A weekend in Wallonia: head to Mons

The Grand-Place is the natural starting point for a visit to Mons. Surrounded by historic facades, cafes, and restaurants, it embodies the lively and friendly atmosphere of the city.

Take the time to observe the Town Hall and the buildings lining the square. Near the entrance of the Town Hall is the small monkey of the Grand’Garde. According to local tradition, touching it with your left hand would bring good luck.

From the Grand-Place, then take a walk through the streets of the center. The squares, shops, and more discreet passages allow you to discover a city where ancient heritage coexists with contemporary cultural programming.

The Maison du Tourisme, located on the Grand-Place, allows you to check visits, exhibitions, and activities offered during your stay.

Towering over Mons, the belfry is one of the most recognizable symbols of the destination. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it stands out as the only baroque belfry in Belgium.

Its silhouette accompanies visitors throughout their walk in the center. Depending on the visiting conditions, you can discover its history, mechanism, and the role played by belfries in the old cities of the Netherlands.

The gardens and streets surrounding the monument also invite you for a walk. From the heights, the view extends over the roofs of the center and the landscapes of the Borinage.

It is impossible to mention Mons without discussing the Doudou. This festival, held at the beginning of June, is deeply rooted in the local identity and includes the procession of the Car d'Or and the so-called Lumeçon fight, symbolically opposing Saint George to the dragon.

Even when your stay does not coincide with the festivities, the Musée du Doudou allows you to discover the history, characters, and symbols of this event. The visit places Montois traditions in context and shows the place they still occupy in the city's life.

VisitMons notably offers guided tours centered on UNESCO-recognized heritage, with a passage through the Musée du Doudou.

Mons allows you to create a particularly varied cultural program. Depending on your interests, you can visit spaces dedicated to fine arts, military history, local heritage, or popular traditions.

The first Sunday of every month, access to museums and exhibitions managed by the city is announced as free, subject to the applicable terms at the time of the visit. This initiative can be interesting for organizing a cultural weekend on a budget.

You can also simply alternate a museum visit with a walk, some shopping, and a break in one of the cafes in the center. The proximity of the main places of interest allows you to keep a pleasant pace.

Mons can also serve as a starting point to explore the surroundings. Several cycling routes connect the center to heritage sites or former industrial landscapes.

A ride dedicated to UNESCO heritage notably passes through the historical center, the Musée du Doudou, the surroundings of the Héribus slag heap, and the Spiennes archaeological site. This type of route allows you to gradually leave the city and discover the diversity of the Montois territory.

Before leaving, check the distance, level of difficulty, and any access conditions. The Maison du Tourisme can also guide you towards a route suited to your group.

After a day in the streets of Mons, the Van der Valk Hotel Mons Congrès & Spa allows you to find a comfortable environment. The establishment offers spacious rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar as well as a fitness and wellness area.

The wellness area notably includes a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a gym, and various spaces or experiences dedicated to relaxation. Access conditions and treatments must be verified when booking.

Families also benefit from suitable facilities. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor play areas, while the hotel offers connecting rooms, children's menus, and several services designed for the youngest guests.

On Saturday morning, start at the Grand-Place, the belfry, and the center streets. After lunch, choose a museum or the Doudou itinerary.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel to enjoy the wellness area before sharing a meal at the restaurant.

On Sunday, continue your discovery with a longer walk, a bike ride, or an excursion in the surroundings. You can also simply stay in the center, visit the shops, and take the time to sit on a terrace.

Our Van der Valk hotels also welcome you at Nivelles-Sud, Waterloo, Charleroi Airport, Liège Sélys, Liège Congrès, Verviers and Spa.

Each destination offers its own interpretation of a weekend in Wallonia: heritage, nature, gastronomy, wellness, or urban discovery.