Arlon: The Enchanting Gateway to Belgian History

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skyoo-zay mwa/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seck-oohr]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-sheh...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde simplement
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd sahm-pluh-mahn]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Arlon, known in ancient times as Orolaunum, boasts a rich Roman heritage. The Romans recognized the strategic importance of this location and established a settlement here in the 1st century AD. Visitors can explore the remnants of Roman baths and villas, showcasing the classical architecture that once flourished in this region.

During the Middle Ages, Arlon became a fortified town and the seat of the County of Arlon. The construction of the medieval castle in the 9th century marked an era of defense and power. The county played a crucial role in regional politics, often caught in the power struggles between the Duchy of Luxembourg and the Kingdom of France.

Arlon's strategic significance continued through the Spanish and Austrian Netherlands periods. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the town saw the construction of impressive Baroque buildings and churches, reflecting the prosperity brought by its advantageous position in European trade routes.

The French Revolutionary Wars brought significant change to Arlon as it was incorporated into the French Republic. The Napoleonic era left its mark with the construction of new administrative buildings and the introduction of the Napoleonic Code, which reformed the local legal framework.

The 19th century witnessed the Industrial Revolution transforming Arlon into a hub of economic activity. The development of the railway network connected the town to major industrial centers, fostering growth in manufacturing and commerce. The period also saw the emergence of new educational institutions and cultural landmarks.

Arlon experienced the turmoil of both World Wars, with significant impacts on its population and infrastructure. Post-World War II reconstruction efforts led to modernization and urban development. Today, Arlon is a vibrant town that harmoniously blends its historical legacy with contemporary life.

Arlon is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Maitrank Festival, celebrating the local drink made from the sweet woodruff plant. The town's museums, such as the Gaspar Museum, offer insights into its artistic and historical journey, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Arlon, located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg, is accessible by various means of transport. The closest major airport is Luxembourg Airport, about 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Arlon, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, Brussels Airport is about 200 kilometers from Arlon, and you can reach Arlon by train in around 2.5 hours. The city is well-connected by train with regular services from Brussels, Luxembourg, and other major cities. If you're driving, Arlon is accessible via the E411 motorway.

Within Arlon, public transportation includes buses operated by TEC (Transport En Commun). Buses are an efficient way to navigate the city and its outskirts. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, renting a bicycle or car is an option. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and many of its attractions are within walking distance.

Belgium's official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Arlon for cash withdrawals.

Arlon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Arlon does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Arlon has a local police station and medical facilities available to assist tourists. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications and minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly when visiting churches. Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A simple 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' is appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'Tarte au Riz'. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a social activity here.

To experience Arlon like a local, visit the weekly Saturday market at Place Léopold, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and keen to share their culture. Explore the Gallo-Roman Museum for a deep dive into the local history. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike in the nearby Ardennes forest, offering beautiful landscapes and a peek into Belgium’s natural beauty.