Mons Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Mons

Mons is the capital city of the Hainaut province in the Wallonia region of Belgium. Known in Dutch and German as Bergen, the municipality serves as a regional center for commercial trade and higher education. Set within an inland geography influenced by an oceanic climate, the city experiences narrow temperature variations between seasons. Mons is conveniently accessible via European route E42 or the N56 road, and is served by a central railway station as well as regional airports in nearby Charleroi and Brussels.

Human activity in the area extends back to the Neolithic period, as demonstrated by ancient flint tool sites in Spiennes. Originating from a Roman castrum named Castrilocus, Mons was fortified during the twelfth century by Count Baldwin IV of Hainaut and subsequently grew into the county capital. Over the centuries, it endured numerous sieges and shifts in control involving Spanish, French, Austrian, and Dutch forces. In the nineteenth century, coal mining and the Industrial Revolution turned the surrounding Borinage region into a hub of heavy industry. Mons also witnessed notable World War history, including the initial 1914 combat and 1918 liberation by Allied troops, and later welcomed NATO's military headquarters to neighboring Casteau.

The urban landscape of central Mons is mostly defined by two- and three-storey red brick terraced houses. At the core of the old city lies the paved Grand-Place, a historic square lined with cafes, restaurants, and a modern fountain, where vehicular traffic and parking are restricted. Among the architectural landmarks framing the historic center are the Town Hall and "au Blan Levrie," a stone Gothic structure originally constructed in 1530. Above the city center in Castle Park, visitors can view the prominent Belfry alongside the historic Saint-Calixte chapel.

Designated a European Capital of Culture in 2015, Mons retains strong cultural traditions. Its most celebrated event is the annual Ducasse de Mons, or Doudou, a week-long festival occurring on Trinity Sunday. The festivities include a grand procession carrying the reliquary of Saint Waltrude upon the gilded Car d'Or, as well as the traditional Lumeçon fight in the main square depicting Saint George battling a dragon. Another major event, Tanks in Town, commemorates the city's World War II liberation with an extensive showcase of historic armored vehicles.