What to see
Notre-Dame du Sablon, antique shops, premium chocolatiers, weekend market.
Why it matters
The city's refined side — art, design and chocolate at its best.
Traveller tip
Saturday mornings for the market; Sunday for the chocolatiers.
Best time to visit
Weekend mornings
Cultural context
The Sablon was once a sandy slope outside the medieval walls. The gothic Notre-Dame du Sablon church was built by the crossbowmen's guild after a miraculous Marian statue was brought from Antwerp in 1348. Today antiquaires, gallerists and master chocolatiers (Wittamer, Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus) define its character.
