The Benelux Zoology Congress 2024 will be held at the Palais des Congrès de Mons, located at Avenue Mélina Mercouri 9, 7000 Mons, Belgium.
Mons – a city rich in history
Mons, the administrative center of the Hainaut province, is located in a dynamic region situated at the heart of Europe, between Amsterdam and Paris on the one hand and Cologne and London on the other. Its particularly rich and varied heritage contains 4 cultural masterpieces of humanity recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
The Belfry in Mons, which was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1999, was built between 1661 and 1672 by Louis Ledoux and Vincent Anthony. While being the only baroque Belfry in Belgium as well as having recognition from UNESCO, it possesses a 49-bell carillon. This symbol, overlooking Mons, offers a splendid view of the rooftops of the city and of the former heaps which trace back to its mining history.
The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2000 and is one of the oldest and largest flint extraction sites in Europe. Located 6 km from Mons, this archaeological site covers 100 hectares. You will be able to discover the inventions and pruning techniques developed 6000 years ago by man, which today mark a major step in the cultural and technological development of mankind.
The traditional festival in Mons, known as the ‘Doudou’, was recognized in 2005 by UNESCO. The ‘Doudou’, which comprised a Procession, the ascent of the Golden Chariot, and the fight, known as the ‘Lumeçon’, is a lively tradition celebrating St Waudru, the founder of the city and St George’s battle against the Dragon, the symbol of evil.
Grand-Hornu, listed in 2012 by UNESCO as World Heritage of Humanity, is an example of the idealistic architecture characterizing the beginning of the European industrial era. As a symbol of its industrial past, the Grand-Hornu was a former mining complex that included the wells and housing of miners, and all administrative institutions necessary for the running of a community. Today it is a Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC’s), in the French-speaking Community of Belgium.
Mons and its surrounding area are also replete with many museums and impressive sites such as the Collegiate Church of Saint Waudru, the Town Hall, the Mayor’s Garden, the Fine Arts Museum (BAM), the SparkOH (Park of Scientific Adventures). In the evening, Mons comes alive with its many bistros and quality restaurants ready to ravish the finest of palates and invite you to discover Belgian cuisine. The warm atmosphere of the bars and cafes in Mons will bring the perfect end to your sensational day.
More information: www.visitmons.be
How to get to the conference?
By plane
The two nearest airports are the national airport, Zaventem Brussel Airport (BRU), and the Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). They are accessible from most locations.
By public transport
The centre of Mons is relatively small, and most sites of interest can be reached by foot. Note that the conference venue is just in front of the train station.
- From the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, there is a shuttle bus from Charleroi Airport to Mons, which you can catch outside the arrival area of Terminal 1. This shuttle arrives at Avenue Meline Mercouri in Mons, just in front of the MICX conference center.
- From the Zaventem Brussel Airport, you can take the train to Mons directly from the airport.
- From Amsterdam, take the TGV from Amsterdam-Central to Brussels-South and then take the train to Mons.
- There are trains to Mons from all Belgian train stations. Follow this link to check train timetables in Belgium:
- Follow this link to check shuttle bus timetables from Brussels South Charleroi Airport:
https://www.flibco.com/fr/timing
By car
Mons is easily accessible from the E42 motorway. From the following departure points, take exit 24 – Mons:
- From Brussels: take the E19 towards Paris and then the E42.
- From Liege and Namur: follow the E42 all the way.
- From Antwerp: take the A12 towards Brussels, then the E19 and the E42.
From Ghent: take the E40 towards Brussels and then follow the E19 and E42.