I Love Culture

Lyon

Lyon is commonly referred to as the gastronomy capital. In the past, this label was associated with sauces and a petit-bourgeois small-town complex. However, with the arrival of the TGV high-speed train connecting Lyon to Paris and Marseille, as well as the winning streak of Olympique Lyonnais in various League Championships, Lyon underwent a transformation. The city now boasts daring architecture, bustling cafés, and avant-garde exhibitions, ushering in a new era.

Guilin

Guilin has long been a favourite among travellers to China. This compact city is most famous for the green mountains, crystal clear waters, unique caves and the beautiful cliffs in its outskirts. The karst peaks and the surrounding areas are world renowned for its beautiful scenery. Yet it is not only this stunning landscape that draws visitors to Guilin, but its unique folk customs, that make for unforgettable experiences in themselves.

Ankara

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

Ontmoet onze locals: Linde, de bakker [DUTCH]

Linde is eigenaar van bakkerij Korst in HAL 5. Ze heeft een hele eigen visie op brood en voeding in het algemeen. Met Korst gaat ze op zoek naar een nieuwe formule voor een eeuwenoude stiel. Het resultaat? Overheerlijk zuurdesembrood. Haar bakkerij ligt niet toevallig in Leuven. Na omzwervingen in gans Europa koos Linde deze plek omdat ze hier kan samenwerken met de lokale producten van BoerEnCompagnie, een CSA – coöperatieve. En omdat ze een ruimte vond in HAL 5. Deze leegstaande historische spoorweghallen werden omgevormd tot een bruisende, stedelijke en duurzame broed- en ontmoetingsplek.

Meet our locals: Gie, the pub owner [ENGLISH]

Everyone knows Gie in Leuven. From a party in his legendary party space, the Rumba, to a beer in his popular pub Leuven Central. As he says himself, he’s ‘bitten by the hospitality microbe’. He knows perfectly what the people of Leuven want: ‘real Stella and good coffee. That’s the basis.” And if it were up to him, he’d serve it until he passed out from exhaustion.

Chongqing

Located in the southwestern region of China, Chongqing is surrounded by rivers and mountains, which lend a unique beauty to this rapidly developing city. With its unique geography, vibrant culture, and modern architecture, Chongqing is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's history, enjoying the natural beauty or simply marvelling at the modern skyline, Chongqing is a destination that should not be missed.

Reims

Reims is one of France's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. It offers visitors a great choice of fine restaurants, brasseries, shops, lively nightlife, concerts, festivals, and cultural events, and of course, world-famous Champagne houses to visit and sample the local nectar. With tree-lined avenues, elegant squares, and a magnificent Gothic-style cathedral that played host to the coronation of several kings of France.

Doha

Already well-known as a business travel destination, Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, has emerged in recent years as a rapidly developing tourist destination as well. A modern country built on the deep cultural roots of its Bedouin heritage, Qatar presents visitors with a kaleidoscope of fascinating contrasts and experiences; from the tranquillity of the desert to the lively alleys of the souq, from the impressive coastal fortresses to the dramatic high-rise towers, and from the deserted sandy beaches and mangrove lagoons to the elegant residential districts and green parks.

Treffen sie unsere einheimischen: Gie, Café-chef [GERMAN]

Jeder in Leuven kennt Guy. Von einer Party in seinem legendären Festsaal Rumba oder von einem Bier in seinem Traditionslokal Leuven Central. Er sagt von sich selbst, dass er „mit dem Gastronomievirus infiziert“ ist. Und er weiß genau, was der Leuvener will: „Echtes Stella und guten Kaffee. Das ist die Basis.“ Wenn es nach ihm geht, serviert er diese bis zum Umfallen.

Basel

Basel is a place of exciting contrasts. Contrasts such as masterpieces of contemporary architecture set against the well-preserved Old Town or the wonderful harmony between the city's cosmopolitan flair and vibrant traditions. And although classical modernism and street art may seem like they are worlds apart, both have a prominent place in Basel. We are in flux, constantly reshaping ourselves. So every time you come to Basel, you will discover something new.

Ontmoet onze locals: Gie, de cafébaas [DUTCH]

Iedereen kent Gie in Leuven. Van op een feestje in zijn legendarische fuifzaal de Rumba of van een pintje in zijn volkscafé Leuven Central. Zoals hij zelf zegt is hij ‘gebeten door de horecamicrobe’. Hij weet perfect wat de Leuvenaar wilt: ‘echte Stella en goeie koffie. Da’s de basis.’ En als ’t van hem afhangt serveert hij die tot hij er bij neervalt.