Hon-hergies, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

The gîte, Les Coquelicots, sleeps between 6 and 8 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Parc Naturel des Hauts Pays. The gîte boasts every modern convenience you could need on two floors. On the first floor there is a kitchen fitted with everything you might want, a bathroom, a sauna, a large reception area with a dining room and a double bedroom. On the second floor there are 2 double bedrooms as well as a second bathroom with a separate WC and a relaxation area with tourist information and books. If you fancy relaxing a bit, you can enjoy the terrace in the stunning garden, filled with flowers. A ping-pong table, bikes and kids’ games are also available. Jeanne and Benoît De Bisschop, the owners, look forward to welcoming you in their gîte on this farm in Audregnies. It’s in the centre of this picturesque village with very old roots that you will find their family-run farm, which grows all the main crops. Based in the Parc Naturel des Hauts-Pays, the gîte is the perfect base for all sorts of activities. If you’re interested in culture, history, fine food or folklore, the gîte is just under 30 kilometres from Mons and all of its rich heritage. If you’re into nature there’s plenty to do around here. Nestled in a lush green setting with enchanting valleys, meadows and fields with woodland bathed in a rainbow of seasonal colours, the region invites you to enjoy all of the beauty of untouched nature. The owners are delighted for you to explore their garden with its plants, vegetables and fruit trees grown naturally, as well as the local heritage, with a guided walk of the village and the surrounding area. Plus there are lots of local activities in the lovely country setting. The owners would be more than happy to tell you all about their work on the farm through the seasons. In the fields and woods, you can discover the natural riches of our region. There are also plenty of walking maps and information about local heritage, crafts food and drink for you to browse.

The gîte, L'Air Pur, sleeps between 2 and 4 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Parc Naturel des Hauts Pays. The gîte is the barn belonging to a former farmhouse, with a sofabed in the living room, a dining room that seats 6 people, a kitchen with a freezer, a woodburner, a bathroom with a separate WC and a bedroom. It also has a television and Wi-Fi. Outside, you can enjoy the terrace with an orchard, outdoor games, a barbecue and a ping-pong table. This lovely gîte is the prefect base from which to explore the colours and the flavours of the Haut-Pays. Lounge/dining r. (TV/antenna, sofa-bed 1x2 p., wood stove), kitchen (ceramic hobs, multifunctional oven), 1 bedr. (2x1 p., child's cot), bathr. (bathtub), sep. WC. Boxr. Landlord's washing machine available.Cradle and baby gear available on demand. Charges included.

Mons Card Partner: €3 discountClassified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since July 2012, Grand-Hornu a jewel of the European industrial heritage of the 19th century. Property of the Province of Hainaut since 1989, this historical landmark is today one of the most significant windows of contemporary art in Belgium. In addition to promoting the architectural riches of this unique site, the MACS and the CID teams focus their activities on contemporary art, offering large, high-quality international exhibitions of contemporary art and design. Guided tour available by reservation and audio guide rentals available. Free on the first Sunday and first Wednesday of each month for schools.

With capacity for two to four people, the bed & breakfast La Chrysalide welcomes you 5km from Mons. The room, fitted on the ground floor of a house in a cosy atmosphere, has a double bed, wifi and a private bathroom with shower. You can also enjoy the garden and terrace where the owners provide you with garden furniture, a barbecue, games for children and adults and bikes. In addition, a delicious and hearty breakfast with tea, coffee and water are offered to you in your bedroom. La Chrysalide is the ideal starting point for many activities such as visits to Havré Castle and Spiennes Mines, hiking or cycling in Malogne wood or on the Ravel L98 or GR 412 but also exploring the historic heart of Mons and all the cultural heritage of the city.

Mons Card Partner: Free breakfast Located on the ground floor of a charming house on the edge of the city centre, our unique bed & breakfast can accommodate up to four people in a 50m² area offering peace and privacy. The space presents itself as a suite facing the garden, and consists of a bright spacious main room and the comfort and amenities of a secondary bedroom incorporating two single beds on the ground, a seating area with Internet connection and fridge with free drinks and a separate Italian toilet and a shower room. We offer the option of a continental breakfast in the bedroom or the dining room. Garden access is reserved for you, as is a parking space.

In the centre of Mons, the Maison Losseau, a jewel of art nouveau, has undergone major restoration and enhancement work. The dwelling, as well as the adjacent buildings, are now accessible to the public. In the heart of this furnished house, listed as an exceptional Walloon Heritage Site associated with the famed architects Paul Saintenoy, Henri Sauvage and Charles Sarrazin, the floral decor is delicately decorated with mosaics, panelling, stained glass, inlaid parquet, cabinets, chandeliers and various objects.In addition to the listed house, that the lawyer Léon Losseau designed as “ideal, with all the technical improvements and artistic refinements”, the Province of Hainaut and the Losseau Foundation open the doors of an Interpretation Centre whose scenography, bringing to mind the world of the library and the cabinet of curiosities, lets you address the concerns and passions of Losseau, the art nouveau that he was fond of, his magnificent collection of medals and the episode of the discovery of the original edition of Une Saison en enfer by Rimbaud.On the second floor, a rich centre of Hainaut literature welcomes students, researchers and readers interested in the literature and history of Hainaut. With comfortable spaces for consultation and reading, an area devoted to comics and literature for young people, it also features collections by Léon Losseau, Charles Plisnier and Claire Lejeune, in a completely renovated environment open to the magnificent garden of the house.Guided tours in several languages upon reservation by email.

Located at the edge of the rural village of Grand-Reng, this charming old residence, which has been converted into guest rooms, will surprise you with the whimsy and creativity of its facilities. Enjoy the inviting interior of this manor home, the open fireplace during bad weather, the library, the spa and sauna and the body-massaging mattress. Hammocks, the enclosed garden and deckchairs are available on sunny days. Each season has its own appeal at Château Frankie! You can enjoy a generous brunch during your stay, including hot drinks, pastries, pancakes, eggs and a variety of other options.

Melliflor, a beekeeping educational farm to discover the world of bees. With family and friends, an activity for all, from 3 to 99 years of age

The Rampemont Castle-Farm is a piece of heritage situated in the Haut-Pays Nature Park. This enormous four-sided medieval-looking building has a unique pastoral charm thanks to the presence of farm animals and an exceptional medicinal plants garden. Rampemont is now the property of Mr. & Mrs. Schneider, who have been maintaining and restoring it for almost twenty years. Since then, it has been open to the public by appointment.

La Tour du Lait Buré, située à l’orée de la Forêt domaniale de Colfontaine, est un lieu chargé d’histoire. Au début des années 1900, Achille Tillier, architecte et fondateur de la brasserie Tillier, fait l’acquisition d’une pâture à la commune d’Eugies. Il construit alors, suivant ses plans, un bâtiment baptisé La Tour du Lait Buré (selon André Capron et Pierre Nisolle, auteurs d’Essai d’illustration du parler borain, « lait buré » signifierait « lait battu »). Le propriétaire installe dans ce lieu pittoresque un cabaret, qui se transformera rapidement en guinguette dans laquelle il décide de vendre ses diverses bières (Stout Cedar, Saison, Belge, Blanche, Grisette,…). À l’origine, cette bâtisse était pourvue d’une toiture plate permettant entre autres d’observer la nature, de chasser ou d’installer des musiciens (jusqu’à l’arrivée du tourne-disque qui remplacera l’orchestre après la Première Guerre Mondiale). Ce n’est qu’en 1955, que Victor-Léon et Léon-Willy Tillier, respectivement fils et petit-fils d’Achille Tillier, font réparer et modifier la toiture par une entreprise hollandaise pour lui donner une forme conique (toiture qui sera refaite une seconde fois dans les années 85). En septembre 1972, La Tour du Lait Buré est entièrement rénovée et inaugurée en présence du Collège Communal, dont le Député Bourgmestre Arthur Nazé. Cette rénovation permit d’installer notamment un comptoir construit en fonction de la forme circulaire de la taverne et de l’accès (central) à la cave à boissons, d’ajouter une annexe baptisée « Gambrinus » pouvant accueillir une vingtaine de personnes et d’aménager une terrasse et une aire de jeux. Depuis, La Tour du Lait Buré a conservé tout son charme et s’est transformée en un lieu rustique dans lequel il fait bon se reposer après une balade au cœur de la nature.

In a beautiful wooded and green setting, the sports and recreation centre of Belvédère has everything to keep visitors happy. Throughout your walk, the slag heap is an integral part of the recreation complex and all around it, a physical exercise course has been built. You can also take advantage of two tennis courts, as well as the very first natural swimming pool in Belgium: an independent pool composed of various layers of volcanic rock and vegetation allows the swimming pool to be filtered; it is as large as an Olympic swimming pool. With three depths and fun water jets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In the summer, feel free to take a dip.

  The house of the people in Dour, which is still used as such, was built by the architect Alphonse Van Craenenbroeck in 1928-1929, commissioned by the "Les Socialistes Réunis" cooperative company. The wish of the company was to provide a modern place for people to meet, where the recreational and festive side could take precedence over the commercial side. The building seeks to express the leadership role played by the cooperative. Making beautiful use of the language of Art Deco, the building is designed according to a triangular plan with a semi-octagonal outcrop housing a café. The café is lit by large windows with recessed frames and there is a terrace above with a balustrade. The gable façade features a tower at its centre capped by a geometric amortisement. This style is also used for the tops of the pilasters and gables on the three façades, as well as for the friezes with angular motifs that underlines the elevation. Originally, there was a performance auditorium, which is no longer there. The austerity of the façade with its marked vertical thrust is in contrast with the richness of the interior, both in terms of form and colour (frieze, exotic timber panelling, stained glass windows, etc.). The octagonal pillars are transformed into stylised palm trees and the ceiling is animated with moulded profiles. The ceiling reflects the floor with its red and white chequerboard pattern. Note the two entrance areas decorated with stained glass windows, the benches marrying the base of the pilasters and the geometric frieze decorating the upper part of the walls. Listed: 29-09-1982  

  The house of the people in Wihéries was inaugurated in 1922. It was built on the initiative of the "La Ruche Boraine" cooperative company (founded in 1902) by Maurice Mailleux (who was also the architect for the house of the people in Boussu). The building, which is right in the heart of the village, is striking for its generous size and its colour scheme (red and white bricks). Its classical structure features Art Nouveau decoration. The building is on two levels and takes up nine bays. The central section, with three bays, is flanked by two turrets rising to three levels and two wings, each of two bays. The building has a bâtière roof, with the exception of the turrets, which have roofs shaped like a beehive.  The sgraffito in the central bay illustrates this link to the world of bee-keeping. In fact a beehive is depicted in it, framed by scrolls under the words "Société coopérative". Under the bees are the words "La Ruche Boraine / Maison du peuple". Just below the balcony appear the words "Liberté", "égalité" and "Fraternité". Other sgraffiti depicting floral and plant motifs are also visible above the doors and windows on the ground floor. The house of the people once had a meeting room, reception room, café, room for selling bread, a bakery and a kitchen. The way the space is organised remains unchanged today, with the exception of the café which has been enlarged. Note the fanlights of the doors and windows alternating with yellow and green tinted glass. Listed: 29-09-1982  

Mons Card Partner: €0,50 discount 221 Rue Wilson in Colfontaine "I rented a small house in which I would really like to live absolutely alone but, for the moment, since Pa thought it preferable, and I did as well, that I stay with Denis, I only use it as a studio and as a place of work." (Vincent Van Gogh, writing to his brother Théo, letter dated 4 March 1879) It was in March 1879 that Vincent Van Gogh first refers to the house at 81 Rue du Petit Wasmes, which today is Rue Wilson in Colfontaine. Upon his arrival in the Borinage area (Mons is located in the east of this area) a few months earlier, in December 1878, the evangelist Benjamin Vanderhaegen quickly found this house for him. The house belonged to a baker by the name of Jean-Baptiste Denis and was to play an extremely significant role in the artist's career. It was there that he experienced his "companionship" with miners. He made coal-mining the subject of his first attempts at sketches. It was also in his house that he wrote letters to his brother that were to, like his reading, orientate his life towards an extraordinary artistic destiny. These precious things which allow us to piece together the character of Van Gogh and which are part of history, in conjunction with the fact that the places referred to are still in existence, serve to add to our duty to preserve the house which belonged to Denis, which remains one of the few things that bear witness to the presence of Van Gogh in the Borinage area, and in particular at Wasmes (a former village which is now part of Colfontaine). Just one year ago, only the façade of the house was in its original condition. The rest of the house necessitated meticulous reconstruction work which is made possible by existing visual source material. "Nearby the large, gloomy buildings of the Marcasse mine stood alone, isolated in the open field, that night conjuring up the huge bulk of Noah's ark as it must have looked in the terrible pouring rain and the darkness of the Flood, illuminated by a flash of lightning." (Vincent Van Gogh, writing to his brother Théo, letter dated 19 June 1879) Public-interest heritage. In general, what remains for us today of Van Gogh, apart of course from his oeuvre, are traces of his career in the form of buildings – the house where he was born in Groot Zundert, the vicarage in Nuenen, the house in Cuesmes, the hospital in Saint-Rémy and the inn at Auvers-sur-Oise. The "Van Gogh Europe" non-profit organisation was set up on 2 February 2012 and its aim is to virtually link the places where the artist lived. The house at Colfontaine has now just completed this "pilgrimage way". Because, for admirers of Van Gogh, the fact that the artist cites the house which was owned by Denis in his correspondence and at it wrote some of the most significant letters that he wrote in his life, authenticates the unique and irreplaceable character of it and only serves to increase the attractive force of the place for art enthusiasts. The former "Van Gogh residences" thus contribute to the brand image of, and, on a wider scale, to the standing the towns in question and generate a significant amount of visitors every year. The house will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. On weekdays if a booking has been made and for groups only – but not on Mondays and on Wednesday afternoons. You can also get to the Van Gogh house in Colfontaine with the Pass Van Gogh, that you can buy at visitMons or directly on this website, or via the Mons Card.

La maison du peuple de Pâturages a été inaugurée en août 1903 dans le centre du quartier ouvrier. À travers son administrateur, Louis Pépin, la coopérative ouvrière « Union, Progrès, économie » (fondée en 1885) demande à Eugène Bodson, architecte, d’édifier une maison du peuple. Celle-ci accueillera un café et une salle des fêtes ainsi que des bureaux et des salles de réunion. Progressivement, elle se dotera également d’une mercerie, d’une épicerie, d’un magasin d’aunage et, plus tard, d’un « Grand Magasin du Peuple ». Le bâtiment, imposant, est dominé par la ligne classique. Composé d’un double corps de sept travées qui s’élève sur deux niveaux, l’édifice est couvert d’une haute toiture d’ardoises artificielles. La travée centrale est mise en évidence par son balcon ainsi que par le fronton courbe qui coiffe le pignon. La façade néoclassique est caractérisée par le jeu entre frontons triangulaires et courbes ainsi que par les cordons moulurés et le faux appareil régulier. Épinglons l’opposition entre style historiciste, utilisation de matériaux très modernes (colonnettes métalliques) et décoration Art nouveau (ornements en coup de fouet). Les mots « Progrès » et « Union » apparaissent sur les sgraffites, situés sous les appuis de fenêtres de l’étage. On peut également remarquer le sgraffite central représentant le « Triomphe du travail », œuvre de Paul Cauchie, tout comme les deux portraits de César de Paepe et d’Alfred Defuisseaux. Monument classé : 28-10-1982  

What if you discovered the farm Pype-Lievens with Ingrid and Patrick? : They will be happy to immerse you in the core of their family farm. On the programme: -Guided tour of the farm and its facilities -Discover the animals and various types of breeding -Explanation of the product lines made with the milk from the farm -Explanation of the conservation of the silo and feeding the animals (very different in winter and summer) -Explanation of the standards and regulations updates -Tasting ice cream and yoghurt Only by appointment on Tuesday and Friday afternoon! From minimum 7 to maximum 25 persons Duration: 2 hours Price: € 2/person

A small family-owned craft brewery. All of the beers produced in our facilities are not filtered and refermented on yeast in the bottle. The adventure began with the parents, Pierre-Alex and Marie-Noëlle CARLIER - POURTOIS, the first brew took place on 24 March 1988. The eldest son, Kévin CARLIER, a biotechnology graduate is now at the head of the brewery with his wife Bérangère DESCHAMPS and his father-in-law Claude DESCHAMPS. The youngest son, Cédric CARLIER, with his wife Stéphanie JUSTE, both graduates of catering school, are at the head of the Restaurant le Fourquet, opposite the brewery. Regional dishes are prepared with local beers. The succession is assured with the two daughters of Kévin and Bérangère, Manon and Ninon, as well as the two sons of Cédric and Stéphanie, Ethan and Mathys. Brewing and bottling of artisanal unfiltered beers, refermented in the bottle on yeast:-the Moneuse, a clear amber beer, pure malt. -the Moneuse Spéciale Noël, a dark amber beer, pure malt. -the Saison d'Epeautre, a blonde beer, from wheat. -the Darbyste, a golden beer, based on figs. -the Vermontoise, a blonde beer, with pronounced bitterness, and a light aftertaste of lemon. Visits are organised on appointment. The opportunity to learn more about brewing and taste a few products. And why not take a few bottles home?

A little village in the heart of the country, just a few minutes from Mons and 15 kilometres from Bavay (France), Les Gourmands, in Blaregnies, wishes you a very warm welcome! In a peaceful, welcoming setting, Les Gourmands invites you to relax, with your family or friends. Two people share the work in the kitchen. Didier Bernard creates the impressive, tantalising dishes that will give your taste buds a real treat, followed by the most mouth-watering desserts you can imagine prepared by Lydia Glacé. Front of house and in charge of drinks, Carlo Zecchin, Premier Sommelier de Belgique, is the man responsible for an amazing cellar with around 1,500 bottles.

The sandwich shop La Tartine was created in Wasmes in 2012. Other La Tartine sandwich shops later opened their doors in Hornu (2013) and Dour (2015). The map has mushroomed over the years. Each proposal is worked with culinary finesse. The pursuit of quality is our motto. For MONS 2015, the Van Gogh sandwich was prepared in a “painter’s canvas” atmosphere. The sandwich is made up of cranberry jam, tricolor salad, chicory leaves, roast beef, sunflower seeds and cranberries in syrup.

"Freshness, simplicity and diversity" have been the values behind their cuisine for almost seven years now. Located in the largest tree-filled square in Belgium, you will easily find space to enable you to stop off there and to come and enjoy our Greek culinary specialities. In a warm and cosy atmosphere, in a setting in which the decoration has been freshened up, thanks to professional hosting, you will be able to discover freshly-prepared dishes straight made to order at the foot of the Acropolis or sip an ouzo while biting into feta with that lovely taste of Kolymbari olive oil with an uninterrupted view of the town of Oia in Santorini. Place 31 specialises in grilled dishes, and all dishes are carefully home-made. Dolmades, soutzoukakia, keftedes, kokalakia giouvetsi, to mention but a few: names that will surely remind you of pleasant evenings spent on holidays in Greece. Place 31: an opportunity to go back to Greece, without even having to get on a plane! Take advantage of this chance to visit the Haut Pays area, which is less than 20 minutes from Mons. Place 31 has two outdoor seating areas and a private garden.

Located in Château de Roisin, the Les Tourelles restaurant offers regional cuisine in a romantic setting. Housed in the castle’s outbuildings, this charming place will accommodate your banquets and retreats or meals with loved ones or friends. You’ll be welcomed by Philippe Maire and his team, including Michel Dubeaumont at the furnace, who spoil those who like to eat well. Jugged hare and hare fillet, noisette of venison, minced pheasant, roast wild boar, Roisin lamb (family bred), local produce (snails and cheese) are often on the menu. A paved courtyard, terrace, lawns and large car park make for a unique, harmonious whole in a warm atmosphere of times gone by. Bar open on Thursday afternoon for visits and estimates.

The gîte, Le Montagnard, sleeps between 6 and 8 people and welcomes you to the heart of the Parc Naturel des Hauts Pays. Lovingly decorated, the gîte has a living/dining room, a kitchen equipped with everything you need, a bathroom and a shower room with 2 separate WCs, 3 bedrooms, a utility room and a garage. You can also enjoy the garden and terrace with a barbecue and games for the kids. In an enchanting setting, the gîte is the perfect starting point for lots of activities in the great outdoors. Whether you’re into mountain biking or hiking, you can explore this lush green setting in the heart of the Parc Naturel des Hauts Pays. Check out the RaVEL routes and soak up the well-protected diversity of nature.