You will find one of the most beautiful bookshops in Europe on a quiet square in Kortrijk.
Theoria occupies a grand Neoclassical building that had been occupied over the years by a casino, concert hall, school and bank. Lovingly restored in 2017, the building is now home to a spectacular bookshop with a grand entrance hall, polished parquet floors and a sweeping marble staircase.
Owner Pascal Vandenhende has added literary details, like life-size figures from Tintin comics and photographs of visiting writers. The book selection includes serious fiction, photography books, travel guides and kids’ literature.
Vandenhende also organises readings, cookery sessions and even piano lessons. And there are armchairs and little tables scattered around where you can sit with an espresso coffee or a local beer.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
