By Fabien Oreve, Global Head of Trading, Candriam Investors Group
Best thing about your city?
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, a country of great cultural and linguistic diversity and is at the heart of the European Union, hosting some of the largest EU institutions (Parliament, Council and Commission). There are numerous fast train connections each day from Brussels to London, Amsterdam and Paris, making business trips quite easy.
Worst thing about your city?
Traffic congestion in and around Brussels is a real concern, in particular during EU summits. You can waste a lot of time when driving in or out of Brussels.
Getting to work?
Driving, as I prefer to be boss of my own I drive or take the bus to the office (approximately 20 minutes), depending on the level of traffic.
View from your desk?
I have a view on Luxembourg Street near the Place du Luxembourg, which is a nice square in the European Quarter of Brussels.
Where to take guests to dinner?
I take my clients to some great restaurants such as Lola, Place du Grand Sablon, or Kamo, La chaussée de Waterloo.
And a relaxed spot with family or friends?
There are many relaxed spots where you can enjoy local dishes with your dear ones in Brussels. I like De Nordzee, Sainte- Catherine street, for its home-made shrimp croquettes, and Chalet Robinson, Bois de la Cambre, for its traditional Belgian waffles with hot chocolate sauce.
Best place to stay when visiting?
I would stay a bit outside Brussels Centre, near Avenue Louise, a trendy area where you can find stylish, modern and comfortable hotels.
Best tourist site?
Most of the best tourist sites are located in Brussels Centre, the Grand Place and its amazing architecture, the Manneken-Pis, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and the Mont des Arts. In the north of the city, a visit to the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken is also very nice.
