Experience the Doudou and Stay at Van der Valk Mons Congrès

The Doudou, also known as the Ritual Ducasse of Mons, is one of the greatest folklore events in Wallonia. Deeply embedded in the identity of Mons, it brings together residents, visitors, families, and curious onlookers for powerful moments that blend history, popular fervor, and centuries-old traditions.

Trinity Sunday is one of the most anticipated highlights. The day begins with the procession of the Car d'Or (Golden Chariot), which carries the relics of Saint Waudru through the streets of Mons. One of the most impressive moments remains the climb of the Car d'Or, where the team must charge up the steep paved ramp near the collegiate church in a collective effort. According to tradition, it must reach the top in a single continuous push to bring good luck to the city.

Then comes the famous battle known as the Lumeçon on the Grand-Place of Mons. Saint George fights the Dragon in a packed arena to the sound of the traditional Doudou anthem. This symbolic combat, perfectly choreographed despite its apparent chaos, draws an intense and passionate crowd. Spectators notably try to pull hair out of the Dragon's tail, which is considered a lucky charm.

However, the Doudou in Mons is not limited to these iconic highlights. The festival also includes concerts, entertainment, a street market, military music, a torchlight procession, and the Petit Lumeçon designed for younger children. The entire city enters a festive spirit, offering an atmosphere that is popular, family-friendly, and deeply local.

During the festivities, Mons attracts numerous Belgian and international visitors. The atmosphere is exceptional, but the days can be long, fast-paced, and highly animated. Staying directly in Mons allows you to enjoy the event stress-free, without long commutes or having to drive back home after a full day spent in the crowds.

It is also an opportunity to experience the city differently. In the morning, you can easily reach the historic center, stroll around the Grand-Place, admire the Sainte-Waudru Collegiate Church, or climb up to the Belfry. In the afternoon, you dive deep into the Doudou atmosphere. In the evening, you return to the comfort of your room, a great meal, a drink at the bar, or a moment of pure relaxation.

The Van der Valk Mons Congrès offers exactly this precious balance: close proximity to the city action and the premium comfort of a hotel designed to recharge your batteries.

Located on Avenue Mélina Mercouri, near the Mons train station and about 10 minutes from the city center, the Van der Valk Mons Congrès is a practical starting point to discover the city during the festivities. The hotel is also located right opposite the MICX, the Mons international congress center, making it an easily accessible address for both leisure stays and business travel.

The property features 145 comfortable rooms, including suites, Junior Suites, and Business Suites. Each room is designed to offer a pleasant stay, equipped with everything needed for a relaxing escape after a busy day.

During the Doudou, this level of comfort makes all the difference. After walking the historic streets of Mons, following the animations, or experiencing the intensity of the Lumeçon, you can enjoy a quiet, modern, and welcoming space to recover.

A successful stay also relies on culinary pleasures. The Van der Valk Mons Congrès hotel features two dining options, including the Quai 5 restaurant and the Brasserie Lounge Bar. Quai 5 offers refined and convivial cuisine with high-quality ingredients, generous plates, and a seasonal 3-course menu formula.

It is the perfect spot to start the day with a hearty breakfast, treat yourself to a comfortable lunch, or end the evening with dinner after the festivities. On sunny days, the terrace and the veranda allow you to enjoy a bright and relaxed moment while remaining close to the center of Mons.

During the Doudou, when downtown restaurants can quickly fully book or be overcrowded, being able to rely on an excellent table directly at your hotel is a major advantage.

The Doudou in Mons is an intense festival. You walk, you sing, and you let yourself be carried away by the crowd and the city's energy. To balance this excitement, the Van der Valk Mons Congrès hotel offers wellness-oriented services: a swimming pool, a fitness room, and a wellness area complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, as well as massages and treatments at the Dao Spa & Fitness.

It is the perfect way to turn your stay into a true wellness break. You come to experience the Doudou, but you leave with the wonderful feeling of having taken the time to breathe and unwind.

Choosing the Van der Valk Mons Congrès to experience the Doudou in Mons means combining the best of both worlds. On one hand, you get the intensity of a unique popular festival, the beauty of the historic center, and the emotion of a tradition passed down from generation to generation. On the other hand, you enjoy the comfort of a modern hotel featuring a restaurant, bar, wellness facilities, free private parking, and services tailored to make your stay effortless and pleasant.

Whether you travel as a couple, with family, or with friends, the Doudou is the perfect occasion to rediscover Mons at its most vibrant. And after the hustle and bustle of the Grand-Place, what a pleasure it is to return to a cozy room, a great meal, and a moment of total relaxation.

By choosing the Van der Valk Mons Congrès, you treat yourself to much more than just a hotel night: you choose a complete experience, perfectly blending Mons folklore, premium comfort, and the discovery of a truly unique city.