Mons: A Perfect Base for Exploring the Region
One of the great advantages of staying in or around Mons is its central position within Belgium and close proximity to the French border. Within an hour or two by train or car, you can reach some of the most remarkable cities and landscapes in Western Europe. Here are the best day trip options, from quick hops to slightly longer excursions.
Brussels — 50 Minutes by Train
The Belgian capital is the most obvious and accessible day trip from Mons. Direct trains from Gare de Mons reach Brussels-Midi in roughly 50 minutes, making it entirely feasible to spend a full day exploring the city and return to Mons in the evening.
Highlights: The Grand-Place (arguably the most beautiful square in Europe), the Atomium, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Magritte Museum, the Manneken Pis, Ixelles neighbourhood cafés, and the European Quarter. A single day gives you enough time for the Grand-Place area, one or two museums, and a leisurely Belgian lunch.
Tournai — 40 Minutes by Train
Often overlooked, Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and well worth a visit. Its five-towered Romanesque cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest in northern Europe. The Grand-Place, the Pont des Trous (a 13th-century fortified bridge), and the excellent Fine Arts Museum (with works by Manet and Monet) make Tournai a highly rewarding half- or full-day excursion.
Travel tip: Combine Tournai with a stop in the charming market town of Ath on the return journey.
Ghent — 1.5 Hours by Train
Ghent is frequently cited as one of Belgium's most beautiful cities — and with good reason. Its medieval canal-side architecture, the monumental Saint Bavo's Cathedral (home to the Van Eyck altarpiece), the Gravensteen castle, and its vibrant student atmosphere make it a memorable destination. It's a longer day trip from Mons but absolutely worthwhile.
Namur — 1 Hour by Train
The capital of Wallonia, Namur sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers and is dominated by an imposing citadel. It's a relaxed, attractive city with excellent restaurants, a fine arts museum, and a gentler pace than Brussels. The surrounding area, known as the Namurois, is beautiful Wallonian countryside ideal for walking and cycling.
Lille, France — 1 Hour by Train
Just across the French border, Lille is a major French city with a vibrant cultural scene, outstanding Flemish-influenced architecture, and a reputation for excellent food and nightlife. The Vieille Bourse, the Palais des Beaux-Arts (one of France's best regional art museums), and the covered market at the Grand-Place are all highlights. Eurostar and TGV connections make Lille highly accessible from Mons.
The Hainaut Countryside & Canal du Centre
For those who prefer nature to city exploration, the countryside around Mons offers some lovely options. The Canal du Centre features four remarkable hydraulic boat lifts (ascenseurs hydrauliques) at La Louvière — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extraordinary feat of late 19th-century engineering. You can walk or cycle the canal towpath and watch the heritage lifts in operation. The surrounding Pays Noir (Black Country) landscape has been transformed since the coal-mining era, with parks, lakes, and nature reserves now in place.
Quick Reference: Day Trips from Mons
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | ~50 min (train) | City sightseeing, museums, food |
| Tournai | ~40 min (train) | History, architecture, art |
| Ghent | ~1.5 hrs (train) | Medieval city, Van Eyck, canals |
| Namur | ~1 hr (train) | Citadel, Wallonian cuisine, nature |
| Lille (France) | ~1 hr (train) | French culture, food, shopping |
| Canal du Centre | ~20 min (car) | UNESCO engineering, cycling, nature |