Route UNESCO - Etape 1 de Tournai à Mons

In front of the magnificent medieval Cathedral of Tournai, set off on this UNESCO route by bike! The City of Clovis opens its history book wide. A climb leads to the crop plains: Tournai seems so close while you are already in the countryside. Along the nodes, you reach the Escaut and then the marina in Péronnes. In the past, barges were built and repaired there. On the RAVeL along the Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes canal, you are immersed in the world of boatmen. Another canal, the Condé-Pommeroeul, then leads you to the entrance of the Borinage. The region has known a remarkable economic boom since the early 19th century, despite the inhumane living conditions in the mines. A certain Vincent Van Gogh stayed there for almost two years to find his artistic inspiration... Crossing the countryside between Thulin and Boussu, you are already at the Grand-Hornu. This witness to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continuing your journey on the greenway, you glimpse the Belfry of Mons standing out on the horizon. Let yourself be carried away to the Cité du Doudou for the continuation of the adventure!