Le Singe du Grand Garde
Touch the lucky monkey on Mons' Grand Place for good fortune! A charming tradition on a historic city square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Le Singe du Grand Garde
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Touch the lucky monkey on Mons' Grand Place for good fortune! A charming tradition on a historic city square.
"Touch the monkey with your left hand for luck; it's a quick, fun tradition in the heart of Mons."
Touch for Luck! 🤍
Rub the monkey with your left hand for good luck. It's a quick, fun tradition for visitors!
Find it on the City Hall 🏡
The monkey is an architectural sculpture on the facade of the Hotel de Ville, left of the main entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Le Singe du Grand Garde Sculpture
Hotel de Ville, Grand Place, Mons
The iconic bronze monkey, a symbol of luck for the city of Mons. Touch it with your left hand for good fortune!
Grand Place Atmosphere
Mons City Center
The vibrant heart of Mons, surrounded by historic buildings and lively restaurants. Perfect for people-watching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Lucky Monkey Tradition
Location and Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Touch for Luck! 🤍
Rub the monkey with your left hand for good luck. It's a quick, fun tradition for visitors!
Find it on the City Hall 🏡
The monkey is an architectural sculpture on the facade of the Hotel de Ville, left of the main entrance.
Combine with City Exploration 🗺️
It's a great spot to see while exploring Mons' Grand Place and surrounding streets.
Waffles nearby 🍳
Enjoy delicious waffles from small shops in the streets leading to the main square.
Tips
from all over the internet
Touch for Luck! 🤍
Rub the monkey with your left hand for good luck. It's a quick, fun tradition for visitors!
Find it on the City Hall 🏡
The monkey is an architectural sculpture on the facade of the Hotel de Ville, left of the main entrance.
Combine with City Exploration 🗺️
It's a great spot to see while exploring Mons' Grand Place and surrounding streets.
Waffles nearby 🍳
Enjoy delicious waffles from small shops in the streets leading to the main square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Le Singe du Grand Garde to be a charming, albeit small, attraction in Mons' Grand Place, often visited for the tradition of touching it for luck. While some consider it a minor point of interest, others appreciate its whimsical nature and its role in local folklore. It's best enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of the city's historic center.
"Lovely place which lives! A lot of tourists, varilus restaurants, lovely waffles in one of the small street leading to main square. Small monkey is in the middle of square. As you touch her, make a wish;)"
Pavla Hojgrová
"This sculpture can be found on the front facade of the Hotel de ville, just to the left of the entrance to the city hall. The sculpture is called “Le Singe du Grand Garde” or in English, Grand Guard Monkey. The only explanations I could find for this sculpture were all in French and the translation from Google translate was not all that enlightening. The gist is that the monkey is considered luck. It just looks like an architectural sculpture to me. It’s in the Grand Place anyway, otherwise don’t go out of the way to see it.
Meh! But maybe a good hunt for children."
macedonboy
"Slap the monkey with your left hand and you’ll get luck"
Amarok Sh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Le Singe du Grand Garde is located in the Grand Place, the central square of Mons. You can easily reach it by walking from most parts of the city center. If arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from Mons station. Public transport within Mons is also available, with buses stopping near the Grand Place.
Yes, there are several parking options near the Grand Place. The Interparking Mons D'Havré is a popular underground car park, and there are also street parking spots available, though they can be limited and metered.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Le Singe du Grand Garde is an outdoor sculpture on the Hotel de Ville and is freely accessible to view. You don't need any tickets to see it.
As it's an exterior sculpture, you can view Le Singe du Grand Garde at any time of day or night. The Grand Place itself is always accessible.
The Grand Place in Mons is a public square and does not have an entrance fee. You can wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tradition is to touch the monkey with your left hand for good luck. It's a simple gesture that many visitors enjoy as part of their Mons experience. +1
Yes, children often enjoy the 'hunt' for the monkey and the tradition of touching it for luck. It's a small, interactive element that can add fun to a family visit.
Seeing and interacting with Le Singe du Grand Garde itself takes only a few minutes. However, most visitors spend more time exploring the Grand Place and its surroundings.
The Grand Place is home to the impressive Hotel de Ville, various restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a lively hub for experiencing the city's ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The Grand Place and the surrounding streets are filled with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and brasseries offering local and international cuisine.
Many visitors recommend trying waffles from the smaller streets leading off the Grand Place. Look for local patisseries for a delicious treat.
📸 📸 Photography
Weekday mornings generally offer fewer crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting on the sculpture and the Hotel de Ville.
Yes, the Grand Place itself is very picturesque, with the Hotel de Ville as a stunning backdrop. Capture the architecture, street life, and the monkey for memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the monkey, the Grand Place itself is a lively area with plenty of space to roam. Consider a stop for waffles from a nearby street vendor as a sweet reward. The overall atmosphere of the square is welcoming for families, making it an easy addition to your Mons itinerary.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, focus on enjoying the atmosphere of the Grand Place and perhaps grabbing a more affordable snack from a local bakery rather than a sit-down restaurant. Walking around the historic center is also a great way to experience Mons without additional expense.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Grand Place itself is a treasure trove of architectural details and street scenes. Experiment with different angles, capture the interplay of light and shadow, and don't forget to photograph the lively atmosphere of the square, especially during peak hours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Lucky Monkey
This tradition is particularly appealing to families, offering a fun and interactive element for children who might otherwise find historical sites less engaging. The act of seeking out the monkey and performing the 'lucky touch' adds a playful dimension to exploring the city. It's a small detail that leaves a lasting impression and connects visitors to the unique folklore of Mons.
While some reviews suggest it might not be a primary reason to visit Mons, the monkey serves as a charming reminder of local customs and adds a touch of whimsy to the historic Grand Place. It’s a quick, memorable experience that many travelers appreciate as a unique souvenir of their trip.
Exploring Mons' Grand Place
Surrounding the Grand Place, you'll find a delightful array of restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering everything from traditional Belgian cuisine to quick snacks. Many visitors recommend exploring the smaller streets that branch off the main square, as they often hide charming eateries and unique boutiques. This is where you might discover those highly-praised waffles mentioned by travelers.
Whether you're visiting during the day to admire the architecture or in the evening when the square is illuminated, the Grand Place offers a dynamic experience. It's the perfect starting point for any exploration of Mons, providing a central hub from which to discover the city's many attractions.
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