day to day_12

Vélo2008, année charnière

ContactA European in the city

Supplément à La Tribune de Bruxelles - 24 avril 2008

Distribué en partenariat avec

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:07

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:07

Edito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Very European person . . . 4-5

Cultural Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-20

Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24

Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29

Dolce Vita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Il aurait fallu deux « Day to Day in Brussels » pour faire

le tour du mois de mai. Dans la capitale, les événements

éclosent de partout, se chevauchent, se rejoignent, se renvoient l'un

à l'autre. On assiste au premier salon du Fooding et déjà on pense

aux Nuits Botanique (p6) avec son chapiteau convivial... On est à

peine sorti des Serres de Laeken (p10) qu'arrive la fête de l'Iris, le 11

mai, la fête de Bruxelles et de tous ceux qui y habitent et travaillent

aussi ! (p6). L'animation sera partout, à l'initiative de la Région et du

Parlement et ce jour-là, les voitures n'auront pas le droit de cité dans

le coeur de la ville... Place aux piétons et aux vélos. Un moyen de

locomotion habilement mis en avant dans nombre de pays européens

depuis de longues années. De ce côté, Bruxelles a toujours été un

peu... petit « braquet » mais le plan d'attaque vélo pour 2008 et

2009 du ministre de la Mobilité Pascal Smet (p14-15) devrait

permettre de faire éclore les deux-roues comme autant de bonnes

petites nouvelles pour l'Environnement et pour la rue de la Loi ! Et

ça n'est pas « l'echte Brusseleir » Evelyne Huytebroeck, ministre de

l'Environnement, qui s'en plaindra. Elle nous parle avec un bel

enthousiasme de son vélo, de sa toute petite voiture électrique et de

ses sentiments pour une Europe solidaire (p4-5).`

Autre bonne nouvelle, le Day to Day a décidé de se

faire lien entre ceux qui font l'Europe au quotidien et

leur quotidien à eux, là où ils vivent (p8). Chaque semaine, une

des 19 communes de Bruxelles s'offre côté pratique, guichet et « qui-

fait-quoi ». Bonne lecture !

AvantPropos

Dossier réalisé par RGP

Rue des Francs, 79 - Tèl.: 02.211.28.49 Fax: 02.211.28.70.

COORDINATRICE: Elodie Weymeels

COMMERCIALISATION: Luc Bolsius, HatimElmajd, Michaël Cohen et Anne Debischop

TEXTES: Elodie Weymeels, Sylvain Louis,Laure d'Oultremont, Ingrid d'Oultremont,Renaud Hermal

PHOTOS: Bénédicte Maindiaux, La Tribune deBruxelles, www.photos.com, Dreamstime, DR

EDITEUR RESPONSABLE: François le Hodey

MISE EN PAGE: Daphné De Ridder / Azur Graphic

IMPRESSION: Sodimco

INTERNET: www.tribunedebruxelles.be

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:07

4 / V E R Y E U R O P E A N P E R S O N

V E R Y E U R O P E A N P E R S O N

Brussels passionately Evelyne Huytebroeck

In your opinion, what place does Brussels

occupy in Europe? And how is it evolving ?

« My Brusselois roots go back many

generations. My father was a French-speaking

Brusselois and my mother was a Dutch-

speaking Brusselois. I was born close to the

Grand-Place and I have lived in several

communes. I have watched Brussels develop

positively and evolve from the simple capital of

Belgium to a European city par excellence.

Despite everything, this city has been able to

retain its human dimension, its parks, its

greenery and its gardens. It has earned its

credentials, such as being designated the

capital of Europe. For 5 years, evolution has

clearly been in the air: Europe has transformed

itself and has become more human – it has

become the Europe of the people.. »

What projects are in the pipeline for the

European quarter ?

« Most people still see the Schuman district

only as a place for work. I want to turn it

into a place for tourism. To do that, we are

trying to extend the major cultural events

to the European quarter, as was the case

during the Nuit Blanche. It is a district full

of richness, firstly at the level of the

European institutions, as many tourists are

curious to see and visit these buildings. But

there are also some fantastic museums,

such as the Museum of Natural History or

the Wiertz Museum, which are too rarely

visited. There is therefore real cultural

potential in and around the European

quarter, which is confronting a real need to

relieve the Pentagon in terms of tourism

and mobility.»

What, in your opinion, is the major asset of

our city ?

« For me, Brussels has two major assets: its

cultural richness – which it derives from the

melting pot of populations – and its art of living.

In Belgium and in Brussels, eating is a veritable

pleasure. Moreover, the hospitality industry

accounts for some 30,000 jobs. And there are

countless places where you can eat well in

Brussels. Even our fritkots are well-known! »

You talked about relieving the city centre of

traffic. In your opinion could Brussels

become a cycling capital ?

« First of all there must be a concerted effort on

the part of the communes and the Region to

establish a global policy. Take Cyclocity, for

Photos Bénédicte Maindiaux

An authentic “Zinneke”, the Brussels Minster for the Environment, Energy and

Tourism was incidentally born in the same year as the Atomium, to which she

remains very attached. This former journalist, now the first woman Minster for

the Environment of the Brussels government, is bursting with ideas and projects to turn

Brussels into an ecological region that is socially conscious, open, welcoming and tolerant.

Outspoken by reputation, Evelyne Huytebroeck is also a true gourmand of the national

cuisine. She dreams of making 2012 the Belgian gastronomy year of tourism. Attached

though she may be to our atypical traditions, like the “fritkots” (mobile chip vans), the

minister is still a modern woman, attentive to technological progress, such as the new

electric car, the Reva, which she is going to test for a month. Mindful of the image of her

city abroad, in 2007 she launched the “Brussels Tof people” campaign, the name she gives

to European foreigners living in Brussels, in order to promote their host city in their country

of origin. A person who is in love with Brussels – this is her story.

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:07

V E R Y E U R O P E A N P E R S O N / 5

V E R Y E U R O P E A N P E R S O N

example, which is confined to the Pentagon and

is at present considered a failure – unlike Vélib in

Paris. Such a limited project could only be

intended for tourism and could only fail in its

ambition to change the habits of the Brusselois.

There is, however, capacity to further develop

this mode of transport, even though it is true to

say that easing congestion is not easy. I believe

that the bicycle must take its place on the road

with the rest of the traffic and that, above all,

cycle lanes must be developed. We are

collaborating on numerous projects with Pascal

Smet, notably the “Friday Bikeday” initiative,

which was launched in September 2007 and

which consists in making Friday the day when

people cycle to work. Major companies are

taking part in the project and are encouraging

their employees to “get on their bikes”! »

How do you get around Brussels ?

« I have had a Toyota Prius, which is a non-

polluting hybrid car, since 2004 and, for short

trips, I prefer to walk or cycle. I also regularly use

public transport.»

What places and activities do you prefer in

Brussels ?

« I really like the markets, and I like to do my

shopping there. I don’t have a favourite one, I

like them all. As far as places are concerned, I

like bookshops, not necessarily to buy but just to

browse. I am also a big fan of 1950s shops. I

love vintage things. »

As a Zinneke, what would you like to

preserve and what would you like to

change about our city ?

« What I would really like to preserve is the

“zwanze bruxelloise” (Brusselois humour) and, if

I could change something, I would demolish the

Meiser and Hermann-Debroux viaducts. »

Interview carried out by

Sylvain LOUIS

My Proust questionnaire

Your main character trait

– enthusiasm

The quality you most like in a man

- self-mockery

The quality you most like in a woman

– perseverance

Your favourite hobby

– sport, but I don’t have the time

to do any

The country you’d like to live in

– Brussels and nowhere else !

Your favourite colour

– green

Your favourite flower

– the tulip

Your favourite fictional hero

– Zorro

A song

– «Je suis toutes les femmes» by Dalida

A refuge

- the hammam

What would you take with you onto

a desert island

– a radio

Your favourite Brussels word or

expression

– Tof !

Your favourite dish

– seafood

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:07

CULTURAL DIARY

11 May, Iris Day! The Brussels festival is on 11

May! On this occasion, the whole of the centre

of Brussels will become a pedestrian area. What

better way to join in everything that’s going on in

the capital. On the programme: concerts, street

artists, open doors to Brussels buildings, activities

on stands, etc.

It is in this context that the wacky and fun Red

Bull Soapbox race will take place. 80 teams

from all over Belgium will fight it out on

ingenuity and speed on that Sunday, on an

unpublished course around the Rue de la Loi

and the centre of Brussels!

www.fetedeliris.be

15 and May, Spring in the Sablon. The

theme of the Sablon’s Spring Nocturnes (from

7 pm to 11 pm) is the “meeting of artists”.

Numerous artists from all areas and disciplines

will have the chance to present their work on

the Place du Grand Sablon itself, which will be

pedestrianised for the occasion. Others will

exhibit in certain shops. Like every year, the

district will be a mass of pretty flower beds so

as to mark the arrival of Spring.

www.sablon.org

From 16 to 25 May, Flamenco every day !

Fire and passion will fill the Palais des Beaux-

Arts this Spring with the "Son del Sur"

Flamenco festival. A prestigious programme

awaits us: Eva Yerbabuena, Merche

Esmeralda, Belèn Maya, Rocío Molina, Carmen

Linares, Son de la Frontera… No less than two

whole weeks will be given over to the rousing

and sunny sounds of this music from Southern

Spain, not to mention the dancing, poetry and

cinema. And on 18 May, in the middle of the

Festival, the celebrations at the Palais will also

come under the sign of Flamenco.

Au Palais des Beaux-Arts: www.bozar.be

Ricard-based cocktail for the occasion), David

Martin (Brasserie de la Paix) and Christophe

Hardiquest (restaurant Bon Bon). All the tapas

will be served with Ricard.

All entrance charges (€5 each) will go in

full to a charitable organisation, in principle

the Red Cross. S. Pellegrino fast-pass bracelets

will be available on the website dedicated to

the event. Make sure you sign up for this

major festival of meetings and delights!

www.lefooding.com

ANYWHEREYOU LIKE

From 7 to 18 May, Botanical Nights.

An unmissable event in Brussels, Botanical

Nights creates a convivial atmosphere in the

mildness of Spring, for a week of concerts of all

kinds in four venues : the Big Top in the Bota

park, the Orangery, the Rotunda and the Gallery.

Some "Botanical Nights" will also take place at

the Cirque Royal - Rue de l'Enseignement 81 -

1000 Brussels (info: 02 218 20 15).

The chance to go and see the “No new

Enemies” exhibition, which brings together

photos from an international collection of

artists and militants, an open collection of

passionate people working together, in the

street, in order to communicate with a wide

and democratic public.

www.botanique.be

Fooding is a state of mind born out of the

emotions which we feel when good food,

location and conviviality come together in an

eatery. This state of mind will be experienced

during a major festival organised for the first

time in Brussels by the Fooding association.

On the menu are meetings, lessons and

tastings at highly democratic prices! On

Saturday 17 May, for example, cookery classes

are being organised at Mmmmh!, led by Yves

Camdeborde (Le Comptoir du Relais, the best

bistro in Paris) and William Ledeuil (Ze Kitchen

Galerie, Paris). These classes are open to

everyone, pre-booking required.

18 May, 3 highlights, 3 places, 3 chefs in each place.

Lunch: Meeting at Place Saint Boniface where

Yves Camdeborde, Yves Mattagne and a 3rd

Dutch speaking chef will make tapas to go

with Duvel and Vedett beers and wines from

Chapoutier.

Tea: FAWA (the food and wine academy of Eric

Boschman and Christel Verheyden) is the venue

for this and it is chefs Pierre Marcolini

(chocolatier), Line Couvreur (blog chef

www.toquetoc.com) and Sophie Tordoir (pastry

chef at the Windsor) who will be coming to have

fun with Haagen-Dazs ice creams.

Pre-dinner drinks: will take place at the Bota

with les chefs William Ledeuil (he will concoct a

EXPO 58In 2008, Brussels is under the favourable auspices of1958 and its great Universal Exhibition. But the proposedfestivities are far from being a return to the Belgium ofour fathers! Exhibitions, videos, events, everything isbeing done to relive this pivotal period of the 50s/60s.

Address for following the anthology of plannedevents : www.atomium.be

The first fooding event in Brusselsis scheduled for mid-May!

6 / C U L T U R A L D I A R Y

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:07

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

8 / CONTACT

C O N T A C T

Ixelles : « Building bridges »Multicultural par excellence, the commune of Ixelles is very attentive to theintegration of Europeans on its territory. Delphine Bourgeois, Alderwoman forEurope, explains why.

8 / L E I S U R E

With one quarter of the population

of Ixelles being European, not

counting the Belgians of course,

the heart of the commune beats to the

rhythm of the 27. It hosts the European

Parliament of course but, all around that

imposing institution, districts like Matongé,

Flagey, etc. resume life every morning at their

own rhythm. To facilitate the integration of

some 180 nationalities, which rub shoulders

every day, Ixelles has, like other Brussels

communes, created the post of Alderwoman

of European Affairs (échevinat des affaires

européennes). Delphine Bourgeois, the holder

of the post since the last elections, has been

indefatigable in her attempt to build a bridge

between the Europeans and the local

authorities and to make the Brusselois aware

of what Europe is. “I think that it is above all

necessary to empower the young to take

advantage of what Europe offers them. It is all

too often forgotten that it is thanks to Europe

that we have economic and monetary stability

and that students are able to attend other

European universities and become involved in

other forms of exchange.” The young – a

privileged target! That is what this ardent

supporter of Europe thinks anyway. “I would

like to reach out to schools even more. I can

easily imagine a course on Europe given in the

classroom. There would also have to be inter-

school sports competitions to bring the

different cultures even closer together.”

A very concrete Europeaninvolvement

But there is still some way to go to get the

meaning of Europe across to everyone. The

Alderwoman acknowledges that, to achieve

this, it is also crucial that the local authorities

play their part in the process of construction.

Regular meetings are organised at the local

level with the Europeans of Ixelles. The first

such meeting took place in the presence of

Members of the European Parliament, the

Director of the European School and Carlo

Luyckx, Director of the Brussels Europe

Liaison Office. The aim was to define the

topics that preoccupy the Europeans in

Ixelles. “The first two meetings have already

been held and, each time, I came away with

the strong impression that the Europeans

feel very involved in their adoptive city. They

realise that there are differences compared

to their city of origin, such as the way waste

is managed and how vandalism is dealt with,

for example. And they try to provide very

concrete solutions based on what the

already know.” She also notes that the

Europeans participate more in local events in

Ixelles. Every year, regular visits are organised

by the commune to the European

Parliament. The commune also actively

participates in the Open Days of the

European Parliament, which, this year, will

take place on 7 June. With regard to future

projects, Delphine Bourgeois would like to

launch a cultural event showcasing the

culinary and tourism specialities of the 27

Member States. Her motto: to seek unity in

diversity and to seek the diversity that has

unified a continent.

Services linked to Europe andlocated in the commune of Ixelles

European officials: 02.515.66.08

European identity cards: 02.515.66.34

European relations: 02.515.67.36

Open from Monday to Thursday from

08:00. to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00

and on Friday from 08:30 to 12:00.

Chaussée d'Ixelles, 168 - 1050 Brussels

Every month, Day to Day describes a Brussels commune from a practical point of view. Who do youneed to approach regarding administrative matters ? How are you welcomed in your commune?What are its pro-European initiatives ? Here you will find all the information you need!

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

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10 / L E I S U R E

L E I S U R E

C'est suite à la demande du Roi Léopold

II que fut entreprise la construction des

Serres, fin du XIXe siècle. Cette

merveille d'architecture classique dessinée par

l'architecte Alphonse Balat (le professeur de

Victor Horta) a été entièrement réalisée en

métal et en verre. Une innovation spectaculaire

pour l'époque qui fera par la suite rayonner

l'architecture belge à travers le monde entier!

En chiffres, les Serres de Laeken constituent

tout de même quelque 36 pavillons et

galeries, 2,5 hectares de surface vitrée, 14

chaudières fonctionnant à plein régime,

800 000 litres de mazout consommés chaque

année et plus de 100 000 visiteurs tous les

printemps... Alors qu'on raconte qu'il s'agisse

du projet de verre, de fer et d'acier le plus

ambitieux jamais réalisé par un particulier, fût-

il le Roi des Belges, n'est pas étonnant.

De l'extérieur, les Serres de Laeken ressemblent

à un palais de verre émergeant d'un paysage

vallonné et verdoyant. Composée de plusieurs

complexes de serres, cette petite ville fleurie

semble toute droit sortie d'un conte de fées,

particulièrement le soir, lorsqu'elle s'habille de

lumières et de magie. Une fois entré à l'intérieur,

une atmosphère chaude, humide et moite

enveloppe le visiteur. En déambulant à travers

les larges allées, il sera rapidement émerveillé

par la flore luxuriante, les couleurs chatoyantes

et les parfums enivrants qui l'entourent.

Le premier et le plus connu des complexes de

serres regroupe le Jardin d'Hiver, la Serre du

Congo (grande verrière à quatre angles) et

l'Embarcadère (serre d'accueil). De multiples

couloirs et galeries relient les différentes serres

entre elles. L'une d'entre elles, d'une longueur

de 200 m, constitue la "Galerie aux

Géraniums". Entièrement tapissée de grands

géraniums aux mille couleurs et de fushias aux

clochettes délicates, elle dégage une

athmosphère romantique et apaisante.

Au coeur du Jardin d'Hiver, s'entremêlent

bananiers, fleurs exotiques et gigantesques

palmiers dont certains datent encore de

l'époque du Roi Léopold II. La serre aux

dimensions impressionnantes fut dès sa

conception destinée à accueillir les hôtes de

marque de nos souverains.

La visite se poursuit avec l'Embarcadère et son

grand escalier aux extrémités duquel sont

disposées deux statues de Charles Van Der

Stappen, L'Aurore et Le Soir. A côté d'elles, les

médinillas, plantes tropicales des Philippines,

sont placés dans de grands vases chinois

rapportés par le Roi Léopold II, alors Duc de

Brabant, d'un de ses voyages en Extrême-Orient.

Le parcours permet aussi aux visiteurs de

découvrir l'atelier d'artiste de la reine Elisabeth

ainsi que les écuries royales, construites début

du XXe siècle par les architectes Girault et

Flanneau. Une visite toute en beauté et en

découvertes qui mérite le déplacement.

Entre monts et merveilles, à la découverte des Serres de Laeken

Jusqu'au 12 mai. Tous les jours sauf le lu.

Domaine royal de Laeken. Avenue du

Parc Royal à 1020 Bruxelles. Prix: 2,5

(gratuit – 18 ans).

Rens: 02 551 20 20

ou www.monarchie.be

Photos: Bénédicte Maindiaux

© Alison Cornford-matheson | Dreamstime.com

Le printemps est de retour, et avec lui l'ouverture annuelle des Serres Royales de Laeken. Amoureuxde botanique et d'essences rares, c'est le moment de sortir de vos jardins pour aller visiterl'époustouflante petite cité de verre que constitue le magnifique domaine des Serres de Laeken.

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

12 / Day to Day in Brussels

F O C U S

Brussels, cycling capital? For several years, things have been

moving in our town when it comes to bikes. Whether

you’re talking about the bike plan launched by the Minister

for Mobility, Pascal Smet, or the countless initiatives and

events organised by cycling associations, changes are afoot

and cars had better behave themselves! In the run up to

May, when bikes will have pride of place thanks to Bicycity

and Dring Dring cycling week, and especially in the run up

to 2009, when Brussels will be hosting the major

international conference Velo-City, we invite you to dive

into the active world of cycling, to meet those involved and

find out about their projects and passion.

Bells areringing inBrussels !

Founded 12 years ago by an intrepid band

which wanted to change the situation of

cyclistsin Brussels, the European Union

Cyclists’ Group has just celebrated its 1,000th

member in the Berlaymont. An ideal

opportunity to meet these enthusiastic

Europeans who are keen to make bikes THE

preferred mode of transport for Eurocrats.

Tom Diderich, the Chairman of the EUCG,

came to Brussels 12 years ago. Originally from

Luxembourg, he had previously studied in

Freiberg in Germany, where bikes are

commonly used for everyday trips. “In the

1990s, cycling in Brussels was about as exotic

as ski-ing in the desert!” he jokes during his

speech in the Berlaymont to mark the 1,000th

member of the EUCG.

This sparked the desire to change things, and

led to the creation of the EUCG. Since then,

the group has applied pressure to encourage

European institution colleagues to get back

on their bikes. “Our aim is to encourage the

largest employer in Brussels to change, and

set an example as intelligent cyclists, far from

the old-fashioned image which most people

might have,” the Chairman explains.

In Tom Diderich’s opinion, Brussels has the

capacity to become a real pro-cycling city, but

progress needs to be made. “There is a good

dynamic in Brussels as regards district

developments, and things are changing when it

comes to cycling. I think that the main problem

is the partitioning of the communes, which

prevents a global policy. Some are clearly in

favour of cycling and are making efforts in this

direction, whereas others are lagging behind.”

However, above and beyond infrastructures, it is

attitudes which need to change. “The

reluctance of most Brussels residents to cycle is

just a matter of habit. People are naturally lazy!”

In addition to applying pressure, the work of

the EUCG includes offering a practical service

to its members. Newsletters are sent out

regularly, cycling maps are sold and there is a

Bikepooling service (Editor’s note: See Pro

Velo, Bikepooling service below).

Even though much remains to be done ahead of

the 2009 Velo-City international conference, Tom

Diderich believes that the image of cyclists has

changed considerably in the space of a few years,

and the work of the EUCG has undoubtedly

contributed towards this. “The image of cyclists is

often associated with antisocial and marginal

attitudes. Seeing people like us, cycling in suits,

has clearly contributed towards changing this

image. Similarly, at political level, the concept of

cycling on a daily basis is not just something which

is commonly accepted, but is considered as a

major theme of current policy.”

Bolstered by its success and this symbolic

1,000th member, the EUCG promises not to

rest on its laurels and to keep a critical eye on

everything which is happening (and not

happening) when it comes to cycling in Brussels.

Infos :

www.eu-cg.info

EUCG : cyclists at the heart of Europe

Cyclists on the Rue de la Loi between 8 and 9 a.m.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

mars 148 165 327 245

mai 190 228 198 335

septembre 196 328 329 322Photos B.M.

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

A F O N D L A F O R M E ®

DECATHLON ANDERLECHTRing R0 sortie 15a Erasme - à côté du Cora

Drève Olympique 50, 1070 AnderlechtTél. 02 559 10 10

du lundi au samedi de 9h à 19h30

www.decathlon.be

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

F O C U S


The cabinet of the Brussels Minister for

Mobility, Pascal Smet, has announced

that 2008 will be a year of large-scale

work, not only to modernise and develop public

spaces, but also, more importantly, to develop a

cycling infrastructure. Indeed, cycling is one of

the minister’s priorities, as demonstrated by his

bike plan, which has now reached its mid-point.

What progress has already been made and

what still remains to be done in practical terms?

Pascal Smet takes stock and tells us about his

vision for a cycling Brussels.

What were the main points of the bike plan?

« We specified 4 pillars of action, i.e.

engineering (development of infrastructures),

encouragement, education and enforcement

(development of competent bodies). In

practical terms, when it comes to

infrastructures, 100 km of cycle paths had

been created by the end of 2007 and we

intend to achieve 270 km by the end of 2008,

i.e. 91% of what was specified. In addition,

since 1 February 2008, bikes can be

transported free of charge on low-step trams

and metros. In terms of encouragement,

initiatives such as Bicycity, Friday Bikeday, Dring

Dring and “Shop by bike” are continuing to

meet with success. As for the education

aspect, we are working with Pro Velo, which is

organising a number of courses for children

and adults, including “On your bikes, ladies!”,

which has been very successful, and we are

working with the IBSR on awareness-raising

campaigns. When it comes to the final aspect,

it’s a case of last but not least, since Brussels is

to host the Velo-City international conference

in 2009, and the bike unit which is responsible

for carrying out the bike plan’s projects has

grown from 3 to 11 employees, meaning that

it will be even more efficient.»

Many city residents mention climate and the

hilly terrain as reasons which discourage

them from getting on their bikes. In your

opinion, is cycling a suitable way of getting

around in a city like Brussels?

« Brussels is hilly, but this isn’t Switzerland

after all! However, in June I’m going to visit a

town in Norway where a kind of ski lift for

cyclists has been installed in the steepest

places. Regarding the climate, our country

experiences passing showers, but it rarely

rains all day long. In Copenhagen, for

example, which has a climate similar to ours,

cyclists total 35%, and there are plans to

achieve a figure of 50%! The challenge in

Brussels is that bikes are despised and

The bike plan forintelligent mobility

Photos B.M.

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

F O C U S

considered by some of the population as a

mode of transport for poor people or in terms

of the caricature of the eco-hippy with his

head in the clouds. This isn’t true because a

lot of trendy young people cycle. So it’s a

question of attitude.»

How can we change this kind of

stereotype so that residents of Brussels

finally regard cycling as a fitting mode of

transport ?

« You don’t change attitudes in the space of 4

years. It will take a lot more time to make

residents of Brussels aware that cars aren’t

necessary for every trip. You should be aware

that here in Brussels, 60% of car journeys are

under 5 km. Being in favour of bikes doesn’t

necessarily mean being against cars. However,

we need to encourage people to travel

intelligently, encourage them to ask themselves

whether their everyday journeys could be done

other than by car, especially short journeys. For

these, cycling is the most appropriate and

intelligent mode of transport. »

In 2004, you accepted Le Soir’s challenge

to go without your car for a month. What

did you learn from this experience as a

cyclist ?

« I grew up cycling, but it was outside of

Brussels. The first day as a cyclist was a bit

difficult, you have to get used to the traffic and

get your bearings, but on the second day you

already feel more comfortable, and you quickly

get used to it. The most important thing is to

find the right route and take secondary roads,

which are quieter to cycle on. »

How do you travel around today ?

« In spring, summer and autumn I opt for

cycling or public transport. In winter, I must

confess that I still drive by car. However, as I

said to you earlier, one mode of transport

doesn’t rule out another. Our primary aim is

intermodality and intelligent travel. »

Cyclocity, the bike hire service from the

publicist JC Decaux, has been available in

Brussels since September 2006. A worthwhile

initiative, but one which has not met with the

hoped for success. In contrast with its

predecessors, Vélib in Paris and Vélo’v in Lyon,

Cyclocity has not helped change the habits of

Brussels residents. The climate, the cost, the

terrain and the weight of the bike have been

put forward as explanations for this failure.

However, the weather is no better in Paris,

Lyon is no less hilly and the bikes are the same

in every town. So it seems that the problem

lies elsewhere. “Cyclocity got off to a bad

start,” explains Pascal Smet. “We wanted to

launch a project for the 19 communes and

Brussels City preferred to go it alone. The

territory covered by the current Cyclocity is too

small and there aren’t enough bikes.”

In fact, the 23 Cyclocity stations are all to be

found within the confines of the City of

Brussels, which tends to favour cycling for

tourism or leisure instead of reaching out to

the urban population. Brussels, with its

population of one million, only has 250 bikes

available, whereas there are 4,000 bikes for

the 400,000 residents of Lyon and 20,000

bikes for 2 million Parisians.

A project for Brusselsresidents

However, the Minister, Mr Smet, is already

planning a new project. “A new European

tender procedure has been launched to cover

the 19 communes of Brussels, and we are

intending to award it before the summer.

2,000 to 2,500 bikes should be available

initially, a figure which is eventually set to rise

to 5,000. The zone covered will be wider and

the first 30 minutes of using the service will be

free, so as to reach out to the population of

Brussels. We want to make this service into

what it already represents in the other cities,

i.e. another way of getting about and an

alternative to car use.”

Reaching out to the urban population so that

bikes go some way to replacing cars is the

gamble which this new service is making.

Following the example of Paris and Lyon,

where the success of self-service bikes is 65%

down to journeys to and from work, Brussels

is hoping to make up lost time to earn its

place as a cycling capital. Not such a daft

gamble after all…

Cyclocity: chronical of a failure foretold ?

Pascal smet,

Brussels Minister for Mobility

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

Rappelez-vous, en 2007, une grande

manifestation à vélo rassemblait 10

000 cyclistes dans les rues de Bruxelles,

Bicycity en était alors à son coup d’essai, un

coup de maître ! L’événement qui vise à

promouvoir l’usage du vélo dans la ville revient

donc ce 18 mai, fort de ce succès et après

s’être entre-temps constitué en asbl. Mais

Bicycity n’est pas une nouvelle association

militante, comme nous l’explique sa

coordinatrice, Bénédicte Fontaine. « Bicycity,

c’est une émanation du GRACQ et du

Fietsersbond, c’est-à-dire des mouvements

militants cyclistes. Il a été décidé en 2007 de

créer le rassemblement Bicycity pour apporter

une visibilité aux actions menées par ces

associations. Entre-temps, Bicycity est devenu

une ASBL pour faciliter l’organisation de

l’événement, mais nous ne nous occupons que

de ça, nous ne proposons pas de services

comme le GRACQ ou Pro Velo. Notre rôle est

uniquement d’organiser la journée Bicycity et

de veiller à son bon déroulement. »

Le cortège revendicatif s’élancera d’une

quinzaine de grandes villes de Belgique dont

Anvers, Gand, Namur et Charleroi, pour

converger en milieu de journée à Meise et à

Jesus-Eik où la circulation sera réduite pour

laisser passer les pelotons. À partir du

Boulevard Albert II, la masse cycliste prendra

possession des autoroutes, tunnels et

boulevards pour effectuer le tour de la petite

ceinture de Bruxelles. La journée se clôturera

au Cinquantenaire où aura lieu la Fête du

Vélo, bouclant cette journée Bicycity et

ouvrant dans la bonne humeur la semaine du

vélo Dring Dring.

« Bicycity reste un événement parce qu’il est

ponctuel et offre un grand moment de visibilité

où tout ce qui se fait au niveau des actions de

sensibilisation ou d’apprentissage menées par

les associations converge le temps d’une

journée. Cet événement est un bon moyen pour

attirer encore plus l’attention de la classe

politique sur la nécessité d’infrastructures

adaptées et aussi de sensibiliser le public en

tentant d’élargir le nombre de cyclistes

réguliers. », précise encore Bénédicte Fontaine.

L’année dernière, un public varié avait prit part

à cette initiative citoyenne en arpentant les

routes de Flandre et de Wallonie pour se

réunir à Bruxelles. Une journée sous le signe

de l’écologie et de la bonne humeur, que l’on

souhaite ensoleillée…

Pratique : le 18 mai 2008

BICYCITY re-oxygène la ville

F O C U S

Bicycity, on vous le disait plus haut sera cette année l’événementd’ouverture à la semaine du vélo Dring Dring qui aura lieu cetteannée du 18 au 24 mai. Pour l’occasion, les associations cyclistesont prévu de vous en mettre plein les mollets avec entre autres desformations cyclistes pour apprendre à devenir ou à redevenircycliste, des balades découvertes de Bruxelles et des petitsdéjeuners cyclistes. Ces actions auront lieu tout au long de lasemaine pour sensibiliser le public et lui permettre de réapprendreà aimer le deux roues.

Infos et programme : www.DringDring.be ; 02 502 73 55

Bicycity et Dring Dring

Infos :

www.bicycity.be ;

[email protected] ;

02 514 05 00

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DENISM O B I L I E R C O N T E M P O R A I N

2 8 , R u e F o s s é s F l e u r i s , 5 0 0 0 N a m u r - T é l . : 0 8 1 / 2 2 . 4 3 . 9 2 - F a x : 0 8 1 / 2 2 . 6 0 . 2 8

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08


F O C U S

On your bikes, Ladies !

This resoundingly successful initiative is aimed at

women, but not exclusively, since some men

discretely make up its ranks, as Carmen

Sánchez, project manager, points out. “Around

85% are women. It’s a course aimed at young

girls or women who don’t know how to ride a

bike or who are scared of cycling in town. We

have two types of groups, i.e. individual

registrations and groups made up of associations

of people from deprived areas and immigrants.”

Participants are aged between 17 and 60, but

the most represented age bracket is between

30 and 55. There is a symbolic fee for this

course, which takes place almost every

morning in groups of up to 15 people.

In practice, the course is made up of about ten

lessons divided into 3 stages. “Level 1 consists

of getting to know your bike and finding your

balance, level 2 is a group bike ride to

familiarise yourself with the traffic and road

signs. Finally, level 3 is an individual bike ride

which lasts around thirty minutes. The cycle

finishes with a fun group bike ride, such as a

picnic by the canal,” explains Carmen Sánchez.

In association with local associations, the

Brussels-Capital region and national lottery

support, this initiative also aims to get women

out of their daily routines and to create a

group dynamic. The project manager

concludes: “We want to give them self-

confidence, make them aware of the benefits

of cycling and provide them with a tool for

integration and independence.”

Bikepooling

Set up in 2006, this service provides support

for new cyclists by teaming them up with an

experienced cyclist who lives in the same

neighbourhood and travels the same route

into work. Any beginner who is afraid of

starting out on his own simply needs to

register with a database via the website and

consult the list of regular cyclists with the

same journey. Then, all he needs to do is get

in touch with him! An opportunity to create

links and discover a healthier mode of

transport. The project will be relaunched

during cycling week to boost registrations.

Project justice

This new project, in association with the

Ministry of Justice, is an original alternative

penalty. Motorists who have committed minor

offences (dangerous driving without any

serious consequences) are made to perform

community service of between 20 and 50

hours of cycle education. For example, they

help Pro Velo instructors in their lessons with

children to increase their awareness and give

them a meaningful penalty. This scheme will

begin in July 2007 [sic.].

Bike tours

This is undoubtedly the most fun and highest

profile of all Pro Velo’s services. Since 1996,

they have organised green city bike rides,

subsidised by the Ministry of the Environment.

The basic idea was to promote cycling among

an uninformed public. Through themed tours,

ranging from art nouveau to Expo 58, the bike

tours enable people to discover Brussels

guided by expert cyclists. In addition to the

programme mapped out, group tours are also

possible throughout the year.

PRO VELO : from tourism to utilitarianismhe Pro Velo association is one of the best known to the general public, and for good reason!It offers a wide array of often fun and original initiatives and projects to promote cycling andteach good practices. Here is a snapshot of just some of their activities.

Infos :

www.provelo.org ;

www.bikepooling.be

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

Mamma Mia !Le plus beau cadeau qu'une maman peut recevoir pour sa fête, c'est un collier de pâtes colorées, ou un

accroche-essuie en pince à linge; ou un étui à lunettes en toile de jute avec dessin. Et le compliment

qu'une petite voix récite d'un trait... Après, le coeur en vrac, on peut recevoir... le reste, c'est tout bénéf.

Un filon des plus « Brillant »

Créé à l'occasion de l'Expo 58, le sac Brillant

s'est très vite imposé comme l'un des fleu-

rons des collections Delvaux. Innovante par

son look, caractérisée par une boucle dev-

enue sigle, cette création de la styliste Paule

Goethals n'a cessé de séduire les

amoureuses de l'élégance et de la qualité.

Elles ont fait du Brillant un sac à main incon-

tournable ! Aujourd'hui encore, le Brillant

constitue le best-seller de la Maison Delvaux.

Et pour marquer les 50 ans d'un modèle plus

actuel que jamais et résolument tourné vers

l'avenir, la Maison Delvaux a choisi d'en pro-

poser cette année une édition très limitée: le

Brillant Noces d'Or, tout en transparence.

Voilà, vous l'avez le cadeau...

Delvaux, www.delvaux.com

Lui trouver une Peau d'Ange

C'est bien connu, on peut apaiser l'esprit

en relaxant le corps et vice-versa...

Jeanne Piaubert a pensé à toutes les

mamans actives en bourrant sa gamme

« Peau d'Ange » d'huiles qui font la peau

toute douce et l'esprit qui va avec. Issu de

l'aromathérapie, Peau d'Ange offre une

crème à la fois gourmande et

rafraîchissante à triple action anti-stress,

hydratation et douceur. A ses côtés,

« Peau d'Ange Huile » est une huile

sèche qui nourrit le corps au quotidien et

protège aussi les cheveux du dessèche-

ment en vacances.

Crème, 57,90 €

Flacon Huile, 37,50 €

Lui faire connaître LXP

Un lieu qui renoue avec l'ambiance des

boutiques parisiennes à l'époque de la nais-

sance de la Haute Couture... C'est la

volonté de Ann Eyckmans qui a ouvert il y a

peu LXP, Luxperience. Doté d'une surface

de 110 m2, cette boutique s'apparente au

rez-de-chaussée d'un magasin classique. A

l'étage, un salon, spacieux. C'est là que les

femmes vont pouvoir essayer de superbes

robes et des bijoux sophistiquées et les

emprunter, le temps d'un soirée, d'un

week-end d'une semaine ou d'un mois

peut-être ! Et les rêves secrets deviennent

inaccessibles grâce à ce sytème de location

accessible par la boutique mais aussi à tra-

vers un site internet qui permet de voir les

collections « louées ».

Une virée à Anvers direction magie, c'est

tentant, non ?

LXP, Fonteinstraat, 52 – 2140 Anvers.

www.l-xp.com

S H O P P I N G

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

24 / S H O P P I N G

S H O P P I N G

24 / S H O P P I N G

L'emmener voir destourbillons de couleurs

Eparpillements de pétales entrecroisés,

labyrinthes de pas japonais en chaînes

agglutinées, archétype de la fleur; les

« Flowerbeds » parlent directement à

l'esprit. Ces tableaux-là, on les ressent en

explosion, d'émotion ou de joie. Kinga, à

l'origine de ces toiles investit le signe

iconique de la fleur pour en rendre des

compositions chromatiques subtiles,

fraîches et tendres comme une maman !

Une sortie tout en joie, ensemble...

Vernissage le 7 mai, expo jusqu'au 21 mai,

BW Gallery, place du Grand-Sablonn

impasse St-Jacques, 17 – 1000 Bruxelles.

La Dévotion faite femme

Voilà, c'est fait, plus la peine de réfléchir,

vous avez trouvé le cadeau qui plaira de

toutes façons ! Un ravissant sautoir en

métal argenté et pierres synthétiques façon

Zirconia assorti d'un bracelet trois rangs.

Elle est pas belle la vie ?

Collier, 119.90€, bracelet, 89.90 €

La grosse artillerie... mais fleurie

C'est décidé, on change la gazinière. Mais

pas pour n'importe quoi de noir, acier,

sérieux, banal. Ah non ! Avec sa collection

florale, Falcon étonne en ce printemps !

L’Excel 110 s’impose comme l’un des fleurons

de la fameuse gamme de fourneaux et

cuisinières proposée par le constructeur bri-

tannique. Gerbera, Orchidée ou Fleurs des

champs, de toutes façons la qualité est der-

rière. On y distingue 1 four grill barbecue à

double circuit, monté sur roulements à bille,

1 four multifonction à 8 programmes avec

fonction de montée en température rapide,

1 four à air pulsé et 1 four chauffe-plats. La

table de cuisson est composée, d’une part,

de 5 brûleurs à gaz et, d’autre part, d’une

plaque vitrocéramique. A noter aussi la pier-

rade anti-adhésive, le support wok et

l’étagère amovible “handy rack”. Proposée

en mixte gaz naturel ou électrique, ses

dimensions hauteur-longueur-profondeur

sont 898-925mm x 1092 mm x 600 mm.

Prix sur demande.

www.falconcuisinieres.be

Une fleur de maman

Un jour, une experte en décoration florale a

sauté le pas et a ouvert sa boutique, un

espace-déco totalement dédié à la fleur à

Uccle. Anne Witvrouwen a des doigts mag-

iques et une passion communicative pour les

fleurs alors elle les reproduit, les invente et les

entraîne dans des compositions originales

tout en soie. Il n'y a pas mieux pour gâter une

maman... éternellement !

boules de pivoines en soie à partir de 21.50

euros. Roses en soie à partir de 9 euros.

Soie Ma Fleur, 112 rue du Doyenné (Parvis

Saint-Pierre). Ouvert du lundi au samedi

de 9 heures à 19 heures.

Un Léon, c'est pour la vie

Depuis 10 ans, Comptoir des Cotonniers

met à l’honneur des mères et filles dans ses

campagnes de communication. Il n'y avait

qu'un pas alors que la marque a résolument

franchi pour s'associer à l'action mères-

enfants de Médecins du Monde. Comptoir

des Cotonniers reverse ainsi à l’association 5

euros pour chaque tee-shirt « Léon » vendu.

5 euros c'est 24 kits accouchement à domi-

cile; 1 réunion d’éducation à la santé mater-

nelle pour un groupe de femmes enceintes

animée par une formatrice qualifiée et 2 X 5

euros, c'est 1 accouchement à domicile

assisté par une personne qualifiée. Et un

Léon, c'est pour la vie...

Entre 25 et 40 € selon modèle. Avenue

louise 76 - 1050 Bruxelles. Tél.: 02 502 17

84. Rue A. Dansaert, 14 - 1000 Bruxelles.

Tél. : 02 502 39 28.

Un peu de Vichy, chérie ?

C'est presque l'incontournable cadeau de fête

des mères : une petite nuisette assortie à la

chemise de nuit fillette. C'est pas mignon ça ?

Nuisette pour Dame du 36 au 46 thème

Vichy Rose : 53 €

& chemise de nuit fillette du 2 au 16 ans

thème Vichy Rose : vanaf 44 €.

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

Willy Vander Elst your consultant in furniture, bedding and relaxation for more than 85 years.

225-231 chaussée d’Helmet - 1030 Bruxelles - Phone 02/242 35 86 - (near the church) www.willyvanderelst.be

EXCLUSIVELY FOR BRUSSELS!

Discover the collectionMusterring… the spirit of living

More than 70 relaxation chairs in exhibition !

The new STRESSLESS JAZZ. Fusion of comfort and design !

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

26 / M U L T I M E D I A

MULTIMEDIA

Mixed receptionfor Windows Vista

It was just over a year ago that Windows

Vista came out. The Microsoft operating

system supposed to make Windows XP a

thing of the past. A painful launch for Bill

Gates...

Without doubt Windows Vista represents

one of the biggest failures in the otherwise

long and successful career of Bill Gates at

Microsoft. Never has such an important

software programme attracted so much

criticism. It must be said that its

predecessor, XP, was close to perfection.

And improving on something which is

almost perfect is not easy. Even for

Microsoft. Then with a programme like that

one, you don’t ask for the opinions of

(many) users. It is automatically installed on

most new computers. Which no doubt

explains why, in spite of its numerous bugs,

Vista has sold more than 100 million copies.

A large community which has nevertheless

made itself heard. Indeed, there were

numerous official requests to Microsoft not

to stop sales of XP, as had otherwise been

planned for 30 June. The Seattle company

responded positively to the message.

Virtually unheard of! It must be said that a

large number of businesses have not

switched to Vista and are still running their

computers on XP, which is much more

stable. But at the end of the day, what is it

about Vista that people are complaining

about? Firstly the bugs, which were

corrected to some extent a short while ago

by a major upgrade known as Service Pack

1. Then Vista is greedy. Small

configurations, and thus small budgets,

experience great difficulty in running the

system. Annoying. Finally, the cost. Vista is

expensive, much too expensive, especially

compared to its rival, Leopard, which runs

in the Apple world. Expect to pay 339 euros

for Vista family edition and 129 for

Leopard! At that price, patience is needed.

Update on the iPhone

It’s an open secret. It is very simple to buy an

iPhone and to get it to work on the Belgian

networks. Although Apple recently

announced that the Belgian market was not

a priority for the official launch of its mobile

phone, all you need do is go to the trendy

areas of the European capital to realise that

the iPhone has been unofficially adopted

here. A friend who comes back from the US,

another who comes back from Paris with the

beautiful object in his bag and that’s it.

Within a few minutes, the object of so many

people’s desires is unblocked and perfectly

usable on the three Belgian networks. So

why deny yourself. The price? Expect to pay

between 350 and 500 euros. Which for a

device which makes telephone calls, takes

photos, connects to the Internet and reads e-

mails is not that much. No surprise then that

the parallel market for the iPhone is doing so

well in Belgium. It is even said that the

iPhone was one of the top 10 mobiles sold in

March! But is it legal? Hard to say. In any

event, the user doesn’t risk anything.

Especially as Apple recently revealed that a

totally official launch will take place in the

summer. Mobistar is expected to be the

exclusive operator, but only for a few

months. The sale of the iPhone could then

coincide with the enormous project so close

to the heart of Apple boss Steve Jobs:

unlimited downloading of music on the

iTunes store when purchasing an iPhone or

iPod. Did you say revolution ?

BlackBerry intruder

Whilst it is true that the arrival of Apple in

the mobile phone sector has been the

number 1 topic of conversation in recent

months, we shouldn’t forget that another

company, just as innovative, have got us in

their sights. The Canadians from RIM,

Research in Motion, who make the

BlackBerry technology, have got good cause

to be pleased with themselves since they

have just recorded their biggest ever

turnover of almost 2 billion dollars! On 1

March, 14 million people were using a

BlackBerry. First the CEO’s GSM, then the

managers’, thanks to its simple and efficient

mailing system, the BlackBerry has managed

to conquer the general public like the

excellent Pearl 8100. It’s true that this

terminal is currently used with all kinds of

extras and has become an entertainment

device. Whilst it may not be as sexy as a

Nokia, iPhone or other Samsung, the

BlackBerry can do everything. Let’s not

forget that thanks to its own compression

mode, BlackBerry technology makes it

possible to send and receive e-mails in the

same way as texts. It is so simple and

effective that it has been adopted by many

managers. There is even increasingly talk of

“BlackBerry dependence” or “BlackBerry

management” for all those people who can

no longer do without their device and who

now communicate almost exclusively by this

means. Distinctive features: direct e-mails of

a few words, without signatures and

sometimes without an accent !

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:08

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:09

M O V I N G

28 / L E I S U R E

ENGLAND

Hiking is very popular in Great Britain, a

popularity born out of what are known

as “public rights of way”. In fact, you

don’t need to follow set trails because walkers

have the right to walk freely across agricultural

land and private estates throughout much of

England and Wales.

These “public footpaths” are shown on

Ordinance Survey maps and on recognisable

signs locally. Where marked paths are

provided, people naturally use these public

footpaths, which offer them the advantage of

being able to walk through the countryside,

away from the traffic.

A short stay, even a weekend, is enough to

discover the “public footpaths” and “rail trails”.

To get to the South of England easily, where

these public footpaths are legion, remember

the ferries! Norfolkline ferries are offering

some very good early season deals until 17

July. The port of departure is Dunkerque,

which is closer than the port of Calais and

easily accessible by motorway. The journey to

Dover, recognisable by its white cliffs, takes 1?

hours. Dover is the port of entry which leads to

Kent and East Sussex. You need only drive a

few kilometres and you are in the middle of

this green and undulating land.

There are departures from Dunkerque every

two hours, twenty four hours a da

Special offers : a day return (24 H) costs

€28 (offer code 24HRE); a three day return

costs €53 (offer code 3DAYE); and a five day

return €68 (offer code 5DAYE)

These prices are for a car (max. 5 metres long

and 2.4 metres high) and no more than 5

passengers. Bookings must be made on the

website www.norfolkline.com, stating the

special offer code.

On the public footpaths

Along its 20,000 km, the Greenwich

Meridian covers almost 13,000 km of

oceans and only 7,000 km of continents.

From North to South, the O° Meridian

starts in the Arctic ice, passes through the

temperate and Mediterranean climates of

Europe, then the deserts and tropical

climes of Africa, before returning to the

ice of Antarctica in the Southern Atlantic.

An amazing journey which takes it from

the farmland of Normandy to the rocky

expanses of the Sahara. And it is to this

meridian walk, through human and

environmental diversity and richness, that

Steven Weinberg invites us with “Parallels

on the Meridian”. This Dutch globetrotter

has travelled the Meridian “by car, on

foot, in a dugout canoe, looking for

people. On every stage of the journey, I

met warm-hearted, beautiful, fascinating

people. It’s this humanity which I want to

portray” in pictures and he’s succeeded!

GREENWICH Land, sea, humanity

176pp, over 450 colour photos.

Ed. Racine, 39,95 €.

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:09

M O V I N G / 29

M O V I N G

When Isabelle de Borchgrave meets

Mariano Fortuny, it gives rise to a

lot of - shared - emotions, colours

and joy ! It must be said that it’s a beautiful

story. One day Isabelle de Borchgrave, the

Brussels artist and designer known throughout

the world for her sumptuous exhibitions of

paper clothes, stumbled across one of the

works of Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949), a

painter, photographer and creator of clothes

and costumes, furniture, scenery and lighting

for the theatre. Although very young, she was

touched forever by the pleasure, the colours,

the glittering and highly personal universe

revealed by all the works of this artist.

Following an exhibition organised in a Spanish

palace, Isabelle was contacted last year not to

retrace the work of Fortuny, but to make his

era, his talent, his spirit come alive again! A

true gift which was to engulf her in a

whirlwind of work and happiness.

And the Fortuny Palace, one of the most visited

in Venice, is basking in a wealth of beauty,

surprises and marvels.

More than twenty-four rooms – clothes,

accessories and trompe-l’oeil combined -

create an unusual insight into the world of

Mariano Fortuny: her work illustrates certain

periods in his life, presents the characters who

marked his existence and enriches his palace-

gallery with three dimensional reconstitutions

and models.

From a glimpse of the silhouette of Marcel

Proust (a friend of Fortuny) to the tiny pairs of

precious shoes, absolutely everything is made

from sheets of dressmaker’s paper. And these

sheets of paper invoke sensations, an

atmosphere which brings the Catalan artist

back to life in the Venetian lagoon. Just the

excuse you needed for a sparkling weekend in

the Lovers’ City!

This exhibition is accompanied by a

catalogue published by Skira. Organiser

of the exhibition and catalogue: Pascaline

Vatin Barbini

VENICEThe good Fortuny of Isabelle

de Borchgrave

Venice, Fortuny Gallery.

Until 21 July 2008

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30 / D O L C E V I T A

DOLCE V ITA

DELICIOUSSoupe froide aux brocolis

Avant d'enfourcher son vélo pour

d'incessantes balades à Bruxelles et ailleurs,

ou de se rendre au bureau, il faut prendre des

forces... sans forcer ! Voici une recette légère

et gourmande.

Ingrédients (Pour 4 personnes)

2 têtes de brocoli, 1 oignon de Roscoff, 500

ml de bouillon de volaille, 2 tranches de pain

de mie, 1 botte de ciboulette, 2 cuillères à

soupe d'huile d'oliv, 1 cuillère à soupe de

beurre doux, muscade râpée, sel et poivre,

quelques noix cassées, 2 cuillères à soupe de

crème fleurette

> Temps total: 1 heure 5 minutes

> Temps de préparation: 5 minutes

> Temps de cuisson: moins de 30 minutes

> Réfrigération: 30 minutes

> Coût: économique

> Difficulté: très facile

Préparation

Couper les pommes de brocoli en morceaux.

Émincer l'oignon et le faire fondre dans une

cocotte avec le beurre à feu doux sans le

faire blondir.

Ajouter le bouillon de volaille et monter en

ébullition. Jeter les morceaux de brocoli dans le

bouillon et cuire à découvert à feu moyen 5

minutes. En fin de cuisson, ajouter la ciboulette

hachée et le pain de mie. Saler, poivrer.

Mixer vivement le tout avec l'huile d'olive pour

en faire une crème lisse. Réserver au

réfrigérateur 30 minutes. Servir avec la crème

fleurette et la muscade râpée

A retrouver sur

www.saveursdumonde.net

L'ACCESSOIREFolles de bol

Les Bols Love existent en bleu indigo, LA

couleur tendance de l'été, tête de nègre et

prune. A 8 euros, si on ne sait pas lequel choisir,

on prend les trois et pour celles et ceux qui n'en

auraient pas assez, le modèle se fait saladier

plus ou moins grands à 15, 20 et 27 euros.

On trouve ces petites merveilles de fluidité chez

n° 104 by Lucia Esteves, qui nous ouvre les

portes du design scandinave à travers des

ustensiles, couverts, verres, vaisselles, objets de

déco et lampes inédites ! Avec en plus un

corner Vins.

Rue Franz Merjay, 104 – 1050 Ixelle

LE BON PLANHe caffé caffé !

Biasetto, c'est l'Italie à Bruxelles ! La très

réputée pâtisserie Biasetto de Padoue a décidé

d'étendre son savoir-faire à quelques autres

pays européens dont la Belgique. Installée

dans le quartier du Vivier d'Oie à Uccle, la

maison Biasetto propose donc une gamme de

douceurs très italiennes, produits de

pâtisseries et épiceries fines, viennoiseries,

petit pains, desserts au chocolat,... Il faut

d'ailleurs essayerr le célèbre gâteau au

chocolat « Setteveli » qui a remporté en 1997,

la coupe du monde de pâtisserie à Lyon !

Outre les produits qui seront importés finis

et semi-finis des ateliers de Padoue au

nouvel espace gourmand belge et qui

comprennent toute la pâtisserie, les

viennoiseries, confiseries et chocolats,

l’offre Biasetto proposera également des

produits fabriqués en Belgique comme la

pâtisserie charcutière, les salades et autres

produits de snacking.

Chaussée de Waterloo, 1201 - 1180 BXL.

Ouvert 7 jours sur 7, de 8h à 19h.

L'ENDROITUne maison douce, miam

Une petite part de « feta tomates avocat

basilic » sur une terrasse dans la douceur de la

forêt, ce serait bon et dépaysant, non ? A deux

pas de Bruxelles, la Maison Douce accueille ses

hôtes dans un décor très classieux et tout en

douceur. Pour vous mettre l'eau à la bouche,

voici quelques suggestions de tartes salées :

Thon tomates avocat roquette, Tomates

mozzarella; Chicons; Chèvre courgettes. Servis

en buffet (27 ou 25 euros par personne selon

le thème choisi) ou à la carte, tous les produits

(tartes, quiche lorraine; taboulé et différentes

salades) sont frais du jour ! Et Joëlle accueille

les groupes avec une grande gentillesse.

A 5 mn du Fort Jaco et à 5 mn de Waterloo.

Ouvert du mercredi au dimanche. De 11h30 à

17h00. Fermé les lundi et mardi. Le buffet est

ouvert de midi à 14h00. Le dimanche à

11h30. A partir de 14h30 Thés, cafés,

chocolat chaud, tartes sucrées et glaces. Le

soir, A partir de 15 personnes, 2 formules

buffet (sur RV avant 10h ou entre 15 et 17h).

359 av de la Forêt de Soignes. Tél. : 02 360

28 48. [email protected]

Photo : Prince de Bretagne

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:09

DAY_TO_DAY_12 sep 22/04/08 15:09

day to day_12

Documents

day to day in brussels

o nv e

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tribune de bruxelles

european city

i was born close to

my mother was

lived in severalcommunes