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Before you go
Your trip to Ath.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ath – Hainaut Destination Mons and Tournai about 25 km from Mons
How to get there
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Brussels Airport (BRU) Zaventem · 65 km
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Gare d'Ath 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Ath has direct trains from the capital, Tournai and Mons; from Brussels the journey takes about an hour. By car, it is just off the highway between Brussels and Tournai, about 25 km from Mons and 30 km from Tournai. The nearest airport is Brussels, about 65 km away.
How many days
One day covers the Maison des Géants, the Tour Burbant, the Grand-Place and the Espace gallo-romain. With more time, you can combine it with Tournai or Mons.
When to go
Museums are open year-round. At the end of August, the city hosts the Ducasse d'Ath and becomes very crowded. Guided visits to the Tour Burbant usually run from April to September; check with the tourist office.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. From the station to the center is a few minutes' walk, and the museums are close to each other. A car helps for villages and the region's cycling routes.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ath
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Morning
Maison des Géants
Visit the Maison des Géants, in front of the church of Saint-Julien, and meet the city’s giants.
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Afternoon
Tour Burbant and Espace gallo-romain
Walk to the Grand-Place and the Tour Burbant and finish at the Espace gallo-romain, with the Roman boats.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to see in Ath?
The Maison des Géants, the Tour Burbant, the central square with the 17th-century town hall, and the Espace gallo-romain.
Why is Ath called the city of giants?
Because of the procession giants of the Ducasse d'Ath, like Goliath and his wife, who take to the streets at the end of August.
How to get from Brussels to Ath?
By train, with direct connections in about an hour. The station is close to the center.
Can you see Ath’s giants outside the ducasse?
The giants only appear on festival days, but the Maison des Géants shows their history, construction and ritual throughout the year.