Located in a historic 17th-century mansion, Le Cercle des Voyageurs has always been something of a secret spot, despite being no more than 50 steps from the Manneken Pis.
The historic mansion was built following the 1695 bombardment that destroyed most of the old city. The bare wood floors, worn-out armchairs and luxuriant potted plants create a romantic mood, like a colonial club in a far-off land. One room is decorated with a stack of 214 old suitcases from all over the world.
This friendly cafe was founded in 2002 by globetrotter Brigitte de Clercq as a place for travellers to meet. But tragedy struck just three years later when Brigitte and her friend Didier died in a car crash while they were delivering medicine to Mali.
The café has sometimes struggled to survive. During the pandemic, it looked like it might have finally closed down. But it has reopened under a new owner. Take a look inside next time you are passing.
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.
