Car free style: Mons - Tournai

Looking for an eco-friendly place to stay in Mons? The Youth Hostel, by the belfry, will prove perfect. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/mons-youth-hostel-belfry

The city of the Doudou invites you to discover the MMM or Mons Memorial Museum: a new cultural space retracing its story through the two world wars.

The Arthothèque reveals the hidden life of no less than 50,000 artworks, their renovations, the way they are stored and protected when not on show to the public. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/arthotheque-discover-life-museums-backstage

Discover the full beauty of Belgium's only baroque belfry by taking its panoramic lift and enjoying the view over the city.

Located in the Jardin du Mayeur, the Doudou Museum invites you to discover the rich world of the Ducasse, listed as world heritage and a gem within Mons folkloric traditions.

Passing through Mons? Be sure to visit the Maison Losseau, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture located in the heart of the Doudou's city. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/maison-leon-losseau-art-nouveau-gem-mons

The BAM, Beaux-Arts de Mons, is a museum to (re) discover a cultural space with a series of annual events. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/bam-musee-des-beaux-arts-mons

The Mundaneum is an exceptional archive centre and exhibition space in Mons, known to hold 12 million bibliographic records. Le Monde describes it as the Paper Google and the New York Times as The Web Time Forgot. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/mundaneum-mons-paper-google

Au Petit Dragon is a peaceful, charming B&B within easy reach of Mons. It has been awarded 3 épis for its quality. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/au-petit-dragon-a-gite-for-4-persons-in-mons/37877

Au sein de l'Hôtel Ibis de Mons, vous trouverez le restaurant : "L'Estaminet". Situé non loin de la gare de Mons et à une dizaine de minutes à pied de la Grand-Place, il est le premier arrêt pour les gastronomes en quête d’une cuisine traditionnelle française et de spécialités locales. Parmi celles-ci citons notamment la Côtelette à l’Berdouille, une préparation typique Montoise où la côtelette de Porc est à l’honneur ! Celle-ci est accompagnée d’une sauce brune dite « à l’Berdouille » (qui signifie boue) créée à base de cornichons au vinaigre et de moutarde. Le plat traditionnel incontournable de Mons !

www.leschambourlettes.com

Located near Mons, the Maison du Marais is dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh, one of the greatest painters from the 19th century. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/maison-van-gogh-marais-house-cuesmes

Take a former coal mine, get it listed by UNESCO as World Heritage and you get the CID of the Grand Hornu: an innovation and design centre, featuring temporary exhibitions on design, applied art and contemporary art.

This vast construction,designed by Jacques Du Broeucq is a deemed to be a site of "exceptional patrimony by the Walloon Region". walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/architectural-heritage/the-ruins-of-the-chateau-de-boussu/3596

meretsable.be/

bb-la-garde-des-ablais.visit-wallonia.com/en/

Visit an authentic Belgian brasserie in Blaton. All beers are brewed and bottled on the premises.

Built in the 14th century, this massive turreted chateau is surrounded by a wide moat connected to a series of lakes and channels which wind through one of the largest and most ornate French-style gardens in Belgium. Even better: you can jump on a small train to enjoy them in the most relaxing way. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/chateau-de-beloeil-estate

Welcome to the Saint Daniel Hotel Housed in an ancient seed merchant’s house, halfway between Mons and Tournai, this warm, contemporary and comfortable hotel was designed in 2013. The Saint Daniel Hotel is located in very tranquil surroundings, whilst very close to the railway station (approximately 150 meters) and only a few minutes away from the town centre. www.hotelsaintdaniel.be/en

This brewery has been producing artisanal beers for 20 years (4 passionate generations!) already, using local ingredients: Blanche des Sources, La Vieille de Bon Secours (blonde, amber, dark, fruity), Blonde de Noël.

Antoing Castle was the stronghold of the powerful family of Melun and then passed to the current line of Princes. Today we can still see a large part of the 12th century enclosure and the bolewerk (fortified bastion) built in the 15th century. In the 19th century, the famous architect Viollet-le-Duc transformed the castle into a magnificent Neo-Gothic house.

The Route Paysagère starts from the Maison du Parc Naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut. Located on the edge of the Bon-Secours forest, the site has a reception area, picnic tables, parking lots, as well as numerous didactic panels offering many other walking possibilities. The site is welcoming, the views are limited by a surprisingly omnipresent tree vegetation since we are also on the edge of the city of Peruwelz. The access to the Promenoir des cimes offers a suspended walk on the Mont de Péruwelz which is also the "tipping point" towards the border. On this metal structure, not counting on observing the canopy, it is possible to see the landscape as far as the Quiévrain wind turbines.

Comme la plupart des sites humides de la vallée de la Haine, les Marais d’Harchies-Hensies-Pommeroeul proviennent d’affaissements miniers observés dès le milieu des années ’20. Les dépressions ainsi formées se remplirent rapidement d’eau pour donner naissance aux étangs. L’intérêt du site réside dans la présence de milieux humides à la faune riche et variée. Les ceintures végétales de ces étangs abritent des chemins très praticables parsemée de postes d'observation. Le Centre Régional d'Initiation à l'Environnement d'Harchies est le point de départ idéal de toutes vos balades et propose également des activités (animations, mise en place et aide à la réalisation de projets, stages, visites, formations, soirées thématiques) pour tout public en lien avec la Nature.

Véritable havre de paix, ce parc paysager d'1 ha se caractérise par son côté décoratif des années 20. Allées sinueuses et vallonnées, recoins aux mille surprises, sentiers bucoliques et plans d'eau romantiques agrémentent votre balade à la découverte du jardin composé de feuillus, de conifères et d'arbres d'exception. Des cours d'horticulture sont donnés par le propriétaire, agronome et botaniste de formation, qui aime partager sa passion avec enthousiasme. Possibilité de loger dans les 4 chambres d'hôtes (2 épis et 4 épis) « La Naïade » : vue sur le jardin, vélos et meubles de jardin à disposition.

Au sein de la Maison du Parc naturel des Plaines de l’Escaut, l’Escale forestière est une véritable porte d’entrée sur la forêt de Bon-Secours (1000 hectares). Le centre d’interprétation Explor’forêt vous donne les clés de l’écosystème forestier (carnets WapAventure disponibles pour les 5-12 ans, www.wapaventure.be). Prenez un peu d’altitude pour découvrir la diversité et les richesses du Parc naturel des Plaines de l’Escaut dans le film Le voyage en ballon. Selon vos humeurs et vos envies, la forêt se découvre ensuite sous différents points de vue : crapahutez en famille dans La Pic’orée, un terrain sens dessus-dessous à l’orée de la forêt, ou immergez-vous à hauteur de feuillage sur le Promenoir des Cimes, structure architecturale de 50m, délibérément contemporaine. Des aménagements en libre accès vous offrent un véritable bol d’air après votre visite : La Flânerie de la lisière, une boucle Randofamili d’un kilomètre dédiée aux poussettes et aux personnes à mobilité réduite (www.randofamili.com) et deux promenades familiales de 4 km en forêt. Besoin d’infos sur les randonnées ? Envie de découvrir des produits locaux ? Intéressé par les projets du Parc naturel ? L’espace d’accueil vous informe sur les 500 km de sentiers balisés qui font le bonheur des randonneurs à pied, à vélo et à cheval mais également sur les sites naturels et touristiques du Parc naturel des Plaines de l’Escaut et plus largement de Wallonie Picarde.

En 1878, 29 squelettes complets de dinosaures sont retrouvés lors de l'exploitation du charbonnage de Bernissart (Fosse Sainte-Barbe).Le musée expose un vrai squelette d'iguanodon haut de 5 m et vieux de 130 millions d'années. Le musée présente aussi un ménosaure (premier reptile marin), des centaines d'autres fossiles et une impressionnante collection de minéraux. Les guides se mettent à la portée des enfants devenus pour l'occasion paléontologue (carnets de jeux disponibles à l'accueil). Un passage à l'aire de jeux extérieure s'impose après la visite.

Dans une ferme du XVIIe siècle, remodelée au XIXe siècle, 42 salles témoignent de la vie rude de nos aïeux. Le musée reflète les techniques et conditions de la vie paysanne dans un cadre authentique. Collections d’objets anciens. Pour une visite ludique et éducative, optez pour les audio-visio guides sur Ipod disponibles à l’accueil et profitez des témoignages de locaux. L’ancienne classe du village est la pièce qui connaît le plus de succès ! Les visites se terminent « Au barbechin », un cabaret-estaminet meublé à l’ancienne où déguster une bière artisanale de la région. Si le temps le permet, profitez de la terrasse dans la cours de ferme. Et pour découvrir le battage, la traite des chèvres, la cuisson du pain à l’ancienne et bien d’autres activités, rendez-vous quand « le musée s’anime », le dernier week-end de juillet.

In the centre of Tournai, 800 yards from the cathedral, a mansion of the 1920’s proposes a number of themed rooms. gitesdewallonie.be/en/maison-tahereh

www.leshallesdumanege.be

www.visittournai.be

walloniebelgiquetourisme.be/fr-be/3/ou-aller/villes-dart/tournai/incontournables

www.visittournai.be

www.patisseriequenoy.be/specialites

villatournesol.wordpress.com/blog/

www.bed-breakfast-tournai.be/

Le Roc Paisible is a peaceful B&B in Havinnes (near Tournai). The room (big enough for 3) is located on the first floor of this countryside house: a cosy space with furniture renovated by the owner himself. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/le-roc-paisible-bb-tournai

This 18th century house in the centre of Tournai guarantees a relaxed atmosphere and a personalised welcome. Annual closure between Christmas and New Year. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/hotel-dalcantara

Love adventure and reconnecting with nature? Ecopark Adventures Tournai, with its 2 separate parks, guarantees thrilling memories...

The current Museum of Fine Arts was born from the genius of Art Nouveau architecture, Victor Horta.

"The current Museum of Fine Arts was born from the genius of Art Nouveau architecture, Victor Horta.

The historic town of Tournai is home to TAMAT, the Centre for Tapestry, Wall Arts and Textile Arts of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/tamat-contemporary-centre-textile-arts

Tournai is best seen from its 15th century belfry, listed by UNESCO. Built on the site of the 1218 original after it burnt down, it is the oldest in Wallonia's seven belfries and the only one with outdoor viewing platforms.

Listed by UNESCO for its 5 bell towers, its nave and transept of Romanesque style, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a gem of medieval architecture. Its rather large nave counts 4 horizontal levels along 8 spans. The columns are topped with capitals often decorated with botanical details and are all different: a hundred different pieces in total, quite unique in Belgium! walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/notre-dame-de-tournai-cathedral-listed-unesco

Looking for an eco-friendly place to stay at the very heart of Tournai? Try the city's Youth Hostel. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/auberge-de-jeunesse-de-tournai-/10780

Listed by UNESCO for its 5 bell towers, its nave and transept of Romanesque style, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a gem of medieval architecture. Its rather large nave counts 4 horizontal levels along 8 spans. The columns are topped with capitals often decorated with botanical details and are all different: a hundred different pieces in total, quite unique in Belgium!

Welcome to the Escale forestière... Now take off your shoes and enjoy this incredible path through the forest, meant to be walked on bare foot to focus on sensations.

Au Petit Canteleu is a guesthouse nestled in a lovely stone house, typical of the region. Located in a peaceful hamlet in the province of Mons, awarded 3 épis for its quality, it is a mere 500 m from the Château de Beloeil. visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/au-petit-canteleu-guesthouse-beloeil

Spend an afternoon at the Brasserie des Carrières in the province of Hainaut to taste a delicious Diôle beer: lager, dark, amber or fruity. Fantastic!

lebbcomptoir.be

www.brassetemps.be/

Every detail of the design has been carefully considered with guests' well-being in mind, down to the sound levels and the flow of people between each area. This approach extends to the furnishings and layout of the rooms, where the most appropriate colours, lines and materials have been combined with a subtle use of light to showcase the art at its best. utopia-hotel.com/en

Compagnons 11, located in one of the oldest streets in the historical centre of Mons, is a friendly, welcoming guesthouse. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/compagnons-11-guesthouse-mons

This 3-star Ibis is ideally located by Mons station and only a few minutes walk from the main attractions in town. Its pleasant, comfortable rooms guarantee the perfect stay. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/ibis-mons-centre-gare-hotel

The Hotel Infotel is a unique combination of historical charm and contemporary comfort in the historic centre of Mons. Its the only hotel located in the heart of the most beautiful area of ​​Mons, just a stone's throw from the Grand Place. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/hotel-infotel-monsin-most-beautful-area-mons

The treasury at the Saint Waudru collegiate church in Mons houses a beautiful collection of silver and gold religious icons: statues, paintings and ancient manuscripts dating from the 12th-19th centuries. The church is built in Gothic style Brabant from the 15th to the 17th centuries, with splendid alabaster statues of Jacques du Broeucq) and high windows of 1510-1511. Read more

Just 6 km from Mons, the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes or SILEX'S, listed by UNESCO, are well worth a visit... walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/silexs-mons-neolithic-flint-mines-spiennes

The Dream welcomes you in the heart of a beautiful neo-Gothic chapel dating from the nineteenth century, beautifully renovated. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/content/hotel-dream-mons

The treasury at the Saint Waudru collegiate church in Mons houses a beautiful collection of silver and gold religious icons: statues, paintings and ancient manuscripts dating from the 12th-19th centuries. The church is built in Gothic style Brabant from the 15th to the 17th centuries, with splendid alabaster statues of Jacques du Broeucq) and high windows of 1510-1511.