🇧🇪Hainaut & Mons

Castles, cobblestones, and real medieval history

From the Brabantine Gothic grandeur of the Collégiale Sainte-Waudru to the romantic ruins of Havré Castle and the stately grounds of Beloeil and Seneffe, Hainaut is a province where history is not behind glass — it is all around you. Kids can climb the UNESCO-listed Belfry of Mons for sweeping rooftop views over the city.

The luckiest monkey in Belgium

On the steps of Mons Town Hall sits a small cast-iron monkey statue called the Singe du Grand Garde. Local tradition says rubbing its head with your left hand brings good luck — and your kids will insist on doing it at least twice. It is one of those simple, joyful moments that families remember long after the trip.

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one region

Hainaut punches well above its weight for UNESCO recognition. The Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes are among the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. The Belfry of Mons crowns the city skyline. And Grand-Hornu, a beautifully restored 19th-century colliery, now houses a world-class contemporary art museum. All three are genuinely fascinating for families.

Art and culture that actually engages kids

Mons has a surprising density of great museums for a city its size. The Mundaneum, sometimes called the paper Google, holds vast archival collections that spark real curiosity. The BAM fine arts museum hosts works by Rodin alongside international exhibitions. And the Van Gogh House in nearby Cuesmes tells the story of the artist's time living and working in the Borinage in a way that is genuinely moving.

Green spaces where industrial history meets nature

The Borinage area southwest of Mons is a fascinating landscape where former coalfields have been reclaimed by woodland and parkland. Gentle hills like Mont-Saint-Aubert offer easy family walks with rewarding views, and riverside parks provide breathing room between the historic sights. Hainaut is far greener and more open than most visitors expect.