Belgium Travel Forum

I asked this question earlier, and am grateful for the answers so far, but thought it might be worthwhile to ask again at a different time of day.

I have just booked a car ferry to Calais for a long weekend (Fri-Mon) at the beginning of next month, and am trying to decide where to stay. Looking for somewhere attractive offering history and architecture (plus good eating and drinking), not too long a drive from the Channel. Am currently torn between Rouen (where we've been before, but only briefly) and G(h)ent, but would happily consider alternatives. I'd be grateful for any advice.

Thanks, Robin

Just been to Gent for the first time last week. Beautiful old city, like Antwerp and my home town (Delft, The Netherlands) but stayed there too short (only one day from 11 am to 9 pm) and during our heat-wave.... The Belfort and all around it very historical (Netherlands history!). Of course like everywhere else in Belgium, and France for that matter, plenty good eating and drinking places. Rouen I don't know, never been there.

We spent a week in Ghent in May. It is a pretty place and as it is a university town, not everything is geared totally towards the tourist. However, the food isn't very exciting, and rather expensive, although the portions are large. There is an excellent walking tour of the town that goes from the information office in the Belfry. And I thoroughly recommend the canal tour. These two would give you a good overall view of the place, as well as background information. St Bavo's Cathedral is worth a visit and the Van Eyck Brothers' altarpiece "The Mystic Lamb", located in the cathedral and which can be viewed for a small charge, is absolutely stunning The Alijn House Museum is also very worthwhile and the cafe (more like a small pub) there has the cheapest beer in the city! Other recommendations are the Museum of Industial Archaeology & Textiles (despite the stuffy name, it is very good), the Design Museum and the Castle of the Counts. And if you have the energy, you can climb to the top of the Belfry. Ghent retains a certain naturalness, whereas Bruges is like a film set and crammed wall-to-wall with tourists. Sorry, I have never been to Rouen.

And I still say Ieper/Ypres :)))

But yes, Gent is also nice with Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant (Flemish humour since this beer cafe is next to a canal) and the many old towers everywhere. Also has a very nice "fritkot" the market square - one of my favourites in Belgium :)

Many thanks for all these helpful replies. Gent it is! Robin

You might want to look at my Ghent restaurant tips.

Thanks, I've just done so. Do others also have any hotel, restaurant or other recommendations? (Middle budget.)

Hi Robin, obviously I'm not subjective in this, but in view of the things you said to be looking for, the answer to your quest can only be....Antwerp!! We're offering very attractive architecture and history (as far back as Roman times), ecellent food and oen of Belgium's specialities, beer. So the "good drinking" part is covered. We even have a pub that offers 1200 sorts of beers worldwide(Kulminator). If you can't find your taste there you won't anywhere. Check out these membre's pagespages (irisbe, acemj, diamonddog, ..)and whatever you decide.have fun . Greetings from Antwerp, Belgium

The beer cafe I mentioned earlier is along the canal very near the castle. Has a huge selection of Belgian star brews and more unknown ones. :)

Thanks again. As for Antwerp, thanks for the suggestion, but we've been there (and enjoyed our visit a lot).

Well I must vote for Ghent :-) Alternative for "Waterhuis" try find "Trollenkelder". As many beers but very cosy basement. For the museums: ask for a museum-pass. Valid for 3days, 15 musea, 12.50 EUR.

Have a great time,
M.