FINAL CONFERENCE
GIANT LEAPS Ahead & VALPRO Paths to Follow

VENUE

Atelier des Tanneurs
Rue des Tanneurs 60–62
1000 Brussels
Belgium

Map maps.app.goo.gl/cqsFRmjkboupmrFr8

Contact Details
Website: www.atelierdestanneurs.be
Phone: +32 (0)2 512 05 10

BRUSSELS

An introduction to Brussels

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and culinary delights. Situated in the heart of Europe, Brussels offers visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The city serves as the de facto capital of the European Union and hosts various international institutions, making it a melting pot of cultures and influences.

Brussels's 2024 population is now estimated at 2,132,178.

The city lies just a few miles north of the invisible “language boundary” separating Belgium’s Flemish-speaking region of Flanders in the north from the southern, French-speaking Walloon Region. Brussels is thus surrounded by Flemish territory. Although historically it was a predominantly Flemish-speaking city, at present the majority of residents in the Brussels agglomeration speak French, which is also the preferred language of the city’s growing international labor force.

The city is bilingual, and in all spheres of public life Flemish and French are used side by side. Nevertheless, in the 20th century Brussels became the principal venue for political and cultural clashes between Flemings and Walloons. Partly because of these conflicts, the Belgian parliament reorganized the country’s structure on the basis of the Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital regions. Although the Brussels-Capital Region maintains a separate political identity, the city of Brussels also functions as the capital of the Flemish Region and as the capital of the country’s French- and Flemish-language communities.

In terms of the weather, its relative proximity to the North Sea gives Brussels a mild maritime climate, with summer daytime temperatures usually between 68 and 77 °F (20 and 25 °C) and winter temperatures rarely dipping below 32 °F (0 °C). With rain falling on more than half the days of the year on average, Brussels experiences a high mean annual precipitation (more than 32 inches [810 mm]) and has no discernible dry season. Snowfall rarely occurs more than two or three times a year. As Brussels is distinctly automobile-friendly, noise and air pollution are notable problems.

For more information:

Brussels & Belgium, History, Population, Climate, & Facts

Exploring Brussels: A Cultural and Traditions Guide

VISITING BRUSSELS

Travelling

For your convenience, there are several ways to travel from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) to Atelier des Tanneurs, Brussels.

Option 1 – Taxi

A taxi is the most direct option and takes approximately 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Use only licensed taxis with a taximeter, available directly outside the airport arrivals hall.
• Official taxis are recognizable by their blue and yellow logo.
• You may also arrange a private transfer in advance through providers such as Direct Way, which offer cars, minivans, coaches, and shuttle services.
   

Option 2 – Public Transport

By Train + Metro/Tram (recommended)

1. From the airport, go to Level -1 to access the train station.
2. Take a train to Brussels Midi / Bruxelles-Zuid (departures every 10–15 minutes).
3. From Brussels Midi, you have two convenient options:
    
   • Metro Line 2 or 6 (direction Simonis/Elisabeth) and get off at Anneessens.
      From there, it is approximately a 5–7 minute walk to Atelier des Tanneurs.
   • Tram 51 (direction Van Haelen) and get off at Lemonnier, which is a short walk to the venue.
      

By Airport Bus (STIB – Airport Line)

• Take STIB Airport Line 12 or 21 from the airport to Brussels city center.
• Get off at Gare du Midi / Zuidstation.
• From there, continue by metro, tram, or on foot (approximately 15 minutes’ walk) to Atelier des Tanneurs.
   

Please note:

• Line 12 operates Monday–Friday until 8:00 PM.
• Line 21 operates weekdays after 8:00 PM, as well as weekends and public holidays.
   

To travel around Brussels and explore the city, we recommend walking and/or using the public transport (metro, trams and buses).

The STIB/MIVB runs almost all of the public transport in Brussels and it’s easy to get across the city, although the further from the centre you go, the more difficult it gets. You’ll find ticket vending machines in the metro and main tram or bus stations. If you only need a single-ride ticket, contactless payment is available. Look for the grey validator as you enter a station or a vehicle, tap your card or your smartphone, and you’re on your way.

Most of the tourist attractions (except the Atomium) are within a small area and can be explored on foot, so you won't really need a day pass unless you decide to visit different neighborhoods on the same day.

To get an overview of the price of public transport, please visit this website.

Tourist attractions

Check out 13 best things to do in Brussels

Tips & tricks

Language: Belgium has three official languages (French, German, and Dutch). However, most people in Brussels are fluent in French. Fortunately for English-speakers, many service industry workers are conversational in English. As with most major cities, the further you get from touristy areas, the less likely it is that people speak fluent English.

Payment methods: credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, except for smaller shops or restaurants.

Airports: Brussels has the Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). This last one is generally cheaper, but it doesn’t have a train station of its own so traveling to the city center is more complicated (options: shuttle bus or private transfer).

Transport tickets: Brussels is very walkable. However, you can buy different tickets for your convenience. For instance, in all stations and trams and buses, you’ll find grey validating machines allowing contactless payment. The amount of €2.10, which is the price of a single fare, will be debited from your bank account. The daily debit will be capped at €7.5, which is the price of a 1-day ticket. For more information, visit this website.

What to eat: Here is a list of plant-based restaurants in Brussels