Marolles

Les Marolles is one of the most popular quarters in Brussels where inhabitants are known for enjoying the good life at weekends.

It has rapidly become ‘trendy’ for the simple reason that les Marolles hosts the famous flea market of la Place Jeu-de-Balle. Come rain or shine, collectors, second-hand dealers and lovers of unusual items make their way here. The atmosphere of this quarter is generated by this ‘old market’ which is held, without exception, every day from 6am to 2pm.

If you come from th Palais de Justice, take the lift up to re-join la rue Haute and from there back up to la rue des Renards. This road will already give you a taster of the typically Belgium antique and bistros in Brussels. In front of you you’ll see the hustle and bustle of the flea market. This effervescence continues along the rue Blaes and into the neighbouring streets: rue Capucins, rue Saint-Ghislain, rue des Tanneurs and all the way up to the ancient church of Brigittines.

In August 2007, the Italian architect Andrea Bruno gave the historic chapel twin sisters, offering the Contemporary Art Centre of Movement and the Voice of the Town of Brussels all the necessary commodities necessary to welcome spectators and artists. In addition, 6 workshops-come-houses for artists and a flavour garden complete the collection.

Wandering these streets, it is not uncommon to hear ‘Brusseleir’, a tasty mixture of Flemish and French, an old dialect still spoken by a few Marolliens today.

Our advice: Come with cash as it’s difficult to pay with certain credit cards. You’ll find a cash machine on rue Haute, on the level of the lift.