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
The Gravensteen
The only surviving residence of the counts of Flanders, from the 12th century.
The Old Harbour
In the centre of the city, flanked by the Graslei and the Koornlei.
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.
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.
The Cloth Hall
The home of Ghent's textile trade and industry.
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.
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.
Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez has a skiing area of 450km, one of the great features of Alpe d'Huez is it's large vertical drop an average of 2,210m. The resort has one of the largest ski runs in the world.... Alpe d'Huez , France
Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil)
Avoriaz is probably the best known resort of the Portes du Soleil area which has 12 resorts and two country's. Avoriaz is located at an altitude of 1800m, it stays open until April when the Ski season Ends.... Avoriaz, France
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains has the worlds largest ski area with 600km. The resort has apres ski life and a spa resort. You can stay in the upper mountain hotels to get the most out of your holiday resort.... Brides-les-Bains, France
Courchevel
Courcheval does enjoy a reputation for being the world's best ski resort. Described as classic, prestigious and extravagant , Set in breathtaking scenery in a superbly inter-linked region, Courchevel offers visitors a choice of 198 lifts, uphill capacity of over 243,000 people an hour .... Courchevel, France
Drouzin le Mont (Vallee d'Aulps)
Drouzin le Mont is a small beautiful family resort, children can learn to ski here in complete safety on slopes facing the accommodation. The resort has 15 slopes with 2 chair lifts, 4 drag lifts and 2 snow wires.... Drouzin le Mont, France
Flaine
Flaine has 265km of skiing area, it is a well known tourist attraction for winter holidays. Some of the best skiing in France can be found at this resort. The resort is well laid out with 77 lifts.... Flaine, France
Grand Massif
Grand Massif is 5 resorts linked by 256km of skiing with 133 down hill slopes served by 78 lifts.... Grand Massif, France
La Clusaz
The ski village of La Clusaz celebrated 100 years of winter sports in 2007 and this resort, often described as dynamic,is one of the closest to the UK so is convenient for car drivers.... La Clusaz, France
La Plange
La Plange has a 6 seater detachable chair lift, 11 individual resorts make up the area La Plange. It has slopes at different levels of difficulty, there are 210km of ski runs which favours beginner and intermediate skiers.... La Plange, FranceLa Plange, France
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