Photos of Derelict Belgian Sex Palaces

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Photos of Derelict Belgian Sex Palaces

Thanks to neighbouring France's ban on prostitution, it's pretty busy at these brothels – but they don't look like they're thriving.

This article originally appeared on VICE Netherlands

In the Belgian province of West Flanders, an eight-mile-long street is home to a string of dilapidated pin-up clubs, sex palaces and brothels. Photographer Maarten Delobel drove down this street, which runs between Kortrijk and Menen near the French border, to document the often shabby fronts of these "bar-dancings" and "wellness centres".

Most of the clientele driving up to the brothels appear to be French. Paying for sex has been made illegal in France since April of this year, and you'll get a hefty fine if you're caught doing it. According to Maarten, the locals don't seem too concerned with the wealth of sex clubs in their neighbourhood – they just don't like being stuck in traffic during the weekend crowds.

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