Last Updated on 17 November 2023 by Vanessa
If you ever visit Café Au Soleil on Rue du Marché au Charbon in the Belgian capital of Brussels, you’ll probably meet its resident feline, Jean-Claude. Despite her name, Jean-Claude is a female feline who takes her role as “PR manager” quite seriously. While the café is already popular among locals, it is Jean-Claude’s presence and exceptional skills at attracting passers-by that truly make the place special.
Feline “PR manager” charms her way into customers’ hearts
Café Au Soleil
Café Au Soleil is a fixture in the Brussels café world. The vintage wooden interiors, soft lighting, and funky music create the perfect environment for relaxation and conversation. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner to read a book or a lively spot to meet friends, this café caters to all preferences.
During the summer months, Café Au Soleil’s outdoor terrace transforms into a vibrant and bustling gathering place for both locals and tourists. The inviting atmosphere, with its charming outdoor seating, draws people in to enjoy the pleasant weather and soak up the lively ambiance of Brussels.
But what makes this trendy café truly special is its beloved resident feline: Jean-Claude.
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Meet Jean-Claude
The café’s feline resident, Jean-Claude, is taking her job seriously. While Café Au Soleil is popular among locals, tourists mainly go there because Jean-Claude is extremely skillful at luring them in.
Her technique: lying on her back behind the window and exposing her belly while baking in the sun. Within seconds, tourists and passers-by are charmed. They always end up entering to share a drink with their new favorite feline.
“Tourists take more pictures of Jean-Claude than of our famous Manneken Pis,” the bartender told me.
Jean-Claude loves the visitors of Café Au Soleil. She can often be found sleeping next to them, unafraid to ask for affectionate cuddles. When I visited the café with my friend Anne Billson (author of the book Cats on Film), Jean-Claude immediately recognized us as cat ladies and never left our sides.
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Jean-Claude’s daily rounds
“Jean-Claude has been living at the café for over ten years, so she’s used to the noisy crowds,” the bartender told me. “She originally belonged to the café’s previous owner, but when he sold Café Au Soleil to someone new, Jean-Claude was part of the package.”
Jean-Claude has since become a constant presence at Café Au Soleil, except during the evenings when she embarks on her daily rounds. She ventures out to visit neighboring shops, where she is well-known and loved by the local community. If she happens to miss her usual visits, concerned shopkeepers even go to Café Au Soleil to inquire about her well-being.
Regular visitors, too, are disappointed when their favorite feline isn’t around. Some of them go there specifically for Jean-Claude and bring along food and cat treats.
Now she’s waiting for YOU to come over and bring her a Christmas present.
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How to get to café Au Soleil?
Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon Kolenmarkt 86, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Here are a few ways to reach the café:
By metro: Take the metro to the Bourse/Beurs station (lines 3 or 4). From there, it’s just a short walk to the café.
By tram: Trams 3, 4, and 32 also stop near Café Au Soleil. Get off at the Bourse/Beurs stop and walk a few minutes to reach the café.
By car: If you prefer to drive to the café, keep in mind that finding a parking spot in the city center can be challenging. There are paid parking facilities nearby, such as the Parking Ecuyer and Parking Grand Place, where you can leave your vehicle and then walk to the café.
Opening hours
From Monday to Thursday from 09:30 am tot 01:00 am and from Friday to Sunday from 09:30 am to 02:00 pm.
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Update: It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Jean-Claude who has passed away. Her memory will forever remain intertwined with the café’s identity, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan
