Fort de Mons is an outstanding example of military architecture and today serves as a place for exchange and culture. The Maison Folie inside the fort brings together a library, a conservatory, the Le Trait d'Union venue and an exhibition space. Its program is seasonal, running in spring and autumn. If you want to include cultural events in your trip, bear these seasons in mind when looking at exhibitions.

Culture and activities around the fort

Le Trait d'Union combines an intimate theater with a café-concert venue and offers readings, plays and concerts. Its program therefore ranges from spoken-word events to music. If you are looking for a specific performance, you can choose between these formats and then check the dates. A free orienteering course around Fort de Mons and its park explores local cultural heritage and natural spaces in a fun, active and educational way. It offers a different focus from the cultural activities inside the fort.

Another way to explore local cultural themes is the Gabriel Pagnerre route. This city walk leads to works by the architect in Mons-En-Baroeul. Vert Cottage is one of the route’s stops and a work by Pagnerre dating from 1912. The building is considered a remarkable example of the Arts and Crafts style, inspired by English movements. As a complete work, it embodies the architect’s distinctive style and commitment to architectural innovation. Vert Cottage is open to visitors free of charge during the European Heritage Days. Access is tied to the event, so check its dates if you are planning a specific visit.

Architecture in the urban landscape

The Saint-Luc and Chèvrefeuille villas also offer different perspectives on the architecture of Mons-En-Baroeul. Villa Saint-Luc was built around 1909 and combines elements of the Second Empire, geometric Art Nouveau and the spa style. Its decorative features include ceramics, mosaics and stained-glass windows. Villa Chèvrefeuille was also built around 1909, but its design has a different emphasis: it is in the geometric Art Nouveau style, with Oriental-inspired elements. Ceramics on the façade depict honeysuckle. The architectural differences between the two villas can be seen not only in their style labels but also in their details: Saint-Luc is noted for several types of decoration, while Chèvrefeuille is especially notable for its façade design.

Natural spaces and local mobility

Alongside the cultural and architectural highlights, there are various natural spaces and parks. Parc des Plaines du Fort is one of the natural parks in Mons-En-Baroeul. Other options include the Elzéard Bouffier Arboretum, a small park, a dog park, Allée des près and Cimetière-Parc. The selection ranges from an arboretum to a dog park and a cemetery park. If you want to visit different kinds of open spaces during your trip, you’ll find more than just a single park to explore here.

Local mobility can also be factored into your plans: Mons-En-Baroeul has nine V'Lille self-service bicycle stations. If you want to use this option, check the current station availability in advance. This lets you consider cycling alongside culture, city walks and natural spaces without conflating the different themes.

Discover more destinations: Socx, Auberchicourt, Bachy, Ohain, Bourbourg, Landrecies, Saint-Saulve, Anstaing

For the broader travel overview: Nord.