Things To Do
in Mouscron

A slow-cooked beef and onion stew in beer, often served with frites or mashed potatoes; find it at traditional brasseries and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

A popular northern-Belgian/French comfort dish with bread, ham and melted cheese (often with mustard and beer); common in pubs and local eateries around Mouscron.

Steamed mussels with fries—seasonal and popular in many brasseries; look for versions in mid-size restaurants.

Crisp frites sold at snack stands or brasseries and a range of pastries from boulangeries—perfect for quick snacks or breakfast.

A regular market (weekend mornings on many Saturdays) with fresh produce, cheeses, breads and seasonal specialties—great for tasting local products and picking up picnic items.

Small kiosks near the town center selling fries, sandwiches and seasonal snacks; ideal for a casual, budget-friendly bite.

A polite handshake or brief hello is standard when entering shops or meeting people. Use formal greetings initially—'Bonjour' in French—and switch to first names only if invited.

Mouscron is francophone but bilingual awareness is helpful: French is dominant, Dutch is present nearby, and many people know some English. Always be polite and try a greeting in French first.

Be punctual for appointments and respectful in public spaces; keep noise moderate in residential areas, especially at night.

Wait to be seated in restaurants and avoid splitting bills awkwardly—ask staff for assistance. It’s customary to say 'bon appétit' before eating.

Service charges are often included on bills; tipping is appreciated but modest—round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service. In cafés, it’s common to leave small change rather than large tips.

Belgium uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Bancontact) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; smaller cafés and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.

Mild to warm temperatures with occasional heat waves; lively outdoor cafés, markets and late walks along the Lys. Expect small festivals and extended daylight—pack light clothing, sun protection and a light jacket for evenings.

Crisp weather and colourful foliage in parks and nearby hills; ideal for hiking and photography. Rain is more frequent—bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes.

Cold, damp and occasionally frosty or snowy; shorter days mean indoor museum visits and cosy brasseries. Pack warm layers, waterproof footwear and an umbrella.

Mild weather, blooming parks and gradually increasing outdoor activity. Good time for cycling and markets; pack layers for variable temperatures.

Approximately 25–35 km away (30–40 minutes by car). Offers regional and some international flights; good low-cost or short-hop option and convenient for cross-border travellers.

A small regional airport about 25–35 km away, primarily for business and some charter flights; limited scheduled services.

Belgium's main international hub about 80–110 km away (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or train connections via Kortrijk/Brussels). Offers extensive global connections.

Low-cost carrier hub about 80–95 km away; accessible by car or shuttle services and often used for budget flights.

The majority of residents speak French and identify with Walloon culture and traditions.

Significant daily movement of people across the French border and interactions with Dutch-speaking Flanders, creating a bilingual and cross-cultural atmosphere.

Residents with roots in northern Africa, Southern Europe and other regions contribute to the town’s cultural diversity and cuisine.

A mix of young families and an older population reflecting regional demographic trends; community services cater to both groups.