (BRU): ~60–75 min by car (c. 70 km). Public transport: airport train to Brussels-Midi (20–25 min), then SNCB services to Binche, usually with 1 change (total ~90–120 min).
• Lille Airport (LIL), France: ~1 h 20–1 h 40 by car (c. 100 km). Public transport: shuttle to Lille Flandres/Europe, then train via Tournai/Mons to Binche (typically 2–3 h).

By Train

• Binche station is a short walk from the historic centre.
• SNCB runs frequent services with easy connections; on Carnival days, extra “Carnival trains” operate from major Belgian cities.
• Typical journey times:
  • Brussels (via Mons or La Louvière): ~1 h 10–1 h 30 (usually 1 change).
  • Mons: ~20–25 min (direct or 1 change).
  • Charleroi (via La Louvière): ~45–60 min.
  • La Louvière: ~10–15 min.
• Tip for Carnival: arrive early; expect very busy trains, especially in the morning and late evening.

By Car

• Main approaches: from Brussels via E19 to the La Louvière area, then local roads; from Mons/Charleroi via E42 and regional routes.
• During Carnival, the town centre is pedestrianised; parking is on the outskirts with shuttle buses that can be crowded. Driving into the centre is not possible.
• Outside Carnival days, street parking and local car parks are available; allow for narrow streets and one-way systems.