When people talk about the Marolles, you immediately think of place du Jeu de Balle and the flea market that takes place there every day. The square owes its Dutch name 'Vossenplein' to the adjoining Vossenstraat, perhaps the most authentic street in the Marolles neighbourhood. Its French name 'place du Jeu de Balle' refers to the ball games that took place there in the 19th century. In 1873, the 'old market' (literally a market selling old things) moved from place Anneessens to place du Jeu de Balle. Scrap dealers, activists and traders from all sorts of backgrounds earned their living in all weather conditions and that tradition lives on today. No food is sold at the flea market but you can find all kinds of trinkets, old photographs, vintage furniture, second-hand clothing, you name it. The atmosphere is unique and extremely welcoming. The square itself is beautiful. It houses a refurbished fire station and one of the most beautiful swimming pools in Brussels. All around you’ll find numerous cosy eateries and typical Brussels cafés.
Flea market on the Jeu de Balle Square
Location: Place du Jeu de Balle, 1000 Bruxelles
