Routes (48)

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• Boussu, au fil de l'eau

  A route that glides along the Haine, in the heart of a wetland, on of the most unexpected natural reserves in this industrial region. Start in the greenery of the park of the Boussu chateau where there is a magnificent reed bed. Here we are in the heart of a wetland of over 760 ha that the water board will allow to dry out. Continue this tour along the water, cutting through the levees – with natural filtration, the Saubin is a good example of natural clean up. From these peaceful landscapes, we return to the most austere tailing dumps of shafts 7 and 8 of Hornu. These black mountains, immense, witness to the mining activities that prevailed there. Like the RAVeL along the old Warquignies station, which housed all the skips from the mines – 42 tracks, rotary hubs – nothing is left... Just before reaching the centre, a short detour to the left brings us to the Desevaux brewery.

  • 
    03 h 30 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 10.52 km

• Jurbise - Beautiful Countryside

  Jurbise, a few kilometres to the north of Mons, is not short on charm with Moustier castle, the starting point of this ride. From the town hall, the route snakes through fields: small niches and chapels mark out the way to Egmont castle, from the late Middle Ages. On its foundations, a monastic community established a priory, slightly removed from the world. It is true that on these rearranged routes you get a calm soothing feeling. You silently cycle over bitumen to Herchies. There, a tree of nails stands proudly from a legacy of popular beliefs. Put up in the 1950s, it is the worthy heir of the missing oak, which is more than four centuries old. From the village, you pass through a rural landscape including the hamlets of Gernante and Petite Vacresse, which are peaceful and undoubtedly offer a great quality of life to their inhabitants. At Erbisoeul, leave the road on the right leading to Jurbise golf course, one of the oldest in Belgium and designed at the time by the English garden architect Simpson. The return to Jurbise goes along country roads which are unknown and yet very rural.

  • 
    01 h 50 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 17.65 km

• Mons, Green Routes

  Join the MAC'S by taking the former railway lines, which have become green routes at the heart of the former collieries. Follow the steep fall from the Grand Place to join the suburbs surrounding the ancient city. Your wheels will lead you to the heart of the Borinage. The old railway lines which once transported coal have become wonderful escape routes in an urban landscape marked by its industrial past. From Cuesmes ride along line 98 as far as Flénu where a signal box leading to Quiévrain was once located. Ride alongside the Pâturages station where a young man put down his bag in 1878. Van Gogh stayed in the Borinage almost two years to find artistic expression. Continue along this line, which at the time was full of noise and smoke from the continued cartage of trains carrying coal from the mining sites. You are finally in the Grand-Hornu, testifying to the start of the Industrial Revolution. It is an exceptional structure designated as a UnEsCo World Heritage site which includes the MAC Musée des Arts Contemporains and the CID Centre d’Innovation et de Design, one of the poles of artistic creation in Belgium.

  • 
    03 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 27.63 km

• The Doudou route

  Follow in the footsteps of Saint George and the dragon through the symbolic architectural and artistic heritage sites of Mons.

  • 
    01 h 30 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 1.33 km

• Mons, UNESCO Route

  Leave Mons to discover remarkable sites marked as UNESCO world heritage sites. Cycling is a wonderful machine for going back in time! It allows you to reach and gently discover places steeped in a moving history, at your own pace. This mild morning in Mons, there’s a great atmosphere. You’re far from the Borinage stereotypes: the city has changed and it shows in its urban development and its plethora of museums. From the Grand Place, your bike will take you to the belfry and Mundaneum in a few pedal strokes. Continue to discover this heritage along the RAVeL towards the Grand Hornu. On approach to the site, you will enter another world, as if you’d opened some scenery doors built for the glory of capitalism. The Grand Hornu is isolated from the world on purpose. Everything has been thought up and designed for productivity. You can feel the historical significance of these places, as if cycling allowed you to immerse yourself, to take the time to observe and feel these places...

  • 
    03 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 26.84 km

• Shopping - The food lover’s walk

  Take this shopping tour and treat your taste buds to the gourmet foods on sale!

  • 
    02 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 2.05 km

• Ouvrir les Murs - Circuit Gare

  Dans ce deuxième parcours "Ouvrir les murs", nous mettrons en évidence les aspects liés à la présence militaire, aux équipements collectifs, à la gare et à la liaison gare-Grand-Place. Un autre circuit est consacré à l’habitat, à la rivière, l’eau potable et l’hygiène, et à l’espace du boulevard." Ce parcours a été mis au point par l’équipe de Sauvegarde et Avenir de Mons et d’Ouvrir les Murs, en liaison avec l’exposition de l’été 2015 et le livre : Mons 1865-2015, Ouvrir les Murs (édition Mardaga). Les rues du centre ville de Mons sont sinueuses, souvent étroites. Mons a en effet gardé en grande partie sa structure médiévale. Cette structure tranche avec celle des voiries proches des boulevards, larges et de structure rigoureuse, qui furent construites après le démantèlement en 1861-1865 des fortifications dites « hollandaises ». Dans ce deuxième parcours, nous mettrons en évidence les aspects liés à la présence militaire, aux équipements collectifs, à la gare et à la liaison gare-Grand-Place. Un autre circuit est consacré à l’habitat, à la rivière, l’eau potable et l’hygiène, et à l’espace du boulevard. Jusqu’en 1865, Mons, ville fortifiée, est restée enfermée dans des fortifications successives (françaises, autrichiennes, hollandaises...). De 1861 à 1865, le démantèlement des fortifications va offrir à la ville une vaste superficie pour son développement. Ce développement était souhaité depuis longtemps, et préparé dès le milieu du 19e s.. Ce parcours va vous faire percevoir l’importance de la présence militaire dans la ville au 19e s., la contrainte de la présence des équipements collectifs dans une ville où l’habitat est aussi dense, et les problématiques liées à l’arrivée du chemin de fer. La création d’un nouveau pôle économique, les questions liées au lien entre la Gare et la Grand-Place, et le problème de la création d’un nouveau mur pour la ville, celui des voies de chemin de fer sont aussi abordés. Nous verrons comment la Ville a abordé ces problèmes et comment aujourd’hui encore, certains de ces problèmes cherchent encore des solutions. Nous passerons d’abord par le Marché-aux-Herbes, centre d’activité économique très important, rejoindrons la Croix-Place pour voir l’ampleur de la caserne Major Sabbe (ex- Guillaume), le quartier de la Grande Pêcherie, puis toute la zone de la ville qui était occupée par l’armée et par les hospices. Nous rejoindrons l’ancien tracé de la rivière Trouille, puis le quartier de la gare, où nous verrons l’importance économique de ce quartier depuis l’arrivée du chemin de fer. Nous reviendrons vers la Grand-Place en passant au pied du Beffroi, où se trouvaient l’Asile et la prison.

  • 
    02 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 2.58 km

• Quiévrain, at the country's edge

  A route that takes in the traces of a rich history, unique to these cross-border regions. Leave Quiévrain by taking the RAVeL, a former railway line, which in the 19th and early 20th centuries was the economic artery of Borinage where coal transited. At the wind farm, the route forks and descends down to the Hauts-Pays. The flags in the landscape mark the memorial of the terrible Battle of Audregnies, in August 1914. Here is Audregnies and its magnificent treed square, the largest in Belgium. And the Dufrasnes bakery fits perfectly in this little village. Having slipped a loaf of delicious artisan bread into the backpack for a picnic, we return to the frontier, following the age-old path, one of seven Chaussées de Brunehaut which crisscrossed a whole section of Europe in the Middle Ages. Roads that united people before letters... And Quiévrain, at the gates of France, is at their crossroads.

  • 
    04 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 10.15 km

• Frameries, land of memories

  Magnificent route through the mining countryside of Borinage, today become green and very nice. Soon after leaving the PASS, we come into a land steeped in history. In the 19th century, Borinage experienced its incredible Industrial Revolution. In 23 mines and 63 shafts, 20,000 workers laboured in difficult conditions. Seeing the remains on the road, such as this slag heap of Belle Couple, our imagination lets use delve in this other time. Further on, the trail meanders around a birch grove, covering a former colliery. At the edge, fields and meadows lead us towards little houses that seem crushed by the mass of the Héribus slag heap. On the slope, butterflies and birds circle around us. Today, the slag heaps are havens of peace for wild fauna and flora. Nature has provided a sweet revenge for the work of men...

  • 
    05 h 00 m

    hard

  Longueur du parcours: 16.22 km

• Moneuse route: the fall of a bandit, the birth of a legend - Quévy

  This route takes you in the footsteps of Antoine-Joseph Moneuse, the famous bandit and Captain of the Chauffeurs du Nord (heater uppers from the North of France and Belgium). Here we will focus on this character’s downfall, from his arrest at Quévy-le-Petit through his sentences in Mons and Douai up to his execution on 18 June 1798. But Moneuse’s story doesn’t stop at his death. It is only beginning thanks to popular legend. Here we will focus on the festival in Beria, a local folklore largely inspired by Moneuse, which takes place every year in Quévy-le-Petit. Have a good walk and watch out... Bandits are about. The route follows that of the Beria one, created by not-for-profit organisation Petit Kévy with the support of Hauts-Pays natural park. Marker points and information signs are in place. Route created and put together by Hauts-Pays natural park Illustrations Claude Renard

  • 
    01 h 00 m

    medium
  • 
    30 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 4.71 km

• Parcours-découverte de Saint-Symphorien

  Venez découvrir le village dans ses coins les plus inattendus

  • 
    02 h 00 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 6.42 km

• In the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh in the Borinage

  From the “Maison du Marais” in Cuesmes to the former “Marcasse” coalmine in Colfontaine, explore Mons-Borinage and the sites visited by Van Gogh during his time in the region.

  • 
    03 h 00 m

    hard

  Longueur du parcours: 48.57 km

• Quevy, a Misunderstood Land

  Despite Quévy being so close to Mons, time seems to have stood still in this eternally charming place. The first few kilometres of this route snatch you into highly attractive countryside, with its long red brick farmhouses. Here they’re in harmony with the area’s soothing, calm side. You’ll be cycling with a smile on your lips as far as Aulnois. Hedges and groves still dot Quévy. The farms and streams you continuously cycle past will make you yearn after the next hamlet; you’ll be carried away by small roads that offer new scenery at each turn. It will change radically when you enter the Sars-la-Bruyère woods. Luckily, you’re riding and yellow spots dot the ground. Daffodils herald nature awakening. From Genly to Bougnies, the sun is already warming the atmosphere. At which point you’ll want to drop your bike and give yourself a nap in the middle of the field. It will be a well-deserved rest after this 30km ride through a little-known but interesting region.

  • 
    03 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 31.05 km

• Discovering the sanctuaries of abbeys

  Starting at Grand-Place, come and discover the former refuges (see the definition below): of the French Hasnon Abbey, a large building in the classic Mons style from the first half of the 18th Century; of Liessies Abbey, which dates back to 1633 and which was re-arranged in the 18th Century; of Bélian Abbey, a rich building erected circa 1775 according to plans drawn up by Charles-Emmanuel Fonson; of Aulne Abbey, established in the private mansion of the knights of the Order of Malta, in the second half of the 18th Century; of Bonne Espérance Abbey, a vast building featuring 18 spans on two coated levels from the middle of the 18th Century; of the Saint-Denis-en-Brocqueroie Abbey, a listed monument and a large Louis XIV of France-era building

  • 
    03 h 00 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 3.36 km

• Moneuse route: miller’s son - Quiévrain

  This route takes you in the footsteps of Antoine-Joseph Moneuse, the famous bandit and Captain of the Chauffeurs du Nord. You’ll go back to the figure’s origins, from his childhood in Saint-Vaast up to his arrival in our region. This will also be an opportunity to talk about the mills. Indeed, himself a miller’s son, Moneuse lived at a time when mills dotted our rural landscapes. Along the way, you’ll find some remnants of them but others have unfortunately completely disappeared. So you’ll sometimes have to close your eyes and use your imagination. Have a good walk and watch out... bandits are about. Route created and put together by Hauts Pays natural park Illustrations Claude Renard

  • 
    01 h 30 m

    medium
  • 
    45 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 5.9 km

• Shopping - Kids walk

  Take this shopping tour iwhere the spotlight is on the children!

  • 
    01 h 30 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 2.83 km

• Cycle route: Mons – SILEX'S – Mons

  This route designed by ProVélo and Mons’ Maison des Cyclistes cycling centre connects Mons’ Grand-Place to SILEX’S, the interpretation centre of the archaeological site of the Neolithic Mines of Spiennes, which are UNESCO classified. An exceptional site where going down a mine is the highlight of a trip (advance bookings is required, on 0032 65 39 59 39). The outward trip between Mons and SILEX’S is as direct as possible; the return offers you a slight detour through the low-traffic roads of villages in the immediate vicinity of Mons. A route designed by not-for-profit organisation PRO VÉLO Maison des Cyclistes du Hainaut (bike point) in Mons. Source: http://www.provelo.org/fr/tour/idees-balades/minieres-neolithiques-spiennes

  • 
    02 h 00 m

    medium

  Longueur du parcours: 17.89 km

• Discover the historic centre of Mons

  A city on a human scale with a thousand treasures waiting to be discovered. For those who want to see the main features, this walk will take you through the medieval lanes in the historic heart of Mons ... just follow the guide!

  • 
    02 h 00 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 1.5 km

• Ouvrir les murs - Circuit Dolez

  "Dans ce premier parcours "Ouvrir les murs", nous mettrons en évidence les aspects liés à l’habitat, à la rivière, l’eau potable et l’hygiène, et à l’espace du boulevard. Un autre circuit est consacré à la présence militaire, aux équipements collectifs, à la gare et à la liaison gare-Grand-Place. " Ce parcours a été mis au point par l'équipe de Sauvegarde et Avenir de Mons et d'Ouvrir les Murs, en liaison avec l'exposition de l'été 2015 et le livre : Mons 1865-2015, Ouvrir les Murs. Les rues du centre-ville de Mons sont sinueuses, souvent étroites. Mons a en effet gardé en grande partie sa structure médiévale. Cette structure rigoureuse, qui furent construites après le démantèlement en 1861-1865 des fortifications dites "hollandaises". Dans ce parcours, les aspects liés à l'habitat, la rivière, l'eau potable et l'hygiène et l'espace du boulevard seront mis en évidence. Jusqu'en 1865, Mons, ville fortifiée, est restée enfermée dans des fortifications successives (françaises, autrichiennes, hollandaises, ...). De 1861 à 1865, le démantèlement des fortifications va offrir à la ville une vaste superficie pour son développement. Ce développement, souhaité depuis longtemps, et préparé dès le milieu du 19e s., cherchait à résoudre de nombreux problèmes liés au manque d'espace et aux difficultés d'approvisionnement en eau potable. Le parcours va vous faire percevoir plusieurs de ces problèmes et comment la ville y a répondu, principalement dans les décennies qui ont suivi, mais aujourd'hui encore.

  • 
    02 h 00 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 2.78 km

• Quaregnon, a rich heritage

  A route through urban territory but which for which there is no lack of charm when it comes to climbing the La Flache slag heap. On Monday, Quaregnon is adorned with thousands of colours and fragrances – it’s market day! The stalls are filled with Italian, Moroccan and Turkish products that scent the air. Here beats a bit or the heart of the South. From the Town Square, where the old outline of the church is reproduced, let us go along these streets that have an interesting architectural heritage. An example is the community hall, built in 1939 adjacent to the tower of the Gothic church, dating from the 15th century. We climb or rather clamber up the La Flache slag heap, ending up at an altitude of over 100 m. At the peak, the view takes in a 360° panorama and you can see over 30 km! It also lets you see the size of the Grand-Hornu site. On our return, we go along the imposing Louis Pierard Stadium, erected in 1946. Return to the centre of Quaregnon where we delight in taking in a small Craquegnon (cheese).

  • 
    01 h 30 m

    easy

  Longueur du parcours: 7.29 km

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