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Cycle route: Mons, a tribute to 1914-1918

Cultural ,  Touring cyclist ,  Historic in Mons
Unresolved hours
31.2 km
Touring cyclist
3h
Easy

  • On the occasion of the First World War centenary, Mons has joined forces with many towns in Belgium and France which witnessed the Great War to increase awareness and sensitivity towards it.

    Through commemorative ceremonies, exhibitions and various forms of representation, the Mons region will pay tribute to all those civilians and military men who suffered during these four years.

    Mons is at the heart of the First World War commemorations in 2014.
    Discover the legend of the Mons Angels and navigate the territories marked by this Great War.

    So we never forget...

  • As everyone knows, the First World War was particularly bloody, causing millions of casualties. Mons did not escape the destructive wave of events and, against its will, played host to major and tragic events.

    The “Battle of Mons" therefore receives special attention beyond the Channel: sometimes mythical, sometimes realistic. Mythical on the one hand because the “Legend of the Mons Angels” is extremely famous. Realistic on the other hand because the Brits there suffered many losses...
    As everyone knows, the First World War was particularly bloody, causing millions of casualties. Mons did not escape the destructive wave of events and, against its will, played host to major and tragic events.

    The “Battle of Mons" therefore receives special attention beyond the Channel: sometimes mythical, sometimes realistic. Mythical on the one hand because the “Legend of the Mons Angels” is extremely famous. Realistic on the other hand because the Brits there suffered many losses including the first and the last fallen soldier.

    It was in Mons, in fact, that Private Parr and Private Ellison were killed, forever becoming the first and last British soldiers to have fallen during the conflict, making Mons “The Place of the First & the Last”. In addition, for acts of bravery performed on our soil, Lieutenant Dease V.C. and Private Godley received the first two Victoria Cross awards during the First World War.

    These events explain the notoriety of the “Battle of Mons” and demand that everyone observe their duty of remembrance. In 2014, the City of Mons celebrated the Battle’s centenary in the presence of various European authorities. In this respect, the City of Mons wishes to cherish the memory of those who fought for their ideals and whose courage still resonates in hearts and memories.

    From legend to reality, Mons offers an authentic memorial journey strongly focused on symbolism. As in the military cemetery of Saint-Symphorien, a true haven of peace, where Commonwealth and German graves are now united for eternity.
  • Difference in height
    230.42 m
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
Points of interest
1 Commemorative plaques
Three plaques commemorate the sacrifice of Irish, Canadian and American soldiers. The fourth plaque embodies the town of Douai recognition, whose inhabitants found refuge in Mons in September 1918.
Copyright Gregory Mathelot - _DSC2727 - 009.jpg
230 meters of difference in height
Created with Highcharts 6.2.0Distance (km)Altitude (m)0 km2.5 km5 km7.5 km10 km12.5 km15 km17.5 km20 km22.5 km25 km27.5 km20 m40 m60 m80 m100 m120 mHighcharts.com
  • Start altitude : 59 m
  • End altitude : 57 m
  • Maximum altitude : 100 m
  • Minimum altitude : 29 m
  • Total positive elevation : 230 m
  • Total negative elevation : -232 m
  • Max positive elevation : 31 m
  • Min positive elevation : -62 m