Brussels Attractions
Description
Venue: Petit and Grand Sablon When: Daily; Weekends only
One of the best spots in Brussels for a weekend stroll is the chic Place du Grand-Sablon, which hosts one of Europe's most famous antique markets every weekend.
This is not bric-a-brac - most of the objects on display are in tip-top condition and quite expensive. But there are plenty of curiosities that you'd be hard pushed to find elsewhere, such as mementoes from the 1958 Exhibition or typical Belgian pieces. There's a friendly atmosphere as local people meet, greet and relax in the cafes nearby.
The Grand Sablon is dominated by Notre-Dame du Sablon. This church was but a humble guild of archers until a statue of Mary arrived from Antwerp in 1348, renowned for its magical healing properties. Suddenly the congregation swelled and the building was expanded into an impressive Gothic church, which still hosts the Ommegang procession every year.
Grand Sablon is the larger of two charming squares - the charming Petit Sablon is a stone's throw away. The green Place du Petit-Sablon is surrounded by 48 bronze statues, which include heroes Egmont and Hornes.
The Sablon district is a unique and elegant part of the capital. As a Mecca for the arts and antiques trade the area is one of relaxed cafes, enticing restaurants and luxury boutiques, frequented by a trendy, artistic set. Fans of Belgian crooner Jacques Brel should pay a visit to the nearby Jacques Brel Foundation, at 11 place de la Vieille Halle aux Bles.
One of the best spots in Brussels for a weekend stroll is the chic Place du Grand-Sablon, which hosts one of Europe's most famous antique markets every weekend.
This is not bric-a-brac - most of the objects on display are in tip-top condition and quite expensive. But there are plenty of curiosities that you'd be hard pushed to find elsewhere, such as mementoes from the 1958 Exhibition or typical Belgian pieces. There's a friendly atmosphere as local people meet, greet and relax in the cafes nearby.
The Grand Sablon is dominated by Notre-Dame du Sablon. This church was but a humble guild of archers until a statue of Mary arrived from Antwerp in 1348, renowned for its magical healing properties. Suddenly the congregation swelled and the building was expanded into an impressive Gothic church, which still hosts the Ommegang procession every year.
Grand Sablon is the larger of two charming squares - the charming Petit Sablon is a stone's throw away. The green Place du Petit-Sablon is surrounded by 48 bronze statues, which include heroes Egmont and Hornes.
The Sablon district is a unique and elegant part of the capital. As a Mecca for the arts and antiques trade the area is one of relaxed cafes, enticing restaurants and luxury boutiques, frequented by a trendy, artistic set. Fans of Belgian crooner Jacques Brel should pay a visit to the nearby Jacques Brel Foundation, at 11 place de la Vieille Halle aux Bles.
Brussels Information
Belgian Tourist Office
Address: Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 63, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, (UK Address: 217 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9FJ)
Email: info@belgiumtheplaceto.be
Phone: +32 (0) 2 504 0390 (for UK +44 (0) 20 7531 0390)
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'bool' object is not callableEvents
Looking for things to do around Brussels? Here are some of the events and attractions happening in the area.
| Mini-Europe |
24 Mar 2008 - 4 Jan 2009 (annual) Mini-Europe |
| Sablon Nights |
27 - 29 Nov 2008 (annual) Place du Grand Sablon |
| Elbow |
11 Nov 2008 Ancienne Belgique, Brussels |
| Flanders Festival |
23 Aug - 29 Oct 2008 (annual) Flanders |
| Fashion Designers Trail |
24 - 26 Oct 2008 (biennial) Brussels |
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