Hainaut, Belgium Travel Guide

Explore Hainaut in Belgium, a province rich in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture with medieval towns, UNESCO sites, and lively festivals.

Hainaut, located in the western part of Belgium, offers a blend of rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. The province is renowned for its charming medieval towns, stunning cathedrals, and grand castles. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Belfry of Mons and the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes, which provide a glimpse into the region's ancient past. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Hainaut. The beautiful countryside is perfect for hiking, cycling, and nature walks. The region's parks and nature reserves, such as the Avesnois Regional Nature Park, offer tranquil settings and breathtaking landscapes. For those interested in industrial heritage, the Grand-Hornu and Bois-du-Luc mining sites offer fascinating insights into the area's mining history. Hainaut is also known for its lively festivals and cultural events. The Doudou festival in Mons, with its dragon-slaying reenactment, is a must-see. The local cuisine is another highlight, featuring delicious Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolate, and beer. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the local flavors, Hainaut has something for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hainaut.

Visit the Belfry of Mons early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best views.
Try the local beer and chocolate at the smaller, family-owned shops for a more authentic experience.
Check the festival dates in advance, especially the Doudou festival, to make the most of your visit.
Rent a bike to explore the scenic countryside and nature parks at your own pace.
Take a guided tour of the Neolithic flint mines in Spiennes for an educational and memorable experience.

Top City Travel Guides in Hainaut

The cities of Hainaut, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Brussels

Ghent

Dinant

Namur

Leuven

Destinations in Hainaut

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Flemish Ardennes

Hainaut Hills

Leuvense Vaart

Explore Hainaut: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Hainaut

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Best Attractions

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Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences

Explore the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of natural history and biodiversity.

4.5

Lion's Mound

Explore the Lion's Mound, a significant historical landmark in Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium, commemorating the iconic Battle of Waterloo with stunning views and rich history.

4.3

Zoo Maubeuge

Explore the fascinating world of wildlife at Zoo Maubeuge, a beautiful park and zoo that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

4.2

Province domain Huizingen

Discover the enchanting Province Domain Huizingen, a beautiful park in Beersel, Belgium, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

4.4

Best landmarks in Hainaut

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Grand Place

Experience the enchanting beauty of Grand Place in Brussels, where history, architecture, and vibrant culture come together in a stunning central plaza.

4.7

Atomium

Discover the Atomium, a breathtaking icon of Brussels that offers cultural exhibitions and panoramic views from its unique architectural design.

4.4

Manneken Pis

Experience the charm of Manneken Pis, Brussels' whimsical fountain and a beloved symbol of Belgian culture, humor, and tradition.

3.9

Gravensteen

Explore Gravensteen Castle, a stunning medieval fortress in Ghent, Belgium, rich in history and breathtaking views of the city.

4.6

Best restaurants in Hainaut

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Le Mulino Bianco

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Le Mulino Bianco in Le Rœulx—where every meal is a journey through Italy's rich culinary heritage.

4.4

Le Sel et Poivre

Experience the exquisite fusion of Italian and French cuisine at Le Sel et Poivre in Charleroi - where every meal tells a delicious story.

4.3

Portus Cale

Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Portus Cale in Charleroi – where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

4.6

Il Trulletto

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Il Trulletto in Charleroi—home to exquisite pizzas and traditional dishes crafted with passion.

4.4

Best bars in Hainaut

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Nirvana Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and diverse drink offerings at Nirvana Bar, the heartbeat of Charleroi's nightlife.

4.3

La Rhumerie

Experience the vibrant tropical ambiance of La Rhumerie in Charleroi, a rum lover's paradise offering a unique bar experience.

4.6

Le Carolopolitan

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Le Carolopolitan, Charleroi's premier bar offering exquisite drinks and a cozy atmosphere.

4.8

L'Alhambar

Discover L'Alhambar, Mons' premier cocktail bar, where creative concoctions and vibrant atmosphere come together for an unforgettable night out.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Hainaut

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Meta Club - Tournai

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Tournai at Meta Club, where music, dancing, and excitement come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.0

Cap'tain

Experience the vibrant energy of Cap'tain, Rumes' premier night club, where music, dance, and unforgettable nights come together.

4.4

Dancing '' Les Arcades'

Unleash your dancing spirit at Dancing 'Les Arcades' – Tournai's ultimate disco club for music, karaoke, and unforgettable nights.

4.2

Le RETRO Discothèque

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Le RETRO Discothèque in Gembloux, where music, dance, and good vibes come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Best shops in Hainaut

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Les Grands Prés

Explore Les Grands Prés in Mons, Belgium: A vibrant shopping mall with diverse stores, dining options, and entertainment for the whole family.

4.2

Rive Gauche

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Rive Gauche in Charleroi, Belgium, where fashion, dining, and entertainment come together.

4.0

Shopping Nivelles

Explore Shopping Nivelles, Belgium's vibrant shopping mall with diverse stores, dining, and entertainment for an unforgettable retail experience.

4.2

Shopping les Bastions

Discover Shopping Les Bastions in Tournai, a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment that offers a unique blend of local and international brands.

4.2

Explore Hainaut on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Hainaut, mapped for you.

Hainaut Essentials

Hainaut, located in the Wallonia region of Belgium, is accessible via multiple transportation options. The nearest major international airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 70 kilometers away. From Brussels, you can take a train directly to major cities in Hainaut such as Mons or Charleroi. The train journey from Brussels to Mons takes about 1 hour, while the journey to Charleroi takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, Charleroi Airport (CRL) offers budget flight options and is closer to Hainaut. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your destination within the region.
Public transportation in Hainaut is well-developed and includes trains, buses, and trams. The Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB/NMBS) operates frequent trains connecting major cities and towns. TEC (Transport en Commun) provides bus and tram services within the region. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. For more flexibility, renting a car can be a practical option, especially for exploring rural areas and historical sites. Biking is another popular mode of transportation, with several well-marked cycling routes.
Belgium uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or when visiting rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns throughout Hainaut. Contactless payments and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly common.
Hainaut is generally a safe region for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to remain vigilant. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Charleroi has some areas with higher crime rates, particularly around the train station, so it is advisable to stay alert and avoid walking alone at night in these areas. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical services. Major hospitals and medical facilities are available in cities like Mons and Charleroi. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, consult a local pharmacy for advice and assistance.
Fashion: Do dress smartly and comfortably, especially when visiting cities and cultural sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious customs and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respect seating arrangements. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be open to new culinary experiences. Don’t rush meals, as dining is often a leisurely social activity.
To experience Hainaut like a local, explore the local markets such as the Marché aux Herbes in Mons, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals who are often eager to share their knowledge of the region's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting historical sites such as the Grand-Hornu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Belfry of Mons. For a unique experience, attend local festivals and events, which offer a glimpse into the region's vibrant traditions.

When is the best time to visit Hainaut?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Hainaut

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Hainaut. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSalut
  [sah-loo]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byahn. eh voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwah leuh meh-nu, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh su-kour]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leess]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uhn may-deh-seen]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zoost]
- How much is it?C'est combien?
  [seh kohm-byen]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [seh troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say leuh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh ewn uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr eh duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-manh]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [trwah]
- 4Quatre
  [katr]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [seht]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
  [oo eh uhn/oon]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh pro-shen (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un ticket (pour ...)
  [uhn tee-kay (poor ...)]

History of Hainaut

Hainaut's history dates back to the early Middle Ages, when it was established as a county in the Carolingian Empire. The County of Hainaut became a significant feudal entity in the region, known for its strategic location and economic prosperity. The county played a crucial role during the feudal period, often involved in territorial disputes and alliances with neighboring regions.
The Battle of Mons, fought on August 23, 1914, was one of the first major battles of World War I. Located near the city of Mons in Hainaut, British and German forces clashed in a fierce engagement. The British Expeditionary Force managed a strategic retreat, but the battle marked the beginning of the Great War's Western Front. The city of Mons is remembered for the bravery of the soldiers and the heavy toll the battle took on both sides.
Hainaut experienced significant industrial growth during the 19th century, particularly in coal mining. The region's rich coal deposits fueled Belgium's industrialization, leading to the development of numerous mines and industrial complexes. The mining heritage is still evident today in sites like the Grand-Hornu, a former coal mining complex that has been transformed into a cultural and architectural landmark, showcasing Hainaut's industrial past.
Hainaut boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight its cultural and historical significance. The Belfry of Mons, part of the Belfries of Belgium and France, is a stunning example of medieval architecture. The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes, dating back to 4000 BC, are among the oldest and largest ancient mining sites in Europe. These sites provide a glimpse into the region's rich and varied history.
The Collegiate Church of Saint Waudru in Mons is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, started in the 15th century and completed in the 17th century. It houses an impressive collection of religious art, including sculptures by Jacques Du Broeucq and stained glass windows from the 16th century. The church is a testament to the region's religious and artistic heritage.
The Ducasse de Mons, also known as Doudou, is a traditional festival held annually in Mons. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the festival features the reenactment of Saint George slaying the dragon, known as the 'Lumeçon.' This event, along with processions and various celebrations, reflects the deep-rooted folklore and communal spirit of the people of Hainaut.
Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous painters in history, spent a formative period of his life in the Borinage region of Hainaut. During his stay, he worked as a preacher and missionary before fully dedicating himself to art. The Van Gogh House in Cuesmes, where he lived, is now a museum that offers insights into his early life and the profound impact the region had on his artistic development.