Jules Mairet, auteur sur Bruxelles Secrète

Culture Secret Guides Things to do

In 1747, French soldiers stole the famous Manneken-Pis statue; to make amends, King Louis XV gave him a luxurious outfit, launching a tradition that now boasts more than 1,000 costumes!

In 1747, in the midst of the War of the Austrian Succession, French soldiers committed the unthinkable: they stole the legendary Manneken-Pis, sparking the fury of the people of Brussels. To defuse the di...

Escapes Things to do

Inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth in 1926, this eerie, abandoned psychiatric asylum now conceals macabre scenes straight out of a horror movie!

AsHalloween approaches, head to the mysterious Salve Mater psychiatric hospital. Hidden in the heart of a lush park in Bierbeek, this vast neoclassical complex —reserved exclusively for women—was opened i...

Culture Things to do

“A rare witness”: standing amid the modern facades of Brussels, this mysterious 13th-century stone rampart has miraculously survived the destruction of the city center

Nestled between numbers 34 and 36 on Boulevard de l’Empereur, the Anneessens Tower stands as a rare and precious testament to Brussels’ medieval past. A remarkably well-preserved remnant of the first 13th...

Culture Things to do Wellness & nature

Surrounded by sumptuous Art Nouveau facades, this romantic gem in northeast Brussels is home to a mysterious rock grotto and a spectacular open-air museum

A true haven of greenery nestled in the heart of northeast Brussels, Marie-Louise Square conceals a fascinating transformation. Where the Maelbeek River and the large Saint-Josse pond once meandered, this...

Culture Things to do

A very mysterious local legend! Do you know the true story behind the intriguing star engraved on the floor of the majestic Brussels City Hall?

In the inner courtyard ofBrussels City Hall, a large star-shaped paving pattern has long fueled urban legends. Legend has it that the building’s architect threw himself from the top of the tower into th...

Culture Things to do

Hidden in the heart of Brussels, this impressive 13th-century military fortress was saved from demolition—a historic monument that reveals its parapet walk and a secret staircase

Nestled behindSt. Catherine’s Church, the Black Tower rises in the heart of Brussels as a striking anachronism amid contemporary facades. An enduring testament to the Middle Ages, this architectural gem i...

Culture Secret Guides Things to do

Former prisons, inaccessible palaces, and mansions: Brussels unveils 28 sumptuous 19th-century architectural gems during the first two weekends of October

Often overshadowed by the international fame ofArt Nouveau andArt Deco, 19th-century architecture is set to reveal all its secrets in the Belgian capital. During the first two weekends of October 2026,the...

Culture Food & drink Things to do

Concerts, traditional cuisine, and a Bavarian atmosphere: the must-see Oktoberfest sets up its spectacular tent in the heart of Brussels!

The legendary spirit of the Bavarian festival will take over the European capital from October 14 to 24, 2026. Born in Munich in 1810 during a royal wedding, this popular event has, over the decades, beco...

Culture Things to do

For its 22nd edition, Belgium’s most prestigious contemporary art competition is taking up residence in Brussels this fall—an unmissable event that showcases the country’s 10 most promising young artists

Brussels is set to showcase emerging talent at the 22nd edition ofArtContest, the premier competition for young contemporary artists in Belgium. This major platform celebrates more than twenty years of de...

Culture Escapes Things to do

“The Pearl of the Flemish Ardennes”: from its legendary cobblestone hills to its UNESCO-listed town hall, this verdant gem is home to the legendary Tour of Flanders

Nestled on the banks of the Scheldt in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes, Oudenaarde stands out as an exceptional city where architectural splendor and a passion for sports come together. Renowned worldwi...