Menen, city in West Flanders, Belgium

Menen is a small city in Flanders that sits near the French border, marked by narrow streets and historic buildings that show different periods of time. The town contains a market where vendors sell fresh produce and local goods, along with cultural venues including the museum 't Schippershof dedicated to local sculptor Yvonne Serruys and the cultural center CC De Steiger.

Menen was fortified and changed hands between Belgium and France multiple times, notably under French rule when military engineer Vauban designed it as a fortress city during the 1600s. A major fire in the mid-1700s destroyed much of the town, forcing significant reconstruction, yet the city recovered and maintained its role as a regional hub.

The name Menen reflects its history as a crossroads between Belgium and France, shaped by centuries of movement and exchange. Today, residents keep local traditions alive through seasonal celebrations and festivals that show the customs of the region.

The city is easy to walk through, with most sights close together and streets that are simple to navigate on foot. Train and bus connections link Menen to other Belgian towns and to nearby France, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding region without needing a car.

Menen made international headlines in 2015 when local officials announced civil servants would no longer use French in official settings and would rely on hand signals instead. This unusual decision highlighted the importance of language and identity in the region, drawing worldwide attention to the small city.

• Location: Arrondissement of Kortrijk
• Capital city: Menen
• Part of: Politiezone Grensleie, Emergency rescue zone Fluvia
• Shares border with: Wervik, Mouscron, Kortrijk, Halluin
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Website: https://menen.be
• GPS coordinates: 50.79556,3.12167
• Latest update: February 17, 2026 00:00