Tourist attractions in the region

10 top reasons to fall in love with Mons!
Culture is Here! Mons, love at first sight!
Hainaut, a Belgian province of which Mons is the capital, holds the national record for heritage sites recognised by UNESCO with 20 listed sites, buildings and events. Over such a small area, this is really exceptional... In the region of Mons there are some real treasures waiting to be discovered: the Canal du Centre boat lifts (1998), the Belfry of Mons (1999), the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes (2000), the Doudou (Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005), the site of the Grand-Hornu (2012) and the Universal Bibliographic Repertory of Mundaneum, which was added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2013.

http://www.visitmons.co.uk/see-do/top-sights/10-top-reasons-to-fall-in-love-with-mons

For years, Pairi Daiza − an animal theme park in Brugelette, Belgium − has been delighting families from all over the country … and everywhere else! Much more than a zoo, its visitors can experience different ‘worlds’. Gorillas, felines, pandas and elephants live in areas that replicate their natural environment. Quite simply, one of the major tourist attractions in Belgium!

Pairi Daïza
Website: www.pairidaiza.eu

Design, applied arts and contemporary arts
A former coalmine considered to be the jewel in the crown of Belgium’s industrial heritage, a building dedicated to design and the applied arts, a museum of contemporary art... All on one site! Just a few kilometres from Mons, the Grand-Hornu invites you on a journey of discovery.

https://www.visitmons.co.uk/see-do/a-scientific-adventure/the-grand-hornu

http://www.cid-grand-hornu.be/en/

Van Gogh in the Borinage, the emergence of an artist…
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) is one of the world´s most loved artists whose career began in the Borinage. His paintings, drawings and letters inspire people of all ages. His work can be admired in numerous museums around the world. Many places where
the artist lived and worked can be visited, from the Netherlands to the South of France. About 25 organisations and museums in the Netherlands, Belgium and France have joined forces under
the name Van Gogh Europe. Together they are actively engaged in maintaining and promoting Van
Gogh´s heritage.

Discover van Gogh in the Borinage, Route van Gogh Europe or Borinage and then some!

http://www.visitmons.co.uk/see-do/top-sights/vincent-van-gogh

Mons, the First & the Last
The First World War was particularly bloody, causing millions of casualties. Mons did not escape the destructive wave of events and, against its will, played host to major and tragic events.

Mons has a special resonance for the British and Canadians, as it was on its territory that their first and last involvement in the First World War took place.

Mons 14-18 : the First & the Last

On 23 August 1914, the British met the Germans at Mons, and on 11 November 1918, with substantial involvement of the Canadians, they liberated the city after 50 months of occupation. Thus Mons became the resting place for soldiers Parr and Ellison, the first and last British men to fall during the conflict, and it was also here that Canadian soldier Georges Lawrence Price collapsed on 11 November 1918, two minutes before the Armistice took effect, forever becoming the last soldier killed in the Great War... "Mons, the First & the Last" !

From legend to reality, Mons offers an authentic memorial journey strongly focused on symbolism. As in the military cemetery of Saint-Symphorien, a true haven of peace, where Commonwealth and German graves are now united for eternity.

http://www.visitmons.co.uk/see-do/top-sights/mons-the-first-the-last

visitMons offers you a complete and varied package around the cycling theme.
From classic and electric bicycle rental to discover the region and its treasures along the crossroads network in Cœur du Hainaut, through the tourist cycling routes that allow you to crisscross the region with no less than 15 bicycle routes for the whole family. From the Hauts-Pays to the Borinage, through Mons and the rural zones of Lens and Jurbise, there is indeed enough to have an enjoyable holiday and fun at your own pace.

There truly is something for everyone!

http://www.visitmons.co.uk/see-do/top-sights/mons-by-bike

Pleasure and relaxation
The site of Grand-Large, with a total land area of 80 hectares, is situated in the territory of Grand Mons, barely 2km from the city centre.
It is at the meeting of two canals, the Canal du Centre and the Nimy-Blaton Canal, that constitute an essential link in the waterway connections between Northern Europe and France.

On this page, you will find a presentation of the Leisure Port as well as the Port Authority but also information about renting the Guest House and bicycles. Also presented to you is the nautical club  located at Grand-Large, a calendar of activities at Grand-Large, the Club House restaurant a few paces away from the Port Authority and some sites and activities not to miss in the surrounding area.

http://www.visitmons.co.uk/see-do/top-sights/10-top-reasons-to-fall-in-love-with-mons/mons-with-the-family/get-some-air/visit-the-grand-large-lake-of-the-marina