Saint-Gilles: The Artistic Heartbeat of Brussels

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pl-ay/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/dey-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen/ey voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prohnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar lah kahrt, seel voo pl-ay]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj 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 pl-ay]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-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-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhust]
• 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-vay voo bay-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 oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr eh duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 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-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Saint-Gilles, originally a village outside Brussels, began to develop in the late Middle Ages. The area was primarily agricultural until the 19th century, when urban expansion from Brussels began to encroach upon it. The neighborhood was officially annexed by Brussels in 1864, marking a significant transition from a rural community to an integral part of the metropolitan area.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought a wave of architectural innovation to Saint-Gilles, coinciding with the Art Nouveau movement. The neighborhood is now renowned for its stunning examples of this architectural style, with buildings designed by famous architects such as Victor Horta. His work, particularly the Tassel House, exemplifies the intricate designs and organic forms characteristic of Art Nouveau.

Throughout the 20th century, Saint-Gilles evolved into a vibrant multicultural hub. The area attracted various immigrant communities, including Italians, Spanish, and Moroccans, who brought their own cultural influences. This diversity is reflected in the local cuisine, festivals, and markets, making Saint-Gilles a microcosm of Brussels’ broader multicultural identity.

In 1989, the establishment of the Brussels-Capital Region brought significant administrative changes to Saint-Gilles. This reform allowed the neighborhood to promote its unique identity while benefiting from regional development initiatives. Efforts were made to enhance public spaces, improve infrastructure, and support local businesses, solidifying Saint-Gilles as a vibrant urban neighborhood.

In recent decades, Saint-Gilles has experienced gentrification, attracting artists, young professionals, and families. The neighborhood has become a focal point for contemporary art and culture, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events. While this transformation has revitalized the area, it has also raised concerns about affordability and the preservation of its historical character.

Saint-Gilles is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Brussels. You can take the Brussels Metro Line 3 or 4 to the Gare du Midi station, which is adjacent to Saint-Gilles. Alternatively, trams 81 and 82 serve various stops in the neighborhood. For those traveling from the Brussels Airport, the Airport Train takes you to Brussels Central Station, where you can switch to the Metro or other public transport to reach Saint-Gilles.

Saint-Gilles is well-connected by public transport, including Metro, trams, and buses. The STIB/MIVB network provides efficient service throughout the area. Bicycles are also a popular way to explore the neighborhood, with numerous bike-sharing options available. Walking is encouraged, especially in the charming streets filled with Art Nouveau architecture.

Saint-Gilles is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid areas around Place de la Constitution late at night, as there have been reports of petty crime targeting tourists. Keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, call 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Hôpital Erasme. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and stylishly, as locals take pride in their appearance. Avoid overly casual clothing in restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches; modest clothing is appreciated. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and a smile. Don't forget to say 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' when entering shops. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cafes and bistros. Don’t be overly loud or disruptive in dining establishments.

To experience Saint-Gilles like a local, visit the local markets, particularly the Flagey Market on Sundays for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the vibrant street art scene, especially in the Rue de la Procession area. Engage with café owners and locals to learn about hidden gems and lesser-known attractions. Don't miss the beautiful Parvis de Saint-Gilles, a great spot for people watching and enjoying the local vibe.