The main station in Ghent is called Gent-Sint-Pieters, and offers links to all the main cities in Belgium, also Lille. There are four stations in total, Gent-Dampoort (links to Sint-Niklaas, Antwerp, Kortrijk and Eeklo), Gentbrugge (regional train station), Wondelgem (regional train station) and Drongen Station (regional train station). Eurostar trains between Brussels run around 10 times a day, then to access Ghent, passengers can change onto domestic lines (SNCB) on to Ghent. A typical rail journey between Bruxelles-Central and Gent-Sint-Pieters will take you approximately 36 minutes.
Eurostar
travellers between Ebbsfleet International and Ghent have average journey times of 2 hours, 45 minutes; the route passes through Lille and Brussels. Highspeed rail is a popular form of transport when reaching Belgium, because its domestic rail network is so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city via train. The best time to visit is summer so visitors can sight-see on foot and enjoy the nightlife.
Ghent is in the Flemish part of Belgium. It is both the capital city (which began as a settlement at the join of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys) of North Flanders and a borough with a port and a university. It was a significant city in medieval times as one of the largest and richest in northern Europe and currently the third largest in Belgium with a population of 235,000.
The Gentse Feesten (“Ghent Fests”) are held every year here, last 10 days and attract around 2 million visitors annually. Much of the original architecture, both medieval and Renaissance, is still intact and open to the public. Ghent is the main textile and banking centre of Belgium.
The city centre has the largest pedestrian zone in Belgium. Prices vary throughout the city, but the most expensive area (especially for food) is near the Belfry. Cycling is a popular way to travel, but visitors are advised to bring their own strong padlocks and chains due to theft. Visitors are also advised to exchange money before leaving.
Points of Interest
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The Gravensteen
The only surviving residence of the counts of Flanders, from the 12th century.
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The Old Harbour
In the centre of the city, flanked by the Graslei and the Koornlei.
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Vrijdagsmarkt
The "Friday Market" is both the square and the weekly market held therein. It is important to the city because in the past some of the most significant events were held here. There is an excellent view of the surrounding medieval buildings.
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Geeraard de Duivel Steen
The Castle of Gerald the Devil was one of the first houses to be built of stone. Today it is an archive, but it was originally the home of Gerald, a man who is said to have killed each of his five wives to remarry the next.
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The Cloth Hall
The home of Ghent's textile trade and industry.
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The Hospice
Also known as 'Children Alijns', this museum of folklore was founded in memory of murdered children (due to a feud between the Alijn and Rijm families) by the murderers themselves as penance.
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Patershol
The city quarter has previously been famous for its cloth trade, residents of importance, inns and brothels. Now it is an area of Ghent filled with fashionable restaurants.
Attractions
Ghent Nightlife Bars and cafés: Dulle Griet (Vrijdagmarkt 50), Café Pane e Vino, De Hopduvel, Café den Turk, Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. Casinos: SMAK.
The Three Towers
St. Bavo's Cathedral
The Belfry
St. Nicolas' Church
Shopping in Ghent Vlaanderenstraat with one-off boutiques Patisserie and Delicatessen shops The Groot Vleeshuis- selling a variety of Flemish produce
Sauna Aqua Azul
Ghent Illuminated- at night the whole city is lit by an award-winning light plan.
The Citadel Park
Walking trips through the city
La Rochelle Main Attractions - La Rochelle Main Attractions
Hotel De Ville
The Hotel de Ville is a 14th century gothic style must-see attraction. Within the tour you will see many Henry II staircases and the marble desk of Jean Guiton. The ancient building houses many of La Rochelle?s pieces of history.... La Rochelle, France
Musee Des Modeles Reduits
This is a one-of-a-kind museum that features 8000 square feet of exhibits that are presented in such manners as moving model trains, computer animated naval battles, and historic scenes. During a certain time of the year they allow the children to ride the train, the museum is great and has fun for all ages.... La Rochelle, France
Parc Charruyer
The Parc Charruyer is a park that was designed somewhere between 1887 and 1890. The park was built from the legacy of mademoiselle Adele Charruyer. The park encompasses a beautiful 98 acres and has a walkway that is about 2 kilometers long. Starting in 1945 they added a small animal zoo. You can take a nice stroll along the path and see rare plants, little waterways, and ducks for the children to feed.... La Rochelle, France
The Aquarium
The aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in La Rochelle. This exhibit takes visitors on a two hour long journey into the depths of the seas. They have exhibits for the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, and the tropics. The presentation is amazing, it is held in a tank of water which contains about 3 million liters. Visitors are influenced to dive into the action of about 12000 living underwater species and learn about them.... La Rochelle, France
Tour Saint Nicolas, de la Lanterne and de la Chaine
These are three defensive towers within the city of La Rochelle that were used to guard the harbor. This tower is must see because it dates back to medieval times. The tower requires visitors to climb many stairs, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared.... La Rochelle, France