(district)
The Sablon is a district of the city located in the southeast area of the pentagon centered on the place du Grand Sablon and the place du Petit Sablon. It serves as a connecting district between the upper town and the lower town. A favored residential area of the aristocracy, it had become largely working class by 1900. The workers left during the 20th century, and it is now a very busy, increasingly upscale quarter with many antique shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.