Known colloquially as Les Marolles, this quarter of Brussels is traditionally working class. Situated between the two city walls, the area was home to weavers and craftsmen. Street names of the district, such as Embroiderer’s St. and Carpenter’s St, reflect its artisanal history.

Today the area is best known for its fine daily flea market, held in the Place du Jeu de Balle. The flea market has been held on this site since 1640. Between 7 am and 2 pm, with the biggest and best markets on Thursday and Sunday, almost anything from junk to pre-war collector’s items can be found among the stalls.

Shopping of a different kind is on offer on nearby Rue Haute, an ancient Roman road. A shopping district since the nineteenth century, it is still popular with arty types with its specialist stores, interior sand antique shops. The street has a long artistic history, too.

At the southern end of Rue Haute is Porte de Hal, the stone gateway of the now-demolished outer city walls. Looming over the Marolles is the imposing Palais de Justice, which has hilltop views of the area west of the city, including the 1958 Atomium and the Basilique Sacre-Coeur.