Mons: A Hidden Gem in Belgium

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwa / day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [ko-mohn sah va]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• 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 vwahr luh muh-nyuh, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay vooz-ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• 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 zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [seez]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor la kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ....)]

Mons, located in the Walloon region of Belgium, has roots dating back to the Neolithic period. The area was first settled by the Nervii, a Belgic tribe, before becoming a Roman settlement known as Castrum Cuesmes. This early establishment laid the groundwork for the city's long and vibrant history.

During the Middle Ages, Mons flourished as a key trading hub. It became the capital of the County of Hainaut, a significant feudal territory. The construction of the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru in the 15th century underlined Mons' importance. This Gothic masterpiece still stands today, showcasing the city's medieval architectural prowess.

The late 17th century was a turbulent period for Mons, marked notably by the Siege of Mons in 1691 during the Nine Years' War. The city was besieged by French forces under the command of King Louis XIV. Despite a formidable defense, Mons fell to the French, signifying a major shift in control and influence in the region.

The 19th century brought industrialization to Mons, transforming it into a bustling center for coal mining and steel production. This era of economic prosperity drew workers from across Europe, contributing to the city’s diverse cultural tapestry. The Grand-Hornu mining complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to this transformative period.

Mons is historically significant for the Battle of Mons, the first major engagement between British and German forces during World War I, occurring in August 1914. Although the British Expeditionary Force was eventually forced to retreat, their resistance had a lasting impact on the war's early stages. The St. Symphorien Military Cemetery near Mons serves as a poignant reminder of this conflict.

Mons again found itself at the heart of conflict during World War II. In September 1944, the city was liberated by American forces during the Western Allies' advance into German-occupied Belgium. This liberation is commemorated annually, highlighting Mons' resilience and strategic importance during global conflicts.

Mons was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2015, sparking a cultural renaissance. This recognition led to a surge in artistic and cultural activities, with numerous festivals, exhibitions, and performances enhancing the city's vibrant cultural scene. The opening of the Mons Memorial Museum and the renovation of historic sites have further cemented Mons' status as a cultural beacon.

Mons, located in the Walloon region of Belgium, is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), located approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Mons, which typically takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or rental car from the airport. Mons is also well-connected by train to other major Belgian cities such as Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, making it easy to reach by rail.

Mons is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, the city offers an efficient public transport system, including buses operated by TEC (Transport en Commun). Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For those who prefer cycling, Mons has several bike rental services. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient option.

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Mons. ATMs are plentiful and can be found in most parts of the city, so withdrawing cash is usually straightforward. However, it is always good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments or market purchases.

Mons is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places such as markets and public transport. While Mons does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to remain vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services in Belgium. Mons has several hospitals and clinics, including CHU Ambroise Paré, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual attire such as flip-flops or beachwear in urban settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and stay quiet inside religious buildings. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses. Don't eat, drink, or speak loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Always say 'Bonjour' (Good day) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) when entering shops or restaurants. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'Moule-frites' and 'Tarte au riz'. Don't rush meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Belgium.

To experience Mons like a local, visit the weekly market at Grand-Place on Friday mornings where you can buy fresh produce and local products. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share information about the city's history and culture. Don't miss out on visiting the Belfry of Mons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoying a stroll through the beautiful Parc du Waux-Hall. For a unique gastronomic experience, try some of the local beers and cheeses at a traditional Belgian brasserie.