Flemish civil servants out for a walk at Abattoir

Upon arrival, they could pay a visit to the Expo Artworld, organised in our well-known Cellars situated under our market hall. An initiative that was appreciated so to hear, because these parts of Brussels are mostly undiscovered.

We have spoken to some of the participants and here is how they experienced their Abattoir discovery:

Anne Vandenbergen, Justice Dept. Flemish Government

“ I have chosen for this walk because it brings you to those areas of Brussels where normally one never comes. This is what excites me about Brussels. Moreover, this walk is not only the longest one, it is also a very complete one, offering a lot of variety. We took the opportunity to pay a visit to the Expo Artworld in the gorgious Cellars.”

Pieter Burm (indeed, Jef's brother), Instructor at the VDAB

“The walk was truely attractive. I have seen the Cellars some fifteen years ago and I wanted to renew that experience. The walk is taking us across those parts of the capital that are less well-known. I had never heard of the Expo Artworld. The visit was interesting, but maybe some more information - e.g. by a guide -  would have made it worthwhile to stay a bit longer. But we must continue our walk now, because the day has just only begun.”

De Kempeneer Marianne, Logistics Department

“This morning’s weather has influenced our decision, because next to shorter or longer walks, many other sportive activities were organised. But the weather was in our favour, so we finally decided to choose for the longest walk, offering cultural discoveries as well as fabulous green corners hidden in those parts of Brussels that were so far unknown to us. Amonst them was Abattoir too. We took the opportunity to go and see the Expo Artworld. But visiting the Cellars was our main objective though. They really are fabulous. But you will have to excuse us now, because we still have quite a long way to go.”

Description of the “Long Walk”

Starting-point: “Bruxelles Midi” railway station

Arrival point: Central Station  

Leave the “Bruxelles Midi” railway station taking the exit “Place Horta”. The walk will take you from the city centre to the north-western frontier of the Brussels region and back: from the train to the cows, as it were. You will walk across Cureghem, Molenbeek and Berchem St Agathe passing by the Cantillon brewery and Abattoi. You will continue your walk passing through the Marie-José and Scheutbos parks, the Wilderbos wood and the Karreveld park. Having reached the Beekkant, take the subway back to the centre, the point of arrival.