Saint-Gilles: The Hidden Gem of Liege

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [eks-kyoo-zay mwah/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-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• 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-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah pee-lease]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay ahn may-duh-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 simplement
  [zhuh ruh-gard sahm-pluh-mahn]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohn-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 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 tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• 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
  [kat-ruh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [deez]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay la-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-shan (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The neighbourhood of Saint-Gilles in Liège has its origins in the medieval period, with the name deriving from the Saint Gilles, a popular saint of the time. Historical records indicate that the area was initially a rural settlement outside the city walls, gradually becoming more urbanized as Liège expanded.

In the 12th century, Saint-Gilles became an important religious centre. The Church of Saint-Gilles, built in the Romanesque style, served as a significant spiritual hub for the surrounding community. This ecclesiastical influence shaped not only the social fabric of the neighbourhood but also its architectural landscape.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, Saint-Gilles experienced rapid urbanization. The establishment of factories and the influx of workers transformed the area into a bustling industrial neighbourhood, closely tied to the overall economic growth of Liège, a major industrial hub in Belgium.

During World War II, Saint-Gilles, like much of Liège, faced significant challenges, including occupation and bombings. Post-war reconstruction efforts in the late 1940s and 1950s led to the revitalization of the neighbourhood, with an emphasis on rebuilding infrastructure and housing.

In recent years, Saint-Gilles has undergone a cultural renaissance, with a focus on preserving its historical character while fostering new artistic and cultural initiatives. The neighbourhood is now home to various galleries, cultural events, and a vibrant community atmosphere, reflecting the broader trends of urban renewal in Liège.

Saint-Gilles is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Liège. You can take the local bus service, which connects to major transit hubs like Liège-Guillemins train station. Buses run frequently, and the journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes. If you prefer cycling, many bike paths lead into Saint-Gilles from nearby areas, making it a great option for the more adventurous traveler.

Saint-Gilles is a compact neighborhood, making it ideal for exploration on foot. Public transport options include buses that connect to other parts of Liège. For those who enjoy cycling, bike rentals are available, and dedicated bike lanes can be found throughout the area. Taxis are also readily accessible if needed.

Saint-Gilles is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but caution is advised, especially at night. Areas near the train station can experience higher crime rates related to petty theft. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. For police matters, you can also contact the local police station. There are several hospitals nearby, and it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites; avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs; be mindful of dress codes in churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Salut'; don't be overly formal unless necessary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and appreciate the culinary culture; don’t waste food, as it's seen as disrespectful.

To experience Saint-Gilles like a local, visit the weekly markets for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with residents, who often share stories and insights about the neighborhood. Explore lesser-known cafes and pastry shops for authentic Liège treats. Take a stroll along the river Meuse for a leisurely experience and picturesque views.