Location: Mons
Top Things to do in Mons
The 10 Best Things to do in Mons, Wallonia
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
5.0 based on 424 reviews
>>> OPEN ONLY BY APPOINTMENT <<< 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 macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Francois Duesberg, is a fantastic museum dedicated to 18th and 19th century decorative arts, with a fine collection of clocks, sculptures and porcelain, ceramics, pottery and jewellery. Some of the most outstanding pieces include rare ornamental clocks from Napoleonic times, fantastic collection of cameos, Neoclassical inspired sculptures, and lots more beautiful things to see. Inside, it’s almost like a palace that even without all the exhibits would be fit for a king to stay in. Myself and several other had to wait 45 minutes over the advertised opening time before being let in, which was a little annoying. The place was opened by an elderly gentleman, I think the owner of the museum. The dude is quite eccentric, tells us no photos, but taking photos seem to be fine if they include him. Normally, I’d deduct a star for this kind of thing, but the museum is awesome.
2. St Symphorien Military Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 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 arnaud_dhaen - Antwerp, Belgium
War cemeteries can be overwhelming in size. Numerous graves next to each other to left to the right and in front of you. Not in this garden. Enemies of the Great War rest in a peaceful setting as if they are communicating with each other. The setting and scenery is so peaceful and different. A must visit...
3. Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
4. Collegiale Sainte-Waudru
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church is the magnificent building of Mons. Even from the outside, one can see the church is of Gothic design, although the southern section is covered in scaffolding due to restoration work. The Gothic design is much more obvious from the inside with straight lines of incredible height. Part of that is down to the hardness of the stone used and even now looks so solid. As you can guess from the name, the church is named in honour of Saint Waltrude, whose shrine and reliquary can also be found inside. Her head can be found in the chapel dedicated to her and the reliquary containing her body is held above the high altar for all to see. The church also has some chapels with important sculptures and paintings such as those by Jacques du Broeucq and Peter Paul Rubens. The chapel of Saint Peter is unexpected as it has a wooden sculpture of death to symbolically represent the passage of time, as well as an alabaster sculpture of Jesus symbolically handing over the keys of heaven to Peter. There's also a free downloadable audio guide, which is good enough to help you understand the history of the church as well as giving good commenter on all the chapels.
5. Doudou's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By CoachMeow - Lethbridge, Canada
The museum is a hidden gem. Tucked away past the gardens of the Grand Plac. The whole family enjoyed the museum with its interactive displays and colourful history. It is reasonably priced and enjoyed by our whole family. We traveled with our kids who were 8 and 11. They loved it!! My son bought a wooden sword and wore it everywhere after. Slaying the doudou.
6. Mons Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By VMahieu - Nieuwpoort, Belgium
Beautiful museum! Definitely worth it ! It is not a verry big museums like most war's museums. But it is definitely worth the visit! Tots of varying and beautiful material is exhibited. the kabises with the virtual reality glasses are also a ''nice'' experience !
7. Hotel de ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By belgianguy1 - Bruges, Belgium
This historic city hall dominates the main square, beautiful architecture, I was very impressed...all in all an interesting town to visit, though less known
8. Grand-Hornu
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 201 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 Maarteke - Bruges, Belgium
Must visit if you are visiting Mons. The modern art exhibitions are always interesting, even for a non-expert as myself. The site itself makes you wonder about the life of all the coal miners and the fall and rise of technologies and industries. Staff is super friendly. The only thing missing is a good standard exhibition on the origin and evolution of the site.
9. Grand Place
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,098 reviews
Reviewed By gregorg916 - Nimy, Belgium
Nice place, many restaurants, interesting water fountain; chill out and watch the many weddings occurring on Saturdays. Whichever Restaurant you chose, you will never regret having spent time at the grand place of Mons.
10. Belfry of Mons
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By 561sandir - Cranfield, United Kingdom
Yes, its 6 Euros to see but its so worth it. Gorgeous architecture and the only one of its kind still in existence. The staff (I guess volunteers) were very helpful and spoke perfect English which surprised us both. It’s an amazing place to be when the bells chime, such a happy tuneful sound it really makes you smile.
