Location: Mons
Top Things to do in Mons
10 Things to Do in Mons That You Shouldn't Miss
Located 35 miles south of Brussels, military buffs will find a rich history in Mons, the capital of the Province of Hainaut. British and German troops occupied Mons in 1914 during World War I, yet the city also has ruins dating back to the ancient Romans. Must-sees in Mons, include its Gothic style townhall; The Belfry, a World Heritage UNESCO site; The Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru, and the Decorative Arts Museum François Duesberg with its unique and prestigious clock collection. Van Gogh even lived in Mons for a time, and Van Gogh’s house is preserved and open to the public.
Restaurants in Mons
1. Francois Duesberg Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 251 reviews
This outstanding museum of Decorative Arts (from 1775 to 1825) exhibits not only a prestigious collection of clocks (more than 300 ! ) including the largest ensemble of pendules "Au bon sauvage" (exotic subjects in patinated and ormoulu bronzes) in the world, but also exceptional French gilt bronzes,porcelains (from Paris and Brussels including marvels painted by viruoso Frederic-Theodor(e) FABER),silver,jewellery and other very rare objects. You will discover the way of living in Paris from the time of Louis XVI to Napoleon Ier and Charles X. An astonishing and dazzling beautiful visit !!! Michelin 2 stars for the whole Museum and above it: 2 specific stars for the "extraordinary collection of clocks" and, since 2015, 2 more stars for the "marvelous collections of porcelains" !!! 3 times worth seeing : a MUST !
Reviewed By Waltzy M - Canberra, Australia
This is a most beautiful museum, brought about by a very dedicated and passionate collector who deserves to be applauded for sharing his collection with us. Mons should be proud to have such fine works of art in its city, and promote them. Indeed, I believe this is one of the best collections of its type in Europe. Do make an effort to see it - and you might even be lucky enough to meet the owner there, when you walk in, just as I did!
2. In The Room
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
In The Room est un nouveau loisir à Mons qui plaira à tous. C'est une activité d'équipe ludique & cérébrale. Amis, familles, collègues, team-buildings, séminaires... créez votre équipe de 2 à 6 personnes et venez vivre une expérience insolite et amusante dans nos salles. C'est quoi un escape game? Avec votre équipe, vous aurez une heure pour vous échapper de la salle (escape room) que vous aurez réservée. En combinant objets à trouver, énigmes à résoudre et mécanismes et cadenas à ouvrir, nos salles à thème vous feront vivre une expérience insolite et amusante. Chaque pièce a son scénario. Choisissez l'aventure dans laquelle vous plongerez et laissez vous porter par nos décors et leur ambiance.
Reviewed By Valentin T
We had a very good time there. The enigmas are not so easy so you’d better sleep well the night before in order to be mentally fit !
3. St Symphorien Military Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 253 reviews
St. Symphorien Military Cemetery is located 2 Kms east of Mons on the N90 a road leading to Charleroi. On reaching St. Symphorien the right hand turning from the N90 leads onto the Rue Nestor Dehon. The cemetery lies 200 metres along the Rue Nestor Dehon. GPS Co-ordinates: Longitude 04°00'38", Latitude 50°25'57" The cemetery at St. Symphorien was established by the German Army during the First World War as a final resting place for British and German soldiers killed at the Battle of Mons. Among those buried here is Private John Parr of the Middlesex Regiment, who was fatally wounded during an encounter with a German patrol two days before the battle, thus becoming the first British soldier to be killed in action on the Western Front.
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
Like all of these Great War Cemeteries St Symphorien is sobering and saddening, but this one has the added, unusual aspect of having almost equal numbers of allied and German war dead. The cemetery was established by the Germans after the retreat from Mons with the original wooden crosses being replace by the sadly so familiar white crosses (and one Star of David) after the War. The German dead have darker headstones of granite grey. On the top of the rise are both an obelisk and the usual Allied Cross of Sacrifice. Somehow it's doubly saddening that the fallen on both sides lie together and that the Germans buried their enemy here with honour. From the Allied side it's a notable graveyard in that the first and last of their dead lie buried here, with gravestones from 23 August 1914 and as late as 20 November 1918; presumably dying of their wounds.It's a tranquil place but with the somewhat more random spread of stones including in circles, the darkness of the large trees, and the shared ground, it somehow seems even sadder than other Great War Cemeteries.
4. Grand Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 989 reviews
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
All of the great Flemish towns seem to have these wonderful central public spaces and this is one of the best; with it's large sloping space almost devoid of cars, but full of cafes (and students!). There's a range of interesting building all around and the multiple spout type of Fountains that seem so popular in this part of the world. A superb place for lunch or a coffee on a sunny day.
5. Mons Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By mrobson - Vancouver, Canada
This museum was very informative, particularly the section on WWI, which was the main reason we visited. The maps showing the movement of troops over time and the way the front line changed presented the results of various conflicts in a way that made everything much clearer. The stories of people living during German occupation were very moving and again, presented the information in a way I haven't seen in other museums. Staff were friendly and helpful. The museum was well worth the several hours we spent there. My only complaint is that the signage is not at all visible and the door showing the address given on the museum's website is at the other end of the block, not the main entrance. We found that a bit confusing. Other than that, it was enjoyable and I recommend going.
6. Collegiale Sainte-Waudru
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By Zosia B - Mons, Belgium
This unassuming church is filled with history and wonderful architecture. It is currently undergoing a renovation but there is still plenty to see. You can see famed golden carriage associated with the Dou Dou festival here too.
7. Doudou's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By winnie m - Hamilton, Scotland
This exhibition which you view with the aid of headsets is very interesting and examines the tradition of the Doudou. It looks quite a wild event! Maybe better to stick to the audiovisual presentation rather than the real thing!
8. Grand-Hornu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Situated in the heart of the Hainaut province and recognized as a World Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO since 2012, the Grand-Hornu is a 19th-century industrial gem. Property of the Province of Hainaut since 1989, this heritage landmark is one of the most important galleries of contemporary art in Belgium today. In addition to showcasing the architectural treasures of the place itself, the teams from CID and MAC's focus their activities on contemporary art, architecture and design.
Reviewed By Helen J - Doncaster, United Kingdom
We were looking to fill some time before attending the commemoration event in Mons. The place isn't easy to find but this is all we can say because we visited on a Monday and seems it closes on Mondays!
9. Belfry of Mons
Overall Ratings
4 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By angester - Brussels, Belgium
Once we discovered how to get in (head up the steep hill beside the youth hostel) we were so happy we made the effort! The park alone is a treat and the belfry experience excellent. Staff were super friendly - there is a lift most...MoreDear Angester We are happy to read your comment and We hope that you enjoyed your stay in Mons. Thanks a lot and don't hesitate to visit our other sites like The Doudou's Musuem or The Neolithic FLint Mines of Spiennes.
10. Pass - Parc d'aventures scientifiques
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 169 reviews
The Pass, a whole world of experiences ! At the Pass, you'll embark on a journey of discovery encompassing science in all its diversity, through interactive Exhibitions, films and supervised activities. A family fun day: welcome to the Pass! At the heart of a former coalmine remodelled by the architect Jean Nouvel, all of your senses will be awakened.
Reviewed By Tom V - Jodoigne-souveraine, Belgium
Nice building to discover sciences with lots of games for the kids. There is quite a bit of loss of space in the building. They need to increase the number of activities and learning elements. But the potential is definitely there. Please also climb the 'terril' a coal mountain.
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