Where some would use the word 'revenge', the people of Rotterdam prefer to speak of a 'renaissance'. In the end, it doesn't really matter. Razed by the bombings of 1940, its reconstruction has provided a vast playground for architects from all over the world, establishing the metropolis as a design stronghold. Which may come as a bit of a surprise, given that Europe's largest port has not always had a good reputation. "You'll love a northern port, especially when you're not there"As Léo Ferré quipped in Rotterdam in the late 60s...
Since then, the Dutch city has turned its dross into strength, and today graces the front pages of tourist magazines, with the enviable status of the latest trendy destination. Little by little, its port - the largest in Europe and the ninth largest in the world - has moved westwards, providing new brownfield sites for this constant renaissance. Its former warehouses have been converted into hip and underground spots. The city has risen to new heights and, from the top of its skyline, proudly displays its nickname of "Manhattan-on-Meuse". Even today, this metamorphosis continues in an urban fabric loose enough to allow imagination and daring to express themselves. As a result, new business centres are emerging to complement the 'historic' Central Station business district. The local population is now accustomed to seeing tourists, a rare commodity ten years ago when Rotterdam was only visited for business reasons. The metropolis is even benefiting from the support of Amsterdam, which, saturated with holidaymakers, has recently found itself touting the assets of its neighbour and rival to relieve the congestion. A godsend for this new 'place to be', whose tradition of international openness has given it a keen sense of hospitality. "Welkom bij Rotterdam!
GETTING THERE
Thalys operates 11 round trips a day between Paris Nord and Rotterdam Centraal stations. During the 2h37 journey, passengers can stay connected whatever their class of travel. Since last spring, the company has made free, secure wi-fi access widely available on board its trains, while increasing the bandwidth for an optimised connection. Before departure, the new Thalys Lounge&More welcomes business travellers just a few steps from Gare du Nord station. Accessible to Thalys TheCard holders, the lounge has a meeting room for six people, available free of charge on reservation. It should also be noted that Thalys - and many Intercités trains - link Rotterdam to Schiphol international airport, the Air France-KLM hub, in around twenty minutes.
Tel: +33 892 35 35 36 (0.34e/min, 7am to 10pm) Internet: www.thalys.com
Before attracting a growing flow of tourists, Rotterdam was first and foremost a magnet for architects. The destruction wrought by the Second World War left the way clear for some very daring projects, such as the Kijk-Kubus, cubic houses inclined at 45 degrees, or the Luchtsingel, a colourful footbridge financed by local residents. Far from running out of steam, the dynamism of the architectural scene has never seemed so prolific. Witness these three neighbouring projects: the De Rotterdam complex designed by Rem Koolhaas, the KPN tower designed by Renzo Piano and, of course, the emblematic Erasmus Bridge, with its swan-like appearance, designed by Ben van Berkel. The new central station, inaugurated in 2014, also underlines the architectural boldness of "R'dam", immediately immersing travellers in this journey through the land of design.
