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
Aime la Plagne Main Attractions - Aime la Plagne Main Attractions
Arapaho Scooters
These scooters are fun to rent for a day. The best idea is to rent one for every member of the family and spend the day cruising around taking in sights on these fat-tired mountain bike-like scooters. They are especially fun for coasting down hills, but are practical for any type of trail. When you rent a scooter, the rental includes helmet and gloves.... Aime La Plagne, France
Arbre Adventure
The arbre adventure is for adventurous people who want to fly above the trees on a circuit of zip lines, ladders, ropes, and monkey bridges. This adventure allows you to travel through the forest without placing a foot on the ground.... Aime La Plagne, France
Horseback Riding
There are two main centers in La Plagne that offer horseback activities. The centers offer lessons for inexperienced riders, or family rides and half-day treks for more experienced riders. All attending children require adult supervision and it is suggested that you make an appointment before arriving.... Aime La Plagne, France
Hot Air Ballooning
There are several local companies in La Plagne that offer hot air ballooning. This is an activity that is serene and exciting all at once. The pilot will control the balloon, and all you have to do is enjoy the views of the forest and scenery below. This is usually a good opportunity to see wildlife below, along with other sights you didnâ??t see on the ground. Depending on the company and package you choose, these tours can last around two ... Aime La Plagne, France
Ice Caves
The Grotte de Glace is located atop the Bellecote Glacier, and is an extraordinary place to visit. Each year the exhibits change because they are all carved by hand. At the beginning of each season, passageways are carved and the interior is a gallery of ice sculptures.... Aime La Plagne, France