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A Magical Afternoon in Louvain-la-Neuve before Christmas: Shopping, Culture, Hairdressing and Christmas Market

Pascal Goergen

Just 25 kilometres south of Brussels, Louvain-la-Neuve offers the perfect escape for a festive afternoon before Christmas. To reach this student town, which is 100% pedestrian-only, take the E411 motorway towards Namur and take exit 8a towards Louvain-la-Neuve Centre. Park in the Esplanade car park, and get ready for a sparkling and efficient visit. LLN is also easily accessible by train via Schuman-Bruxelles-Luxembourg and Ottignies. 

Start your adventure with a shopping spree at L’Esplanade, Louvain-la-Neuve’s must-visit shopping centre. With shops ranging from fashion to technology, there’s something for everyone. Shops such as Zara, H&M and FNAC await you for a complete shopping experience.

After shopping, it’s time for a visit to the Hergé Museum shop. The Hergé Museum (but that’s for another time!) dedicated to the creator of Tintin is a real treasure trove for comic book fans. The shop, which was the focus of our escape, offers a variety of related items, perfect for unique and original Christmas gifts.

After your visit to the world of Tintin, take a beauty break at VIP Coiffure. This hairdressing salon, located in the heart of Louvain-la-Neuve between the Museum and the Esplanade, offers high-quality services to get you ready for the Christmas festivities. Whether you need a cut, colour or blow-dry, you’ll be in safe hands. What’s more, the owner, Calogero, will welcome Brussels-Express customers with a cup of coffee (but shhh, don’t tell anyone else!).

Round off your afternoon with a trip to the festive atmosphere of the Louvain-la-Neige Christmas Market. Situated between the Grand-Place and the Place de l’Université, this market features chalets filled with craft products, delicious treats and entertainment for all the family. Stroll around the stalls, sample local specialities and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Christmas.

This programme guarantees you a pleasant and festive afternoon, just 25 kilometres south of Brussels. Keep an eye on your watch so you don’t miss a spot!

Suggested timetable:

  • 14:00 – 15:30: Shopping at the Esplanade
  • 15:45 – 16:30: Visit to the Hergé Museum shop
  • 16:45 – 17:30: Get your hair cut at the VIP Hairdresser’s
  • 17:45 – 19:00: Stroll around the Christmas Market

Enjoy your visit and have a Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

Pascal Goergen

Pascal Goergen, born in Cologne (1963) is Belgian, son of a Dutch-speaking mother (Limburg) and a French-speaking father (Luxemburg). Holder of a PhD in Political Science and professor at the Brussels EPHEC University College, he teaches Dutch & German languages, and European Institutions until 2000. From 2001 to 2011 he has been working as the Diplomatic Representative of the Brussels-Capital Region in the Belgian Permanent Representation to the EU. In 2011 to 2014, he was appointed as Secretary General of the Assembly of European Regions (AER), and in 2015 he co-created FEDRA, the Federation of Local and Regional Growth Actors in Europe. He has more than 30 years experience in the local and regional Brussels-arena, and his networking experience among the expat community make him an expert in the Belgium-Brussels day-to-day reality and its European aspect. As of January, 2019, he's the new owner and Editor-in-Chief of Brussels Express.

Pascal Goergen has 22 posts and counting. See all posts by Pascal Goergen

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