Fleurus is a town in the Province of Hainaut, in the Walloon region. The commune of Fleurus has 22,600 inhabitants. Because of its strategic location, the town of Fleurus has been the site of many battles. More than 140 are known, 31 of which devastated the town. The last battle of the French era took place in 1815 at Ligny, just next door, and was Napoleon's last victory before his defeat at Waterloo. Fleurus is often called the city of Bernardins. Bernardins are the typical Fleurus biscuits, resembling almond macaroons. They are also known as the " sans pareils ". They have been around for more than a century and are still sold in some of the pastry shops in the Rue des Bourgeois. In Fleurus, you should visit the recently renovated Château de la Paix, known as "the last imperial palace of Emperor Napoleon in the countryside".