Mons is the capital of Hainaut and, since 2015, holds a European Capital of Culture legacy. The city has two UNESCO World Heritage listings — the Belfry (one of the 56 belfries of Belgium and France recognised together) and the annual Doudou procession. For wheelchair users, Mons is a surprisingly good destination: a compact historic centre, a station rebuilt in 2024 with adapted platforms and a lift, and a Grand-Place with largely smooth cobbles since its 2018 redevelopment.
Beforehand: practical tips
- Train journey: Mons lies on the main Brussels-Quievrain line. From Brussels Central in 60 minutes with booked assistance. Reserve NMBS assistance at least 3 hours in advance — see our step-by-step guide.
- By car: use the Parking de la Place Nervienne or the Parking Grand-Place — both with adapted bays and a lift to street level, within wheelchair distance of the Grand-Place.
- Hotel: for those staying overnight: Hotel Dream Mons (in a restored 16th-century chapel, step-free), or Van der Valk Mons just outside the centre.
9.30am — Arrival and first break
Arrival at the fully renovated Mons station. The station forecourt is flat and step-free, with an adapted taxi rank. From here you roll in 10-15 minutes via the Avenue Frere-Orban and the Boulevard Dolez to the Grand-Place. The main route has flat concrete paving slabs.
10.30am — Grand-Place and the Town Hall
The Grand-Place of Mons was redeveloped in 2018 with smooth cobbles — a major improvement for wheelchair users. The late-Gothic Town Hall (15th century) has a step-free side entrance on the Rue Mareschal for the adapted visitor route; the main staircase is not accessible. On the square stands the famous Singe du Grand-Garde statue — a monkey figure whose head, legend has it, brings luck when touched.
On one corner of the square sits Mons in Motion — a visitor centre with information about the city and its traditions. Fully step-free.
11.30am — Belfry and Sainte-Waudru
The Belfry of Mons has been on the UNESCO list since 2015 and is unique of its kind — a Baroque belfry, not medieval like the other belfries in Belgium. For wheelchair users: the lift runs up to the viewing platform following the 2015 renovation (extended in 2018). The uppermost deck is reached via 12 steps, where accessibility ends. The view over Mons and the Borinage is spectacular.
A few minutes' roll away stands the Sainte-Waudru Collegiate Church — a masterpiece of Brabantine High Gothic. Adapted side entrance, ground floor fully accessible, treasury museum partly reached by lift. The annual Doudou procession is consecrated here.
1.00pm — Lunch in the centre
For lunch:
- Brasserie des Templiers — classic brasserie on the Grand-Place, step-free entrance, spacious ground-floor room.
- Brasserie Grand-Place Mons — terrace with a view of the Belfry.
- Le Mirage Mons — more contemporary, within wheelchair distance of the centre.
2.30pm — BAM and the Mons Memorial Museum
Two top museums within wheelchair distance of each other:
BAM (Beaux-Arts Mons)
BAM Mons is housed in a restored 19th-century chateau building. The main route has been fully step-free since the 2014 renovation, with a lift serving every floor. Contemporary exhibitions plus a collection of Hainaut artists.
Mons Memorial Museum
The Mons Memorial Museum on the Place du Parc covers the two world wars from a Mons perspective (the city was the first and the last place where British troops fought in WWI). Fully step-free following its 2014 renovation.
5.00pm — A break or a nature stroll
For an afternoon break: Parc du Chateau, the city park on the hill with adapted paths and a view over the Borinage. Or, weather permitting: roll out to Parc du Mont-Panisel just outside the centre — surfaced paths, peaceful, ideal for a real breather.
7.00pm — Dinner or departure
For dinner: Restaurant Borinage (refined cuisine, step-free), Le Jardin de la Gourmandise (Mediterranean), or Brasserie Ethica (modern). For those rolling back: the station is 10 minutes away and the NMBS train delivers you to Brussels in 60 minutes.
What we don't recommend
- Climbing the Belfry all the way to the top (final 12 steps via staircase)
- Rue de la Coupe on market days (narrow, stalls make passage tricky)
- Attending the Doudou procession itself from the square without booking early — the crowds are enormous; ask VisitMons about adapted stands
Finally
Mons is an excellent Wallonia city break for those wanting a change from the busier Brussels or Antwerp routes. UNESCO heritage, two strong museums, a renovated centre and well wheelchair-accessible routes make it a logical pairing with our other Wallonia pillar in Namur or a day in Dinant.
Visiting Mons yourself? Share your experience or click "Have you experienced wheelchair access here?" at the bottom of every location page.