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Avenue Louise, Louizalaan (Dutch) or Avenue Louise
(French) is a major thoroughfare in Brussels. It
runs from Louise Square through Place Stephanie
to the Bois de la Cambre(Brussels extensive park
and wooded area).
Le Chatelain Hotel is located about 1 km from the
Louise Square just off the the Avenue making it
an easy stroll to both the bustling shopping district
adjacent to Louise Square and Place Stephanie and
tranquil wooded areas of Bois de la Cambre.
The Avenue began construction in 1847 as a grand
avenue bordered by trees that would allow easy access
to the popular recreational area of the Bois de
la Cambre. It was also to be the first Haussmann-esque
artery of the city. The name was chosen in honor
of King Leopold II's eldest daughter, Princess Louise-Marie.
Today, Avenue Louise is home to many upmarket shops,
restaurants and offices. Starting from Louise Square
which intersects with Boulevard de Waterloo with
the most prestigious shopping area in Brussels.
This square is a crucial transportation hub, including
a tramway and metro station. The Law Courts of Brussels
are nearby.
Several minutes up Louise is Stéphanie Square, another
extremely busy square surrounded by popular boutiques
and designer shops. The tree-bordered part of the
avenue begins here which continues until the Sélys
Longchamps Square, which features several statues,
the entrance to the La Cambre Abbey, A roundabout
flanked by two twin neoclassical pavilions ending
the avenue. Beyond it lies the Bois de la Cambre.
Tramway line 94 runs the entire length of the avenue.
The scenic King's Garden (Tuin van de Koning or
Jardin du Roi), a garden descending toward the nearby
Ixelles Ponds is off the middle of the Avenue. Olivier
Strebelle's 16-ton bronze sculpture "Le Phénix 44"
which commemorates the anniversary of the liberation
of Brussels, which stands athwart the roundabout
at King's Garden.
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