Things To Do
in Dour
Dour is a small municipality in the province of Hainaut in Wallonia, Belgium, known for its friendly small-town vibe and for hosting the internationally famous Dour Festival each July. The town sits in the former Borinage coal-mining region, with nearby industrial heritage sites and rolling agricultural landscapes. Its population is primarily French-speaking, and Dour serves as a convenient low-key base for exploring Mons, La Louvière and the canal and mining heritage of the region.
Visitors will find a mix of relaxed local life, seasonal cultural events and easy access to cycling and walking routes through the countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Dour Historical Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the local heritage and learn about the region's past. The museum offers guided tours that bring to life the cultural significance of Dour. Stroll around the nearby park to enjoy the crisp morning air and historic architecture.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling some traditional Belgian dishes. Afterward, head to the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, an exquisite church known for its marvelous stained glass windows. Take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere before continuing your exploration of the town.
As the sun sets, dine at a charming restaurant that offers authentic Belgian cuisine, with options to pair your meal with local craft beers. After dinner, settle into a cozy spot to enjoy live music or a local cultural event happening in the town square. End your day with a peaceful walk through Dour, reflecting on the day's discoveries.
Begin your day with a hike in the nearby Parc naturel des Hauts Près, where you can experience the tranquility of nature and spot local wildlife. The fresh morning air and serene trails make for a perfect escape from urban life. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
After your hike, have a picnic lunch amidst nature, taking in the sights and sounds around you. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeside or exploring the various walking trails. If adventure calls, consider renting a bike to explore more of the beautiful scenery at your own pace.
Return to Dour and enjoy a hearty meal at one of the local bistros known for their farm-to-table approach. The evening can be spent enjoying a craft beer tasting experience at a local brewery, which highlights the unique flavors of the region. Cap off your night with a starry stroll along the riverside, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚖Taxi start (day time) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short regional trip) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to regional attractions
- Proximity to major cultural and industrial heritage sites (Grand-Hornu, Canal du Centre)
- Excellent time to visit during the Dour Festival for music fans
- Good cycling and walking routes through peaceful countryside
- Limited restaurant and nightlife options outside festival season
- Fewer dedicated vegan/gluten-free restaurant choices than larger cities
- Public transport is regional — schedules can be infrequent on weekends
- Weather can be changeable and often damp outside summer
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Dour
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture large crowds, colorful stages and atmospheric nighttime lighting — best during the festival for dynamic concert photography.
Historic industrial structures and reflective water surfaces create striking compositions, especially at golden hour.
A UNESCO-style industrial complex with geometric architecture and exhibitions — great for architectural and black-and-white photography.
Rolling fields, hedgerows and rural lanes provide classic pastoral scenes and sunrise/sunset vistas.
Local architecture, facades and the church provide charming street photography opportunities with daily life scenes.
Food in Dour
Dour Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef and onion stew braised in Belgian beer — comforting and widely available in local brasseries.
Must-Try!
Steamed mussels with a side of fries — a Belgian classic found in many restaurants, best during shellfish season.
Mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal vegetables, often served with sausages — a traditional Walloon side dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets in Dour and neighboring villages sell fresh bread, cheeses, seasonal produce, charcuterie and pastries — ideal for picnic supplies.
During Dour Festival and town events you’ll find a variety of street vendors offering Belgian fries, sandwiches, waffles and international options; be mindful of queues and cash/card acceptance varies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the local language — greet with 'Bonjour' during the day and 'Bonsoir' in the evening. A handshake is normal for first meetings; friends may exchange two light cheek kisses (bises).
Politeness and modest dress are appreciated in small towns; use courteous phrases when asking for help. Address people with 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' if unsure.
Belgium has strict recycling rules; separate waste where required and follow local bin schedules. Respect quiet hours in residential areas, especially after 10–11pm.
Safety
Tipping in Dour
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium, so tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; round up the bill or leave 5–10% for very good service. In bars, you can leave small change or round up. Taxi drivers may expect a small round-up; hotel porters can be given a few euros for help with luggage.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are common; carry a few euros for small purchases and some local vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, fields and hedges coming into bloom; pleasant for cycling and hiking. Rain is possible so bring a waterproof layer. Fewer tourists than summer and lower prices.
Warmest time and festival season — the Dour Festival in July draws large crowds and lively nightlife. Expect higher accommodation prices and busy transport during festival dates; long daylight hours are ideal for outdoor activities.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage make countryside walks attractive. Some local events continue; be prepared for wetter days and muddy trails after rain.
Cold and damp with shorter daylight hours; quieter tourism and many attractions on reduced schedules. Pack warm layers and waterproof footwear; road and train travel can be affected by icy conditions occasionally.
Dour at Night
Hiking in Dour
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of former railway and canal-side trails providing easy, signposted walks and bike rides through the countryside and connecting to neighboring villages.
Rolling farmland and minor woodland paths offering peaceful hikes and rural scenery; good for half-day treks and local exploration.
Flat, scenic walks along the canal, passing historic locks and industrial heritage points — ideal for leisurely strolls and photography.
Airports
How to reach Dour by plane.
About 40–50 km from Dour (roughly 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic) and convenient for low-cost carriers; car rental and shuttle options available to reach Dour.
Belgium’s main international airport ~70 km away (about 1–1.5 hours by car or train connections via Brussels); more international flight options.
In northern France (~60–80 km / about 1–1.5 hours by car), useful for regional flights and sometimes lower fares depending on origin.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are French-speaking Belgians with roots in the Hainaut province and the Borinage coal-mining tradition.
A mix of families and older residents who work locally or commute to nearby towns such as Mons and Charleroi.
During the Dour Festival the population temporarily swells with an international mix of young music fans and performers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally, with local clubs and youth teams. Matches and local league play are community events.
Both recreational and competitive cycling are very popular on RAVeL paths and rural roads; Belgium’s cycling culture is strong across Wallonia.
Local clubs organize running events and trail races that make use of the varied countryside near Dour.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dour.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited in small towns than in big cities — look for cheese-based dishes, omelettes, salads and vegetable stoemp; mention 'Je suis végétarien(ne)' when ordering.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist at some cafés and supermarkets, but it’s best to call ahead for restaurants. Larger nearby towns (Mons, Charleroi) offer more dedicated options and health-food stores.