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{{Short description|Municipality in Liège Province, Wallonia, Belgium}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox Belgium municipality
|name=Flémalle
|native_name={{native_name|wa|Flémåle}}
|picture=
|picture-legend= Town hall
|map=Flémalle Liège Belgium Map.svg
|map-legend=Location of Flémalle in Liège province
|arms= {{#property:P94}}
|flag= Flémalle_vlag.svg
|province=[[Liège]]
|arrondissement=[[Arrondissement of Liège|Liège]]
|nis=62120
|mayor=[[Sophie Thémont]] ([[Socialist Party (francophone Belgium)|PS]])
|majority=[[Socialist Party (francophone Belgium)|PS]]
|postal-codes=4400
|telephone-area=04
|web=[http://www.flemalle.be/ www.flemalle.be]
|coordinates = {{coord|50|36|N|05|28|E|region:BE|display=inline,title}}
}}

'''Flémalle''' ({{IPA|fr|flemal|lang|Pronunciation of Flémalle in French.ogg}}; {{langx|wa|Flémåle}}) is a [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipality]] of [[Wallonia]] within the [[Liège Province]] in Belgium.

As of 2024, it has a population of 27,002,<ref name="ref_auto_1">https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fstatbel.fgov.be%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Ffiles%2Fdocuments%2Fbevolking%2F5.1%2520Structuur%2520van%2520de%2520bevolking%2FPopulation_par_commune.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> and together with the municipalities of [[Liège]], [[Seraing]], [[Herstal]], [[Saint-Nicolas, Liège|Saint-Nicolas]], and [[Ans, Belgium|Ans]], forms the Liège metropolitan area, with a total population of 381,340.<ref name="ref_auto_1" /> Flémalle's geographical location, between [[valleys]], [[Hesbaye]], and [[Condroz]], as well as between [[countryside]] and [[urban areas]], offers a mix of nature, as seen in the locality of [[Gleixhe]], and urban environments like its center or the suburb of Les Trixhes.

Despite its steep terrain, the municipality must address the increasing population in the metropolitan area; it is located near Seraing, highways, the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]], and the [[Liège Airport]]. To address this, the municipality has launched several large-scale projects, such as the construction of a brand-new neighborhood, Flémalle-Neuve, which is expected to be completed in a few years.

Historically, the municipality has witnessed the birth and advancement of [[paleontology]] and [[Prehistory|prehistoric]] studies thanks to Dr. [[Philippe-Charles Schmerling]]. A [[Roman Empire|Roman]] diploma was also discovered in the area. During the [[Middle Ages]], the municipality experienced economic prosperity due to the [[Prince-Bishopric of Liège]], particularly in the village of [[Chokier]], where a [[tsar]], [[Peter the Great]], and several generals from various empires stayed. During both World Wars, it played a crucial role in the defense of Liège with its [[Fort de Flémalle|fort]].

[[André Cools]] is a historical figure in Flémalle's politics, but his influence extended beyond the municipality. He served as Minister of the Budget, Vice Prime Minister, President of the [[Belgian Socialist Party|PSB]], the [[Socialist Party (Belgium)|PS]], and the [[Walloon Parliament]], before being assassinated in 1991.

Sports are also a significant source of recognition for the municipality, with several prominent athletes from the region and the country having connections to Flémalle. Notably, two [[kickboxing]] world championships have been held in the municipality. In team sports, ROC Flémalle is one of the top [[handball]] clubs in the country, with three Belgian Cups and eleven national titles.

== Toponymy ==
Like [[Bomal]], [[Ében-Émael|Emael]], [[Fumal]], Hermalle-sous-Argenteau, [[Hermalle-sous-Huy]], Lamalle, Momalle, [[Omal]], and Xhendremael, Flémalle bears the suffix "-malle" (mal, mael), which is the [[Walloon language|Walloon]] version of the [[Dutch language in Belgium|Dutch]] suffix "-maal," commonly found in [[Hesbaye]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belgian place names in -hoven/-court and -maal/-mal(le) |url=https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=12sQih6-xdRJrjpauvx1obacUUF0&hl=en |website=Google My Maps |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

The name of the municipality was first mentioned in 1086 in a [[charter]] as ''Fleimala''. In 634, the locality was called ''Flédismamalacha''.<ref group="B" name=":5">''The name of Flémalle, where does it come from?'', through the centuries, Historical Commission, August 2009, p. 2.</ref>

== History ==
=== Prehistory ===
{{See also|Schmerling Caves}}
[[File:Schmerling Caves02.JPG|thumb|The Schmerling Caves, near [[Engis]], in [[Awirs]].]]
The prehistoric and paleontological advancements we know today about the Flémalle region as well as the world, are due to Dr. [[Philippe-Charles Schmerling]], a professor from [[University of Liège]], who explored several caves in the Liège region including those at Chokier and [[Schmerling Caves]].<ref group="B">{{cite journal|language=French |author1=Hamal-Nadrin J. |author2=Servais J. |author3=Louis Maria |author4=Fourmarier Paul |author5=Fraipont Charles |author6=Leclercq Suzanne |title=Excavations in the terrace of the two caves of Fond-de-Forêt (Liège Province) 1931–1933 |journal=Bulletin de la Société préhistorique de France |volume=31 |number=11 |date=1934 }}</ref>
[[File:Schéma-situation-grottes Schmerling.jpg|thumb|Location of the Schmerling Caves.]]
They were named "Engis Caves" by Schmerling before being named in his honor. Schmerling believed the caves were located within the territory of the commune of Engis. They are known worldwide for being the site where the first Neanderthal-type fossil bone, [[Engis 2]], was discovered.<ref>{{cite web|title=Engis 2 &#124;The Smithsonian Institution's Human Origins Program |url=https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/fossils/engis-2 |website=humanorigins.si.edu |date=January 1829 |access-date=2021-02-26}}.</ref> He also discovered the second fossil deposit of ''[[Homo sapiens]]'' in these caves. Other bones of this type were only found in [[Wales]]<ref>{{cite web|language=en |title=The 'Red Lady' of Paviland |url=https://oumnh.ox.ac.uk/red-lady-of-paviland-0 |website=oumnh.ox.ac.uk |access-date=2021-02-26}}.</ref> at that time.

There was a second cave, but it has collapsed. The site is listed on the Exceptional Heritage List of the Walloon Region. The discovery of the [[Schmerling Caves]] dates back to 1929.

The other cave in the commune, located in the entity of Ivoz-Ramet, is the Ramioul Cave. It was discovered in 1911 by Les Chercheurs de la Wallonie. Various excavations have uncovered several layers corresponding to successive occupations between 70,000 BC ([[Neanderthal]]s) and 2300 BC with [[Aurignacian]] and [[Mousterian]] remains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biodiversite.wallonie.be/cgi/sibw.sgib.form.pl?SGIBCODE=2241 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628005000/http://biodiversite.wallonie.be/cgi/sibw.sgib.form.pl?SGIBCODE=2241 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2013 |title=Inventory of sites of great biological interest – The Ramioul Cave. |website=biodiversite.wallonie.be }}.</ref> The cave belongs to the Préhistomuseum, one of the largest European museums on Prehistory.

=== Antiquity ===
When, between 57 and 50 BCE, [[Julius Caesar]] conquered [[Gaul]], the population of Flémalle and its surroundings became Roman. This [[Gallic Wars|conquest of Gaul]] allowed Belgium to adopt the knowledge, customs, and traditions of the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]].

A document, a pagan [[altar]] stone, informs us about the worship of the deity Mosea.<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|author1=Léon Jeunehomme|title=My Village|place=Brussels|publisher=Imprimerie Nouvelle S.A.|date=1908|pages=178}}</ref>

==== Roman Diploma ====
The Flémalle Roman diploma<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|author1=H. Schuermans|chapter=Roman Military Diploma of Flémalle|volume=18|title=Bull. Inst. arch. liégeois|pages=63–75|date=1885}}</ref> is an archaeological document of great importance. It dates from the reign of [[Trajan]], from the year [[AD 98|98]]. It was recovered from the Meuse River in 1880.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fragment of a military diploma (Year 98 AD) |url=http://www.ialg.be/collections/archeologie/perioderomaine/I_6387.html |website=ialg.be |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref> This diploma, belonging to a [[Roman army|soldier]] from [[Tongeren]] (though this is disputed<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|author1=Raepsaet-Charlier Marie-Thérèse|chapter=The settlement of Roman auxiliary veterans according to military diplomas|volume=47|title=Classical Antiquity|pages=557–565|date=1978}}</ref>), tells us that the holder of such a document, a Roman soldier, could obtain leave to return to his village. However, this document poses a problem because many soldiers had a [[Roman villa|villa]] built where they conducted their [[military campaign]].<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|author1=Léon Halkin|title=The Roman Military Diploma of Flémalle-Haute|volume=44|place=Louvain|publisher=Publications of the Belgian Museum|date=1913}}</ref>

=== Middle Ages ===
{{See also|Principality of Liège}}
When the [[Western Roman Empire]] came to an end, the [[Franks]] took advantage to invade the former Roman territories. The historical period we are interested in here is that of the [[Principality of Liège]], which emerged through misunderstandings and succession wars after the death of [[Charlemagne]].
[[File:Gleixhe - Rau des Awirs.jpg|thumb|The Awirs stream and its surroundings. It is a [[tributary]] of the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]]. It is at its mouth and in the village of Awirs that the alum industry was most important.]]
The Awirs stream brought prosperity to the locality with [[watermill|mill]]s,<ref group="B">C. Martin, ''Why a mill square in Chokier?'', Historical Commission, Flémalle Chronicles, May 2012.</ref> [[Zinc mine|zinc]] and lead mines that were exploited until the 15th century. Also in Awirs, the presence of a [[Cistercians|Cistercian monastery]] can be noted.

In the village of [[Chokier]], it is believed that [[lime kilns]] were present due to a 1086 charter that specifies a land exchange between the village and the Saint-Jacques Abbey. This parcel was located under "Calchariae," meaning lime kiln.<ref group="B">Luc Malchair, ''Commune of Flémalle – Aigremont – Chokier – The Hermitage'', Memoir, Center for Continuing Education for Nature Protection, 1993–1994.</ref>

Industry was already very present as, besides the lime kilns of Chokier, there was also coal and quarry exploitation dating back to the 14th and 15th century. This exploitation lasted over time as the last Flémalle coal mine closed in 1955.{{Efn|A PDF document from the Flémalle center MasterPlan mentions this last Flémalle coal mine}}

==== Seigneuries ====
The Principality is divided into several districts, including La Hesbaye, where the current territory was located. This district was composed of [[County|counties]], including Hozémont, to which the Awirs, Gleixhe, Chokier, and the two Flémalle (the Grand and the Small) were attached.<ref group="B">Joseph Daris, ''Histoire du diocèse et de la principauté de Liège pendant le XIIIe et le XIVe siècle'', Liège, Louis Demarteau, 1891, 710 p.</ref> The Council of Hozémont played an important role in the region.

Flémalle, within its current territory, was divided into several [[seigneuries]]:

* Seigneurie de Flémalle-Haute

By the end of the 12th century, Flémalle and its seigneury belonged to the Chapter of Saint Peter.<ref group="B" name=":5" /> In 1173, according to the knowledge of canon [[Van den Berghe]], it is learned that the seigneury was given to the [[Knights Templar|Templars]].<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Flémalle: The allodial seigneuries of the Land of Liège|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7AC4F3F.php |website=kiminvati.com |accessdate=2021-02-26}}.</ref> Another lord owned lands in Flémalle, which were confirmed by pope [[Honorius III]].<ref group="B">Bormans Stanislas, II. Notice des Cartulaires de la collégiale de Saint-Denis, à Liège. In: Compte-rendu des séances de la commission royale d'histoire. Deuxième Série, Tome 14, 1872. pp. 23–190</ref>

In the 13th century, Flémalle was shared between four seigneuries: the Chapter of Saint Peter, the [[Community of Saint John|Brethren of Saint John]], the Abbey of Saint-Laurent, and the Regular Brethren of Saint Augustine of Val-Benoît.

* Seigneurie des Awirs<ref group="B">{{cite journal| author1= Jean Baerten  |title=Le comté de Haspinga et l'avouerie de Hesbaye (IXe-XIIe siècles) |journal= Revue belge de philologie et d'histoire |volume=40 |year=1962 |issue=4 |pages=1149–1167|doi=10.3406/rbph.1962.2438 |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/rbph_0035-0818_1962_num_40_4_2438}}</ref>

In the 12th century, the seigneuries of Awirs and Aigremont were united and belonged to a vassal of the Bishop of Liège. In the 13th century, the seigneuries were held by the Limbourg family, and in the 14th century, by the La Marck family.{{Efn|The inventory of the archives of the Hemricourt family, preserved at the Archives of the State in Belgium, informs us about the families owning the seigneury}} The seigneury had its own court of justice and the village of Chokier.

* Seigneurie de Gleixhe

[[Gleixhe]], formerly Awirs-Notre-Dame, named after the church of the seigneury which venerated the Virgin, was located near the seigneury of Haute-penne, whose castle still exists.<ref group="C">{{cite web|title=Village of Chokier – The Othet les Bois Farm – R GENTES |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/FermeOthet.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-02-27}}.</ref> It also had its own court of justice.

* Seigneurie de Chokier

The seigneury was held by the family of Hozémont before passing to the Surlet and then to the Berio.<ref group="C">{{cite web|title=Chateau de Chokier – The Lords of Chokier by L Lahaye |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/PUBLI/Seigneurs.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-02-27}}.</ref> Like the other two seigneuries mentioned above, it also had a court of justice.

* Seigneurie d'Ivoz

It is part of the municipality of Ivoz-Ramet, which includes two other seigneuries. It belonged to the chapter of Saint-Lambert Cathedral and was transferred to the Abbey of Val-Saint-Lambert in 1261.<ref group="SC" name=":9">{{cite web|title=Ivoz, Ramet, Ramioul: The 3 seigneuries |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/182/lang/en |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |accessdate=2021-02-27}}.</ref> It had a court of justice.

* Seigneurie de Ramet

Like Ivoz, it is part of the municipality of Ivoz-Ramet. It is known to have been a seigneury because several people between the 12th and 13th centuries bore the name Ramet.<ref group="SC" name=":9" /> It had its court of justice.

* Seigneurie de Ramioul

Ramioul, along with Sart-Diable, belonged to the Duke of Lower Lorraine. The seigneury was transferred to the collegiate church of Saint-Servais in Maastricht, donated by Godfrey of Bouillon. It was then transferred to the Abbey of Val-Saint-Lambert in 1236, and later to André de Bincken and finally to the Hemricourt.<ref group="SC" name=":9" />

* Seigneurie de Mons

Mons, like Souxhon, Ruy, and the two Crotteux (Saint-Martin and Saint-Pierre), belonged to the municipality of Mons-lez-Liège. The seigneury had its court of justice.

==== War of the Awans and the Waroux ====
This war began in 1297 and lasted 38 years. It profoundly marked the history of La Hesbaye, which never recovered from this war. This conflict between seigneuries gained significant magnitude because the [[Prince-Bishop of Liège]] was unable to end it.

The war pitted the seigneuries of [[Awans]], Bovenistier, [[Diepenbeek|Diepenbeck]], Fermes, Fontin, [[Haneffe]], and [[Horion-Hozémont|Hozémont]] against the seigneuries of Waroux, [[Berloz]], [[Hermalle-sous-Huy|Hermalle]], [[Horion-Hozémont|Horion]], [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]], and Oborne. This war was [[fratricidal]], meaning that the Awans and the Waroux descended from the same lineage and fought each other. The war began when Adoule, a young maid who was to marry a cousin of the Awans, was abducted by a [[squire]] of the Waroux. The war devastated the region completely and led to the rise of the [[bourgeoisie]], the decline of the power of the Prince-Bishop of Liège, and the destruction of several castles, including those of Awans and Waroux. It is [[Jacques de Hemricourt]], through his chronicle, who informs us about this war.<ref>{{cite web|title=The War of the Awans and the Waroux 1 |url=http://perso.infonie.be/liege06/07septf.htm#1 |website=perso.infonie.be |accessdate=2021-02-26}}.</ref>

During the period of municipal management, the Chapter of Saint Peter exercised legislative and regulatory power, judicial power (the municipality had its own court of justice), and fiscal power.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Flémalle: Conclusion on the Ancien Régime|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7AC4F3E.php |website=kiminvati.com |accessdate=2021-02-27}}.</ref>

=== Modern times ===
In the 16th century, the small chapel in the village of Chokier was dedicated to Saint Marcellin. It became a [[parish church]] in 1592.<ref group="C" name="st">{{cite web|title=Chateau de Chokier – The Saint Marcellin Church of Chokier |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/Marcellin.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-03-01}}.</ref> On the grounds of the [[Chokier Castle]], a farm exploiting several hectares of [[Vitis vinifera|vineyards]] appeared in the 17th century.<ref group="C">{{cite web|title=Chateau de Chokier – The Vineyards of Dame Palate |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/Vignoble.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-03-01}}.</ref> The village also saw the exploitation of alum.<ref group="C">{{cite web|title=Chateau de Chokier – The Alum Mines of Chokier |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/Aluniere.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-03-01}}.</ref>

[[File:Peter der-Grosse 1838.jpg|thumb|Peter the Great, [[List of Russian monarchs|Tsar of Russia]], visiting Liège, [[Spa, Belgium|Spa]], and [[Maastricht]], stopped at Chokier.]]
In 1717, [[Tsar]] [[Peter the Great|Peter I]] stopped at Chokier while traveling to [[Liège]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Catinus |title=Saint-Marguerite Quarter in Liège: Tsar Peter the Great's Visit to Our Neighborhood in 1717 |url=http://quartiersaintemarguerite.blogspot.com/2017/06/le-tzar-pierre-le-grand-en-visite-dans.html |website=Quartier Sainte-Marguerite à Liège |date=17 June 2017 |accessdate=2021-03-01 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}.</ref> He was welcomed by the mayor with festivities.

In the basin of the Awirs stream, there are traces of alum workings from the 17th and 18th centuries. This alum activity is also found in Flémalle-Haute and Flémalle-Grande, with alum mines exploited from the 16th to the 18th century.<ref group="C" name=":1">{{cite web|title=Chateau de Chokier – The Alum Mines of Chokier |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/Aluniere.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-03-01}}.</ref> This interest in the industry began in the 15th century with the Saint-Pierre chapter that operated numerous quarries. The parish of Saint-Mathias, in 1762, replaced the former.<ref group="SC" name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Églises ouvertes |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/860/lang/en |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-03-01}}.</ref>

The church located in [[Gleixhe]], which gave the name Awirs-Notre-Dame to the locality, was destroyed during the [[Middle Ages]]. In 1779, it was reconstructed and placed under the authority of the Saint-Lambert Cathedral.

=== Contemporary Era ===
{{See also|World War II in Belgium}}
The last alum mine in Awirs, specifically that of Aigremont, closed in 1816, with the last one in the municipality also closing in the 19th century. Still in this locality, coal mining operations began, leading to a prosperous industrial period. The last coal mine in Awirs closed in 1928. This coal industry covered almost the entire territory. The last coal mine in Flémalle closed in 1955.

In 1938, the Ivoz-Ramet barrage bridge was inaugurated. It was dynamited two years later in 1940 to slow the advance of the ''[[Wehrmacht]]''. It was rebuilt during [[World War II]].

During World War II, like [[Liège]], Flémalle was [[Strategic bombing|bombed]]. A tunnel in Flémalle is reported to have served as a refuge for the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bombardements de fin 1944 et début 1945 et Flémalle|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7HCP3-1944.php# |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-03-02}}.</ref>

==== World War I ====
{{See also|Belgium in World War I|Atlas V (boat)}}
In August 1914, [[Belgium]] was invaded by the [[German Army]]; the first city affected was [[Liège]] and its region. Despite the numerous fortifications surrounding the city, including Fort of Flémalle, the [[Fortified Position of Liège|fortified belt]] was put out of service. The [[Netherlands]], barely ten kilometers from Liège, became a destination for the region's inhabitants to flee the war, as the Dutch were not involved in the conflict.

It was due to this proximity to the Dutch border and specifically the city of [[Maastricht]] that the [[Atlas V (boat)|''Atlas V'']], an armored tugboat, left the city on the night of 3 to 4 January 1917 with 107 people on board. The expedition to the Netherlands was tumultuous as the [[Germans]] began to chase the boat near Argenteau.
Among the four crew members, two were from Flémalle, named Jean Job and Raoul Longueville, and another Flémalle resident among the passengers, Joseph Fagard. The captain was Jules Hentjens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flémalle during World War I (1914–1918): The Atlas V Expedition on the Night of January 3–4, 1917|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7HCP2a-1914AtlasV.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-03-02}}.</ref>

==== The Water Crossing Accident ====
On 23 January 1918, around 5:30&nbsp;pm, workers from the Cedauville factory, located on the right bank of the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]], residing on the left bank, in [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]] and [[Flémalle-Haute]], used a ferry that could hold a maximum of 60 people. There were 80 people rushing onto the ferry. The ferry operator had to make two trips, and it was during this second crossing that the accident occurred.<ref group="B">Historical Commission of Flémalle, ''La Meuse, les passages d'eau. – La catastrophe de 1918 -'', Les Chroniques, January 2010.</ref>

The hook guiding the ferryboat on the cable broke. Panicked, the workers moved to the front of the boat, causing it to capsize and overturn. Of the 37 passengers, only 4 survived.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flémalle during World War I (1914–1918): The Water Crossing Accident of January 23, 1918|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7HCP2a-1914passage.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-03-02}}.</ref>

==== December 1930 Atmospheric Accident ====
{{See also|1930 Meuse Valley fog}}
This atmospheric accident is one of the most severe of the time in Europe and still serves as an example of the need for [[Air pollution|pollution]] protection. This disaster caused the death of more than 60 people, while around 300 others were injured or fell ill in the following days.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |first=Tondeur |last=Maxime |title=ROUGEs FLAMMEs: VALLEE DE LA MEUSE, VALLEE DE LA MORT: LE BROUILLARD D'ENGIS (DEC.1930) |url=https://rouges-flammes.blogspot.com/2014/04/vallee-de-la-meuse-vallee-de-la-mort-le.html |website=ROUGEs FLAMMEs |date=23 April 2014 |access-date=2021-03-01}}.</ref> The accident occurred in [[Engis]], a neighboring municipality to Flémalle, to the west. It is now considered the most polluted municipality in [[Belgium]], but since 1930, measures have been taken to prevent another such accident.

It was only in 1968 that these measures were implemented with the installation of over 200 atmospheric monitoring stations, controlling levels of [[sulfur dioxide]] and black particles.<ref name=":7" />

From 1 to 5 December 1930, a [[fog]] stagnated over the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse valley]], stretching from [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]] to [[Huy]]. This accident partly occurred due to the [[Geomorphology|morphology]] of the valley. Indeed, over one to two kilometers wide, the valley's height is 60 to 80 meters, while the top of the valley, that is, the plateaus on the right and left banks, reaches more than 200 meters in some places. During this first week of December, atmospheric pressure was extremely high, around 1030 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]], and it was cold (0&nbsp;°C during the day and as low as −10&nbsp;°C at night<ref name=":7" />) with a weak east wind, ranging from one to three km/h. This is referred to as a [[Temperature inversion]].

The inversion caused the coldest air mass to be unable to pass above the warmer one, trapping the fog in the valley and preventing the cold air mass from escaping. The chimneys of the 27 large factories in the valley,<ref>{{Cite web |title=20th Century in Engis, Clermont, Hermalle-sous-Huy |url=https://www.hermalle-sous-huy.be/fr/Histoire-XXe.html |website=hermalle-sous-huy.be |access-date=2021-03-01}}.</ref> not exceeding 70 meters, meant that the pollution could not escape the valley, creating a [[vicious cycle]]. This event is comparable to the [[Great Smog of London|Great Smog of London in 1952]].

The fog dissipated on 5 and 6 December,<ref>{{Cite web |language=en |title=Welcome to the Poisoned Valley |url=https://medium.com/@alexdimp/welcome-to-the-poisoned-valley-e8862e5dd3b2 |website=Le Troisième Baobab |date=20 March 2019 |access-date=2021-03-01}}.</ref> lasting less than a week, but the damage was done. The sick were affected by severe [[respiratory failure]], as well as cough, heart failure, [[nausea]], vomiting, and [[Tears|tearing]].<ref name=":7" /> In addition to the human toll, there was an even heavier impact on livestock, with a pig farmer slaughtering his pigs one by one.<ref group="B">{{Cite web |language=fr |first=Isabelle |last=Roussel |title=Toxic Fogs, Meuse Valley, 1930, counter-investigation By Alexis Zimmer, sensitive areas, 2016, 264 p. |url=http://lodel.irevues.inist.fr/pollution-atmospherique/index.php?id=6446 |website=irevues.inist.fr |date=27 February 2018 |access-date=2021-03-01}}.</ref>

The human losses were distributed across the municipalities of [[Hermalle-sous-Huy]], [[Engis]], La Maillieu, Flémalle-Grande, [[Flémalle-Haute]], [[Vierset-Barse|Vierset]], Ivoz-Ramet, [[Seraing]], [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]], and [[Ougrée]]. Of the 60 deaths, 20 were in the former municipalities of Flémalle.{{Efn|See the IHOES analysis No.&nbsp;125 of 13 May 2014, by Alexis Zimmer, providing a table of deaths by pre-merger municipalities}}

==== Railway Accident of 1 December 1946 ====
The railway line from Liège to Namur runs along the back of the village of Chokier, below the promontory where the castle is located. At the time, the castle had a terrace overlooking the Meuse Valley. On 1 December 1946, a rock face collapsed, taking with it the western part of the castle terrace, which fell 80 meters onto the railway tracks below. Fortunately, this accident did not result in any casualties. Just two minutes earlier, a train carrying 400 workers had passed by, while another train was delayed. The accident primarily caused economic damage as the rocks blocked the railway from 1 December 1946, to 15 January 1947. To accommodate travelers, buses were continuously stationed at the Flémalle-Haute station to provide connections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catastrophe ferroviaire du 1 décembre 1946 à Chokier|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7AC10.php# |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-03-03}}.</ref>

==== Aviation Accident of December 1989 ====
In December 1989, Pieter Demuynck, a lieutenant [[Pilot (aviation)|pilot]], was on a mission aboard a [[Dassault Mirage 4000|Mirage]]. A malfunction on the aircraft forced the lieutenant to keep his Mirage in flight to avoid residential areas, and he was flying over the [[Awirs]] at the time. He ejected a few moments later but did not survive. However, he managed to avoid a major accident. The plane crashed outside the village, causing only minor damage. A [[commemorative plaque]] is located at the site where the lieutenant died.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |language=fr |first=La |last=Libre.be |title=Les Awirs ou la qualité d'un village |url=https://www.lalibre.be/regions/liege/les-awirs-ou-la-qualite-d-un-village-51b89807e4b0de6db9b16c8a |website=LaLibre.be |date=28 January 2008 |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref>

== Geography ==
=== Sections ===
Flémalle is composed of eight sections: [[Awirs]], [[Chokier]], Flémalle-Grande, [[Flémalle-Haute]], [[Gleixhe]], Ivoz-Ramet, Les Cahottes, and [[Mons-lez-Liège]]. The most populated section is Flémalle-Haute, with 6391 inhabitants, while the least populated is Gleixhe, with 260 inhabitants.

==== Localities and hamlets ====
There are around 90 localities<ref>{{Cite web |language=en |title=Flémalle (Municipality, Belgium) – Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/belgium/aggloliege/admin/62120__fl%C3%A9malle/ |website=citypopulation.de |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref> and hamlets of various sizes and populations.
<gallery mode="packed-hover" caption="Some localities in Flémalle">
File:Le sentier no 1 a Gleixhe.jpg|alt=Photograph of a village, with a road in the middle and a church on the right.|Gleixhe.
File:Ivoz-Ramet - Le village.jpg|alt=Photograph of a village, with a road on the center-left, a square in the middle, and a church in the background.|The center of Ivoz.
File:Flémalle Grande - Profondval.jpg|alt=Photograph of a square lined with trees, with houses on the left and right.|Profondval and its square in winter.
File:Awirs Power Station01.jpg|alt=Photograph of a landscape. In the foreground, fields; in the background, a power plant.|Plain of the Awirs and its power plant in the background.
</gallery>

==== Les Trixhes ====
The Trixhes plateau was created under the aesthetic vision of urban architects<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|author1=Laurie Gardier|title=Urban renovation in Liège under the stewardship of Jean Lejeune 1959–1976: The case of the Hors-Château – Féronstrée district|page=134|publisher=Université de Liège|place=Liège|date=2018}}</ref> from the L'Équerre Group.<ref group="B">{{Cite journal |language=French |author1=Pierre Paquet |title=The recognition of modern architecture in Wallonia |journal=Université de Liège |date=2010 }}</ref> The layout of this neighborhood can be described as a [[Garden city movement|garden city]] or park city. The project was commissioned by Théodule Gonda, then themayor of Flémalle in 1937, but the first construction sites did not begin until the early 1950s.<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|author1=Pierre Frankignoulle|author2=Xavier Folville|title=The modern and contemporary heritage of Wallonia. From 1792 to 1958.: Flémalle. The Trixhes neighborhood|place=Warzée|publisher=Gaëtanne|date=1999}}</ref>

The decision to build a neighborhood in such a location was made to open up the municipality, positioning it as a satellite community between Liège and the countryside. Four housing units were constructed, totaling 1,326 units (453 houses and 873 apartments). Two additional units were planned, but a moratorium on social housing in 1982 altered the plans for the Trixhes plateau. This neighborhood is characterized by [[post-war]] [[Modern architecture|modernist]] architecture, with [[low-rise building]]s, [[Single-family detached home|single-family homes]], a spacious layout with ample greenery, and pedestrian walkways.<ref group="B" name=":4">{{cite book|language=French|author1=Pierre Frankignoulle|author2=Xavier Folville|title=The modern and contemporary heritage of Wallonia. From 1792 to 1958.: Flémalle. The Trixhes neighborhood|place=Warzée|publisher=Gaëtanne|date=1999}}</ref>

During 1979 and 1982, a renovation project for Unit IV was launched. The units in this section suffered from severe humidity problems.<ref group="B" name=":4" /> The issues were so severe that the unit was eventually demolished. Today, remnants of this unit can still be seen in the southwestern part of the neighborhood. Only the roads and pathways, sidewalks, streetlights, and an abandoned underground parking lot remain.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Trixhes: Utopia and Realities |url=https://lechainonmanquant.be/analyses/trixhes.html |website=lechainonmanquant.be |access-date=2021-02-24 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126142052/https://lechainonmanquant.be/analyses/trixhes.html |url-status=dead }}.</ref>

The units are divided into different neighborhoods to promote social interaction. The area includes sports and cultural centers, as well as squares, a modernist-style church, and an exceptional pedestrian network for the time, with pedestrian tunnels under the national road. The road was initially intended to avoid isolating the neighborhood from the town center, but in recent years, it has become the main link between the valley and the [[European route E42|motorway]], effectively cutting the neighborhood in two.<ref group="B" name=":4" />

==== Chokier ====
[[File:Kasteel van Chokier (1822).PNG|thumb|Chokier in 1822.]]
The Chokier district has perhaps the richest history in Flémalle. Its castle, perched on a rocky promontory, has existed since the 9th century. In the 13th century, the castle, then a fortress known as Mont Iohy, was sold by the Count of Hozémont to his nephew. In the 18th century, the fortress was transformed into the castle that is visible today.<ref group="C">{{Cite web |title=I invite you to cross the Chokier ford to discover the History of the city of Liège |url=http://www.chokier.com/ |website=chokier.com |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>
[[File:090416 Chokier 1.jpg|thumb|A panoramic view of Chokier and the castle from the right bank of the Meuse.]]
The village gained recognition in the region as early as the 11th century. It was home to [[viticulture]], a brewery, a [[Cooper (profession)|cooper]], a [[blacksmith]], and [[inns]]. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the village experienced industrial growth with the establishment of an alum works, [[lime kilns]], a pipe-making factory, a red lead factory, a starch factory, and a [[tannery]].<ref group="SC" name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The Village of Chokier |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/73/lang/fr |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

==== Les Cahottes ====
In contrast to Chokier, the village of Les Cahottes faced a different fate. This less populated and more prosperous village underwent a wave of expropriation due to development. As a result, today, the village has lost nearly half of its population.

== Location ==
[[File:Régions naturelles de Belgique.png|thumb|The natural regions in Belgium. In pink, the [[Hesbaye]]; in light green, the [[Condroz]]. Flémalle is located along the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]] in the [[urban agglomeration]] of [[Liège]]. Ardenne-Condroz region is also found in Flémalle.]]
The municipality is located in the east of Belgium, west of Liège, along the Meuse communication axis between France and Germany and between southern and northern Europe. Indeed, at the far north is the [[European route E42]] and the Loncin interchange, located in the municipality of [[Ans, Belgium|Ans]] as well as [[Liège Airport]], one of the most important freight airports in [[Western European Union|Western Europe]]. Situated along the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]], it acts as a buffer municipality between the Meuse valley and the [[Hesbaye]] to the north and the [[Condroz]] to the south.

In [[orthodromic distance]]s,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ORTHODROMIC DISTANCE CALCULATOR |url=http://michel.lalos.free.fr/cadrans_solaires/outils_gno/Calc_Loxo_Orthodromie_Modeles_ml.html |website=michel.lalos.free.fr |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> it is 10.2&nbsp;km from Liège (the capital of the [[Province of Liège]]), 43&nbsp;km from [[Namur]] (the capital of [[Wallonia]]), 81.5&nbsp;km from [[Brussels]] (the capital of [[Belgium]]), 24.1&nbsp;km from the [[Netherlands]] ([[Eijsden]]), 44.1&nbsp;km from the [[tripoint]] of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands ("Les Trois Bornes"), 60.3&nbsp;km from [[Luxembourg|the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg]] ([[Troisvierges]]), 65.1&nbsp;km from France ([[Givet]]), and 172.5&nbsp;km from the Belgian coast ([[Knokke-Heist]]).

{{multiple image | align = center | direction = horizontal | header = Map representations of the municipality | total_width = 600 | caption_align = center | image1 =Flémalle OSM.png | caption1 = OpenStreetMap map | image2 =Flémalle OSM Topo.png | caption2 = Topographic map of the Flémalle region}}

=== Bordering municipalities ===

{| align="center" border="2" width="40%"
| align="center" width="30%" |
| align="center" width="40%" |''North:'' [[Grâce-Hollogne]]
| align="center" width="30%" |
|-
| align="center" width="30%" |''West:'' [[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse]]
| align="center" width="40%" |[[File:Rosa_de_los_vientos.svg|75x75px]]
| align="center" width="30%" |''East:'' [[Seraing]]
|-
| align="center" width="30%" |''Southwest:'' [[Engis]]
| align="center" width="40%" |''South:'' [[Neupré]]
| align="center" width="10%" |⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
|}

=== Geology and relief ===
{{Main|Geology of Belgium}}
[[File:090416 Chokier 3.jpg|thumb|The Chokier castle on its promontory.|left]]
The municipality is marked by the Midi Fault (in Belgium, it is called the Sambre and Meuse fault), which is a geological rupture line that appeared in the [[Paleozoic era]]. The Eifelian fault, also known as the Midi fault, passes through Flémalle, as designated by Malherbe from Clermont-sous-Huy to [[Angleur]].<ref group="B">{{cite book|language=French|last=Malherbe R|title=The Coal System of the Province of Liège|publisher=Unpublished|series=Mémoires de l'Académie royale de Belgique|date=1863|pages=222}}</ref> This fault, still active today, caused the [[1983 Liège earthquake|Liège earthquake]] on 8 November 1983.<ref group="B">Jongmans, Denis Campillo, Michel Revista; "Influence of the source and geological structure on the nature of the damage during the Liège earthquake of November 8, 1983"; ''Bulletin de la Société géologique de France'', Paris, 1989, 5(4), series 8; pp. 849–857</ref> Thus, the highway to the north of the territory, as well as most of the area and the surrounding agglomerations, such as Liège, Seraing, and Engis, are located on this fault.

The fault shapes the municipality's relief, with strong urbanized areas above the cliffs created by the fault, such as Les Trixhes, and also below, with the center of Flémalle. This fault was long exploited by various quarries. Those located behind the village of [[Chokier]] gave birth to the "Aux Roches" nature reserve. The municipality's altitude ranges from a minimum of 62 m (along the Meuse) to a maximum of 238 m (in the extreme south of the municipality).<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Topographic map Flémalle, altitude, relief |url=https://fr-be.topographic-map.com/maps/7ex/Fl%C3%A9malle/ |website=topographic-map.com |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> Although the south is higher than the north, it is in the north that the fault is most noticeable, notably with the [[Chokier Castle]], which is perched on a [[promontory]]. Along the Meuse, the terrain is flat, while to the north, the terrain is hilly, particularly in [[Awirs]] with the stream; the south experiences a constant elevation rise.

=== Hydrography ===
[[File:090917-AIDE-Herstal-Station de pompage N1.jpg|thumb|Pumping station No.&nbsp;1 in [[Herstal]], similar to the old stations located on the left bank of the Meuse in Flémalle.|left]]
Flémalle is part of the Lower Meuse sub-basin. The municipality has only one navigable waterway, the Meuse, which traverses the municipality from west to east over a length of 7,646 meters. It has seven main watercourses (excluding the Meuse, these are the Awirs, Ville-en-Cours, Neuville, Pré Renard, Broussou, Bailesse, and Croisette) with a total length of 27,051 meters. The municipality has 4% of its territory designated as [[Floodplain|flood zones]], of which only 2.7% are at high flood risk.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie">{{cite magazine |language=French |title=Environmental Report |periodical=Public Service of Wallonia |date=2010 }}</ref>

The organization managing the municipality's sanitation services is the Association intercommunale pour le démergement et l'épuration (AIDE). In 2008, 77% of the population's [[domestic wastewater]] was not treated by a public [[Wastewater treatment|treatment plant]]. In the same year, the municipality had a sewer network 158.24&nbsp;km long.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />

In 2017, AIDE requested a budget from SPGE (the Public Water Management Company) for a study on the climate resilience of structures located on the left bank of the Meuse, including pumping stations No.&nbsp;1 and No.&nbsp;3 in Flémalle, which are old.<ref>{{cite magazine |language=French |title=Approval of the evaluation of the 2017–2019 Strategic Plan |periodical=Intermunicipal Association for Flood Control and Wastewater Treatment of the Province of Liège |date=19 December 2016 }}</ref>

Since the winter of 1977–1978, there has been a gradual rise in the water table related to the post-coal mining era in the province of Liège. Flémalle and other municipalities along the Meuse with a mining history are affected by this phenomenon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flood control system |url=https://www.aide.be/demergement/dispositif-de-demergement |website=aide.be |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref>

==== Islands ====
Before the construction of the [[Wharf|quays]] along the Meuse in 1937, numerous islands of varying sizes were scattered throughout the river. These islands once formed the "''Chokier bottleneck''",<ref group="B">{{cite book|date=November 2011 |language=fr |page=13 |publisher=Commission Historique de Flémalle |title=Pro Justitia au code forestier – Ramet-Yvoz 1920–1942}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> a challenging section for both upstream and downstream navigation. Before the development works, archaeological remains were found, including [[gladius|gladii]], [[funerary urn]]s, and [[coin]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Vie à Flémalle: Les Iles|url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7AC3A3.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> Some of the islands included Rensonnet, Champs de Bures, Trou des Veaux, Avocat, and one near Ivoz.<ref group="B" name=":1">{{cite book|date=November 2011 |language=fr |page=13 |publisher=Commission Historique de Flémalle |title=Pro Justitia au code forestier – Ramet-Yvoz 1920–1942}}<!-- auto-translated from French by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> There were no bridges connecting the shores, so crossing the river was done by boat.

=== Climate ===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen-Geiger classification]], Flémalle's climate is of type Cfb. On average, the temperature is 10.2&nbsp;°C. However, attention should be paid to the municipality's morphology. The Meuse valley is at a lower altitude than the northern and southern parts of the municipality, which means that during moderate snow periods, snow falls across most of the territory except in the center, that is, along the Meuse where it is warmer.<ref name=":2"/>

On average, April is the driest month, with 65&nbsp;mm of precipitation, while December is the wettest with an average of 99&nbsp;mm. The temperature curve inversely follows the precipitation curve, with a slight delay. Thus, July is generally the warmest month with an average temperature of 18.1&nbsp;°C, and the coldest is January with an average temperature of 2.6&nbsp;°C.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Climat Flémalle: Pluviométrie et Température moyenne Flémalle, diagramme ombrothermique pour Flémalle - Climate-Data.org |url=https://fr.climate-data.org/europe/belgique/wallonie/flemalle-50840/ |website=fr.climate-data.org |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> On average, it rains 10 days per month in the municipality, slightly more than in Liège.

{{Weather box
| location = Flémalle
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan high C = 4.9
| Feb high C = 5.9
| Mar high C = 9.7
| Apr high C = 13.8
| May high C = 17.3
| Jun high C = 20.4
| Jul high C = 22.2
| Aug high C = 21.7
| Sep high C = 18.6
| Oct high C = 14.3
| Nov high C = 9.1
| Dec high C = 5.7
| Jan mean C = 2.6
| Feb mean C = 2.9
| Mar mean C = 5.8
| Apr mean C = 9.4
| May mean C = 13.2
| Jun mean C = 16.3
| Jul mean C = 18.1
| Aug mean C = 17.7
| Sep mean C = 14.7
| Oct mean C = 11.1
| Nov mean C = 6.7
| Dec mean C = 3.5
| Jan low C = 0.4
| Feb low C = 0.2
| Mar low C = 2
| Apr low C = 4.8
| May low C = 8.7
| Jun low C = 11.6
| Jul low C = 13.8
| Aug low C = 13.5
| Sep low C = 11
| Oct low C = 8.2
| Nov low C = 4.4
| Dec low C = 1.4
| Jan precipitation mm = 87
| Feb precipitation mm = 77
| Mar precipitation mm = 78
| Apr precipitation mm = 65
| May precipitation mm = 72
| Jun precipitation mm = 83
| Jul precipitation mm = 84
| Aug precipitation mm = 87
| Sep precipitation mm = 72
| Oct precipitation mm = 71
| Nov precipitation mm = 82
| Dec precipitation mm = 99
| Jan humidity = 85
| Feb humidity = 83
| Mar humidity = 78
| Apr humidity = 72
| May humidity = 72
| Jun humidity = 72
| Jul humidity = 72
| Aug humidity = 74
| Sep humidity = 77
| Oct humidity = 81
| Nov humidity = 87
| Dec humidity = 86
|date=August 2024}}

== Urban planning ==

=== Urban morphology ===

==== Urban fabric ====
The center of Flémalle is part of the continuous urban fabric of Liège, extending from [[Herstal]] to the village of Chokier. Almost the entire territory is part of this urban fabric, except for Awirs, Gleixhe, En Cowa, Ramioul, and Gros-Chêne, which are separate. Most of Flémalle's institutions are located in the center, mainly along the Grand'Route. These include the post office (formerly the finance building),<ref>{{Cite web |language=en |first=DH Les |last=Sports+ |title=Flémalle: The police in the old finance building! |url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/la-police-dans-l-ancien-batiment-des-finances-5ff34ad3d8ad5844d13ee6a9 |website=DH Les Sports + |date=5 January 2021 |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref> the town hall, as well as the main commercial arteries and industrial hubs, while the police station of the zone of Flémalle is located near National Road 677, north of Trixhes. This neighborhood forms a separate urban fabric, with high levels of urbanization.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=Le plateau des Trixhes à Flémalle, Décodage sur le terrain : Compte-rendu |url=https://www.iew.be/le-plateau-des-trixhes-a-flemalle-decodage-sur-le-terrain-compte-rendu/ |website=Inter-Environnement Wallonie – IEW |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>
[[File:Flémalle Grande - Casa de la Vila.jpg|thumb|The former town hall when Flémalle-Grande was a separate municipality before 1977. Today, the building is used by both the municipality and the region.]]
Before the 1977 merger of Belgian municipalities, the current municipal sections were separate communes, which is why after the merger, institutions like [[library|libraries]] were numerous and spread across the territory. Today, everything has been centralized (two libraries, including a main one<ref group="SC" name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Bibliothèques |url=http://www.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/125/lang/fr |website=flemalle.be |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>). There are still old buildings that once served as town halls. The Chokier district is easily recognizable by its history and architecture. It is often cited as one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Élisez le plus beau village de Wallonie: Chokier parmi les 60 villages sélectionnés! (vidéo et photos) |url=https://www.sudinfo.be/id215970/article/2020-07-04/elisez-le-plus-beau-village-de-wallonie-chokier-parmi-les-60-villages |website=sudinfo.be |date=4 July 2020 |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref> The Awirs district is also distinctive, with its castle. The [[Cultural Center]] and the main sports and charitable institutions are located south of the Trixhes district.

==== Land Use ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Land use]] (percentage) as of 1 January 2020, compared to the province of Liège and Wallonia.
!Land Use Type
!Flémalle
!Province
!Wallonia
|-
|Share of artificial land area
|27.7%
|12.9%
|10.7%
|-
|Share of residential land
|18.6%
|7.6%
|6.5%
|-
|Share of land occupied by commerce, offices, and services
|0.7%
|0.3%
|0.3%
|-
|Share of land occupied by [[public service]]s and community facilities
|1.9%
|1.6%
|1.1%
|-
|Share of land for recreational use and urban green spaces
|0.4%
|0.6%
|0.6%
|-
|Share of land occupied by agricultural buildings
|0.4%
|0.8%
|0.6%
|-
|Share of land for industrial and artisanal use
|4.1%
|1.4%
|1%
|-
|Share of quarries, landfills, and abandoned spaces
|0.3%
|0.2%
|0.2%
|-
|Share of transport infrastructure
|1%
|0.5%
|0.4%
|-
|Share of other artificial spaces
|0.1%
|0.1%
|0%
|-
|Share of [[arable land]] and permanent crops
|20.7%
|22.2%
|28.5%
|-
|Share of grasslands and fallow agricultural land
|19.8%
|27.2%
|23.2%
|-
|Share of forests
|15.4%
|28.4%
|29.3%
|-
|Share of semi-natural environments
|5.6%
|2.4%
|2.5%
|-
|Share of [[wetland]]s
|0%
|1.1%
|0.3%
|-
|Share of water surfaces
|0%
|0.2%
|0.2%
|-
|Share of land of unknown nature (including uncategorized land)
|10.7%
|5.7%
|5.2%
|-
| colspan="4" |Source: Iweps – WalStat (The portal for local statistical information in Wallonia)<ref name="+1">{{Cite web |last=IWEPS |title=Catalogue of statistical indicators – WALSTAT |url=http://walstat.iweps.be/walstat-catalogue.php |website=walstat.iweps.be |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>
|}

The table above shows that the municipality is highly urbanized, with an artificial land area and residential land nearly three times higher than those of Wallonia. Services, offices, and commerce also occupy a significant portion of the municipality. In the center of Flémalle, there are several large retailers ([[Delhaize]], [[Lidl]], [[Aldi]]), as well as two shopping centers, one to the east of the center,<ref group="SC">{{Cite web |title=Flémalle Shopping |url=http://economie.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/788/lang/fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113202107/http://economie.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/788/lang/fr |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 January 2016 |website=economie.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-02-25 }}.</ref> near Jemeppe, and a smaller one to the west of the center at Chaffours. Despite the significantly higher share of residential land compared to the Walloon and provincial averages, recreational areas and green spaces take up less space.

The industrial share is four times higher, which can be explained by the two [[ArcelorMittal]] centers<ref group="SC" name=":4">{{Cite web |title=ARCELORMITTAL – CENTRE ACIER |url=http://economie.flemalle.be/directories/index/detail/directory_item_id/765/lang/fr |website=economie.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref> located on the left and right banks of the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]] and of considerable size, as well as the presence of three major industrial hubs: the Les Cahottes Economic Activity Park,<ref name="ca">{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Les Cahottes (Flémalle) |url=http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/22/les-cahottes-flemalle |website=spi.be |access-date=2021-02-25 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120012823/http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/22/les-cahottes-flemalle |url-status=dead }}.</ref> the Arbre Saint-Michel Economic Activity Park,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Arbre Saint-Michel (Flémalle) |url=http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/46/arbre-saint-michel-flemalle |website=spi.be |access-date=2021-02-25 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120010532/http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/46/arbre-saint-michel-flemalle |url-status=dead }}.</ref> and the Ramet Industrial Park.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=IVOZ-RAMET (Economic Activity Zone) |url=http://www.bspace.be/fr/spi/parc/ivoz-ramet/822 |website=BSpace.be – Wallonia: The place born to b |access-date=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

Despite the high urbanization of the municipality, agriculture occupies a significant portion of the land. Although it is less than the provincial and regional average, when comparing the municipality's share to that of Liège or the municipalities in the Liège agglomeration, Flémalle stands out.

Finally, the share of forests is significantly lower, almost half the Walloon average, which can be explained by increasing urbanization, the expansion of economic hubs, and agriculture, leaving little room for forests. Most of them are located in the south and west of the municipality.

=== Housing ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Buildings by year of construction (percentage) as of 1 January 2020, compared to the Province of Liège and Wallonia.
!Year of Construction
!Flémalle
!Province
!Wallonia
|-
|Share of buildings constructed before 1900
|21.9%
|23.4%
|27.7%
|-
|Share of buildings constructed between 1901 and 1918
|10%
|9.8%
|9.7%
|-
|Share of buildings constructed between 1919 and 1945
|11.9%
|12.2%
|11%
|-
|Share of buildings constructed after 1945
|56.2%
|54.6%
|51.6%
|-
| colspan="4" |Source: Iweps – WalStat (The local statistical information portal for Wallonia)<ref name="+1" />
|}
The share of buildings constructed before the end of [[World War II]] (1945) varies greatly between western and eastern Belgium. This is explained by the fact that the [[Province of Liège]] often found itself as the first city to face the [[Bundeswehr|German armed forces]].

Flémalle is one of the municipalities with the highest proportion of buildings constructed between 1946 and 1961 (20.9%), whereas the regional average is no higher than 10.8%. This post-war construction phenomenon is found throughout the Liège region.

This construction trend continued between 1962 and 1970 with 11.5% of buildings erected compared to 7.7% for Wallonia. Since then, construction has decreased in Flémalle and the Liège region. The municipalities in the [[countryside]] have experienced a period of construction from the early 1970s to the present day, particularly in the [[Province of Luxembourg]]. This phenomenon is not limited to the Liège region but also occurs in [[Charleroi]], [[Namur]], [[Mons, Belgium|Mons]], and other major Walloon cities.

The proportion of buildings and [[apartment building]]s among the housing stock stands at 15.5%. This proportion is expected to increase in the coming years due to the Flémalle-Neuve development project. This share is almost equal to the Walloon average (16.3%).

The Liège region, including Flémalle, has one of the highest proportions of [[terraced house]]s among the housing stock in Wallonia. These houses were often former workers' homes from the coal mining industry during the [[industrial revolution]] and the operation of various mines and [[Quarry|quarries]].

In 2001, the municipality had 10,757 housing units for 25,777 inhabitants.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />

==== Architecture ====
[[File:Chateau d'Aigremont.JPG|thumb|The entrance to the Château d'Aigremont. Note the characteristic architectural feature of the red bricks.]]
Liège architecture is distinguished by the [[Rhineland|Rhenish]] [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] and [[Mosan art|Mosane style]]. The Château d'Aigremont is a beautiful example, in [[Louis XIV style]] but mixing the Mosane style with the red bricks found at the [[Grand Curtius]], another specimen of the Mosane style.

The Chokier district has a well-preserved architectural heritage similar to what is found in most important Walloon villages.

The Trixhes represent a new architectural style of the 20th century, the [[Modernism|modernist style]].

=== Development Projects ===
The municipality is looking to the future with Flémalle 2030. Among the revitalization projects:

* Renovation of the Grand'Route and its two projects.<ref group="SC">{{cite web |title=Master-Plan |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/1096/lang/en |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

The first project, Flémalle-Centre, aims to revitalize the municipal park, the green lung of the town center, as well as create a new public space at the Athénée Provincial Guy Lang and the Tubemeuse polyclinic (Bois de l'Abbaye Hospital), located across from each other. This project includes the creation and reorganization of parking areas, with the initial offer being very limited. This will enhance the town center where schools, shops, the library, the socio-economic center, municipal administrations, the Flémalle-Centre police station, the municipal park, and the [[fire station]] are located.

The second project, concerning Flémalle-Grande, will revitalize the S. Donnay square, the "Flémalle Shopping" shopping center, and parking areas.

* Flémalle-Neuve

This project aims to redevelop an area behind the Tubemeuse and includes the creation of 238 housing units (184 apartments and 54 houses), a new municipal school, and new offices as well as [[Small and medium-sized enterprises|SMEs]].<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=A nine-story tower, future landmark of the Flémalle-Neuve district |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_a-nine-story-tower-future-landmark-of-the-flemalle-neuve-district?id=10537228 |website=RTBF Info |date=6 July 2020 |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref> The area will also have a new railway station<ref name="sor">{{cite web |language=en |title=SORASI {{!}} Flémalle-Neuve |url=http://www.sorasi.be/en/projects-in-progress/flemalle-neuve |website=sorasi.be |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref> on the Line 125A<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=An stop on the 125A line at Val in Seraing or Flémalle Neuve: a choice will have to be made |url=https://www.sudinfo.be/id157793/article/2019-12-20/an-stop-on-the-125a-line-at-val-seraing-or-flemalle-neuve-a-choice-will-have-to-be-made |website=sudinfo.be |date=20 December 2019 |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref> towards [[Seraing]] and [[Liège]], as well as a [[footbridge]] over the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]], next to the railway bridge.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=The former Duferco sites could become "Flémalle Neuve" |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_the-former-duferco-sites-could-become-flemalle-neuve?id=9241174 |website=RTBF Info |date=15 March 2016 |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

This project is currently in the study phase with a study on land pollution. It is estimated at 72 million euros.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=New stage for "Flémalle-Neuve" |url=https://www.lesoir.be/art/1339745/article/actualite/regions/liege/2016-10-11/new-stage-forflemalle-neuve |website=Le Soir |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

* Modernization of the Trixhes

This modernization project is intended to redevelop the entire district, including various roads and pedestrian areas, improving commercial, cultural, and social offerings, and addressing the high demand for housing in Flémalle.<ref>{{cite web |language=en-BE |title=Flémalle: 86 projects to be completed by 2024 – RTC Télé Liège |url=https://www.rtc.be/flemalle_86_projects_to_be_completed_by_2024-1501354-999-89.html |website=rtc.be |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref> The neighborhoods of Unit IV have been vacant for several years but are still developable. The XV Bonniers will see about thirty new housing units.<ref group="SC" name=":6">{{cite web |title=Territorial Development |url=http://economie.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/303/lang/en |website=economie.flemalle.be |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

* Eco-neighborhood of [[Mons-lez-Liège]]

Since the demolition of the old municipal school located at Place Mottard, the neighborhood has experienced disorganization despite its densification. The project aims to redevelop this square, with the creation of shops and housing, as well as a more sustainable mobility around the square. In fact, a whole eco-neighborhood will be created.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |first=DH Les |last=Sports+ |title=Flémalle: housing, commerce, and public spaces in Mons |url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/flemalle-housing-commerce-and-public-spaces-in-mons-5f91b2ea9978e231396cff84 |website=DH |date=27 October 2020 |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

* Sustainable Urban Development with sustainable methods

Flémalle aims to implement sustainable development methods by managing various aspects of urban planning and the environment, including the development of eco-districts and promotion of green spaces.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=The Mayor's perspective on the 2030 Project |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_2030-project-in-fl-malle |website=RTBF Info |date=14 October 2020 |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref>

During the removal of the ashes, Engie found [[asbestos]] and therefore decontaminated the site.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Flémalle. Héna: la centrale électrique des Awirs à l'origine de l'amiante |url=https://www.lesoir.be/83553/article/2017-02-24/flemalle-hena-la-centrale-electrique-des-awirs-lorigine-de-lamiante |website=Le Soir Plus |date=24 February 2017 |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref> This discovery worried local residents who feared the possible consequences for their health<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Flémalle: des riverains inquiets par l'amiante au terril du Héna |url=https://laprovince.sudinfo.be/263070/article/2018-08-07/flemalle-des-riverains-inquiets-par-lamiante-au-terril-du-hena |website=Édition digitale de Mons |date=7 August 2018 |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref> but analyses showed that asbestos was present in low quantities and posed no risk.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Flémalle: terril du Héna, des analyses rassurantes |url=https://lameuse.sudinfo.be/263630/article/2018-08-08/flemalle-terril-du-hena-des-analyses-rassurantes |website=Édition digitale de Liège |date=8 August 2018 |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref> The asbestos is being treated, and clean soil is separated from asbestos-contaminated soil.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Le terril du Hénâ – Traitement de l'amiante |url=https://corporate.engie.be/fr/about/engagement-societal/le-terril-du-hena/traitement-amiante |website=ENGIE |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref>

The mayor of [[Engis]], Serge Manzato, participates in the meetings of the Steering Committee.<ref name=":19">Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du terril du Hénâ'', March 2016.</ref> Indeed, the Hénâ site is located right next to the municipality of Engis.

In March 2016, 50% of the first phase of the work was completed.<ref name=":19" /> In April 2016, the [[conveyor belt]] began to be constructed (a [[helicopter]] was present for some maneuvers of the large-scale project)<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Spectaculaires manœuvres sur le terril du Hénâ à Flémalle |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_spectaculaires-man-uvres-sur-le-terril-du-hena-a-flemalle?id=9364727 |website=RTBF Info |date=28 July 2016 |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref> and air quality checks started and will be carried out throughout the project.<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du terril du Hénâ'', April 2016.</ref> In May 2017, 2% of the ashes were removed, which represents 20 [[barges]].<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du site de Hénâ'', May 2017.</ref> In October 2017, 4% of the ashes were removed and 63 barges departed for cement manufacturers.<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du site du Hénâ'', October 2017.</ref> In January 2018, more than 5% of the ashes were removed, filling 100 barges.<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du site du Hénâ – 12'', January 2018.</ref> In June 2018, 170,000 tonnes were evacuated.<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du site du Hénâ – 13'', June 2018.</ref> In March 2019, 285,000 tonnes were evacuated.<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du site du Hénâ – 14'', March 2019.</ref> In November 2019, 420,000 tonnes were evacuated, representing 18% of the ashes, with 285 barges sent to the Liège cement manufacturers.<ref>Engie Electrabel, ''Votre avenir: Lettre d'information aux riverains du site du Hénâ – 15'', November 2019.</ref>

=== Industrial Risks and Pollution ===
In 2009, there were no [[Seveso Directive (disambiguation)|SEVESO]] sites in the municipality. The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR)<ref>{{Cite web |title=E-PRTR |url=https://prtr.eea.europa.eu/#/home |website=prtr.eea.europa.eu |access-date=2021-02-25 |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608211221/https://prtr.eea.europa.eu/#/home |url-status=dead }}.</ref> listed four sites: ArcelorMittal Steel Belgium S.A. Eurogal (metal surface treatment); ArcelorMittal Steel Belgium S.A. Flémalle Ramet ([[galvanization]]); Electrabel Centrale des Awirs ([[combustion]]); Segal S.A. (hot-dip galvanizing of steel sheets). In 2004, there were two nuclear zones distributed across the municipal territory.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />

In 2007 and 2009, there was a site to be redeveloped (SAR) whose cleanup was recognized as a priority (Cokerie Flémalle), five landfills of which three were unrehabilitated, and five service stations with potentially contaminated soil out of 12 service stations.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />

=== Transportation and Communication Routes ===
[[File:Flémalle Réseau routier.png|thumbnail|The road and rail network of Flémalle:
{{Legend|black|Flémalle boundaries}}
{{Legend|red|Motorway}}
{{Legend|orange|Major road}}
{{Legend|green|Primary network}}
{{Legend|blue|Secondary network}}
{{Legend|grey|Railways}}
]]Flémalle is a municipality located a few kilometers from Liège and [[Seraing]], situated in an important urban and economic hub. To the north of the municipality is the [[European route E42]], which separates the municipality from the [[Liège Airport]], in the center, the developed quays of the Meuse, and to the south, a national road connecting the [[Condroz]] municipalities.

==== Road Network ====
The road network in Flémalle is quite unique. The main connections run from west to east, with some major roads extending from the left bank of the Meuse to the north and only one running from the Meuse to the south of the municipality. The rest of the network, both tertiary and secondary, revolves around the various urban and economic hubs of the region. In the eastern part of the territory, a more complete secondary and tertiary network is found due to its proximity to [[Seraing]].

The Walloon Motorway acts as a border with [[Grâce-Hollogne]]. The National Route 677 connects the entire municipality to the motorway, via exit 4 (Flémalle), which also allows passage under the motorway to reach the airport and [[Horion-Hozémont]]. This same national road serves [[Mons-lez-Liège]] and Les Cahottes via a [[roundabout]], Les Trixhes and the center of Flémalle, and continues to Ivoz-Ramet passing over the weir. It climbs up the south of Flémalle, known as Route de France, passing through Gros-Chêne. It ends at the intersection with Route du Condroz (N63) just past the center of Neuville-en-Condroz. A 2x2 lane tunnel allows passage under the Thier des Trixhes.
[[File:20110809 flemalle05.jpg|thumbnail|The National Route 90 from National Route 677, above the trémie, towards [[Liège]].]]
National Route 90, which connects [[Huy]] to [[Liège]], runs along the right bank of the municipality. It connects [[Engis]] to the [[ArcelorMittal]] site in Ramet, Ivoz, the center of Seraing, and Liège. National Route 617 connects Engis to [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse]], passing by the Tubemeuse site of the ArcelorMittal group, known as Quai du Halage. With this national road and National Route 90, Chaussée de Ramioul, continuing from those of Ramet and Ivoz, also follows a west-to-east direction and connects Engis to Ramioul, Ramet, and Ivoz to Val Saint-Lambert, Seraing.
[[File:20110809 flemalle03.jpg|thumbnail|National Route 677 on the Ivoz-Ramet Weir, towards European Route E42.]]
Other significant routes include Rue des Awirs (connecting Engis to [[Awirs]] up to [[Horion-Hozémont|Hozémont]] passing through [[Gleixhe]] under the motorway), Rue d'Otet (connecting Les Trixhes to the Awirs), Rue de l'Alouette, Jean-Louis Adam, E'Tiyou, Harckay (connecting exit 4 to Jemeppe passing through Mons-lez-Liège), Rue du Thier Saint-Léonard (connecting Mons-lez-Liège to [[Hollogne-aux-Pierres]]), Rue de Flémalle-Grande and Rue de la Fontaine (forming a large roundabout in one-way traffic connecting the bottom of Flémalle-Grande to Profondval), and Grand'Route (serving the entire center of Flémalle).
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Flémalle's Road Network Compared to the Walloon Road Network (2005)'''<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />
! rowspan="2" |Category
! colspan="2" |Municipal Territory
!Wallonia
|-
!'''Length (km)'''
!Density (km/km2)
!Density (km/km2)
|-
|Motorways
|2.5
|0.07
|0.05
|-
|Regional Roads
|25.6
|0.70
|0.45
|-
|Municipal Roads
|251.2
|6.85
|2.86
|-
|Total
|279.3
|7.61
|3.36
|}

The town of Flémalle commissioned the sculptor Robin Vokaer to create a masterful piece, Le Cœur in steel, installed at exit 4 of the E42 highway. (GPS Coordinates: 50°37’28.5″N 5°25’46.2″E).<ref>{{cite web |title=ROBIN VOKAER {{!}} Metal |url=http://robinvokaer.com/metal/ |website=robinvokaer.com |access-date=2021-04-04}}.</ref> [[File:Robin-Vokaer-le-cœur-ville-de-Flemalle.jpg|thumb|Le Cœur, created for the municipality of Flémalle. Exit 4 of the E42 highway. GPS Coordinates: 50°37’28.5″N 5°25’46.2″E]]

==== Bridges ====
[[File:20170415 engis055.jpg|thumbnail|The Engis bridge with its stairwell on the right, heading south from Flémalle.]]
Despite the reasonable width of the Meuse River, only two bridges span the river within Flémalle's territory: the Ivoz-Ramet dam bridge and a [[railway bridge]]. Another bridge, the Val Saint-Lambert bridge, once spanned the Meuse but was destroyed. A [[footbridge]] is expected to be put into service after the construction of the new Flémalle-Neuve neighborhood.<ref group="SC" name=":5">{{cite web |title=Master-Plan |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/1096/lang/en |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |accessdate=2021-02-25}}.</ref> Besides these bridges, the Engis bridge, located a little over 500 meters west of the municipality, can be mentioned.
[[File:20110809 flemalle01.jpg|thumbnail|The Ivoz-Ramet dam bridge from the right bank of the Meuse. In the background, on the right, the [[Hydropower|hydroelectric power station]].]]
The Ivoz-Ramet dam bridge is a structure built between the 1960s and 1980s; the initial structures were destroyed during [[World War II]]. The dam bridge was not yet a bridge but was equipped only with [[Lock (water navigation)|locks]]. On the left bank of the Meuse, there is a hydroelectric power station fed by the dam. It is the most frequented hydraulic structure in the Walloon navigable network. Between 2010 and 2014,<ref>{{cite web |title=CANEVAS {{!}} Architects and Engineers – New Lock at Ivoz-Ramet |url=http://www.canevas.be/projets/3984/3984.html |website=canevas.be |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> it was renovated to allow for increasing river traffic.<ref>{{cite web |title=General Directorate of Mobility and Hydraulic Infrastructure – News |url=http://voies-hydrauliques.wallonie.be/opencms/opencms/fr/vn/news/index.html |website=voies-hydrauliques.wallonie.be |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref>

The railway bridge supports both [[freight train]] and [[passenger train]] traffic. The bridge crosses the Meuse and the Quai du Halage, heading towards the Tubemeuse site of ArcelorMittal, the Flémalle-Haute and Leman stations, towards Flémalle, and the Seraing station, towards Seraing.

The Val Saint-Lambert bridge was a stone bridge built by the Compagnie du Nord Belge in 1846. The bridge was a railway bridge with a unique feature, a [[Toll (fee)|toll]] for pedestrians crossing to work at the Cristalleries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Means of Communication |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPj3.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref>

The only drivable bridge in the municipality is separated by orthodromic distances of 4.1&nbsp;km from the Engis bridge and 4.5&nbsp;km from the Seraing bridge.

==== Rail Network ====
[[File:Flémalle-Haute - Gare de Flémalle-Haute.jpg|thumbnail|Flémalle-Haute station, the only example of this architectural style in Belgium.]]
Flémalle is at the junction of the railway lines from Namur to Liège and Liège to Flémalle. The Flémalle-Haute station is the only station on the Flémalle-Liège line, while the Namur-Liège line has three Flémalle stations. Between 2003 and 2005, an average of 1,292 passengers used the Flémalle stations, and in 2006, there were 1,523.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />

[[File:ED 170 - Environs de Compiègne - Estrés Saint Denis - La Gare.jpg|thumbnail|Estrées-Saint-Denis station on a [[postcard]], an exact replica of Flémalle-Haute station.]]

Flémalle-Haute station is operated by the [[National Railway Company of Belgium]] (SNCB) and is served by InterCity (IC), Suburbans (S), Omnibus (L), and Peak Hour (P) trains.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Train Line Brochures in PDF {{!}} SNCB |url=https://www.belgiantrain.be:443/en/travel-info/prepare-for-your-journey/leaflets/lines-leaflets |website=belgiantrain.be |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> The passenger building is the only one of its kind in Belgium, although similar buildings exist in some regions of France (such as [[Estrées-Saint-Denis station]]). It was inaugurated on 18 November 1850.<ref>{{cite web |title=Flémalle-Haute |url=http://www.belrail.be/F/infrastructure/gares/LFH.html |website=belrail.be |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> Since the building has been empty for several years, an urban development project has been proposed, and housing is expected.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr-FR |first=Benjamin |last=Straet |title=Renovation of the Flémalle-Haute Station Building |url=http://www.pierreploumen.be/projets/renovation-du-batiment-de-la-gare-de-flemalle-haute/ |website=pierreploumen.be |date=17 November 2017 |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref>

The Leman station is served by Omnibus (L) and Peak Hour (P) trains. It is located at kilometer point (PK) 10.0 on the Liège to Namur line, just after Flémalle-Haute station. It is named Leman in honor of [[Gérard Leman|General Leman]], a Liège hero of [[World War I]].

The Flémalle-Grande station is served by the same trains as Leman station and is located at kilometer point (PK) 9.3 on the same line preceding Leman station. The following station is Jemeppe-sur-Meuse. The station is located near a shopping center with a Carrefour, a Krëfel, a Lunch Garden, and other stores.

In the Flémalle-Neuve development project, a new station will be built on the Liège-Seraing-Flémalle line,<ref name="sor" /> making it the fourth station in the municipality over 5.7&nbsp;km of railways, or one station approximately every 1.5&nbsp;km.

These two lines provide access to the [[Liège-Guillemins station|Guillemins station]] in Liège in about ten minutes. Given that this station is a major railway hub in the country, it can be concluded that Flémalle stations are well served.
[[File:20170430 flemalle038.jpg|thumbnail|The Chokier level crossing, one of the most accident-prone in Belgium.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |first=DH Les |last=Sports+ |title=Level Crossing Removed at Chokier? |url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/passage-a-niveau-supprime-a-chokier-5d6e905bd8ad58612219a560 |website=DH Les Sports + |date=4 September 2019 |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref>]]
The municipality has two [[level crossings]], one of minor importance and the other cutting [[Chokier]] in two. The latter is problematic. It is the third most accident-prone level crossing in Belgium; over the past ten years, there have been four accidents, two of which were fatal. [[Infrabel]], which manages the railway network infrastructure, would like to remove the level crossing by creating a tunnel a few hundred meters further, but the municipality is opposed to this project<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Removing the Level Crossing: Flémalle Refuses, Infrabel Regrets |url=https://lameuse.sudinfo.be/480128/article/2019-11-27/supprimer-le-passage-niveau-flemalle-refuse-infrabel-regrette |website=Édition digitale de Liège |date=27 November 2019 |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> because the part of the village on the north side of the railway would be isolated from the rest of the municipality. The mayor, [[Isabelle Simonis]], said that "removing the level crossing [...] seems to be a radical solution".<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |first=DH Les |last=Sports+ |title=Level Crossing Removal in Chokier: Negative Opinion |url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/suppression-du-passage-a-niveau-a-chokier-avis-defavorable-5ddbb100f20d5a0c46ed4626 |website=DH Les Sports + |date=25 November 2019 |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> The controversy surrounding the level crossing dates back to Sunday, 10 January 2016, when a woman was struck by a train.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Controversy in Flémalle Following a Fatal Accident at a Level Crossing |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_polemique-a-flemalle-suite-a-un-accident-mortel-sur-un-passage-a-niveau?id=9182337 |website=RTBF Info |date=11 January 2016 |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> This fatal accident sparked a debate since it was not the first fatal accident. The level crossing provides access to Houlbouse Street, which is frequently used as a shortcut to descend from the Trixhes plateau.

{| class="wikitable"
|+The rail network of Flémalle compared to the Walloon rail network (2008)<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />
! rowspan="2" |Category
! colspan="2" |Municipal Territory
!Wallonia
|-
!Length (km)
!Density (km/km<sup>2</sup>)
!Density (km/km<sup>2</sup>)
|-
|Conventional Lines
|5.7
|0.15
|0.08
|-
|Freight Lines
|8.5
|0.23
|0.02
|-
|High-Speed Lines
|0
|0
|0.01
|-
|Total
|14.2
|0.39
|0.10
|}

==== Air Network ====
{{Main|Liège Airport}}
Liège Airport is located to the north of the municipality, less than 100 meters away, in the territory of [[Grâce-Hollogne]]. Primarily focused on cargo transport, the airport also offers a few tourist destinations, which have been declining year by year. Indeed, cargo handling has become increasingly significant at the airport, making it the seventh-largest airport for cargo in Europe. Due to its geographical location between Paris, [[Brussels]], Antwerp, [[Rotterdam]], the [[Ruhr]] region, [[Luxembourg]], and Switzerland, the airport has become a hub and was chosen as a reference hub for Europe during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in the spring of 2020, and was awarded the title of "Best Cargo Airport in the World for 2020" that same year.

Flémalle benefits economically from this with several economic and industrial zones, including the Arbre Saint-Michel zone, a few hundred meters from the airport, where transportation companies, [[E-commerce|online businesses]], and large companies like Mithra are located.

In addition to the economic development of the municipality, some local areas, such as Les Cahottes or En Cowâ, experience noise pollution from both the highway and the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |first=Liege |last=Airport |title=Noise Impact {{!}} Liege Airport |url=https://www.liegeairport.com/flexport/fr/donnees-techniques/impact-sonore/ |website=Cargo |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref> The consequences are visible when walking through the streets of Cahottes, with many abandoned houses bought by the airport and some demolished. One of the most striking consequences is the abandonment and destruction of the village of Rouvroy in Grâce-Hollogne, located on the other side of the highway.

This noise pollution tends to drive residents away from these areas; some have moved to [[Donceel]], but airport development has brought noise there as well.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Liège: the residents' fight against airport noise resumes |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_liege-le-combat-des-riverains-contre-les-nuisances-de-l-aeroport-reprend?id=10631028 |website=RTBF Info |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=2021-02-23}}.</ref>

==== Waterway Network ====
[[File:20170430 flemalle059.jpg|thumbnail|View of the ArcelorMittal site near the dock, along the Meuse and the freight railway, from above the village of [[Chokier]].]]
Flémalle is traversed from east to northeast by the [[Meuse (river)|Meuse]]. The river provided strong economic appeal to the municipality in the past, with activities related to coal mining, coal mines, and the [[metallurgy]] and [[steel industry]]. In addition to this rich history, the municipality today experiences another form of activity along the Meuse. Indeed, as the decline of [[ArcelorMittal]]'s sectors accelerates in Belgium,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=ArcelorMittal to abandon its "steel center" in Flémalle |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_lev-groupe-arcelormittal-va-deserter-son-centre-acier-a-flemalle?id=9932918 |website=RTBF Info |date=31 May 2018 |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> the municipality has turned towards the autonomous port of Liège, the third-largest [[Inland port|river port]] in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Autonomous Port of Liège {{!}} WalEurope |url=http://europe.wallonie.be/node/44 |website=europe.wallonie.be |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> Therefore, redevelopment work was carried out between 2010 and 2014 on the Ivoz-Ramet weir, to streamline river traffic and allow the passage of larger vessels.
[[File:20110809 flemalle07.jpg|thumbnail|View of the weir locks and industrial center, on the left, towards [[Liège]].]]
The Flémalle port areas associated with the autonomous port of Liège are the Awirs port (left bank), the Flémalle port (right bank), and the Ivoz-Ramet port (right bank) shared with Seraing.

The Meuse is bordered on both sides by National road 617 and 90. Upstream and downstream along the Meuse, you can find the quarry [[Carmeuse]] [[Engis]] (the port is located in Engis, and quarrying is on both communes), the biomass power plant of the Awirs (left bank, currently being converted into a gas power plant<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=It's confirmed: the Engie group wants to use the Awirs for a gas power plant |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_c-est-confirme-le-groupe-engie-veut-utiliser-les-awirs-pour-une-centrale-au-gaz?id=10589663 |website=RTBF Info |date=21 September 2020 |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref>), the Yacht Ski Club Flémalle (left bank), the Intermunicipal Waste Treatment Association of the Liège Region (right bank, along the [[dock]]), Segal, [[ArcelorMittal]], and Arceo (right bank, near the dock), Inter Beton (left bank), the Ivoz-Ramet weir with its two locks and the hydroelectric plant (left bank), the [[Arcelor]] group and an economic center with several industries (left bank), and the Ivoz-Ramet port (right bank).

The Meuse is the only navigable river in the municipality.

==== Cycling Network ====
The cycling network in the municipality is poorly arranged due to the [[topography]] of the area. Only the lower part, the Trixhes plateau, and the Awirs center would be easily navigable by bike.

The [[RAVeL network]] is present in the municipality, with the RV8b connection, a road link running behind the railway south of Awirs, going up to National road 617 to Chokier, and then following the railway line up to [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]] via small roads in the municipality. There is also the EV19 connection, from Engis to the weir, passing through Ramioul, Ramet, and Ivoz. The most important cycle path is the RAVeL along the Meuse, partially following the quays up to Engis, connecting [[Namur]] to [[Liège]]. This RAVeL shares its cycle path with the [[EuroVelo 3]], linking [[Trondheim]] ([[Norway]]) to [[Santiago de Compostela]] (Spain).

There are several paved and unpaved paths throughout the municipality, allowing for relative accessibility for short trips.

There are several cycling clubs of all types in Flémalle.

==== Pedestrian Network ====
There are pedestrian networks in some areas of the municipality. For example, in Trixhes, there is a particularly developed network in the city, passing under National road 677 to connect with other nearby places.<ref name=":3"/> There are other paths outside Trixhes connecting cul-de-sacs to the rest of the road network. In the project to redevelop the town center, significant emphasis is given to pedestrians.<ref group="SC" name=":8">{{Cite web |title=The Master Plan |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/990/lang/en |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> Sidewalks are generally well-maintained.

==== Public Transport Network ====
Flémalle is served by numerous [[Bus routes|bus lines]] operated by [[Transport operator of Wallonia|TEC]]. There are five terminal zones: Arbre Saint-Michel, the cultural center, Chaffours, Gros-Chêne, and the Cité. The lines connect to [[Liège]], [[Seraing]], [[Boncelles]], the bus station in [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]], the center of Flémalle, [[Amay]], [[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse|Saint-Georges]], [[Huy]], the Fagnes ([[Engis]]), Verlaine, and other medium-sized hubs. The territory east of National road 677, Les Trixhes, Chokier, and Ivoz are in zone 20, allowing easy transit to Liège and its most populous suburbs, while the rest of the municipality, i.e., west of the national road, Ramioul, Ramet, and Gros-Chêne, is located in zones 30 and 37 of the network. All lines are part of the TEC Liège-Verviers subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TEC |url=https://www.letec.be/#/View/Plans_du_reseau/1068 |website=letec.be |access-date=2021-02-24}}.</ref> In 2009, there were 86 bus stops distributed across the territory.<ref name="2010_Service_publique_Wallonie" />

=== Former Public Transport Networks ===
==== Liège Vicinal Tramway ====
The [[vicinal tramway]] was a former [[tram]]way network connecting [[Liège]] and its [[suburbs]]. The only line passing through Flémalle was the one from [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]] to [[Hannut]], which passed through [[Mons-lez-Liège]], then known as Mons-Crotteux. It was in service between 1905 and 1906 and was discontinued on 13 September 1959.

The line also passed through [[Fexhe-le-Haut-Clocher]], [[Engis]], Ampsin, and Verlaine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A tram in Jehay! |url=http://www.hyperpaysagedejehay.be/vicinal.htm |website=hyperpaysagedejehay.be |access-date=2021-04-22}}.</ref>

A street in Mons-lez-Liège is named ''rue du Vicinal'' and provided access to the former coal mines of Arbre-Saint-Michel. A vicinal stop was located in Les Cahottes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Means of Communication: The Vicinals |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPj5k2.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-04-22}}.</ref>

==== Liège-Seraing Economic Railways and Extensions (RELSE) ====
The Liège-Seraing Economic Railways and Extensions company was established in 1881 and disappeared in 1961. The line between Liège, Seraing, and Flémalle was newly opened in 1941 and closed 20 years later.

The line connected Place de la République française to Flémalle-Haute station.

==== Seraing Trolleybus ====
Flémalle was served by two [[trolleybus]] lines operated by the Liège-Seraing Economic Railways and Extensions (RELSE). One line connected the center of Seraing to Place François Gérard in Ivoz-Ramet, opposite the weir, and the other line connected the place to the Prayon Rupel factory in Engis and [[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse]].

The line connecting to the Prayon Rupel factory crossed the weir, passed in front of Flémalle-Haute station, and went through the village of [[Chokier]].

== Politics ==
Flémalle, as the municipality exists since the 1977 municipal merger, has had four mayors, three men and one woman. These four mayors were or are members of the [[Socialist Party (Belgium)|Socialist Party]]. Indeed, [[Liège]] and its region, including Flémalle, are a red stronghold,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title="BPS, bastion du parti socialiste" |url=https://lameuse.sudinfo.be/334149/article/2019-01-17/bps-bastion-du-parti-socialiste |website=Édition digitale de Liège |date=17 January 2019 |access-date=2021-04-22}}.</ref> meaning that most politics is centered around the PS which is the majority in almost all municipalities (10 out of 24 in the Liège administrative arrondissement are not predominantly PS: [[Aywaille]],<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Membres du Collège — Commune d'Aywaille |url=https://www.aywaille.be/fr/ma-commune/vie-politique/college-communal/membres |website=aywaille.be |access-date=2021-04-22}}.</ref> [[Chaudfontaine]], [[Dalhem]], [[Esneux]], and [[Neupré]]<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |first=Union des Villes et Communes de |last=Wallonie |title=Neupré en fiche: coordonnées, bourgmestre, coalition, population et superficie |url=https://www.uvcw.be/fiches-locales/62121 |website=Union des Villes et Communes de Wallonie / Fédération des CPAS |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref> have an MR majority, Bassenge<ref>{{Cite web |title=Composition du Collège communal — Bassenge.be |url=https://www.bassenge.be/theme1/vie-politique/college-communal/composition-du-college-communal/ |website=bassenge.be |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref> has a Democratic Humanist Centre and MR majority, [[Comblain-au-Pont]] is predominantly cdH although governed under the Communal Interests like [[Fléron]], [[Juprelle]], and [[Soumagne]]. Thus, the suburbs of [[Liège]] are sometimes referred to as the Red Belt.

In recent years, the [[Workers' Party of Belgium]] (PTB) has seen a surge in votes in the municipality and in Wallonia.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Grand baromètre: hausse spectaculaire du PTB, 3rd francophone party |url=https://www.lesoir.be/art/1329982/article/actualite/belgique/politique/2016-09-29/grand-barometre-hausse-spectaculaire-du-ptb-3e-parti-francophone |website=Le Soir |date=29 September 2016 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref> The Reformist Movement (MR), while popular in some municipalities of the arrondissement due to [[Didier Reynders]], a national-level politician born in Liège and a member of MR, has only managed to secure one seat out of the 29 in the municipality.

The municipality is thus situated on the left side of the political spectrum with the PS in the leading position, securing more than half of the seats (17 out of 29), followed by the PTB (5 seats), [[Ecolo]] (3 seats), the IC (3 seats), and the MR (1 seat).<ref group="SC" name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Collège communal |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/28/lang/fr |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814033847/https://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/28/lang/fr |url-status=dead }}.</ref>
[[File:Andre Cools.jpg|thumb|André Cools at the house of the people in Saint-Gilles is an iconic figure of the municipality, a monument in the municipal park is dedicated to him.]]

=== List of Mayors ===
* [[André Cools]], from 1977 to 1991:<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=André Cools (1927–1991) |url=https://alphas.be/andre-cools/ |website=ALPHAS |date=3 March 2018 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref> André Cools was a politician born in Flémalle who held a prominent place in [[Politics of Belgium|Belgian politics]], serving as Minister of Budget, Deputy Prime Minister, President of the [[Belgian Socialist Party]], and President of the [[Walloon Parliament]]. He was mayor of the municipality from the merger until his assassination on 18 July 1991 in Liège.
* Jean Beulers, from 1991 to 2000: Jean is the son of Hubert Beulers, a Walloon socialist politician.
* Gilbert Van Bouchaute, from 2000 to 2006: Gilbert Van Bouchaute is a Belgian socialist. After serving as mayor for six years, he has since distanced himself from the political scene.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-BE |title=Gilbert Van Bouchaute démissionne – RTC Télé Liège |url=https://www.rtc.be/video/info/social/gilbert-van-bouchaute-demissionne_1442420_325.html |website=rtc.be |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |first=La |last=Libre.be |title=Van Bouchaute se mue en consultant |url=https://www.lalibre.be/regions/liege/van-bouchaute-se-mue-en-consultant-51b8d36fe4b0de6db9c155f9 |website=LaLibre.be |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref>
* [[Isabelle Simonis]], from 2006 to 2022: Isabelle Simonis initially served as [[Walloon Parliament|Walloon MP]]. During her [[political mandate|term]] as mayor, she became Secretary of State for Families and Disabled Persons, President of the [[Parliament of the French Community of Belgium|Parliament of the French Community]], and Minister of Social Promotion, Youth, [[Women's Rights]], and Equal Opportunities of the [[French Community of Belgium|French Community]].
* [[Sophie Thémont]], since 2022: First alderwoman, she succeeded Isabelle Simonis following her departure.

=== Municipal Administration ===

==== Municipal College ====
For the 2018–2024 legislature, the [[municipal college]] consists of seven members: the mayor ([[Isabelle Simonis]], PS), five aldermen ([[Sophie Thémont]], PS; Fabian Pavone, PS; Jérôme Dister, PS; Frédéric Vandelli, PS; Marc D'Joos, PS) and the president of the Public Centre for Social Action (Marie-Hélène Joiret, PS).

==== Municipal Council ====
For the 2018–2024 legislature, the municipal council is composed of the mayor, the five aldermen, and the president of the CPAS as well as 22 municipal councilors (Laurent Léonard, PS; Valter Poleses, PS; Jeanine Wintgens, [[Ecolo]]; Jean-Denis Lejeune, IC; Véronique Passani, PS; Amir Hamidovic, PS; Fabienne Dantine, PS; Dominique Perrin, [[Ecolo]]; Stéphane Ancia, Reformist Movement; Dominique Bodarwe, PS; Jean-Marie Noville, IC; Victor Kadima Bafwa, Ecolo; Valérie Heuchamps, [[Workers' Party of Belgium|PTB]]; Maria Teresa Fernandez Navarro, PS; Marie-Ange Jolis, PTB; Georges Thirion, PTB; Yves Thomas, PTB; Ingrid Rosar, PTB; Joseph Tita, PS; Daniel Renkin, PS; Cédric Marchandise, IC; Viviane Lambert, PS) and the [[General Director]] (Pierre Vryens).

=== Administrative and Electoral Attachments ===
{{See also|Federalism in Belgium}}
As of 1 January 2021, Flémalle belongs to the administrative entities, from the largest to the smallest, of the [[Kingdom of Belgium]] (11,507,163 inhabitants), the [[Walloon Region]] (3,645,107 inhabitants), the [[Liège Province]] (1,107,937 inhabitants), the Liège administrative arrondissement (623,673 inhabitants), and the municipality of Flémalle (26,366 inhabitants).

In terms of the [[Judiciary|judicial]], it belongs to the Liège administrative and judicial arrondissement and the Grace-Hollogne administrative and judicial canton.

=== Associated Organizations ===

* AIDE

Flémalle is part of the Intermunicipal Association for Drainage and Purification (AIDE). The municipal councilor Dominique Perrin represents Flémalle on the board of directors as a member.<ref name="++1">Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, pp. 15 and 16.</ref> Prior to him, it was the first alderman Sophie Thémont who held this position (she was also a member of the executive board).<ref name="++1" /> Flémalle, like [[Herstal]], [[Liège]], [[Oupeye]], [[Saint-Nicolas, Liège|Saint-Nicolas]], [[Seraing]], [[Visé]], the [[Province of Liège]], and the SPGE, is a member of the intermunicipal drainage system.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, p. 20.</ref>

As of 31 December 2019, an investment dossier was under study for various infrastructures in Flémalle related to AIDE, amounting to €1,750,300.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, p. 23.</ref> At the same date, projects were underway in the municipality amounting to €1,579,632.96.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, p. 24.</ref> A significant portion of this was for the installation of collectors during the development of Grand'-Route. Other projects under study, including collectors, a [[pumping station]] in [[Chokier]], or water catchments (13 projects), represent a cost of €11,960,000.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, pp. 30 and 31.</ref> Additional projects under construction as of 31 December 2019, including the upstream extension of the Awirs collector, the Bobesses stream collector, the Dommartin pumping station, and a new [[fiber optic]] network, will cost €4,208,425.46.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, p. 34.</ref>

Works on the pumping station of [[Jemeppe-sur-Meuse|Jemeppe]] and various other works in Flémalle cost €9,962,413.72.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, p. 36.</ref>

Following the commissioning of the Sur-les-Bois and Broussous pumping stations ([[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse]] and Flémalle), the Stockay station had to be dismantled.<ref>Annual Report 2019 of AIDE, p. 122.</ref>

* CHBA

The Centre Hospitalier du Bois de l'Abbaye (CHBA), with its main site in Seraing, includes a site in Flémalle. The site offers appointments in [[cardiology]], [[physical medicine and rehabilitation]], [[medical imaging]], and [[dentistry]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CHBA – Contact a Service |url=https://www.chba.be/page-510.html |website=chba.be |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref>

* CHR

Flémalle is associated with the intermunicipal Regional Hospital Center (CHR) of the Citadelle de Liège, along with fifteen other municipalities.

* CILE

The municipality is a member of the Liège Intermunicipal Water Company (CILE).<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=CILE – Liège Intermunicipal Water Company |url=http://cile.be/ |website=CILE – Liège Intermunicipal Water Company |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref> It was established on 27 December 1913.

* ECETIA

On 28 May 1985, the municipality of Flémalle, along with [[Amay]], [[Dison]], [[Grâce-Hollogne]], [[Huy]], [[Liège]], [[Seraing]], and the [[Province of Liège]], created the Société Liégeoise de Financement et d'Economies d'Energie (SLF).<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=Brief History |url=https://www.ecetia.be/qui-sommes-nous/bref-historique/ |website=Ecetia |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103063758/https://www.ecetia.be/qui-sommes-nous/bref-historique/ |url-status=dead }}.</ref> ECETIA Intermunicipal is dependent on it and helps associated municipalities with real estate leasing and [[leasing]].<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=Ecetia Intermunicipal |url=https://www.ecetia.be/qui-sommes-nous/ecetia-aujourdhui/eint/ |website=Ecetia |access-date=2021-04-23 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}.</ref>

* ENODIA

Enodia, formerly known as Publifin, is a pure financing intermunicipal (IPF). The municipality is associated with 73 other municipalities, the Province of Liège, and the [[Walloon Region]].

This intermunicipal is particularly known for its political-financial scandal. This affair came to public attention through revelations by [[Le Vif/L'Express]]. The newspaper reported that representatives of the intermunicipal were paid to attend meetings that they did not actually attend.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Publifin, the scandal that "discredits the entire Walloon municipal world" |url=https://www.lesoir.be/74262/article/2016-12-21/publifin-laffaire-qui-jette-le-discredit-sur-lensemble-du-monde-communal-wallon |website=Le Soir Plus |date=21 December 2016 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref> Representatives were paid €500 per minute for meetings they did not attend.<ref>{{Cite web |first=David |last=Leloup |title=Politicians paid €500 per minute for fake meetings at Publifin (ex-Tecteo) |url=https://www.levif.be/actualite/belgique/des-elus-payes-500-euros-la-minute-pour-des-reunions-bidon-chez-publifin-ex-tecteo/article-normal-589067.html |website=LeVif-FR |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref>

Catherine Magali, a Flémalle political figure from the PS, received €111,997 for six meetings.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |first=La |last=Libre.be |title=Discover the outrageous payments received by Publifin representatives |url=https://www.lalibre.be/belgique/politique-belge/decouvrez-les-folles-remunerations-touchees-par-les-mandataires-de-publifin-585bb9fbcd7014981b3f8512 |website=LaLibre.be |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref>

Following this affair, the current mayor of Flémalle, Isabelle Simonis, had to resign from her federal mandate.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Liège PS federation decides on a major "reset" |url=https://www.lecho.be/economie-politique/belgique/wallonie/la-federation-liegeoise-du-ps-decide-d-un-grand-reset/9872004.html |website=L'Echo |date=12 March 2017 |access-date=2021-04-23}}.</ref>

* IILE-SRI

The zone de secours Liège 2 IILE-SRI is the Intermunicipal Fire Service of Liège and Surroundings (IILE-SRI). This emergency zone covers 21 municipalities and includes a central station and six outposts ([[fire stations]]), one of which is located in Flémalle.

Flémalle joined the intermunicipal on 1 January 2010, along with [[Crisnée]].

* INTRADEL

Flémalle has been part of Intradel since 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intradel – Concerned Municipalities |url=https://www.intradel.be/trier-ses-dechets/les-collectes-en-porte-a-porte-1/mon-conteneur-en-ligne/les-communes-concernees.htm?lng=fr |website=intradel.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205121646/https://www.intradel.be/trier-ses-dechets/les-collectes-en-porte-a-porte-1/mon-conteneur-en-ligne/les-communes-concernees.htm?lng=fr |url-status=dead }}.</ref> This intermunicipal plays a leading role in environmental matters. As of 1 January 2021, baby diapers must be disposed of in the [[Garbage|trash]] for [[residual waste]] rather than in the [[organic waste]] bin as previously.

Since 1 December 2019, the municipality has introduced a new blue [[trash bag]] for the collection of PMC. This system allows for better recycling of plastic packaging.

In March 2019, with Intradel's support, the recyparcs of Flémalle 1 and [[Hannut]] began testing the recovery and reuse of objects in good condition. This helps reduce waste in recyparcs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drop off your reusable bulky items at Flémalle 1 and Hannut recyparcs |url=https://www.intradel.be/actualites/communication-officielle/deposez-vos-encombrants-en-bon-etat-dans-les-recyparcs-de-flemalle-1-et-hannut.htm?lng=fr |website=intradel.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122423/https://www.intradel.be/actualites/communication-officielle/deposez-vos-encombrants-en-bon-etat-dans-les-recyparcs-de-flemalle-1-et-hannut.htm?lng=fr |url-status=dead }}.</ref>

The municipality has two recyparcs, one located at Ivoz-Ramet, the other at Arbre Saint-Michel.

* SPI

The intermunicipal of Services Promotion Initiatives in the Province of Liège (SPI) has existed since 1961.

The Phenix area,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Flémalle – Phenix Area |url=http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/70/espace-phenix-flemalle |website=spi.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423213303/http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/70/espace-phenix-flemalle |url-status=dead }}.</ref> located in Flémalle, belongs to the intermunicipal. This site houses 16 companies, including [[ArcelorMittal]] Liège SA. This site has been and will continue to be partially rehabilitated.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=SPI gives a second life to abandoned sites |url=https://www.spi.be/fr/territoire/amenagements-du-territoire/la-rhabilitation-de-friches |website=spi.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423213308/https://www.spi.be/fr/territoire/amenagements-du-territoire/la-rhabilitation-de-friches |url-status=dead }}.</ref>

Other sites include the Cahottes site<ref name="ca" /> with 60 companies, the Ivoz-Ramet site<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Ivoz-Ramet |url=http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/21/ivoz-ramet |website=spi.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423213304/http://www.spi.be/fr/zoning/view/21/ivoz-ramet |url-status=dead }}.</ref> with 31 companies, and the Arbre Saint-Michel site.

SPI also participated in the construction of the new Prehistoric Museum and in protecting a part of the old museum's collection during the renovations.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Opening of the Prehistoric Museum |url=https://www.spi.be/fr/news/view/1081 |website=spi.be |access-date=2021-04-23 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423213304/https://www.spi.be/fr/news/view/1081 |url-status=dead }}.</ref>

* Various Intermunicipals

Flémalle is part of the intermunicipals IMIO, INTERSENIORS, NEOMANSIO, and RESA. Interseniors is responsible for several retirement homes and long or short-term care facilities in the municipality. RESA manages the municipality's electricity.

=== Twin towns ===

[[File:View on Piombino.jpg|thumb|Piombino, Flémalle's first twin town.]]
The municipality is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with two Italian municipalities, [[Piombino]] in 1971 and [[Basiliano]] in 2017.

The twinning with Piombino was initiated by a Piombinese who moved to Flémalle. The project was accepted by the mayor at the time, [[André Cools]]. This twinning was based on tourist and cultural exchanges between the Tuscan municipality and the Mosane municipality.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |language=fr |first=Union des Villes et Communes de |last=Wallonie |title=Flémalle in brief: contact details, mayor, coalition, population, and area |url=https://www.uvcw.be/fiches-locales/62120 |website=Union des Villes et Communes de Wallonie / Fédération des CPAS |access-date=2021-04-25}}.</ref> The 40th anniversary of the twinning was celebrated in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |language=it-IT |title=Flémalle and Piombino celebrate the 40th anniversary of their twinning |url=http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/piombino/cronaca/2011/07/03/news/flemalle-e-piombino-celebrano-i-40-anni-del-loro-gemellaggio-1.2569015 |website=Il Tirreno |date=3 July 2011 |access-date=2021-04-25}}.</ref>

The twinning with Basiliano, a municipality in [[Friuli Venezia Giulia]], is more recent.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Flémalle: a new twinning with Basiliano |url=https://lameuse.sudinfo.be/118746/article/2017-08-28/flemalle-un-nouveau-jumelage-en-vue-avec-basiliano |website=Édition digitale de Liège |date=28 August 2017 |access-date=2021-04-25}}.</ref> It originated from the initiative of several residents who had been organizing sports exchanges for over 30 years. The twinning charter was signed on 7 December 2017.<ref name=":8"/>

The municipality has also created a partnership with the municipality of [[Ndjili, Kinshasa|N'Djili]] in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]] as part of an International Municipal Cooperation (IMC) program.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |first=Union des Villes et Communes de |last=Wallonie |title=Flémalle in brief: contact details, mayor, coalition, population, and area |url=https://www.uvcw.be/fiches-locales/62120 |website=Union des Villes et Communes de Wallonie / Fédération des CPAS |access-date=2021-04-26}}.</ref>

== Demographics and Society ==
{{See also|Demographics of Belgium}}

=== Demographics ===

As of 2024, the municipality was the 101st most populous in Belgium. In 2024, it was the 26th most populous in Wallonia and the 5th in the province of Liège.<ref name="ref_auto_1" />

Taking into account the former municipalities involved in the 1977 municipal merger, the population trend is as follows:

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<sub>''The figures for the years 1846, 1900, and 1947 include the figures for former merged municipalities.''</sub>
* <small>Source: DGS – Note: 1831 to 1981 = census; from 1990 = number of inhabitants on 1 January</small><ref name="ref_auto_1" />

It is noted that from 1995 to 2008, the population of Flémalle decreased, losing nearly 2000 inhabitants during this period. However, from 2008 to 2020, the population grew consistently, with significant growth particularly from 2008 to 2014. This demographic growth is a general trend observed across Belgium. From 2008 to 2014, Belgium's population increased by nearly 500.000 inhabitants, a rise of about 5%. However, from 2014 onward, this growth has slowed, and the population of Flémalle has tended to stabilize with some slight increases.<ref name="ref_auto_1" />

=== Society ===

Information about local organizations and other social elements such as the number of inhabitants are available in related sections of the articles concerning the municipality and its local institutions.

=== Socio-economics ===

==== Average Income ====
In 2018, the average income per inhabitant in neighboring municipalities was, in ascending order and in euros, 14,275 for [[Seraing]], 15,645 for [[Grâce-Hollogne]], 15,907 for [[Engis]], 18,182 for [[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse]], and 24,855 for [[Neupré]].<ref group="SC" name=":10" /> The people of Flémalle earn 16,553 euros, placing them between Engis and Grâce-Hollogne, while the national average is 18,768 euros,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fiscal Revenues {{!}} Statbel |url=https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/households/fiscal-revenues |website=statbel.fgov.be |access-date=2021-04-26}}.</ref> with Neupré being the only municipality exceeding this average by a significant margin.

This [[Socioeconomics|socio-economics]] is comparable to other urban regions in the country where generally, people with lower incomes live in suburban areas, such as Seraing or Grâce-Hollogne, while wealthier populations prefer to live outside the city on higher grounds, as seen in Neupré and Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse. This socio-economic phenomenon is also noticeable in Seraing, where the poorest population is located in the lower part of the municipality, i.e., the center, [[Ougrée]], and Jemeppe-sur-Meuse, while the wealthier population resides in [[Boncelles]].

The difference between Neupré and Flémalle is 8,302 euros, while the difference with Seraing is 2,275 euros. The average income per inhabitant in Flémalle increased by 3% compared to 2018 and has been rising annually since 2005.<ref group="SC" name=":10" />

==== Real Estate Prices ====
In 2018, there were 12,197 buildings in Flémalle, accounting for 22.5% of the territory being built. Among these buildings, there are [[apartments]], [[townhouses]], and [[Villa]]s with a median price of 158,000 euros (235,000 for open-type villas, 158,000 for apartments, and 150,000 for closed or semi-closed type houses).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flémalle {{!}} Statbel |url=https://statbel.fgov.be/en/commune/flemalle#dashboard9 |website=statbel.fgov.be |access-date=2021-04-26}}.</ref>

The national average for closed or semi-closed type houses is 216,500 euros and 315,000 euros for open-type villas. The [[real estate prices]] are thus below the national average. This can be explained by very low real estate prices in Wallonia compared to [[Flanders]] and the [[Brussels-Capital Region]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Real Estate Prices {{!}} Statbel |url=https://statbel.fgov.be/en/themes/construction-housing/real-estate-prices#news |website=statbel.fgov.be |access-date=2021-04-26}}.</ref>

== Education ==
The municipality has 7 schools of [[Free education|free early childhood and primary education]]:<ref group="SC">{{Cite web |title=Schools |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/276/lang/en |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-04-27}}.</ref>
* [[Maurice Carême]] school (nursery)
* Notre-Dame school (nursery and primary)
* Sacré-Cœur Institute<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://institutdusacrecoeur.be/sc/ |website=institutdusacrecoeur.be |access-date=2021-04-27}}.</ref> (nursery and primary)
* [[Saint John the Baptist]] school (primary)
* Saint Joseph Institute (nursery and primary)
* Saint Louis de Gonzague school<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=Saint Louis de Gonzague – Mons-Lez-Liège |url=http://www.saintlouisdegonzague.be/ |access-date=2021-04-27}}.</ref> (nursery and primary)
* Sainte Thérèse school<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=Sainte Thérèse School – A Family School in a Green Corner |url=http://www.ecolesaintetherese.be/ |access-date=2021-04-27}}.</ref> (nursery and primary)
[[File:Ivoz-School.jpg|thumb|Municipal School of Ivoz, in the old school buildings with a school for boys and a school for girls.]]
The municipality has 18 municipal early childhood and primary schools:
* [[Awirs]] school (middle and upper primary)
* Les Cahottes school (nursery and primary)
* Cité Beulers school (nursery)
* Fontaine school (nursery and primary)
* Gros-Chêne school (nursery and primary)
* Houlbouse school (Sportive [[Régis Genaux]]) (nursery and primary)
* Ivoz school (nursery and primary)
* Jean Beulers school (primary)
* Autonomous nursery school of Mons (nursery)
* [[Jean-Marie Léonard]] school (nursery and primary)
* Parc school (nursery and lower primary)
* Ramet school (nursery and primary)
* Ramioul school (nursery and primary)
* Reine-Marie Braeken school (nursery and primary)
* Sart d'Avette 1 school (nursery and lower primary)
* Sart d'Avette 4 school (nursery and lower primary)
* Vinck school (nursery)
* XV Bonniers school (nursery and lower primary)

The municipality has one secondary education institution (provincial) which is the only Provincial Athénée of Wallonia, the Athénée Provincial de Guy Lang.

The municipality also has a [[special education]] institution of the [[French Community of Belgium]] that provides education for types 1, 2, and 8 in nursery, types 1, 2, and 8 in primary, and type 2 in secondary. Type 1 corresponds to children with learning difficulties or specific problems, type 2 corresponds to children with [[intellectual disability]] or significant delays, and type 8 corresponds to primary children with [[learning disorders]] such as [[dyslexia]], [[dyscalculia]], and other disorders. This school is named ''L'Envol''.

An academy, Académie Marcel Désiron,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=Academie Marcel Desiron {{!}} Académie Marcel Désiron Amay |url=http://www.academieamay.com/ |access-date=2021-04-27}}.</ref> is located in Flémalle.

== Health ==
The municipality has a hospital site of the Bois de l'Abbaye Hospital Center, located in central Flémalle. The municipality also has a [[Mental health]] service (SSM)<ref group="SC" name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Mental Health Service – SSM |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/209/lang/en |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-04-28}}.</ref> which is composed of [[Speech therapy|speech therapists]], psychologists, [[social worker]]s, and [[physical therapist]]s.

== Sports ==
Flémalle has been one of the major towns in Belgian [[handball]]. This team sport was introduced in 1921 in the [[Liège Province]] and the Royal Olympic Club Flémalle was one of its main representatives with 11 Belgian Championships and 3 Belgian Cups.<ref name="History of Belgian Handball">{{Cite web |language=nl |url=http://www.handbal.be/uploads/Geschiedenis_BHB.pdf |title=History of Belgian Handball |website=Official VHV site |date=2006 |access-date=27 May 2021 |archive-date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015231058/http://www.handbal.be/uploads/Geschiedenis_BHB.pdf |url-status=dead }}.</ref><ref name="May 1957: ROC Flémalle first Walloon club Belgian Handball Champion">{{Cite web |language=nl |url=http://connaitrelawallonie.wallonie.be/fr/histoire/timeline/mai-1957-roc-flemalle-premier-club-wallon-champion-de-belgique-de-hand-ball#.YK9mqagzZPY |title=May 1957: ROC Flémalle first Walloon club Belgian Handball Champion|website=connaitrelawallonie.wallonie.be |date=|access-date=27 May 2021}}.</ref> In addition to the men's section, it is worth noting that the women's section of the ROC Flémalle also competed for a few seasons among the Belgian elite, without standing out.

In other sports, it is worth noting that in women's basketball, two Flémalle clubs managed to reach Division 1, Alliance Flémalle and ISC Flémalle, though they did not excel. The Flémalle Flames were a former American football team that merged with the Liège Red Roosters.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=American Football in Belgium or the Art of Making Do |url=https://lameuse.sudinfo.be/185837/article/2018-02-01/le-football-americain-en-belgique-ou-lart-de-la-debrouille |website=Liège Digital Edition |date=1 February 2018 |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

=== Martial Arts ===
6 martial arts clubs are located in Flémalle: [[tai chi]], [[ju-jitsu]], judo, and karate. The Jiu-Jitsu Club Flémalle teaches ju-jitsu at the Jean Beulers municipal school.

The Karate Club Flémalle teaches karate and was founded in 1995. [[Thomas Doret]] is one of the club's instructors and holds the black belt as 1st Dan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kcflemalle.be/instructeurs.php |title=instructors |website=kcflemalle.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref> It is located at the Trixhes sports hall (André Cools).

Karaté Mushin Mons-lez-Liège is run by Victor Tatarevic, who was a member of the Belgian national karate team from 1969 to 1973. He won two bronze medals at the European Team Championships in 1969 and 1972 in the under 68&nbsp;kg category.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |first=Mwesto Labs |last=S.P.R.L |title=Mushin Karate – School – Flémalle |url=https://www.mushinkarate.be/fr/ |website=Mushin Karate – School – Flémalle |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

=== Athletics ===
The Flémalle Athletic Club (F.A.C.) is an important athletics club in the Liège region. It was founded on 10 October 1970. Before the creation of the club, the runners were part of the R.F.C. Liégeois and they ran on a [[cinder track]], located near the André Cools sports hall, inaugurated in 1952 by [[Gaston Reiff]], a great athlete who won the 5000 meters at the [[1948 Summer Olympics|London Olympics]] in 1948. However, the club now has a [[tartan track]] which has been in use since the 2000s.

Belgian ''cross-country runners'' particularly appreciate the course of the site located on the Nature Reserve "Aux roches", including [[Karel Lismont]], [[Willy Polleunis]], [[Emiel Puttemans]], [[Leon Schots]] and others.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=History of the club |url=http://www.flemalle-athletisme.be/node/9 |website=flemalle-athletisme.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

The club organizes major championships: in 1985, the L.B.F.A. cross-country championship; in 1989, the Belgian cross-country championship for cadets and schoolboys; in 1990, the Belgian cross-country championships for Juniors/Seniors; in 1992, the L.B.F.A. cross-country championship; in 1996, the Belgian semi-marathon championship; in 1999, 2000, and 2002, the Belgian 10,000 meters championships; and in 2002, 2004, and 2006, the Belgian Cross Masters championship.<ref name=":12" />

[[Paul Roekaerts]] is one of the club's coaches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaches |language=en|url=http://www.flemalle-athletisme.be/node/11 |website=flemalle-athletisme.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref> Colin Glesner holds the Benjamins records for 1000 meters (2003), long jump (2003), and 1&nbsp;kg shot put (2003), which have not been beaten by the club since.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Benjamins Records |language=en|url=http://www.flemalle-athletisme.be/node/12 |website=flemalle-athletisme.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref> Among the Cadet Records, Philippe Goffin holds the club javelin record of {{nobr|600 grams}} since 1979.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cadets Records |language=en|url=http://www.flemalle-athletisme.be/node/15 |website=flemalle-athletisme.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref> He also holds the club javelin record of {{nobr|700 grams}} for Schoolboys since 1980<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schoolboys Records |language=en|url=http://www.flemalle-athletisme.be/node/16 |website=flemalle-athletisme.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref> and the javelin record of {{nobr|800 grams}} for Juniors since 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Juniors Records |language=en|url=http://www.flemalle-athletisme.be/node/17 |website=flemalle-athletisme.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

=== Boxing ===
In 2020, Madani Rahmani, world champion in [[kickboxing]] K1 in the light heavyweight division, opened his own [[boxing]] school, taking over from his former coach Fabian Pavone (sports alderman of Flémalle).<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-BE |title=Madani Rahmani, world kickboxing champion, opens his boxing school in Flémalle – RTC Télé Liège |url=https://www.rtc.be/video/sports/madani-rahmani-champion-du-monde-de-kick-boxing-ouvre-sa-ecole-de-boxe-a-flemalle_169095.html |website=RTC Télé Liège |date=29 January 2020 |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

=== Football ===
Flémalle has three major football clubs: Royal Football Club de Flémalle, Royal Flémalle Sporting Club, and Rocourt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocourt Football Club |url=http://www.rocourt.be/ |website=www.rocourt.be |access-date=10 May 2021}}.</ref> Additionally, several amateur clubs also exist.

=== Royal Football Club de Flémalle ===
Founded in 1920, the Royal Football Club de Flémalle (RFCF) joined the Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) in 1924. It currently plays in the 1st Provincial Division. RFCF won the Belgian provincial title in 1931 and 1971 and also won the provincial cup in 1932 and 1956. The club's colors are blue and white.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of RFC Flémalle |url=https://www.rfcflemalle.be/historique |website=rfcflemalle.be |access-date=10 May 2021}}.</ref>

=== Royal Flémalle Sporting Club ===
Founded in 1952, the Royal Flémalle Sporting Club (RFC) currently plays in the 2nd Provincial Division. The club's colors are red and white.

=== Tennis ===
The Tennis Club de Flémalle (TCF) is a tennis club founded in 1924 and affiliated with the [[Belgian Tennis Federation]]. It is located at the André Cools sports hall and has 6 clay courts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennis Club de Flémalle |url=https://www.tc-flemalle.be/ |website=tc-flemalle.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

=== Climbing ===
The climbing school of Flémalle is located at the André Cools sports hall and offers various climbing courses for all levels.

=== Petanque ===
The Petanque Club de Flémalle (PCF) was founded in 1994. It is a member of the Royal Belgian Petanque Federation and has won several local and national titles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Petanque Club de Flémalle |url=https://www.petanque-flemalle.be/ |website=petanque-flemalle.be |access-date=29 April 2021}}.</ref>

=== Skatepark ===
The skatepark of Flémalle, located in the "Cité des Sports," is a recent addition to the town's sports facilities, offering various skateboarding and BMX activities.

=== Finance ===
The Flemish banks are located along the ''Grand'Route'', the main economic artery of the municipality with all its small shops and large chains situated nearby. In the center, there are a [[Belfius]] bank, a [[BNP Paribas Fortis]], a Falemo, a Fintro, an [[ING]], a NagelMackers, and a Scazzi. However, Flemish banks are gradually disappearing with the advent of [[electronic payment]] and technological advances. The [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 crisis]] has shown this with appointments only via telephone or [[video conferencing]]. Electronics are thus undoubtedly the future of banking.

=== Commerce ===
The municipality has about ten supermarkets specializing in food, such as a [[Delhaize]], a [[Carrefour]] hypermarket, a [[Lidl]], and a [[Spar (retailer)|Spar]].

The [[Carrefour Market]], which is currently located on the Trixhes plateau in the new development along the national road, was previously in the center, a few steps from the hypermarket. The municipality wants to establish the [[Cultural center]] of Flémalle in the former Carrefour premises, which is poorly known to residents due to its poor location and design. The building is currently in a state of abandonment.<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|first=DH Les|last=Sports+|title=Flémalle: Un centre culturel… Où ?|url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/flemalle-un-centre-culturel-ou-5ca252237b50a60b4582626e|website=DH Les Sports +|date=2 April 2019|access-date=2021-05-10}}</ref>

=== Socio-economics ===
==== Land Prices ====
The average price of building plots in Flémalle is 25 euros/m<sup>2</sup>, ranking 520th out of 589 of the most expensive municipalities in Belgium. In comparison to neighboring municipalities: 39 euros for Engis, 43 for Seraing, 46 for Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse, 53 for Grâce-Hollogne, and 75 for Neupré.<ref name="SPF_Flémalle">SPF Economie, DG Statistique et information économique – Votre commune en chiffres: Flémalle.</ref>

==== Annual Income per Inhabitant ====
The [[Income per capita|average annual net income per inhabitant]] in euros for Flémalle was 12,316 euros in 2005 and 14,122 euros in 2009. It ranks 465th in 2009 among municipalities with the highest income. In comparison to neighboring municipalities: 12,780 euros for Seraing, 13,263 euros for Engis, 13,503 euros for Grâce-Hollogne, 14,616 euros for Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse, and 19,899 euros for Neupré. The latter is also the 19th Belgian municipality with the highest average annual net income per inhabitant in euros in 2019.<ref name="SPF_Flémalle"/>

=== Tourism ===
{{See also|Tourism in Belgium}}
Tourism in Flémalle is very diverse, ranging from the Prehistomuséum to open churches or the fort. Several organizations, committees, and enthusiasts help with tourism and the history of Flémalle. For example, the ''Les Amis Marcheurs d'Ivoz'' club introduces visitors to the village of Ivoz and the greenery of the municipality, which citizens find difficult to grasp,<ref>{{cite web|title=Modèle AMI lien top|url=http://www.marcheurs-ivoz.be/|website=marcheurs-ivoz.be|access-date=2021-05-10}}</ref> focusing only on the town center and its commercial parks.

As of 31 December 2018, Flémalle had about ten beds compared to an average of 281 beds in Walloon municipalities. Flémalle is one of the municipalities with the fewest beds in Wallonia. In comparison, [[La Roche-en-Ardenne]] has 3,465 beds, and the neighboring municipalities of Flémalle have: 0 for [[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse]], 28 for [[Engis]], 15 for [[Neupré]], 132 for [[Seraing]], and 0 for [[Grâce-Hollogne]]. However, these figures should be taken with caution as a hotel is located in Grâce-Hollogne at the [[Liège Airport|airport]], and the figures provided by WalStat (the Walloon statistics agency) are inaccurate.<ref>{{cite web|last=IWEPS|title=Catalogue of statistical indicators – WALSTAT|url=http://walstat.iweps.be/walstat-catalogue.php|website=walstat.iweps.be|access-date=2021-05-15}}</ref>

Regarding the number of accommodation establishments, Flémalle has two, while the Walloon average is 14 establishments. [[Durbuy]] has the most with 154, compared to 25 establishments in Liège. For Flémalle's neighboring municipalities, there are 0 establishments in Grâce-Hollogne, 7 in Engis, 2 in Neupré, 1 in Seraing, and 0 in Grâce-Hollogne. For Grâce-Hollogne, the figures are incorrect as a hotel is located at the airport.<ref name="+1" />

The number of overnight stays is unknown. Wallonia recorded 8,727,266 overnight stays, including 484,034 for [[Vielsalm]]. For Flémalle's neighboring municipalities, the number of overnight stays is known for two municipalities: 2,824 in Engis and 0 in Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse.<ref name="+1" />

The number of tourist visits to the municipality is unknown.<ref name="+1" /> According to the annual guide ''Tourism and Attractions'', Flémalle has one tourist attraction. Of course, the municipality has other tourist attractions not listed in the guide.<ref name="+1" />

==== Open Churches ====
Open churches is a tourist network in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the northeast of France that showcases the historical and architectural heritage of various churches. In the municipality, there are three: the Saint-Lambert Church of Gleixhe, the Saint-Nicolas Church of Souxhon, and the Saint-Matthias Church of Flémalle-Haute.<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|title=Buildings and places of worship adhering to the "Open Churches" project|url=https://openchurches.eu/fr/edifices|website=openchurches.eu|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

==== Chokier ====
The village of [[Chokier]] is a major tourist attraction in Flémalle. The village is unique, as is its church and castle. The latter partially burned in a fire,<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|first=DH Les|last=Sports+|title=Flémalle: Part of Chokier Castle destroyed by fire, see the damage (VIDEOS & Photos)|url=https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/flemalle-une-partie-chateau-de-chokier-ravage-par-un-incendie-decouvrez-les-degats-videos-photos-58d8b440cd70eca2b6248d1d|website=DH Les Sports +|date=27 March 2017|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref> which triggered a wave of sadness among the Flémalle residents who see it daily, overlooking the Meuse from its rocky promontory.

In this village, one can find [[lime kilns]] and quarries. On top of the village, in the fields behind the castle, it is thought that a [[Roman villa]] is buried under the land.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chateau de Chokier – Lime kilns|url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/Chaux.html|website=chokier.com|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

==== Fort de Flémalle ====
The [[Fort de Flémalle]] is one of the main attractions of the municipality, located on a plain overlooking the municipality. It has become a museum open to the public on the first Saturday and third Sunday of each month. Recently, the museum has modernized and now offers a virtual reality tour of the fort.<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|title=VR'40 experience tour|url=https://fortdeflemalle.wixsite.com/fortdeflemalle/copie-de-calendrier|website=fortdeflemalle|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>

==== Nature Reserves ====
Two [[nature reserve]]s are located in the municipality: Aux Roches and Rognac.
[[File:20170426 ivoz ramet48.jpg|thumbnail|The Meuse Quays. In the background, the nature reserve "Aux Roches".]]
The first, created in 1996 by [[Natagora]], covers an area of 27.13 ha and features a [[Mediterranean climate]]. The site's geology was formed through the extraction of [[limestone]] in the village of [[Chokier]] from [[Ancient Rome|Roman times]] until the 20th century, with three quarries, the most impressive of which was still operational in the 1950s; this is the one visible from the Meuse basin. Among the fauna and [[flora]] observed here are the [[Peregrine falcon]], the [[Eurasian eagle-owl]], the Apennine rock-rose, and the [[Hippocrepis comosa|hairy fruit salad]].<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Aux Roches |url=https://www.natagora.be/reserves/aux-roches |website=Natagora |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref>

The second reserve, created in 1978, covers 12.1 ha. This reserve is a so-called [[Strict nature reserve|strict]] reserve, meaning it is left as it is with no human intervention allowed. In terms of fauna and flora, one can observe the [[Eurasian goshawk]], the [[Eurasian kingfisher]], the [[Fire salamander]], and the [[Epipactis helleborine]].<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Rognac |url=https://www.natagora.be/reserves/rognac |website=Natagora |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref>

==== Tailings Dumps ====
From its industrial and mining past, the municipality is rich in tailings dumps that over time have become genuine biotopes.
[[File:Charbonnage du Xhorre - 01.jpg|thumbnail|A stone located on one of the old shafts of the Xhorré coal mine.]]
The largest Flemish tailings dump is that of Xhorré, classified as a Site of Major Biological Interest (SGIB) by Wallonia. The dump is wooded but also features thermophilic meadows. Its area is 15.78 ha. In terms of fauna and flora, one can observe the [[Common slowworm]], the [[Spotted fritillary]], the [[European stag beetle]], the Striped katydid, and the [[Medlar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2453 – Terril du Xhorré {{!}} Search for an interesting or protected site {{!}} Sites {{!}} Biodiversity in Wallonia |url=http://biodiversite.wallonie.be/fr/2453-terril-du-xhorre.html?IDD=251660579&IDC=1881 |website=biodiversite.wallonie.be |access-date=2021-05-12}}.</ref>

== Places of Worship ==
In 2021, Flémalle has [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] parishes, an [[Apostolic succession|Apostolic]] chapel, a [[Protestantism|Protestant worship place]], and a [[Secularism|house of secularism]].<ref group="SC" name=":16">{{cite web |title=Religions |url=http://citoyen.flemalle.be/directories/index/detail/directory_item_id/95/lang/en |website=citoyen.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

=== Catholic Parishes ===
There are 14 parishes in Flémalle (including one chapel and two services in the nursing homes "Les Fougères" and "Le château de Ramioul"). These parishes are managed by three priests: in 2021, they are Dean Jacques Boever, [[Curé|Father]] Daniel Jacques, and Father Fulbert Mujike.

* Church of Saint Etienne des Awirs

This church is part of the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Mathias and is part of the [[Diocese of Liège]].<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Church of Saint Etienne in Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fawirs%2Fsaint-etienne |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> The church is surrounded by a cemetery, includes a Romanesque tower dating from the 16th century (for its enhancement), and the current church dates from the 19th century. The tower of the church is the last remnant of the former Abbey of Awirs, which moved not far from [[Brussels]].<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=The Tower of the Church of Saint Etienne |url=https://www.quefaire.be/la-tour-de-eglise-719059.shtml |website=Quefaire.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

The first [[baptism]] on record dates back to 29 June 1637.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parish Registers. Province of Liège. Liege and Verviers Districts. (digital) |url=https://search.arch.be/fr/rechercher-des-archives/resultats/inventaris/index/eadid/BE-A0523_712045_712433_FRE/inventarisnr/I7120457124332544/level/file |website=search.arch.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> The oldest [[Tomb|burial]] dates back to September 1659<ref>{{cite web |title=Parish Registers. Province of Liège. Liege and Verviers Districts. (digital) |url=https://search.arch.be/fr/rechercher-des-archives/resultats/inventaris/index/eadid/BE-A0523_712045_712433_FRE/inventarisnr/I7120457124335188/level/file |website=search.arch.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> and the first child burial, to 6 January 1770.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parish Registers. Province of Liège. Liege and Verviers Districts. (digital) |url=https://search.arch.be/fr/rechercher-des-archives/resultats/inventaris/index/eadid/BE-A0523_712045_712433_FRE/inventarisnr/I7120457124336879/level/file |website=search.arch.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> The first recorded marriage dates back to 23 February 1656.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parish Registers. Province of Liège. Liege and Verviers Districts. (digital) |url=https://search.arch.be/fr/rechercher-des-archives/resultats/inventaris/index/eadid/BE-A0523_712045_712433_FRE/inventarisnr/I7120457124338415/level/file |website=search.arch.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Church of Saint Matthias of Flémalle-Haute

The church is part of the ''open churches''. The building, made of bricks and stones, dates from 1717 while its tower dates from 1830. The [[transept]] and the new [[Choir (architecture)|choir]] date from 1908.<ref name=":13">{{cite web |language=fr |title=Historical Sites – The organs of the Church of Saint Matthias – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/383561-les-orgues-de-l-eglise-saint-mathias |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> Also notable is a [[Calvary (sanctuary)|wooden calvary]]. Notable decorative items inside include a [[Altar|high altar]] in wood of [[Louis XIII style]] and 18th-century wooden statues from the school of [[Jean Del Cour]]. The [[organ case]] itself dates from 1598 and is among the oldest in the province.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Saint Matthias Church in Flémalle-Haute (Flémalle) – Discover this open and welcoming building |url=https://openchurches.eu/fr/edifices/saint-matthias-flemalle |website=openchurches.eu |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> A heraldic funerary monument is located in the church and belongs to Halin de Lambert, a benefactor of the church.<ref name=":13"/>

It belongs to the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Matthias and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Church of Saint Matthias in Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fflemalle%2Fsaint-matthias |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> It is the main church of this pastoral unit, which includes seven churches.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Pastoral Unit Aigremont – Saint Matthias in Flémalle-Haute |url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/communaute/Bli%2F44%2Faigremont---saint-matthias |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> A cemetery is located next to the church.

The first civil act dates from 9 February 1798, the first baptism from 23 November 1762, the first death record from 27 November 1762, and the first marriage record from 26 January 1763.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parish Registers. Province of Liège. Liege and Verviers Districts. (digital) |url=https://search.arch.be/fr/rechercher-des-archives/resultats/ead/index/eadid/BE-A0523_712045_712433_FRE |website=search.arch.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Church of Saint Remacle des Cahottes

The church belongs to the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Matthias and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Church of Saint Remacle in Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fcahottes%2Fsaint-remacle |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Église Saint Lambert de Gleixhe

The church belongs to the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Matthias and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=eglise Saint Lambert à Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fla-gleixhe%2Fsaint-lambert |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

It is part of the ''Open churches'' network. It is a church of [[Baroque]] and [[Neoclassical architecture]] style dating from 1779. Unlike other churches, this one is not located in the center of a village but rather on the outskirts, at the entrance to a wood, surrounded by a cemetery and a few houses. The church was completed in 1783 and is a reconstruction of an earlier religious building destroyed during wars, notably by the passage of [[Louis XIV]]'s troops. Its tower and [[sundial]] were renovated in 2006.

The interior of the church is in [[Louis XVI]] style. Noteworthy is the painting ''The Assumption of the Virgin'', painted in 1783 by Jean-Joseph Hanson. The [[Heraldry|coat of arms]] of the [[Duchy of Arenberg|Dukes of Arenberg]] are present in the church as it was rebuilt by them, who were then owners of the Hautepenne Castle. The [[Pulpit]] dates from 1665, and the [[Tombstone]] of Marie de Gavre from 1565.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Eglise Saint-Lambert à La Gleixhe (Flémalle) – Découvrez cet édifice ouvert et accueillant |url=https://openchurches.eu/fr/edifices/saint-lambert |website=openchurches.eu |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> There is also a base of [[Baptismal font]] from the 12th century and a [[communion bench]] from the 17th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Journées du Patrimoine |url=https://unit02.underside.be/ipwpublic/#/activity/1336 |website=unit02.underside.be |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Église Saint Marcellin de Chokier

The church dates from the end of the 13th century and was dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Marcellin. Around 1715, the church was enlarged and took the shape it has today (except for the tower, which was built in 1838).<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Lieux historiques – L'église Saint-Marcellin – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/383567-l-eglise-saint-marcellin |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref> The [[stained glass]] from the 18th century was blown out in 1944 by the explosion of a [[V-2 rocket|German V2 rocket]]. The church and its furnishings have been listed since 1987.<ref group="C" name="st" />

The church altar is old. The [[marble]] there was placed in 1865 by Abbot Frankinet. The altar retable consists of sculpted panels depicting Saint Marcellin and Saint Peter. A white and gold [[tabernacle]] dating from 1861 was also placed under Abbot Frankinet. A [[Bell]] from the former Abbey of Peace-God in [[Amay]] is located in the church.<ref name=":14" />

The church does not have a transept. On the left side, there is a marble altar that serves as a [[mausoleum]] for the Berlo family, former occupants of the [[Chokier Castle]]. One of the best paintings by artist [[Englebert Fisen]] is located in the church. It represents the ''Vision of Saint Anthony''. In 2000, a group of thieves stole a polychrome wooden statue of Saint Marcellin from the 16th century. It was recovered in 2001.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |language=fr |first=La |last=Libre.be |title=Saint Marcellin a, enfin, retrouvé son église ce mardi |url=https://www.lalibre.be/regions/liege/saint-marcellin-a-enfin-retrouve-son-eglise-ce-mardi-51b87506e4b0de6db9a64591 |website=LaLibre.be |date=3 October 2001 |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

A walled cemetery dating from 1714 and a landscaped garden from 1999 are located around the church.<ref name=":14" />

The church belongs to the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Matthias and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=eglise Saint Marcellin à Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fchokier%2Fsaint-marcellin |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Chapel Notre-Dame de Bon Secours des Trixhes

The chapel belongs to the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Matthias and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=eglise Notre Dame de Bon Secours à Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Ftrixhes%2Fnotre-dame-de-bon-secours |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Église Saint Nicolas de Souxhon

The church dates from 1745 and is surrounded by two cemeteries. Two [[Luminaire|candlesticks]] located in the church's choir are made of [[Silver|solid silver]], dating from 1868 for the left one and 1869 for the right one. They come from a [[castle chapel]] in Flanders that was destroyed during [[World War II]]. Also in the choir is a [[Processional cross]] placed on a [[brass]] cross of glory dating from the 17th century.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Eglise Saint-Nicolas à Souxhon (Flémalle) – Découvrez cet édifice ouvert et accueillant |url=https://openchurches.eu/fr/edifices/saint-nicolas-flemalle |website=openchurches.eu |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

The communion bench in [[wrought iron]] dates from 1786. It was brought from [[Limburg (Belgium)|Limburg]] and renovated by the art workshops of the Abbey of Maredsous. Carved panels represent the [[Old Testament]]. The pews date from 1746.

The church bells were removed (except one) by the [[Germans]] during World War II. In 1951, it was decided to add new ones. In 1955, the bell that was not removed by the Germans was melted down to make six new bells that compose the new [[carillon]]. Thus, it is the only church in the municipality to have a carillon.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Château, église et abbaye – Eglise Saint-Nicolas – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/306934-eglise-saint-nicolas |website=cirkwi.com |date=30 July 2015 |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

The current stained glass windows were installed by Monsignor Zuylen in 1955.

The church belongs to the pastoral unit of Aigremont-Saint-Matthias and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=eglise Saint Nicolas à Flémalle|url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fsouxhon%2Fsaint-nicolas |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-04-30}}.</ref>

* Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Flémalle
The church belongs to the pastoral unit of [[Saint Roch]] and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=eglise Saint Jean-Baptiste de Flémalle |url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fflemalle-grande%2Fsaint-jean-baptiste |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

The church was built between 1878 and 1882 and was consecrated on 23 May 1882. It was initially dedicated to [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Saint Mary]] before being dedicated to [[John the Baptist|Saint John the Baptist]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eglise paroissiale Saint Jean-Baptiste |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPg7A.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref> This church has been in a dilapidated state for several years following the decommissioning of the site.

Between 6 and 21 July 2015, several thefts were committed within the church. Two residents of Flémalle stole the pipes of the organ dating from 1596, which was said to be "priceless", and sold them online for a small amount of money.<ref name="auto"/>

* Church of Saint Lambert of Mons-lez-Liège

The church belongs to the Saint Roch pastoral unit and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Church of Saint Lambert of Mons-lez-Liège |url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fmons-%2F-flemalle%2Fsaint-lambert |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

The first mention of a place of worship at this site is a single-nave chapel that was expanded with a second nave. In the 11th century, a tower was added, and in the 12th century, a circular choir was added, though no reliable sources confirm this.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |language=fr |title=Château, église et abbaye – Eglise Saint-Lambert de Mons-lez-Liège – Grâce-hollogne |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/1371045-eglise-saint-lambert-de-mons-lez-liege |website=cirkwi.com |date=16 February 2021 |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

In 1568, it was destroyed and then rebuilt in 1587, but it was destroyed again in 1637 before being rebuilt in 1672. It was again destroyed in 1704 and rebuilt in 1750.<ref name=":1"/>

The church tower, in [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style, dates from the 13th century or 14th century, but no reliable sources confirm this. The rest of the church, in [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Neo-Romanesque]] style, dates from 1952, rebuilt after the destruction of the church due to the subsidence of the mining ground beneath it.<ref>{{cite web |title=PSS / Church of Saint Lambert of Mons-lez-Liège (Flémalle, Belgium) |url=https://www.pss-archi.eu/immeubles/BE-62120-61676.html |website=pss-archi.eu |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

* Church of the Virgin of the Poor of Profondval

It belongs to the Saint Roch pastoral unit and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Virgin of the Poor of Flémalle |url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fflemalle-%2F-profondval%2Fvierge-des-pauvres |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

This church is modern compared to other Flémalle churches. It was built around 1959 by L. Bertrand and dedicated to the Virgin of the Poor. It was constructed of stone and cement.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Virgin of the Poor |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPg3a.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

* Church of Saint Joseph of Ivoz

It belongs to the Engis pastoral unit and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Saint Joseph of Ivoz |url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Fivoz%2Fsaint-joseph |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

The free fundamental school of Saint Joseph is associated with it.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |first=General Secretariat of Catholic Education in French-speaking and German-speaking Communities of |last=Belgium |title=Free Fundamental School of Saint Joseph |url=https://enseignement.catholique.be/etablissements/ecole-fondamentale-libre-saint-joseph-39/ |website=enseignement.catholique.be |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

* Church of Saint Peter and Paul of Ramet

The church belongs to the Engis pastoral unit and the Diocese of Liège.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Saint Peter and Paul of Ramet |url=https://www.egliseinfo.be/lieu/44%2Framet%2Fsaints-pierre-et-paul |website=Eglise info |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

It was built in the 18th century with brick and rough-cast [[limestone]]. An enclosed and disused cemetery adjoins the church.<ref>{{cite web |title=Saint Peter and Paul of Ramet |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPg10.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

<gallery mode="packed-hover" caption="The churches of Flémalle">
File:Les Awirs eglijhe.jpg|alt=Religious building in stone and brick in Romanesque and Neo-Romanesque style.|The church of Les Awirs with its recognizable tower.
File:Flémalle-Haute - Eglise Saint-Matthias.jpg|alt=Religious building in Neo-Romanesque style.|The [[Saint Matthias Church of Flémalle-Haute]].
File:Cahottes - Eglise Saint-Remacle.jpg|alt=Religious building in brick with trees.|Saint Remacle Church of Cahottes, recognizable by its facade.
File:Gleixhe - Sanctus Lambertus.jpg|alt=Religious building in brick in Neo-Romanesque style. In the foreground, a cemetery, in the background, a forest.|Saint Lambert Church of Gleixhe.
File:Chokier Church.jpg|alt=Village. In the foreground, a square. In the background on the left, buildings and on the right, a religious building.|Saint Marcellin Church of Chokier.
File:Église Saint Nicolas de Souxhon.jpg|alt=Religious building in stone in Romanesque style with a bell tower and clock.|Saint Nicolas Church of Souxhon.
File:Flémalle-Grande - Eglise Saint-Jean Baptiste.jpg|alt=Religious building in Neo-Gothic style in brick.|Saint John the Baptist Church of Flémalle, abandoned.
File:Mons-lez-Liège Church.jpg|alt=Religious building in stone in Neo-Romanesque style under snow.|The church of Mons-lez-Liège.
File:Ramet - Saint Peter's and Paul's Church.jpg|alt=Religious building in brick in Neo-Romanesque style. On the left, a residence.|Saint Peter and Paul Church of Ramet.
</gallery>

=== Chapels ===
[[File:Chapelle Saint-Guy - Gleixhe.jpg|alt=Religious building and forest.|thumb|The Bouxhet Chapel, also known as Tous les Saints, in Gleixhe.]]
The municipality has numerous chapels, crucifixes, grottoes, and wayside crosses on its territory, approximately fifty in total.
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of Chapels in Flémalle<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapels |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPg3.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>
!Name
!Location
!Description
|-
|Chapel of Saint Michael's Tree
|Mons-lez-Liège, ''rue de l'Arbre Saint-Michel''<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Religious Heritage – Chapel of Saint Michael's Tree – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/1360131-chapelle-de-l-arbre-saint-michel |website=cirkwi.com |date=28 January 2021 |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>
|Built between 1950 and 1961. It features a [[bell tower]]. In 2020, it was [[Arson|burned]] and devastated.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Shameful in Flémalle: The Saint-Michael Chapel Vandalized and Burned! |url=https://lameuse.sudinfo.be/668314/article/2020-10-15/honteux-flemalle-la-chapelle-saint-michel-vandalisee-et-incendiee |website=Édition digitale de Liège |date=15 October 2020 |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>
|-
|Chapel of the Beguines or [[Saint Leonard]]
|Awirs, ''rue des BéGuinness''
|Built in 1907.
|-
|Chapel of "Bon Secours"
|Trixhes, ''place de la Liberté''
|Built in its current state in 1903. It is very impressive due to its size and is often considered a [[Catholic Church|church]].
|-
|Chapel of Bouxhet or [[Our Lady of Lourdes]] or Saint Guy or Tous les Saints
|Gleixhe
|Built in 1867 and 1868. There were so many [[saints]] in this chapel that it was named ''Tous les Saints''.
|-
|Chapel of the Calvary
|Awirs, ''rue Val d'Awirs''
|Built in 1853.
|-
|Chapel of Chataigneraie
|Ivoz-Ramet
|Located in the Chataigneraie estate. Its roof style is unique.
|-
|Chapel of Aigremont Castle
Aigremont, Aigremont Castle
|Built from 1724 to 1725. It is large and adjoins Aigremont Castle. It is of [[Baroque]] style.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Historical Sites – Aigremont Castle – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/383562-le-chateau-d-aigremont |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>
|-
|Chapel of Christ or Crucifix
|Awirs, ''Chaussée J. Wauters''
|Built in its current state in the early 19th century. Mentioned in 1744 as the place where official notices were posted.
|-
|Chapel of the Crucifix
|Ramioul
|Built in 1864 and damaged in 1970. It was rebuilt further away to allow for road widening. It is now of [[modern style]].
|-
|Funeral Chapel of the Hemricourt Family
|Ivoz-Ramet, behind the church of Ramet
|Built between 1835 and 1840 and houses members of the Hemricourt family.
|-
|Chapel of Houlbouse
|Chokier, ''rue Houlbouse''
|Brick chapel.
|-
|Chapel of [[Nuns]] or Bois des Moines
|Awirs, ''rue Bois des Moines''
|Built in 1905 as a small church with a bell tower, nave, and transept to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the [[Belgian Revolution|independence of Belgium]].
|-
|Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
|Awirs, ''rue de la Reine''
|It reflects the pain felt by Mary following her son through his passion. Erected in 1885. It lists 23 saints.
|-
|Chapel of Our Lady of the Poor
|Ramioul, ''rue de la Grotte''
|Built in 1959 in a modern style. It is now abandoned and dilapidated. It can be mistaken for a church and resembles the chapel of the Virgin of the Poor of Profondval.
|-
|Chapel [[Our Lady of Lourdes]]
|Mons-lez-Liège, ''rue Jean Barthélemy''
|Built around 1907 to replace an old chapel destroyed during the construction of the local railway.
|-
|Chapel of Our Lady of the River
|Chokier, ''Quai du Halage''
|Built in 1864.
|-
|Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help
|Awirs, ''rue Tèwée''
|Destroyed. It listed 14 saints.
|-
|Chapel at the Foot of the Thier
|Flémalle-Haute, ''rue Thier des Trixhes''
|Built after 1854.
|-
|Chapel of [[Saint Anthony of Padua]]
|Mons-lez-Liège, ''rue Harkay''
|No longer exists.
|-
|Chapel Saint Bartholomew or Our Lady of Lourdes
|Mons-lez-Liège, ''rue Jean Barthélemy''
|Still exists but is in a dilapidated state.
|-
|Chapel [[George of Lydda|Saint George]]
|Awirs, ''rue Hénâ''
|Built in 1914.
|-
|Chapel [[Nicholas of Myra|Saint Nicholas]] or Crucifix
|Chokier
|Built in the 18th century.
|-
|Chapel Saint Roch
|Flémalle-Grande, ''rue de Flémalle-Grande''
|Built in 1913 and destroyed during construction work.
|-
|Chapel of Saint Roch
|Mons-lez-Liège, ''rue Harkay''
|
|-
|Chapel [[Vincent de Paul|Saint Vincent de Paul]]
|Awirs
|Also known as the Apostolic Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul.
|-
|Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor
|Profondval, ''rue de la Fontaine''
|Due to its size, it is considered a church. Built in 1959 in a modern style, with brick and cement.
|-
|Chapel of E'Tiyou Street
|Mons-lez-Liège, ''rue E'Tiyou''
|No longer exists.
|-
|Chapel of Louis Mestrez Street
|Gleixhe, ''rue Louis Mestrez''
|Stone chapel.
|-
|Chapel of Pyrie Street
|Cahottes, ''rue Pyrie''
|It is desacralized.
|}

=== Cemeteries ===
[[File:20170430 flemalle076.jpg|thumb|The Fontaine Cemetery located near Trixhes, in Flémalle-Haute.]]
The municipality has 14 [[cemeteries]]: the "La Fontaine" cemetery, the Tapeines cemetery, the old Ivoz-Ramet cemetery, the Ivoz-Ramet cemetery, the Awirs Church cemetery, the Awirs cemetery, the Mons-lez-Liège 1 cemetery, the Mons-lez-Liège 2 cemetery, the Mons-lez-Liège 3 cemetery, the Flémalle-Haute Church cemetery, the Flémalle-Grande cemetery, the Chokier cemetery, the Cahottes cemetery, and the Gleixhe cemetery.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr-FR |title=List of Liège Cemeteries |url=https://blog.egliseinfo.be/fetes/fetes-liturgiques/toussaint/carte-des-cimetieres/liste-des-cimetieres-liegeois/ |website=Egliseinfo.be |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

* Tapeines Cemetery

The cemetery includes a scattering area for ashes.<ref name="SC_Règlement_cimetière" group="SC">Regulations on [[cemeteries]], [[burials]], and funeral transports – Flémalle</ref> It contains a [[war memorial]]. Marcel Cools and his wife are buried there; Marcel being the father of [[André Cools]], former mayor of Flémalle. He died in 1942 at [[Mauthausen concentration camp|Mauthausen]] on 15 August 1942.<ref>It is noted on a commemorative plaque on the tomb: « ''Recognition of the S.R.A. Antoine Association, to COOLS MARCEL who died at Mauthausen on 15 August 1942'' ».</ref>

* Ivoz-Ramet Cemetery

The cemetery includes a scattering area for ashes and a [[columbarium]].<ref name="SC_Règlement_cimetière" group="SC" /> It features a monument to the heroes in memory of the centenary festivities in 1930 for victims of 1830 during the [[Belgian Revolution|revolution]]. A [[commemorative plaque]] from [[World War II]] honors civilian victims and lists 29 names. Another war memorial honors victims of both [[World Wars]]. Another commemorative plaque honors the dead of World War II (10 names listed) and a plaque honoring soldiers who died during World War I (18 names listed, including two civilians). Another plaque lists the names of seven civilians who died during World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ivoz-Ramet Cemetery |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7AC2A1h.php |website=kiminvati.com |access-date=2021-05-06}}.</ref>

* Awirs Church Cemetery

Often called the ''old Awirs cemetery'' compared to the more recent cemetery nearby, this cemetery dates back to the [[Middle Ages]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Village of Awirs and the Valley of Mills |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/76/lang/en |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref> and is located around the Saint-Etienne Church of Awirs. For several centuries, burials were ''coemeterium'', meaning entire generations of families were buried in the same grave.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Development of the Old Awirs Cemetery |url=http://www.qvw.be/fr%7Camenagement-du-vieux-cimetiere-des-awirs.html |website=Visitespassion |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref>

The cemetery was owned by the church until the 19th century, and it decided who could be buried within the walls. [[Excommunicated]], [[suicides]], duel victims, and those without baptism were [[funeral rite|buried]] in ''li fâ ête'', or the false cemetery, located in the priest's wood.<ref name=":5"/>

The oldest known graves are those of the ''de Durmarche'' (1595) and the ''Nihoule'' (1597). A tombstone with a piece of [[heraldry]] was found in this cemetery and is believed to belong to Marguerite de La Marck-Arenberg or Catherine de Oest d'Aigremont. However, the wealthier individuals could afford to be buried inside the church, such as Charles Boesmans, who died in 1633, priest Noël Pagnoul in 1690, and the lord of Waarge.<ref name=":5" />

Following the Napoleonic decree of 12 June 1804, it is now forbidden to bury anyone within the walls of a church, but it is now possible to purchase a concession and erect a monument in the cemetery if one can afford it. However, this decree transfers the cemetery's oversight from the church to the municipality, which assumes all responsibilities.<ref name=":5" />

In the 19th century, during a period of demographic boom, the cemetery increasingly ran out of space, not to mention the numerous graves with perpetual concessions. The church urgently needed to purchase new plots to expand the now too-small cemetery. Thus, in 1941, another extension of the cemetery was considered by architect Jean Meuris, but this project never materialized. However, in 1952, a new, larger cemetery was inaugurated a bit further away in the village.<ref name=":5" />

Following the collapse of part of the old cemetery's walls<ref name=":4"/> on the night of 30 November 1998 to 1 December 1998, several village residents, with the support of the non-profit association Qualité-Village-Wallonie,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Maintenance of the landscaped cemetery of Awirs |url=http://www.qvw.be/en-maintenance-of-the-landscaped-cemetery-of-awirs.html |website=Visitespassion |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref> mobilized to preserve what remained of the cemetery<ref name=":5" />{{,}}.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=FLÉMALLE Development of the old cemetery of Awirs Wooden cross, iron cross... |url=https://www.lesoir.be/art/flemalle-development-of-the-old-cemetery-of-awirs-cr_t-20001018-Z0JU8A.html |website=Le Soir Plus |date=18 October 2000 |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref> In 2016, an "insect hotel" was created in the cemetery<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Creation of an insect hotel – Welcoming nature into our cemetery, an exemplary project |url=http://www.qvw.be/en-creation-of-an-insect-hotel-welcoming-nature-into-our-cemetery-an-exemplary-project.html |website=Visitespassion |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref>{{,}}.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Insect hotel |url=http://www.qvw.be/en-insect-hotel1.html |website=Visitespassion |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref> At the beginning of 2020, the cemetery was on its way to being certified.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Certification of the old Awirs cemetery? |url=http://www.qvw.be/en-certification-of-the-old-awirs-cemetery.html |website=Visitespassion |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref>

Thanks to the cemetery's redevelopment project, the village was awarded the Qualité-Village-Wallonie Trophy in 2007.<ref name=":4" /> The cemetery is open and tours are organized during heritage days.<ref name=":4" />

* Mons-lez-Liège Cemetery 3
Mons-lez-Liège Cemetery 3 is located in Mons-lez-Liège. It should not be confused with the old Mons-lez-Liège Cemetery (Mons-lez-Liège Cemetery 1) located further along ''rue Jean Barthélemy'' and the Mons-lez-Liège Cemetery 2 (known as the ''Souxhon Cemetery'') located in [[Flémalle-Haute|Souxhon]].

Jean-Louis Adam is buried in this cemetery,<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Mons-lez-Liège Cemetery, rue Pré Malieppe – Mons-lez-Liège, Belgium |url=https://www.geneanet.org/cemeteries/collection/14063-mons-lez-liege--rue-pre-malieppe |website=Geneanet |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref> a notable figure in the village of Mons-lez-Liège. One of the village's main streets is named after him. Several war memorials are located in the cemetery.

Here lie, among others, [[Julie Lejeune]] and [[Mélissa Russo]], victims of [[Marc Dutroux]]. A memorial to them has been erected at the entrance of the cemetery. They were abducted on 24 June 1995 in [[Grâce-Hollogne]]. Numerous protests took place throughout [[Belgium]] and Europe, including the "[[White March]]es", as well as a parliamentary commission, the reform of the police and gendarmerie, new institutions, and the [[Child Focus]] association.

* Flémalle-Haute Church Cemetery

A World War I war memorial and several individual graves are located here. Several plaques and names were added to the memorial to honor the dead of World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flémalle-Haute – World War I War Memorial |url=https://bel-memorial.org/cities/liege/flemalle-haute/flemalle-haute_mon_cim.htm |website=bel-memorial.org |access-date=2021-05-08}}.</ref>

== Heritage ==
=== Architectural Heritage ===
Flémalle has 15 listed heritage monuments and sites, including Aigremont Castle and the [[Schmerling Caves]]. Of course, there are other important monuments in Flémalle that are not listed as heritage sites.

Aigremont Castle is a construction dating back to around 900 and appears in various [[epic poem]]s such as the Song of the Four Sons of Aymon<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Aigremont Castle – Flémalle-Haute tourism – ViaMichelin |url=https://fr.viamichelin.be/web/Tourist-Site/Flemalle_Haute-4400-Chateau_d_Aigremont-a516xqcp |website=fr.viamichelin.be |access-date=2021-08-30}}.</ref> or the Song of Maugis d'Aigremont. The castle is named after one of the protagonists of these legends: Beuves d'Aigremont. Briefly, the castle belonged to the Church of Liège before being acquired in 1715 by canon Mathias Clercx. He turned the castle into a pleasure residence, which is why, today, there are few fortifications around the fortress. It was during this time that the castle acquired its current appearance, a style typical of Liège architecture, though there is some mix with [[Louis XIV style]]. The interior of the castle contrasts with the exterior, featuring fine [[woodwork]] and [[frescoes]]. To the east, there are French gardens<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aigremont Castle |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/72/lang/en |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |access-date=2021-08-30}}.</ref>{{,}}.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Historical sites – Aigremont Castle – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/en/point-interet/383562-aigremont-castle |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=2021-08-30}}.</ref>

Further east from Aigremont, on a rocky promontory, is [[Chokier Castle]]. The choice to build a structure at this location dates back to [[Ancient Rome]] where remains of a [[Roman villa]] have been discovered a few hundred meters from the top of the rock. The course of the [[Meuse River]] near the village of [[Chokier]] is relatively recent as it was only after the limestone quarries in the Aux Roches Nature Reserve were exploited by Saint Peter that the village began to form by pushing the Meuse shoreline towards Ivoz-Ramet. Therefore, before the shoreline advanced, an advanced post, the fortress of Mont Iohy, was located where the castle stands today. Indeed, it is thanks to the construction of the village of Chokier and thus a crossing of the Meuse on the left bank that the advanced post lost its effectiveness and became a pleasure castle in the 18th century.

After the War of Awans and Waroux, the castle gained fame in the [[Prince-Bishopric of Liège]]: Guillaume de Hozémont, in 1298, after the war, saw his castle razed; he settled in Rouveroy and sold Hozémont, which included Chokier, to his cousin Jean de Rulant, who was then the [[marshal]] of the [[Prince-Bishopric of Liège]], the supreme commander of the armies of the [[Prince-Bishop of Liège|Prince]] in wartime and supreme judge in peacetime. The Rulant family's passage to Surlet was through Jean's daughter, who married a certain Jean Surlet. In 1345, the castle was burned by the [[Huy|Hutois]], [[Liège|Liégeois]], and [[Dinant]] people. After the Surlets, the Chabot family held the castle. Filled with a rich history, including a stay by [[Peter the Great]], the castle caught fire on 27 March 2017 due to the [[electric blanket]] of the chatelaine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chokier Castle – History |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/CHATEAU/History.html |website=chokier.com |access-date=2021-08-31}}.</ref> The castle in its current form is [[Neoclassicism|neoclassical]].<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=What is this crane doing at Chokier Castle? |url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/liege/detail_what-is-this-crane-doing-at-chokier-castle?id=10442946 |website=RTBF Info |date=5 March 2020 |access-date=2021-08-31}}.</ref> The tower located to the west of the castle dates from the late [[Middle Ages]].<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Historical sites – Chokier Castle – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/en/point-interet/383563-chokier-castle |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |access-date=2021-08-31}}.</ref> The interior, especially in the entrance hall, is in [[Empire style]] and for a good reason: a general of the [[Napoleonic Army]] lived in the castle for several years.<ref>{{Cite web |language=fr |title=Archive images: Here is the interior of Chokier Castle before the fire |url=https://www.lavenir.net/cnt/dmf20170327_00980858/archive-images-here-is-the-interior-of-chokier-castle-before-the-fire |website=Lavenir.net |access-date=2021-08-31}}.</ref>
[[File:Jan van Eyck 070 Virgin of Chancellor Rolin adj.jpg|thumb|The fortress of Iohy is believed to be at the center of Jan van Eyck's painting ''The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin'']]
The castle is also thought to appear in several famous paintings; for instance, it might be depicted at the center of Jan van Eyck's painting ''The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin'', in the third bend of the Meuse River, formerly the fortress of Mont Iohy. Also by Jan van Eyck, the fortress might appear in the illumination of ''The Birth of Saint John the Baptist'' in ''The Très Belles Heures of Notre-Dame'', also at the center of the image. In 1567, [[Lucas van Valckenborch]] also depicted the fortress in a view of Liège. Less likely, but inspired by ''The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin'', the castle might be associated with the following paintings: ''The Holy Anne Brotherhood'' by [[Quentin Metsys]] and ''The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist'' by [[Bernard van Orley|Bernaert van Orley]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chokier Castle – Iconography – 1435 Jan van EYCK – The Virgin and Chancellor Rolin or The Virgin of Autun |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/ICONOGRAPHIE/Icono-1435-VanEyck.html |website=chokier.com |access-date=2021-09-01}}.</ref>

In an English cottage style, the Château de la Croix Saint-Hubert was built in the 19th century on a green space by Emmanuel Hallet, a native of [[Binche]]. It was Charles Joseph Chaudoir who gave it its current appearance. This castle is privately owned but can be easily seen from walks around it.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Château, église et abbaye – Le Château de la Croix Saint-Hubert – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/1356735-le-chateau-de-la-croix-saint-hubert |website=cirkwi.com |date=20 January 2021 |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref>

Resembling a cadastral farmhouse, the Château de Hautepenne, or Haultepenne, is a castle located in [[Gleixhe]], not far from Warfusée and Rouvroy, in a partially private wooded area. The oldest part of the castle is a [[keep]] dating back to 1330, probably built by Lambert de Harduemont. The rest of the building, constructed in an "L" shape, dates from the 17th century and 18th century. Its style is Liège Renaissance, although the most visible part is the wing built in the 18th century in a Louis XV style at the request of the Duke of Arenberg (the family owning the estate at that time).<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Lieux historiques – Le château de Hautepenne – Grâce-hollogne |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/383565-le-chateau-de-hautepenne |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref> This castle notably served as a refuge for [[Guillaume de La Marck]] when he had to flee from Aigremont, which was being attacked by the troops of Prince Louis de Bourbon.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAHPM |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPe15.php |website=kiminvati.com |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref>

The Château de la Petite Flémal' is well-known in the municipality as it houses the municipal services. In 1614, Michel Valkener purchased a property to build his pleasure residence. The castle was expanded with a wing between 1710 and 1738, and then with a second wing after the castle was acquired by the municipality.<ref>{{cite web |title=Le Château de la Petite Flemal' |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/75/lang/en |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref> In 2020, the interior of the castle was fully renovated. A garden, the municipal park, is located behind the castle.

The construction of the Château de Ramet is said to date back to the 13th century. This castle, accompanied by a "U"-shaped [[courtyard]] is built with a mix of [[sandstone]], [[limestone]], [[bricks]], and [[cut stone]]. The castle is completely surrounded by [[moat]]s still filled with water, with access to the courtyard via a small stone bridge.<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |title=Lieux historiques – Le château de Ramet – Flémalle |url=https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/point-interet/383564-le-chateau-de-ramet |website=cirkwi.com |date=3 December 2015 |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref> Remacle Le Loup created an [[engraving]] of the castle and its surroundings in 1738.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAHPM |url=http://kiminvati.com/paysdemeuse/Pages/ZDIV7CPe2.php |website=kiminvati.com |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref>

Finally, the Château de Ramioul, a large three-story castle with an average height of 12 meters, was built around 1840. It features an 18th-century gatehouse, with the rest mainly dating from the 19th century. The castle is in excellent condition due to the [[geriatrics]] activity it houses.<ref>{{cite web |title=PSS / Château de Ramioul (Flémalle, Belgium) |url=https://www.pss-archi.eu/immeubles/BE-62120-62031.html |website=pss-archi.eu |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref><gallery mode="packed-hover" caption="Castles in Flémalle">
File:Chateau d'Aigremont.JPG|alt=Photograph of a Liège Renaissance style castle.|Château d'Aigremont.
File:090416 Chokier 3.jpg|alt=Photograph of a medieval building in Liège Renaissance style.|Château de Chokier, before the fire.
File:Château de Hautepenne, côté Ouest.jpg|alt=Photograph of a medieval and Renaissance building.|Château de Hautepenne.
File:Flémalle (petite) - Castle - Town Hall.jpg|alt=Photograph of a Renaissance building facade.|Château de la Petite Flémal'.
File:Ramet - Castle.jpg|alt=Photograph of a medieval building.|Château de Ramet.
</gallery> The [[Fort de Flémalle]] is a large trapezoidal fort. Located on the former commune of Flémalle-Grande, overlooking the [[Meuse River]] and the routes to [[Namur]], this fort was built according to the plans of General [[Henri Alexis Brialmont]] from 1888 to 1891 and faces the fort of [[Boncelles]]. In 1914, it was the site of fierce fighting between the Flémalle resistance and the German invaders who occupied and modified it. Re-armed in the 1930s, the fort still bears many scars from heavy bombardments. During World War II, it was at the Fort de Flémalle that Colonel Modart established the control post of the Liège Fortified Position.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Fort de Flémalle and its Museum |url=https://fortdeflemalle.wixsite.com/fortdeflemalle |website=fortdeflemalle |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref>

In 1929, after a few years of abandonment, an underground fort was constructed beneath the Brialmont fort, which is why some ventilation towers were placed nearby to supply fresh air to the basements. This ventilation tower has been an [[artwork]] since 2014: carved on all sides, each cut represents, according to Lebanese artist Marie Zolamian, a day of waiting per prisoner in the fort.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Fort de Flémalle and its Museum |url=https://www.visitezliege.be/en/offer/fort-de-flemalle-and-its-museum |website=visitezliege.be |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref>

The modernization of the fort in 1929 was accompanied by the addition of a dome with a 150&nbsp;mm cannon, a dome with two 105&nbsp;mm cannons, four clip-on domes with a 75&nbsp;mm cannon, and a dome with a machine gun.

Regarding the fall of the fort, German General [[Wolfram von Richthofen|von Richthofen]], known as the "Red Baron," writes in his war book ''Stukas! Strohmeyer, Curt. – Berlin: Verl. "Die Heimbücherei"'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Catalog of the German National Library |url=https://portal.dnb.de/opac/showFullRecord?currentResultId=betRef=129413232&any&currentPosition=0 |website=portal.dnb.de |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref> he recounts:<ref>https://kvoosror.be/uploaded-Liege2/files/files/Visites%20et%20activit%C3%A9s/Avant%202019/FLEMALLE%20FORT.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|The important fort still wasn't enough! Again 27 Junkers 87! One hit after another. Impact after impact. Bomb after bomb. And Flémalle surrenders, crushed by the Stukas. A weary garrison leaves the fort, whose turrets are caught in a vise and crushed, whose gorges are torn and entrances buried. Four times the commander and his squadron attacked Flémalle, until the fort was reduced to ruins and the stubborn defenders turned into human rubble under their blows.}}

It is also the only place in [[Belgium]] where a museum room is exclusively dedicated to American female pilots. The museum also displays the daily lives of civilians and, of course, soldiers.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Fort de Flémalle and its Museum |url=http://fort-de-flemalle-and-son-museum.html/ |website=liegetourisme.be |accessdate=2021-08-31}}.</ref> The fort is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month.<gallery mode="packed-hover" caption="Fort de Flémalle">
File:Fort de Flémalle - entrée.jpg|alt=Military building in concrete.|The entrance to Fort de Flémalle in winter.
File:Fort de Flémalle - couloir.jpg|alt=Military building.|The entrance corridor of the fort, leading to the outside.
File:Fort de Flémalle - cour intérieure.jpg|alt=Military building.|The inner courtyard of Fort de Flémalle in winter.
File:Fort de Flémalle - tour d'aération.jpg|alt=Military building.|One of the ventilation towers of Fort de Flémalle in winter.
</gallery> The village of [[Chokier]] is a prime example of Liège architectural heritage. The buildings in the center, around the square and the church, in particular, have hardly changed since their construction. Of course, the most famous monument is its castle, followed by its church, but strolling along the Chaussée de Chokier and its buildings is like taking a step back in time.

On the eastern side of the village, you can notice a statue with a unique appearance. This monument is a tribute to Hippolyte Guillery, Chief Engineer of Bridges and Roads, who is said to have doubled the province's fortune. He made navigation on the Meuse between Liège and Namur possible year-round by constructing about ten locks. He also redefined the course of the Meuse and removed the islands between the banks at Flémalle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chateau de Chokier – The Hippolyte Guillery Monument |url=http://www.chokier.com/FILES/VILLAGE/Guillery.html |website=chokier.com |accessdate=2021-09-01}}.</ref><gallery mode="packed-hover" caption="Village of Chokier">
File:Chokier Church.jpg|The village square of Chokier in winter.
File:Chokier - town and castle.jpg|Chaussée de Chokier, with a view of the castle in winter.
File:20170416 094 chokier.jpg|Saint Marcelin Church of Chokier.
File:20170416 151 chokier.jpg|The monument dedicated to Hippolyte Guillery at the eastern entrance of the village.
File:20170416 078 chokier.jpg|Typical village building attached to the church.
File:20170416 109 chokier.jpg|The chapel located in the green space along the quays.
File:090416 Chokier 1.jpg|Full view of the village.
</gallery> The Châtaigneraie is a manor house built between 1830 and 1840,<ref>{{cite web |title=Walloon Center for Contemporary Art |url=http://tourisme.flemalle.be/pages/index/index/id/327/lang/en |website=tourisme.flemalle.be |accessdate=2021-09-01}}.</ref> set in a classified park protected by the [[Walloon Region]], and now houses the Walloon Center for Contemporary Art. The property belongs to the Municipality of Flémalle, which maintains it. The Châtaigneraie has housed this center since 1979, and it was only in 1984 that the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles recognized the site for the promotion of contemporary art.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |title=Walloon Center for Contemporary Art « La Châtaigneraie » |url=https://www.visitezliege.be/en/offer/la-chataigneraie-walloon-center-for-contemporary-art |website=visitezliege.be |accessdate=2021-09-01}}.</ref>

=== Château and Park of the Petite Flémal' ===

This castle ({{coord|50|35|57.10|N|05|28|12.21|E}}) located on the Grand' Route has housed municipal services since 1938. It was built in several stages: the right wing was constructed during the 17th century. Then the left wing, dating from the 18th century. Finally, a last wing extending towards the park was built in 1984. The castle is accompanied by a park featuring various garden styles: Italian, French, and an English garden.

=== The Chockier Quarry: Nature Reserve ===
[[File:Carte sentiers rnf.jpg|upright|thumb|Map of the Chockier nature reserve trails by Théo Halkin<ref>Archives: Études & Environnement asbl</ref>]]

Under the guidance of ''Études & Environnement'' asbl, efforts to preserve the old Sacré quarries began in 1994. Well-exposed to the sun, these quarries – on the left bank of the Meuse – had developed a very interesting flora and fauna, which were the subject of a nature guide thesis. In 1996, protection of 27 ha was achieved, and a 30-year agreement was signed between the ''Natagora'' association and the municipality of Flémalle.<ref group="B">L. Malchair, ''Flémalle: d'Aigremont à l'Ermitage. Thesis presented for obtaining the nature guide diploma, year 1993–1994. Center for Continuing Education for Nature Protection'', Liège, 1994, 205 p.</ref>

=== Caves and Prehistoric Museum ===

The Prehistomuseum of Ramioul is an educational tourism center focused on [[Prehistory]] in Belgium.<ref group="B">{{cite journal
| language        =  fr
| first           =  Albert
| last            =  Brunet
| title           =  Le préhistosite de Ramioul en Belgique
| journal         =  [[Archéologia]]
| issue           =  312
| date           =  May 1995
| pages           = 10–11
| issn            =  0570-6270
}}</ref>

In its vicinity are several caves that have yielded significant [[archaeological]] materials, some of which are displayed at the museum of the prehistoric site.

== People ==
* [[François Neuville]] (1912–1986), cyclist
* [[André Cools]] (1927–1991), politician
* [[Jean-Marie Léonard]] (1943–2021), politician
* [[Jean-Pierre Dardenne]] (1951), director, screenwriter, and producer
* [[Luc Dardenne]] (1954), director, screenwriter, and producer
* [[Thomas Doret]] (1996), actor
* [[Paul Roekaerts]] (1939), athlete
* [[Landry Mulemo]] (1986), international footballer
* [[Sébastien Pocognoli]] (1987), international footballer
* [[Thomas Doret]] (1996), actor

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book|language=French|author1=Albert Chatelet|title=Robert Campin: le Maître de Flémalle: la fascination du quotidien|place=Antwerp|publisher=Fonds Mercator|date=1996|pages=379|isbn=9061533643}}
*{{Ref label|source}} Alexis Zimmer, ''"Le brouillard mortel de la vallée de la Meuse" (December 1930). Naturalization of the catastrophe'', in ''Débordements industriels : Environnement, territoire et conflit (18th-21st centuries)'', Rennes, Presses universitaires de Rennes, 2013.
* Anonymous, ''Les alunières à Flémalle et dans la vallée de la Meuse'', Commission historique de Flémalle, Flémalle-Haute, 1992, 144 p.
*{{Ref label|source}} Edmond Fellingue, ''Les tramways au pays de Liège'', vol. 1: ''Les tramways urbains'', Belgian Group for the Promotion and Tourist Operation of Rail Transport (GTF), 1985, 398 p.
*{{Ref label|source}} Edmond Fellingue, ''Les tramways au pays de Liège'', vol. 2: ''Les chemins de fer vicinaux'', Belgian Group for the Promotion and Tourist Operation of Rail Transport (GTF), 1985, 398 p.
* Henin H., ''Les rochers de Flémalle-Haute et de Chokier. 70th excursion of the Liège Botanical Society (31 May 1942)'', Lejeunia, 1943, 7: 3–12.
*{{Ref label|source}} Jacques Cloes, ''Le Mouvement ouvrier à Flémalle-Grande de 1830 à 1914,'' Liège, University of Liège. Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Thesis/Memoir, 1986–1987.
* Michel Dethier, Gaby Viskens, and Jos Bruers, ''Les Hétéroptères des anciennes carrières de Flémalle et d'Engis (province de Liège, Belgique)'', Notes fauniques de Gembloux, No.&nbsp;57, 2005.
* Michel Dethier and Jean-Marie Hubart, ''Evolution de la faune invertébrée des grottes de Ramioul (commune de Flémalle, province de Liège, Belgique)'', Bulletin des Chercheurs de la Wallonie, hors-série No.&nbsp;3, 2010.
*{{Ref label|source}} P. Hauteclair, M. Derume, and C. Bauffe, ''La faune des vertébrés (Herpétofaune – Avifaune – Mammafaune) de quelques terrils miniers et haldes calaminaires de Wallonie (Belgique). Bilan des inventaires réalisés en 2006–2007'', Natura Mosana, 61, No.&nbsp;3, 2008.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
{{reflist|group=B}}
{{reflist|group=C}}
{{reflist|group=SC}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
*[http://www.flemalle.be Official website] (in French)
*[http://www.aikido-flemalle.be Site du club d'aïkido de Flémalle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825083413/http://www.aikido-flemalle.be/ |date=25 August 2007 }} (in French)
*[http://www.performat.be Perspectives – Organisme d'insertion socio professionnel à Flémalle] (in French)

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Flémalle
|N  = [[Grâce-Hollogne]]
|E  = [[Seraing]]
|S  = [[Neupré]]
|SW = [[Engis]]
|W  = [[Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse]]
}}
{{Flémalle}}
{{Municipalities in Liège}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Flemalle}}
[[Category:Flémalle| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Liège Province]]