Onze Lieve Vrouw Voorplein

Centered around the magestic Church of Our Lady of Laeken, burial place of the kings and queens of Belgium, the Parvis Notre Dame de Laeken has some of Brussels’ most remarkable monuments in its neighbourhood:

the cemetery of Laeken, nicknamed the “Père Lachaise of Brussels” for the amount of important historical figures buried there
the “Thinker” – an original copy of the famous statue by Auguste Rodin
the monument to Queen Astrid at the Square of the 21 July
the Annie Cordy park with its mural to honour the famous singer and actress born in Laeken
the recently renovated old station of Laeken – and opposite of the Parvis – a possible, but closed entrance to the Royal estate.

The Parvis is also one possible starting point to explore the many stunning parks of Laeken, to visit the Royal Greenhouses, to go the Atomium or to discover the street art scene which has developed in the neighbourhood.

Nowadays quite dominated by the many cars passing by, the Parvis Notre Dame turns into a welcoming and friendly meeting point during the annual events it hosts, usually on one Sunday per month, between March and September: the Fête de la Soupe, the Marché Floral, the 4 times per year happening farmers’ market showcasing local producers and citizens’ initiatives. Why not discover the sustainable side of Laeken with a zero-waste walk?

Sometimes you might also see cameras around: not only for marriages happening at the church, or tourists who come to discover the place, but also for film shootings! You can take a break at the Brasserie Royal Laeken, which was not only one of the settings of the film “Earwig“, but is also a good introduction to the Belgian royal family who is all over the place, presented on biscuit boxes, books and prints on the wall.

And – who knows? – maybe you’ll also be around when a black limousine number 1 passes by, to go back to the castle or… if it happens… attend a commemorative ceremony at the Church of Our Lady of Laeken…

Laeken walking tour: From the Parvis to the Atomium

Laeken walking tour: Street art in Laeken