Sunday in Brussels - treasure hunt.

On Sunday we all headed over to the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market in the city's Marolles district. it is one of the city's most iconic and atmospheric spots, especially on a Sunday morning when it's at its liveliest.,with the biggest crowds, the most sellers and that wonderful chaotic energy.

The square itself dates back to 1853–1854, originally built as a playing field for jeu de balle (a traditional Belgian handball-like game similar to early tennis). In 1873, Brussels authorities moved the city's old "junk market" (originally for second-hand clothes and rags) here from Place Anneessens to clean up the new central boulevards. The market has been running daily ever since (officially since 1919 in its current form), making it one of the oldest continuous flea markets in Europe and supposedly the only antique/flea market open 365 days a year.

On Sundays, the cobblestone square fills from dawn with 200–300+ stalls (plus blankets on the ground) selling everything imaginable. It's a real rummage paradise, dig through boxes, lift blankets and don't be afraid to haggle (it's expected and part of the fun). One thing I noticed was how modernity has lessened the ability to haggle, I was interested in a print and the stall holder snapped a photo of it and found the price it sells on line for. It was much more than he was asking but I still felt it was a bit expensive (that'll be the Scots in me), this does take a bit of fun out of it. Little chance of finding a rare Picasso (legend has it was found here) now.

More from our weekend in Brussels...

After our visit to the delightful 'Hôtel Solvay' on the Saturday of our visit we continued the afternoon as tourist with Denis again doing the guiding.

Some benches from Brussels

 

Brussels Hidden Gem: Hôtel Solvay – Victor Horta's Ultimate Art Nouveau Masterpiece.

 

Nestled on Avenue Louise, the Hôtel Solvay (1895–1903) is Victor Horta's most lavish creation, a UNESCO-listed townhouse built for the Solvay family with unlimited budget and freedom.

Sinuous ironwork, curved facades, exotic woods, custom furniture, and a breathtaking grand staircase (with mosaic murals and stained glass) make it a total work of art. Recently restored (facade unveiled in 2024), it's now open as a museum, we were fortunate to have our hosts bag us timed tickets for the Saturday, as spaces are limited. .

Brussels' secret agent!

After our busy day walking 12 km around Brussels with Dennis and Angela (we had to walk off the frites!) we ended the day by joining our hosts for dinner at a very interesting restaurant in the city where you have to walk through a working newsagents to reach the dining area,handy if you want to play the LOTO en route. 

You walk through Maurice's newsagent to reach his son Olivier's restaurant - thus the name.

The food from the 45 euro set menu was Michelin standard (and size) and delicious. After our dessert we were presented with an interesting end to the evening!

The chef/proprietor was an interesting character who took a wee while to warm up but once he did it made for a lovely experience, all in all a great recommendation from Anne and Denis.

Le restaurant De Maurice à Olivier