I Love Culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leuven

Whatever you are looking for in a city, can be found in Leuven. A university city with a small-town feel, but completely in pace with a rapidly changing society. Leuven is situated right in the centre of Belgium. Its easy accessibility is an advantage. But there are many more good reasons to visit the "Jewel of the River Dyle". You will soon find out: this city will never let you go.

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.

Kunming

Known as the City of Spring, Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, is blessed with a mild climate especially favourable to plant cultivation, which becomes instantly evident in the city's vibrant flower markets. The pace of life here is slow: hardly anyone is seen in a hurry. The best thing to do is smell the roses, and wind down gently while exploring this very pleasing city and the breathtaking nature getaways in the environs.

Treffen sie unsere einheimischen: Linde, der Bäcker [GERMAN]

Linde ist Eigentümerin der Bäckerei Korst in Hal 5. Sie hat ihre eigenen Ansichten über Brot und Lebensmittel im Allgemeinen. Mit Korst sucht sie nach einem neuen Konzept für ein jahrhundertealtes Handwerk. Das Ergebnis? Herrliches Sauerteigbrot. Ihre Bäckerei ist nicht zufällig in Leuven. Nach Erfahrungen in ganz Europa entschied sich Linde für diesen Ort, weil sie hier mit den lokalen Erzeugern von BoerEnCompagnie zusammenarbeiten kann, die solidarische Landwirtschaft praktizieren. Und weil sie Räumlichkeiten in Hal 5 fand. Diese leerstehenden historischen Eisenbahndepots wurden in einen pulsierenden, urbanen und nachhaltigen Treffpunkt für Kreative und Kreatives verwandelt.

Hammamet

Holiday-geared Hammamet has long attracted international vacationers, a fact to which the glorious decades-old Yasmine resort complex serves as testament. The town itself offers just the right dose of thrills to culture enthusiasts looking to break the lethargy of an all-inclusive respite with some sightseeing and shopping – all within the ancient walls of a cream-colored, low-rise Medina.

Recontrer nos habitants: Jochem, le rebel [FRENCH]

Jochem Daelman est l'un des membres fondateurs d'Onkruid, un studio qui propose une combinaison réussie d’architecture, de marketing, de musique et de culture pour lancer des projets originaux dans les villes. À Leuven, Onkruid est notamment derrière des projets comme l' and& festival,un événement bisannuel, et la réalisation d'une place dans le nouveau quartier branché du Vaartkom. L'organisation constitue également l'une des forces motrices derrière Stelplaats, un lieu d'expérimentation pour les jeunes.