The 9 things to do in the province of Hainaut

Are you planning to visit the province of Hainaut? So here are the 9 things to do in this beautiful Belgian region.

Located in the West of Belgium, in the Walloon region, the province of Hainaut is full of assets. Between charming cities with architectural steeples classified at Unesco, castles, religious monuments and many museums, you will not miss what to visit in the province of Hailnaut!

The region will also be perfect for outdoor activities, thanks to its preserved landscapes, inviting to discover nature. Without forgetting of course folklore and traditions, typical of this region.

Are you planning to explore this area? We have prepared in this article the 9 essential things to do in the province of Hainaut during your stay!

1. Cities

When you go to Hawaii, you will see that several cities have a rich historical and architectural heritage. You may not have the time to see everything, so we have concocted an overview of the main cities to discover.

Mons

Mons is the chief town of the province of Hainaut and former residence of the Counts of Hainaut. It is a town of character and a walk on the paved streets to admire the emblematic buildings will be appreciable. It will be an opportunity to discover the belfry, the collegial of Sainte-Waudru or the Grand Place, close to the Mayeur garden.

Tournai

Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, for twice a millennium. Among the emblematic and unmissable monuments are the cathedral and the belfry, both classified at Unesco. But there are also other monuments to see, such as the Pont des Trous (XIIIth century), the city hotel, the hall with sheets and the concierge, as well as the vestiges of the ramparts.

Charleroi

Charleroi is the capital of the band-dessinée. It is also known for its museums, including the Musée de la Photographie, the Bois du Cazier, a cultural site in a former industrial place, or the Musée des beaux-arts and the BPS22. In the historic heart, visitors will be able to observe its beautiful belfry, as well as the building of the city hotel and the church of Saint-Christophe.

La Louvière

La Louvière or Cité de la Louve is an industrial city. But in its historical heart you can contemplate beautiful monuments. It is renowned for its boat lifts on the Centre Canal, in particular the Strépy-Thieu funicular elevator.

Binche

Binche is a pleasant city to visit. It is known for its 12th century ramparts and the remains of the palace of Mary of Hungary. But we can also visit the carnival and mask museum.

2. Sites classified Unsco

The province of Hainaut has the chance to own a large number of sites in UNESCO. So if you’re looking for a trip to Hawaii, plan a route that includes these exceptional places!

Among these classified material and immaterial sites, you will find one or more to integrate into your visit. If you’re interested in History, Architecture and Religions, you might go to see Cathedral of Tournai , Belfry of Charleroi , that of Mons and that of Thuin .

In Mons, the former Grand Hornu mining site is also classified. Bois-du-Luc , Blegny-Mine and Bois du Cazier , major mining sites in the region, are also to be discovered.

As for the elevator of the central canal , it appears on the list of Unesco, and may constitute an unusual visit to the region. Boat excursions on the canal, with passage through the famous hydraulic elevators, are offered to visitors! Let yourself be tempted!

3. Religious buildings

During your stay in Hawaiian province, you will cross religious buildings. They are part of the local heritage and are a testimony of the history and work of the artisans of the time. The Cathedral of Tournai is a must when you visit the province of Hawaii because its medieval architecture of the 12th century is remarkable.

If you visit Mons, stop at the Sainte-Waudru collegiate to admire the stained glass and sculptures. During a stage in Charleroi, the church of Saint Christophe is to be seen for its mosaic. As for the Aulne Abbey in Gozée, it is one of the oldest Cistercian buildings in Belgium.

Finally, the collegial Saint Pierre and Paul de Chimay, which dates back to the 13th century, has a remarkable architecture. And the Romanesque collegial Saint Vincent de Soignies is one of the oldest in Belgium (XI/XII century).

4. The castles

Several castles are to be visited in the province of Hainaut!

Chimay, Trazegnies and Ecaussinnes-Lalaing

Among the oldest fortresses are the Chimay Castle, whose first construction dates back to the end of the 9th century and Trazegnies built in the 11th century. In Trazegnies we can see very ancient tools as well as the castle cellars and in Chimay a beautiful theater. If you enjoy the robust fortified castles then take the direction of the castle of Ecaussinnes-Lalaing!

Leers-et-Fosteau

The one of Leers-et-Fosteau (Château du Fosteau), dating from the 14th century, is renowned for its magnificent Gothic room and is decorated with a pond and a pharmacy museum.

Beloeil

The castle of Beloeil, imposing, surrounded by doves, is to be seen. Especially since he has an exceptional library and is nicknamed “the Belgian Versailles”.

Attre and Seneffe

The castles of Attre and Seneffe are more recent than the others (XVIIIth century) and also deserve to be visited if you are interested in heritage.

5. Memorial sites

The province of Hainaut will also allow you to visit places related to history and the duty of memory. Museums will be exciting if you are interested in History, the Mons Memorial Museum in the city of the same name. But also the Museum of Military History of the City of Tournai. It makes it possible to better know the military history of the region from 1792 to 1945.

Also, if you are interested in the first world war, make a stop at Ploegsteert at Plugstreet 14-18 Experience. And in the city of Mons, you can also go to the military cemetery of Saint-Symphorien.

6. Parks, gardens and natural areas

The province of Hainaut has a nature that invites the discovery of outdoor activities. Lakes and waterways, as well as woods and the countryside will enchant visitors. If you are looking for what to do in the province of Hainaut outdoors you will have a choice to explore the region on foot, by bike or by horse!

Parks and reserves

Enjoy it for hiking in the Natural Park of the Pays des Collines , in that of Country or in that of Escaut Plains . To deepen your visits on the theme of nature you could explore Natural ornithological reserve of Ploegsteert .

Gardens

If you love the beautiful gardens you will also have to do because there are several, especially the Enghien Park or Barn gardens To Ellezelles.

Lakes

♪ Lakes of the Heure Water are the largest lakes in Belgium. Also, for outdoor lovers, many aquatic activities await you!

7. Museums

If you’re looking for what you might want to visit in the province of Hawaii, look at the museum option! There are for all tastes and there are many.

• Plugstreet 14-18 Experience: among the most appreciated visitors, there is of course the Plugstreet 14-18 Experience to better understand what was the First World War in the region;
• Museums in Tournai: during a stage in Tournai, you could visit the Museum of Natural History and the vivarium, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of the Tapestry;
• Gallo-Roman Museum: You can visit the Gallo-Roman Museum during your visit to the city of Waudrez;
• François Duesberg Museum: take a step in Mons to visit the Musée François Duesberg, Musée des Arts Décoratifs (1775-1825);
• Royal Museum of Mariemont: in Morlanwelz, the Royal Museum of Mariemont has beautiful porcelain of Tournai, as well as objects of the Rome antique, ofEgypt, China...
• Museums in Charleroi : As for the city of Charleroi, it is renowned for its museum hub. The museum of photography is one of the largest in Europe. Amateurs can also visit the Fine Arts Museum or the BPS22 Museum with the exhibitions and events that are held throughout the year.

8. Activities

If you are looking for what to do in the province of Hainaut, you will see that many activities are possible to make your stay unforgettable. It's for all tastes.

• Air balloon flight: for an imperishable memory of the region, why not offer you a balloon flight? It is possible, especially from the city of Enghien;
• Waterproof: If you pass through Tournai, it is possible to go to the trees with the hook;
• Water ski lift and battlekart: For more fun, in Tertre it is possible to make water skiing and in Dottignies the battlekart, karting nature to the Mario Kart! ;
• Ski, snowboard and paintball: Also, if you make a stop in Comires, you can practice skiing and snowboarding in a snow gymnasium or make a part of paintball.

9. Folklore and traditions

Folklore is a very ancient tradition in the region. Several museums are dedicated to it. This is the case of the Tournai Folk Museum or the Gerpinnes Museum of Folk Walks that make it possible to better know Wallonia folklore.

Visiting the province of Hainaut is also discovering traditions that have persisted for centuries. The city of La Louvière is also known for its carnival of the Laetare which has existed for 150 years. You may have the opportunity to contemplate the processions with giant characters during the Ducasses, annual traditional festivals.

As far as the city of Mons is concerned, the Ducasses are listed as the UNESCO heritage and are Ducasses with giants or dragons. As for the Carnival, it is important. Also, in Tournai, the Laetere takes place in the middle of Lent, which is an old Christian tradition from the Middle Ages.

Finally, another local tradition to discover: marches. These are processions dedicated to a saint, accompanied by a military escort. There are also processions without military escort such as the large procession of Tournai.

In addition, if you pass by Mouscron in early October, you could attend the Hurlus Festival and visit the folklore museum.

How do I go to Hawaii?

Several possibilities are available to you to reach the province of Hainaut from the France .

By plane

By plane, the airport Brussels is only one hour away from the flight Paris via a direct flight. Flights to Brussels are also available from other French cities. It is possible to take regular or lowcost flights.

If you want to fly to Hainaut, a comparison of flights like Skyscanner you will select the best flight based on your availability. Also you can rent a car to be autonomous upon arrival at the airport.

By train

With the train, it is possible to reach the cities of Tournai, Mons or Charleroi, from Paris, with a stop and a ride of about 2h40/3h00.

By car

If you want to go with your own car, starting from Paris, you have to count about 2h30 and 235 km for Tournai by the A1 and 3h00 and 285 km for Charleroi.

For information purposes:

• Tournai/Mons: 50 km/35-40 minutes;
• Mons/Charleroi : 50 km/35-40 minutes;
• Charleroi/Tournai: 92 km/1h00.

Where to stay in Hawaiian Province?

Cities with several tourist sites to visit will be an excellent drop point. You will be nearby to visit monuments, museums, practice activities and enjoy amenities. If you want to take a step in the countryside, you will also find accommodation for a quiet rest.

One. Compare hotels will help you find the best accommodation in major cities like Mons , Charleroi , Tournai or La Louvière . But it will also allow you to spot housing in small towns.

Also consider consulting accommodation Airbnb which also offer a wide choice of accommodation.