Bernissart

Bernissart is a municipality of Belgium located in the Wallonia region, within the province of Hainaut. It lies in the western part of the country and is part of the French-speaking community. The municipality covers a rural area characterized by farmland interspersed with small forests and waterways. It is composed of several villages, with the town of Bernissart serving as the administrative center, and is governed by a mayor and a municipal council.

Historically, the area has roots dating back to the Middle Ages, and its landscape and settlements reflect traditional Flemish and French influences. The region features parish churches and small estates that illustrate its historical rural character.

A notable aspect of Bernissart is its connection to paleontology. In 1878, miners at the Bernissart coal mine uncovered the skeletons of several iguanodont dinosaurs, a discovery that significantly advanced understanding of Early Cretaceous dinosaurs. The most famous specimen led to the species name Iguanodon bernissartensis, which bears the locality’s name and highlights Bernissart’s place in paleontological history.

Today, Bernissart maintains a predominantly rural character while providing essential services to residents. Agriculture remains an important economic activity, and the area hosts small-scale industries and local facilities. The municipality continues to preserve its cultural heritage through local associations, churches, and community events.