Mons is a city in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, and the capital of the province of Hainaut. It is a place to visit for its historic architecture, which gives the old centre much of its character as you walk through it.
What a visit offers
- Historic architecture: the city is known for its older buildings, and wandering the streets on foot is the simplest way to see them.
- Provincial capital: as the seat of Hainaut's administration, Mons has the feel of a regional centre rather than a small village.
- Walkable scale: the historic core can be explored at a relaxed pace, leaving time to stop and look.
Planning your trip
Mons works well as a half-day or full-day stop, and it suits travellers who enjoy a city with an older layer of buildings and a quieter pace than Belgium's larger cities. Because it lies in Wallonia, you will hear French spoken widely, and it is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Hainaut countryside.
For up-to-date information on specific sites, opening times or local events, check with the local tourist office before you go, as these details can change.
