LÉONIE FLOUR, FOUNDER MERCREDI STORE, IN BRUSSELS
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Mercredi, (Wednesday, in English) is market day at the famous Châtelain Place in Ixelles. It is also the name of a shop you cannot miss if you visit Brussels. Welcome to the elegant, sharp and poetic universe of Léonie Flour, who for six years now has been selecting furniture, toys, accessories and children's clothing which are little beauties to look at and buy.
This artistic flair comes from Léonie's time spent working in Paris with renowned photographers - like the Gallois-Montbrun & Fabiani agency and on numerous interior design shoots. When her second child was born, she and her husband decided to leave Paris and moved to Brussels. That was ten years ago.
IN BRUSSELS WITH LÉONIE FLOUR
Eating out with the kids. Now that my children are older (Jean is 14 and Joséphine 10), it is easier to take them to restaurants.
I've heard a lot of good things about the Garage à Manger, especially for the space it offers (a very important consideration for parents with strollers!)
We love to go and have brunch at Henri & Agnes (otherwise, I often do brunches at home. I buy a bit of everything, this way I am sure everyone will be satisfied!)
For a good pasta dish - usually a favorite with the kids - I recommend Caffe Al Dente in Uccle or Certo which opened recently in Ixelles.
To grab a quick bite in the Dansaert district, the sandwich shop Au Suisse is great (children can design their own sandwiches). There is also Mer du Nord/Noordzee, a fish bar where you can eat grilled fish on the plancha and shrimp croquettes. Last September, they opened their third location at the base of the Marolles lift. This venue has a terrace to soak up the sun during the summer season.
Cook & Book (2 locations, one at Woluwe, and the other at Fort Jaco) is a unique place in Belgium (and even in Europe). It is both a bookshop and restaurant with exhibitions, conferences, and dedications. A must-see for children visiting Brussels for the first time.
For an evening without the children, book at Tarzan on Washington Street, a new wine bar (offering an awesome selection of organic and natural wines) with the talented Coralie Rutten running the kitchen and delivering delicious cuisine.
Shopping for the kids. For my 14-year-old son, I mainly go to Bellerose, Place Stéphanie in Saint-Gilles. He wears a small in the men's section but I was also going there before him! There are wonderful things for children from 4 years old and up. A friend of mine designs the collection for girls, she is gifted and passionate about her job. They also have an excellent selection of other brands. I buy my children's shoes here: for my daughter, Adidas, Blunstone, Minnetonka, and Manuela de Juan... For my son: sneakers!
For gifts and decoration: Mercredi! I advise people to go for timeless objects such as night lights from Rose Velours, the frames, and cushions from Coral & Tusk or Caramel's latest collection...
For a last minute birthday gift, I suggest Oli Wood Toy, which is situated close to home. Or a little further away, is Serneels.
Your favorite activities on a sunny day. One of my favorite parks is the Tournay-Solvay Park in Watermael-Boitsfort, popular with nature lovers. I enjoy the gardens of the l'Abbaye de la Cambre, and for a little snack, the Parc d'Egmont next to Place du Sablon.
For families with young children, I recommend the Parc Tenbosch or Plaine Renier Chalon.
C for Culture/Your favorite activities on a rainy day. Whether it's rainy or not, we spend a lot of time in museums.
For the little ones: the Children's Museum and the Toy Museum which looks like a cabinet of curiosities. For all: the Musée des Sciences Naturelles; The Palais des Beaux-Arts, also called BOZAR (family program tested and approved!); The MIM, the Museum of Musical Instruments (one of the most important in the world); The ABC House around art, culture and education, for all ages (we love to go to their open houses, which are really great!); Finally the Atomium devoted to art and design. The spheres designed by the famous architects André and Jean Polak are magnificent. You can even rent one to sleep in with the kids.
We also often go to the cinema, preferably the Vendôme.
Sleeping out with the kids. Without hesitation, la Maison Chantecler, an impressive building tastefully renovated, with a magnificent garden and a swimming pool. Only 15 minutes by foot from the city center.
There is also the beautiful and comfortable Maison Flagey, in the Art Nouveau style in the "Etangs d'Ixelles" area (but only for children aged 12 and over).
Good to know. Every year in September, there is the unmissable Car Free Sunday in Brussels, from 9.30 am to 7 pm. It is a cheerful day in the capital, the youngest have the opportunity to learn skating while the older ones enjoy hanging out together.
Another must-see event is the Festival of Flowers and Street Art held every two years in Watermael-Bosvoorde. On the program: circuses, street concerts, and fireworks. Amazing for all ages.
Brussels is constantly moving and the new food scene reflects this. Brussels Kitchen is a must to discover the latest fashionable places to satisfy all cravings.
There is also the food and lifestyle blog of Axelle Minne who shares her favorite spots.
For coffee addicts (and geeks) like me, you should know Wiffee (coffee + WiFi), an interactive online map showing the best places for good coffee + WiFi.
I am also a fan of the online Alphabeta Magazine, always hunting for the latest creative trends and cultural events in cinema, photography, music, and design.
Finally, for travelers, I recommend Little Voyageurs, naturally! Thanks to you, I will order the STATE Bags for the shop.
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We have a crush on Mercredi, do you?
(Rue Armand Campenhout 48, 1050 Ixelles/Phone : +32 2 649 49 40)