Motorhome area of Mons (Hainaut)

Mons is an important city in Belgium with nearly 100,000 inhabitants. It is located about twenty kilometers from the French border. Situated in the province of Hainaut, of which it is the capital, it lies on the "UNESCO Cycling Route." As the European Capital of Culture in 2015 and the Cultural Capital of Wallonia since 2002, Mons is undeniably a city focused on art. This is evident in its rich architectural heritage. Let yourself be transported through its charming streets until you find yourself seated on a café terrace in the Grand Place. Entirely paved and adorned with elegant façades, it is one of the most beautiful and lively squares in Belgium. Attached to the façade of the town hall, the Singe du Grand'Garde is now considered Mons’ good-luck charm. According to a legend created by Heupgen, it brings luck if you stroke its head with your left hand. A simple stroll through the historic center allows you to admire the beauty of the buildings and monuments. To delve deeper into your discoveries, visit the only Baroque belfry in Belgium. Built at the highest point of the city, in the park of the former castle, it adds a historical touch to its green surroundings. Step inside the belfry to explore the heritage interpretation center before climbing to the top to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. In Mons’ city center or its outskirts, various parks, squares, and gardens offer moments of relaxation for families. They include children's play areas, adventure courses, monuments, and sports fields. Just 6 km from the city, the archaeological site of Spiennes is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Its interpretation center, SILEX'S, offers several activities: walking or cycling through the Natura 2000 zone, exploring the museum trail, fun visits for children, meeting professionals, and even descending into the Neolithic mines. Museums, monuments, parks… It will take several days to uncover all the secrets held by Mons, which also welcomed Van Gogh a few years before his worldwide fame. His modest house is also open to visitors in the southern part of the city.