Mons: European Capital of Culture, Bradt City Guide (1st ed. Dec. 14)

1st edition December 14. The first dedicated English-language guidebook to Mons, European Capital of Culture 2015. Mons is a town itching to be discovered. Cobbled streets rise on a twisty medieval grid to its beautiful central square, and then on up to a crescendo at the 17th-century Belfry, one of the town’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Historic, pretty and manageably compact it is the perfect short stay destination. - Mons has experienced increased international exposure due to the centenary celebrations of World War I. Britain's first fatality is buried in the town - Anthony Mason has written about Belgium for 20 years and is the author of the upcoming Bradt guides to Waterloo and Wallonia - The guide includes excursions within a radius of up to 20km from the town centre, enabling readers to get a fuller picture of the local area - In 2012 Mons attracted 75,000 visitors, a number set to rise dramatically with the town awarded European Capital of Culture - Mons is a year-round destination with spikes occurring for the annual Doudou festival and Christmas market - The guide will be brief and to the point, attractively illustrated with photographs, and equipped with maps of the town and its surrounds - Mons is a university town, attracting international students, e.g. under the Erasmus scheme.