Things To Do
in Frameries
Frameries is a small municipality in Hainaut province in Wallonia, Belgium, historically shaped by coal mining and surrounded by terrils (slag heaps) and green spaces. The town is a quiet mix of working-class heritage, local shops, and community cultural life with easy access to larger cities like Mons and Charleroi. Mining history is visible in local architecture and nearby UNESCO-listed sites in the Borinage region, making it interesting for industrial heritage visitors.
Frameries is a handy base for exploring rural Wallonia, cycling routes, and off‑the‑beaten‑path Belgian traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Frameries, taking in the beautiful architecture and local shops. Visit the Church of Saint Martin, where you can admire its stunning Gothic design and learn about its historical significance. Grab a fresh pastry from a local bakery to enjoy as you explore the surrounding parks.
After lunch at a cozy café, head to the Frameries Mining Museum to dive into the region's rich industrial history. Here, you can explore exhibits showcasing the mining heritage of the area and its impact on the local community. Spend some time walking through the nearby park, where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant to savor traditional Belgian cuisine, such as carbonnade flamande. Engage with locals over dinner and learn about their stories and culture. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic pathways, soaking in the ambiance of the town at night.
Begin your day by visiting the local art galleries, where you can appreciate the works of regional artists and their unique perspectives. Engage with the artists if they are present, and immerse yourself in the vibrant creative scene in Frameries. Enjoy a light breakfast in one of the galleries, surrounded by inspiring art.
After a morning filled with creativity, head to the nearby Parc de la Basse-Cour for a relaxing picnic lunch amidst nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the park's trails, enjoying the fresh air, and perhaps even spotting some local wildlife. Consider bringing a book or sketchpad to capture the beauty of your surroundings.
As evening approaches, attend a local theater performance or art event, where you can experience the cultural heartbeat of Frameries. Savor a light dinner at a bistro nearby, featuring local ingredients and dishes. Wrap up your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, reflecting on the day’s artistic discoveries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee in a café | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚌Local bus/tram single fare | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich industrial heritage and nearby UNESCO sites
- Quiet, authentic Walloon town with friendly locals
- Good base for cycling and rural exploration
- Affordable compared with major Belgian cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities in town
- Public transport options are more limited than in big cities
- Some heritage sites may have restricted opening hours outside high season
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Frameries
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic man-made hills from the coal-mining era provide dramatic ridgelines, sunrise/sunset silhouettes and panoramic views over the Borinage.
Charming streets, period architecture and the church façade make for atmospheric street and architectural photos.
Historic brick buildings, courtyards and engineered structures of the former mining complexes are photogenic and tell the region’s industrial story.
Linear paths along former railway lines and canals are great for pastoral landscapes, cyclists and seasonal foliage shots.
Food in Frameries
Frameries Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Meatballs in a sweet-and-sour onion-and-Liège-syrup sauce; widely available in local brasseries and a regional favorite.
Must-Try!
Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (carrots, leeks or spinach) often served with sausage; simple, filling and common in local households and cafés.
Endives wrapped in ham, covered with béchamel and cheese, then baked — a classic Walloon comfort dish to try in family-style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses and baked goods; ideal for tasting local breads, farm cheeses and seasonal fruit (check local listings for market days).
A short drive to Mons brings larger markets and street-food stalls where you can try regional specialties, waffles, fries and artisanal products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the main language; a polite “Bonjour / Bonsoir” and addressing people as Madame/Monsieur goes a long way. Attempting a few French phrases is appreciated.
Belgians value politeness and moderation; be punctual for appointments and formal events and keep conversation respectful and low-key in public spaces.
Mining heritage is a source of local pride—treat historic sites and community memorials respectfully and follow signage at protected areas.
Safety
Tipping in Frameries
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in the bill; small tips (5–10%) or rounding up are appreciated for good service but not mandatory. Leave a few coins for café service or round up taxi fares.
Euro is used; debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm but rarely hot, with temperatures typically in the low to mid 20s °C (70s °F). Expect pleasant conditions for hiking and cycling; occasional rain showers are common so pack a light rain jacket.
Crisp air and colorful foliage on the terrils and nearby woods; temperatures cool quickly and rain increases — layers and waterproof footwear recommended.
Chilly and damp rather than severely cold; temperatures often hover around freezing with occasional frost and sleet. Some outdoor sites can be muddy or icy, so plan indoor options and warm clothing.
Mild weather with blossoming fields and return of migrant birds — a good time for photography and fewer tourists. Early spring can still be unpredictable and show rainy days.
Frameries at Night
Hiking in Frameries
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails around the slag heaps provide easy-to-moderate hikes, interpretive signs and great vantage points for landscape photography.
Linear walking routes on former railway lines and along canals are excellent for long, flat walks and connecting to nearby villages.
Nearby rolling hills and rural paths (Pays des Collines) offer scenic country walks through farms, woods and small hamlets — ideal for half-day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Frameries by plane.
About 30–40 minutes by car from Frameries; low-cost carriers operate many European routes and bus/train links connect to Mons and Charleroi city center.
The main international hub, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or around an hour by train via Mons/Brussels connections; offers many intercontinental and European flights.
Around 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic; an option for some European connections and accessible by regional trains from Lille to Mons area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population speaks French and represents traditional Walloon culture with deep local roots in mining and industry.
Frameries has a strong working-class identity with multi-generational families and community organizations centered on local life.
Like many Belgian towns, Frameries includes residents with origins in other European countries and North Africa, contributing to cultural and culinary variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs and youth teams are active and football is the most popular community sport; local matches form a social hub.
Cycling for leisure and sport is very popular with well-maintained regional routes and racing heritage throughout Wallonia.
Casual games of pétanque are common in village squares and parks, especially among older residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Frameries.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with larger Belgian cities. Look for cheese-based dishes, vegetarian stoemp or omelettes, and ask restaurants for vegetable or salad variations. Supermarkets and markets sell fresh produce for self-catering.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; many restaurants can adapt dishes but always ask. Packaged gluten-free products are available in larger supermarkets in nearby towns.