Opened in April 2024, the new urban and tourist cable car in the city of Huy, located in the province of Liège, Belgium, has enjoyed great success since its opening. The rehabilitation of this iconic installation in Huy represents a resounding success and aligns perfectly with the plan to boost the region’s tourism activity. By choosing to renovate its cable transport system, the city of Huy aimed to position itself as a champion of more sustainable tourism, providing eco-friendly access to tourist sites and activities.

With the return of its cable car on the left bank, the city of Huy has equipped itself with an attractive and essential sustainable mobility tool for the development of tourism in the Meuse region. Beyond the allure of the cable car itself, the famous Fort of Huy, built between 1818 and 1823, has also experienced a renewed economic and tourist vitality. Acting as a true bridge between the city and the Fort, the cable car, featuring two new modern, spacious red cabins, connects the Esplanade Batta to the Fort in just four minutes. During each journey, the cabins’ large glass surfaces provide panoramic views of the landscapes below. Traveling at a speed of nearly 30 km/h in absolute comfort and silence, the experience enhances the surrounding scenery. For the construction of Huy’s cable car, the French industrial group MND, a leading player in cable transport, used cutting-edge technology. The project combined innovative cable transport solutions with the preservation of historical elements, maximizing the reuse of existing infrastructure to ensure seamless integration into the environment.

The Cable Car “Fort-Mont Mosan” axis

Thanks to the cable car, the Fort of Huy has seen a significant increase in visitors, with over 5,000 trips completed between April and the end of August. On October 22, the installation surpassed 1,000 hours of operation. Now, many of those who previously could not or preferred not to make the climb on foot can easily reach the Fort. Each of the two cabins, equipped with two benches and a dedicated space for individuals with reduced mobility, comfortably accommodates up to fifteen passengers. As a testament to this successful blend of renovation and sustainable mobility, the Michelin Voyages & Cultures Guide recently awarded the Huy Fort with a star.

According to Christophe Collignon, the city’s mayor: “To grow as a tourist destination, it was essential for us to revive this major attraction in Wallonia. It promotes the city and attracts a new audience. Since its opening, the cable car has enjoyed great popularity, with up to 800 visitors per day.”

The new Huy cable car, which stops near Mont Mosan, has also positively impacted attendance at the Mont Mosan recreational and wildlife park. During this summer’s holiday season, the park welcomed 39,000 visitors, with nearly equal numbers in July and August—9,000 more than last year. According to the park’s operators, the cable car has made access easier, especially through a combined “cable car + park” pass. (Source: RTBF Actus, August 27, 2024)