Louvain-la-Neuve: Belgium's Modern University Town

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see voo pleh / duh ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-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, see 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-ay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zan]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• 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
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• 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?
  [kell uhruh eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
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• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
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• MorningMatin
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• AfternoonAprès-midi
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• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
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• TomorrowDemain
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• 1Un
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• 2Deux
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• 3Trois
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• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
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• 7Sept
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• 8Huit
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• 9Neuf
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• 10Dix
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• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
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• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Louvain-la-Neuve was founded in 1969 as a response to the linguistic tensions in Belgium. The Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), established in 1425, decided to split into two separate institutions due to the linguistic divide between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking communities. Louvain-la-Neuve was created to house the French-speaking Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain).

One of the unique aspects of Louvain-la-Neuve is its design as a pedestrian city. The town was intentionally constructed with a network of pedestrian paths and underground roads for vehicles. This design aimed to create a safe and pleasant environment for students and residents, emphasizing walkability and reducing vehicular traffic in the city center.

Louvain-la-Neuve quickly became a vibrant cultural hub, largely due to its student population. The city hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and performances throughout the year. Its student-centered design includes a variety of cafes, bars, and cultural venues, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the youthful and academic spirit of the town.

The architecture of Louvain-la-Neuve is a blend of modern and functional design. The city was meticulously planned with the input of renowned architects and urban planners. Its buildings often feature contemporary styles while incorporating elements that ensure practical use for academic and residential purposes. The innovative design has made Louvain-la-Neuve an example of successful urban planning.

As the home of UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve is a significant center for academic and scientific research. The university has contributed to various fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The presence of cutting-edge research facilities and a highly qualified academic community has established the city as a leading educational hub in Belgium and Europe.

Louvain-la-Neuve is home to several important cultural institutions, including the Hergé Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the famous Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi, known by his pen name Hergé, creator of 'The Adventures of Tintin'. The city also boasts art galleries, theaters, and music venues, contributing to its rich cultural landscape.

The establishment of Louvain-la-Neuve has had a significant economic and social impact on the region. The city has attracted businesses, research institutions, and a diverse population, fostering economic growth and social development. The integration of academic, residential, and commercial areas has created a balanced and thriving community.

Louvain-la-Neuve is conveniently located in the Walloon Brabant region of Belgium. The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport (Zaventem), approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a train to Louvain-la-Neuve, which typically involves a transfer in Brussels or Ottignies. The total journey usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can reach Louvain-la-Neuve by car via the E411 highway, or by bus from nearby cities and towns.

Once in Louvain-la-Neuve, getting around is easy. The town is designed for pedestrians, and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses operated by TEC can take you to neighboring areas. Taxis are available but may need to be booked in advance. The town also offers bike rentals, providing a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore.

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or market purchases. ATMs are readily available throughout Louvain-la-Neuve for your convenience.

Louvain-la-Neuve is generally a safe destination for tourists. The town is known for its student population and vibrant cultural scene, contributing to a friendly atmosphere. However, standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in secluded areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Louvain-la-Neuve has local police and medical facilities, including pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For urgent medical needs, the nearby University Hospital Saint-Luc in Brussels provides comprehensive care.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly casual or revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious settings. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Louvain-la-Neuve like a local, visit the Hergé Museum dedicated to the creator of Tintin. Engage with students and locals in the town's many cafes and bars. Don’t miss the local markets, such as the Wednesday market at Place de l'Université, where you can find fresh produce and artisan goods. For a unique experience, take a walk around the artificial lake and explore the beautiful trails in the Bois de Lauzelle forest.