Châtelain
Charming neighbourhoods where shops and homes go side by side.
Setting off from Avenue Louise, take Rue du Bailli towards the Eglise de la Trinité.
To your right is Irsi, one of the big names in handmade chocolates, offering a range of traditional pralines and sugared almond dragées. Stop at number 35 and try the natural handmade ice cream at Framboisier Doré. Over the road, the Mozaik Créations showroom boutique boasts an original selection of cards, notebooks and notepads. At No154 Rue de Livourne, you will find Notos, a restaurant where you can discover the flavours of modern Greek gastronomy. Rue Simonis, Arthus Gallery, presents the work of artist from multiple disciplines.
At Parvis de la Trinité, next to the church, the terrace at Le Passsiflore tearoom awaits you. Boucle d'Or offers a selection of adorable children clothes and accessories. Rose has an intriguing one colour concept for clothes and objects...they are all pink. On Rue de l’Aqueduc is Tan, a concept store encompassing an organic restaurant, grocery shop, food advice and cooking lessons, where you can experience the real taste of food. On the corner, Convivio offers sophisticated Italian cuisine on the ground floor of a building with striking architecture.
The Place du Châtelain has attracted designers with its Wednesday afternoon market: the Marché du Châtelain, the hip place to shop and mingle while buying organic veggies. Stop off at Bo Flowers, a new generation of florists. At No 38, discover Mais il est où le soleil, with its sophisticated fashion and colourful accessories. On Number 18, in the back of a quiet courtyard, New Stuff displays a selection of decorative items and furniture in an airy and magnificent loft. Close by, on Rue du Magistrat, the Suite boutique is dedicated solely to trousers : it offers a vast choice of them, from basics to refined ones.
On Rue Washington, the windows of Basile et Boniface, are always enchanting, and boasts an original selection of clothes, gifts and furniture for children.
Rue Americaine, on number 25, visit the Horta Museum, located in the Art Nouveau house the famous Belgian architect Victor Horta built for himself in 1898.
Rue du Page, the Basque counter El Vasco, caterer and wine bar, gathers the amateurs of the South-West of France flavours. Opposite, the restaurant Le Fils de Jules is a culinary journey in the Basque and the Landes region. In a beautiful Art Deco decor, this traditional cuisine evolves in sync with the seasons : robust mountain dishes in the winter, gourmet delicacies in the summer, foie gras all year round.
Why not also try La Quincaillerie. The striking décor of this well preserved turn of the century hardware store, matches the excellent dishes. Numerous restaurants in the neighbourhood offer you a world tour of different cuisines.
Rue Tenbosh, the InStore showroom displays the elite of contemporary design and furniture.
Rue du Mail, the Box Galerie exhibits the work of talented young designers, painters and photographers.
At No 33 Rue Fernand Neuray you’ll find T.W.U, with a unique storage furniture concept designed by Alain Chennaux, which opens on Saturdays only. Over the road, La Canne en Ville will charm you with its warm welcome and talented chef.
On Rue Franz Merjay, the boutique Cachemire, Coton & Soie displays Sophie Helmoortel’s sophisticated selection of exclusive clothes and accessories. A little further, on N° 131, a colourful corner : LuciaEstevez. Lucia's impeccable taste guides her selection of decorative objects as well as clothes. Opposite, N°. 104, Scandinavian design is the focus, but there's the occasional wine tasting, courtesy of the shop owner's husband.
Rue Joseph Stallaert the fashion designer Pierre Gauthier presents his collection of unique designs that really show off his incredible talent.
On Rue Berkendael, Graphie Sud offers original treasures by Violaine Damien: clothes, objects and decorations.
Have a look around Place Brugmann, a charming square full of boutiques, antique dealers, restaurants and pleasant terraces. Feeling hungry? Try the Balmoral, an authentic American Milk bar where you can feast on hamburgers, muffins and cheese cakes. Just nearby is Les Précieuses, a boutique with sophisticated accessories displaying Pili Collado’s collection. Next door, the Winery has a wide range of wines from around the world and organises very popular tasting events. On the same stretch is Claude Hontoir’s adorable children’s collection. Why not treat yourself at Dandoy, the most traditional Brussels biscuit maker, who just opened a shop in the area.
On the other side of the square, the patisserie Gaudron has re-opened in a very bright modern decor : it now is also a gourmet shop and a caterer. Close by, Candide, a small and sometimes cluttered bookshop that is a bit of a treasure room, opens on Sunday mornings. On the corner, the windows of florist Catleya display its stunning and original flower arrangements. Next door, the terrace of the Baroq’s Café is the sunniest of all, and a very popular spot.
On Rue Louis Lepoutre, the restaurant l’Intemporelle serves up deliciously sophisticated dishes. Just next door, antique shop Faisons un Rêve displays 20th century objects and jewellery. At the end of the road, you can stop off at one of the branches of Le Pain Quotidien, a "table d'hotes" and traditional bakery. Over the road Le Toucan, a hip restaurant-bistro with a pleasant terrace.
At No 544 on Chaussée de Waterloo, men will love Sea Me, the first spa dedicated exclusively to their well-being. Treat yourself or a loved one with flowers from Rouge Pivoine, this florist has a great gift for discovering rare flowers and unusual decors. At No 579, Parachute Jump presents a clothes collection that oozes classical elegance and refined luxury. Further on at No 587, you will find Fabrice Collignon, a gourmet cake shop offering a refined range of original flavours. His beautiful cakes are to take away or to enjoy on the spot in the modern tea room.
Rue Washington, on the delighful little Place Charles Graux, Parachute Parc is perfect for a quick bite, with its range of delicious tapas. In the summer the terrasse is heaven. Opposite is the Maison Felix : this caterer and restaurant is a fine example of the French cuisine tradition, and a place of delight : it is the only one in Brussels that carries the highly coveted ice-creams and sorbets from Parisian ice-maker Berthillon.
