The area at the top of the Rue de la Loi and around the Schuman roundabout is where the main buildings of the European Union’s administration are found.

The most recognizable of all the European Union seats is the star shaped Berlaymont building, now nearing completion following the removal of large quantities of poisonous asbestos discovered in its structure. The Berlaymont, formerly the headquarters of the European Commission, will continue to be modernized and refurbished until further notice.

Further down the road from the Justus Lipsius building is the Residence Palace, a luxury 1920s housing complex that boasts a theatre, a pool and a roof garden as well as several floors of private flats. It now houses the international Press Centre. Only the theatre is now open to the public, but EU officials are allowed into the Art Deco swimming pool.

This area is naturally full of life and bustle during the day, but much quieter in the evenings and can feel almost deserted at weekends.