Seraing, Belgium

With a population of 64,270, Seraing is a gritty former steel town in Belgium's Wallonia region. The city's industrial legacy looms large, from the hulking Cockerill castle to the Val Saint Lambert crystal factory. While the surrounding Condroz and Ardennes regions offer scenic hiking, bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. Seraing is best suited for those drawn to its rugged heritage and willing to navigate its administrative complexities.