Ghent : a journey at the confluence of the Escaut, in Flemish country

At the confluence of the Escaut river, buildings dating back to the Middle-Ages, baroque churches, rococo mansions and Renaissance homesteads are scattered around the second largest city of Belgium. Start by discovering its monuments while walking across the Saint-Michel bridge. Then climb up to the dungeons of the Count of Flanders castle and immerse yourself in its chivalrous atmosphere, with the 360 degrees views.

Ghent, the Flemish Venice, at the confluence of the Escaut

It faces the Gothic remains of cathedral Saint-Bavon's bell towers, baptism location of Charles V, offering to visitors the « adoration of the mystic lamb », masterpiece of primitive painting, the altar retable by the Van Eyck brothers. A little further, the Saint-Nicolas church is a testimony to the Brabançon architectural style while the opera illustrates the wealth of this proud venue.  

Behind its powerful murals, the castle of the Counts of Flanders is reflected in the waters of the Escaut river. © DR

Along the waterfront, you can catch a glimpse of the daily life of Ghent's inhabitants. © DR

Religious and cultural patrimony, intense night life

Raise your eyes to the sky, you will see the former post-office building with its neo-gothic allure, whose shadow overlooks a multitude of café terraces. Also take advantage of the intense local cultural activity that puts the spotlight on Art Nouveau. Finally, walk along the embankments of the quais aux Herbes et aux Grains, in the direction of the Patersho district. In the evening, this is where it's happening…

A must-see, the tryptych, featuring the adoration of the mystical lamb, deserves your visit. © DR

Address book

• Belga Queen - In a former grain warehouse, the most elegant brasserie in Ghent serves cupped oysters from Zeeland and Waterzooïs along with a wide array of good beers. www.belgaqueen.be
• Brabantdam, Mageleinstraat and Koestraat - Trendy Belgian designers and stylists have settled along these elegant arteries.
• Bloemenmarkt  -  Each Sunday morning, the Kouter flower market takes over a large vending space that becomes the favorite meeting spot of locals who come here to buy bouquets and plants.
• Zuidkwartier - The southern district of Ghent shelters the highest concentration of bars and clubs attracting many nightowls.

Staying there

At the Sandton Grand Hotel Reyof, a mythical hotel, nestled in an 18th century municipal palace, features reception rooms named after the personalities that stayed there. Five minutes from mid-town, it includes a Spa and the prestigious restaurant Lof, as well as a parking equipped with a recharging facility for electric cars. www.sandton.eu/fr/gent

At night fall, the terrace courtyard of the Sandton Hotel is illuminated to host gourmets. © DR