Mons, Belgium

Capital City

With a population of just 92,500, Mons is a small city that packs a punch. The industrial roots and heavy coal mining heritage have left an indelible mark, creating a gritty, blue-collar atmosphere. While the historic Grand-Place and Gothic architecture offer charm, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city's troubled new courthouse complex exemplifies the red tape and shoddy construction that can plague local projects. And with the region's dreary oceanic climate, the long, rainy winters are a far cry from the sunny retirement destinations often touted. Mons may appeal to those seeking an authentic, working-class Belgian experience, but it's no place for the faint of heart.