Less popular with tourists than cities like Bruges or Amsterdam, this destination nevertheless offers historical richness and architectural beauty that have nothing to envy them.
If you are looking for underestimated holiday destinations from tourist crowds, certain human-sized cities are good choices for exotic “city-breaks”. Less prized than cities like Bruges or Amsterdam which attract many tourists every year, our choice of day combines disorder, culture and gastronomy to discover. It turns out to be in the spring as an option of choice.
No question here to guarantee you sun and warmth from the first weeks of spring! It will undoubtedly be necessary to predict the waxed in the suitcases. It will quickly be forgotten as this city offers historical richness and architectural beauty which have nothing to envy to its neighbors. Add good accessibility from Paris and France with a Thalys to Brussels-Midi journey, followed by a short regional train journey and you hold an attractive option for a quick getaway.
This city is Ghent in Belgium! It offers a rich historical heritage, a preserved medieval architecture, and winding canals, an ideal setting for a spring weekend. The city invites you to stroll, whether on foot in its cobbled or bicycle alleys, a means of transport favored by the Gantois. Museums are very numerous, modern or typical of Flemish art. The municipal hall, an impressive modern construction in the form of an awning, and the large belfry of the city, 95 meters high and offering panoramic views, are essential. The latter, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a symbol of Ghent’s freedom and prosperity.
The Gravensteen, or Château des Comtes, is another strong point of the visit. This medieval fortress, almost unchanged since the time when it served as a residence for the counts of Flanders, is an impressive testimony to the history of the city. Do not miss the visit to the torture room, frightening but rich in anecdotes.
A walk along the Ghent canals is also a strong point of your weekend, especially at sunset when the city lights up. This experience makes it possible to admire the architecture and historic bridges from a different angle, bathed in a golden light. Finally, if you like to add gastronomic discoveries, Ghent offers the best of Belgium, traditional Belgian waffles with chocolate, but also with Flemish stews. For snacks, cafes on the edge of the canal are good stops like confectionery where you can discover the cuberdons, local treats.