Is There Anything to See in Mons, Belgium?

Wallonia, the French-speaking region in Belgium, tends to receive much less attention from tourists than the cities of Flanders. I know I was guilty of that one-sided attention during my trips to Belgium, which was why I decided to visit Mons in the region’s west when I got the chance.

Much like I knew little of fellow Wallonian city Tournai, I wasn’t sure if Mons was even worth visiting before making a day trip in winter. Thankfully, my blind optimism was rewarded as I quickly saw why this fairly off-the-beaten-path destination was awarded European Capital of Culture in 2015. Here are the historical and quirky things to see in Mons, and why it’s a city worth visiting for travellers in Belgium.

Getting to Mons

Mons is located southwest of Brussels close to Belgium’s border with France.

To get to Mons by public transport, you’re going to be taking a train, most likely from Brussels. The journey from Brussels takes a little under an hour, so even if you’re coming from elsewhere, it should be easy.

From Mons train station, the old town is a 10-15 minute uphill walk.

Your other option for visiting is renting a car for your time in Belgium, as Mons isn’t the kind of place where tours go. A car is especially useful if you’re touring Wallonia, since the city is an easy drive from Namur and Binche.

Where to stay in Mons

Mons is certainly a destination where one day seems sufficient, at least to me. But should you wish to spend the night, the city does offer a modest selection of accommodation.

While I can’t personally vouch for a place, these are the best-rated of your options:

• Hotel Saint Georges
• Room Jade
• Hotel Grand Place
• Les Terrasses de Sainte Waudru

Places to visit in Mons

While Mons isn’t one of the biggest destinations in Wallonia, it does have a few things to see to offer visitors. Give yourself the day here, and you’ll find you can get around without feeling too rushed—even without renting a bike.

I will admit I missed quite a few things to do in Mons, mostly museums, such as the Beaux-Arts Mons, Doudou Museum, and Mundaneum. Between a limited budget and reduced opening hours during low season, an in-depth visit wasn’t on the cards. Nor was a walking tour of the city, although you can take one. But that doesn’t have to limit you.

So, whether you make a day trip to Mons or decide to stay, here are the sights to see in Mons.

Mons Belfry

Why not start with the most iconic landmark of Mons first, right?

That honour goes to the UNESCO-recognised Belfry of Mons. Joining the great pantheon of belfries in Belgium and France, this one still manages to be unique. Thanks to its Baroque architecture, the Mons Belfry is the only one of its kind in Belgium.

Built in the 17th century, its gentle stone appearance stands out from the typical Wallonian brick buildings.

Inside the tower, you’ll find a museum of the tower’s history, including multimedia displays. The tower also enjoys the best views of the city, although the best vantage point for photos is behind glass windows. Still, a nice view is a nice view.

Grand Place

Just as it would be in any other Belgian city, the Grand Place of Mons is an important stop.

It’s the main square of the city and is lined with some of the city’s grandest buildings, plus plenty of beer cafes and brasseries to choose from. Grand Place is also the scene of an annual festival, the Lumeçon, where the legend of St George and the dragon is played out.

Visiting just after the New Year, the square was still set up with winter market stalls, a Christmas tree and even an ice rink. However, due to a freak warm snap, the ice did seem to be melting…

Mons Town Hall

The most eye-catching of the landmarks around Grand Place is certainly the Mons Town Hall.

Fans of Belgium’s obsession with Gothic architecture will be pleased by its stark facade. Built in the late 15th century, Mons Town Hall dominates visitors’ attention when there’s not a Christmas market in the way.

The building has several details that reward a closer look, from its beautiful little bell tower to the small monkey statue at the front. For those curious about the interior, it is possible to tour inside the town hall upon special request.

The Mayor’s Garden

Something I wasn’t expecting in Mons was essentially a secret garden.

Walking past the ornate door of the town hall through its inner courtyard, you come out at the Jardin du Mayeur, the Mayor’s Garden. That makes is sound like a private garden, and while it does feel intimate and priate, it is fully accessible to the public. It’s said that this is the best place to hear the chime of the Belfry.

My absolute favourite thing about the garden was the statue of “El Ropieur” seen above. Decked out in festive attire, he casually leans by the fountain, cheekily splashing the water as it comes out.

Church of Sainte-Waudru

It wouldn’t be a European destination without a trip to a church, and for Mons, that likely means the Church of Sainte-Waudru.

It is one of the first sights you see as you approach the centre from the train station and cuts quite a colossal figure from below.

Inside you’ll find some more grand Gothic architecture, some superb woodwork and quite a nice organ. Rather out-of-place, though, is the elaborate and lavish carriage used as part of the Lumeçon festivities. Beyond what is openly visible inside the church, there is also the church treasury, which is said to have some beautiful artifacts.

“The Passenger” Art Installation

The city of Mons sought to celebrate the honour of the European Capital of Culture in 2015 in various ways, but this art installation seems like the most noteworthy.

Titled “The Passenger”, it’s modern and striking, and the sight of it is unforgettable. Rarely does modern art fascinate me quite like this.

Designed by the artist Arne Quinze, this huge wooden sculpture hovers over the Rue Nimy just off the main square. While you can read about the artist’s meaning behind it in the previous link, to me it looks like the neighbouring church is mid-explosion, the debris frozen mid-air.

Regardless of how you perceive this installation, it’s hard to argue that it’s not impactful.

Wallonian Architecture

Beyond their different languages, there are other differences between Flanders and Wallonia. One in particular that I noticed after visiting Mons, and previously Tournai, was the look of city streets in Wallonian cities.

I’m not sure that I can quite put my finger on it, but there’s something there. It seems like cities in Wallonia often have a darker colour scheme than those in Flanders.

There’s also the matter of red brick buildings everywhere in places like Mons. Regardless, all of this goes to say that visiting Mons helps build a more rounded idea of what places in Belgium look like.

Street Decorations

One thing I noticed walking around the city was that Mons doesn’t shy away from a little silliness.

Here and there in town, you come across bright street decorations that aim to liven it up on grey winter days. First, lamp shades zigzag down one of its streets. No explanation is necessary.

The other is a bit of a Belgian trend that I noticed in other Belgian cities too over winter. Belgians seem to like adding knitting to things, from trees to statues. In Mons, I came across multiple cases of knitted baubles hanging from trees and cozies covering statues and the like. I guess they get cold too.

Which sights in Mons, Belgium, interest you most? Where else do you recommend visiting in Wallonia? Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.