From Paris to Ghent Christmas Market & Old City, 1 Day Trip

Exploring Ghent’s Christmas Market and historic cityscape on a single day from Paris offers an inviting escape into Belgium’s festive spirit. This 14-hour tour, organized by BackTrip, takes you from the heart of Paris to the charming streets and squares of Ghent. Priced with an option to reserve now and pay later, the trip boasts a high supplier rating of 4.9 and limited small-group sizes of 14 participants for a more personal experience.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive day trip that combines Christmas cheer, cultural sights, and local flavors. You’ll visit over 150 wooden huts at the market, stroll through the Historical Centre and Arts Quarter, and explore iconic landmarks like the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Do keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of walking, and it is not suitable for mobility-impaired travelers.

Key Points

• Full-day experience lasting 14 hours from Paris to Ghent, Belgium
• Visit the Ghent Christmas Market with over 150 wooden stalls
• Explore main city attractions such as the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral
• Guided tour in multiple languages including English and French
• Small group size of up to 14 participants for a personalized feel
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Begins at Porte de la Chapelle in Paris

The adventure starts at Rue de la Chapelle in Paris, right outside the Metro Station Porte de la Chapelle on Line M12. The driver is easy to spot with a BackTrip badge, making the pickup straightforward. For those who prefer added convenience, hotel pickups in Paris or the surrounding areas are available for an extra €10 per person, including options from Versailles, Disneyland Paris, or CDG/Orly Airport.

The journey to Ghent by private van takes approximately 4 hours, giving travelers time to relax or start enjoying the scenic views. The return trip follows the same route, ending back at the Porte de la Chapelle in Paris.

Exploring the Ghent Christmas Market and Festive Stalls

The Ghent Christmas Market covers more than 150 wooden huts spread across key neighborhoods, including Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt. As you wander among firs and pines, the smell of pine resin and mulled wine fills the air, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.

Market stalls showcase snacks, drinks, trinkets, and authentic crafts. Visitors can enjoy browsing handmade souvenirs, sampling regional food, and experiencing the lively festive decorations that adorn the entire neighborhood. The market’s layout allows for easy strolling, with no physical boundaries separating different parts of the market or the city.

Discovering Ghent’s Main Attractions: Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral

The guided tour includes visits to Ghent’s most notable landmarks. The Belfry of Ghent offers panoramic views over the city, while the impressive St. Bavo’s Cathedral stands out with its Gothic architecture and historical significance. Both sites are within walking distance from the market area, thanks to Ghent’s compact size.

As part of the overall experience, you also explore the Historical Centre, home to many historic buildings and monuments, and the Arts Quarter, where main museums are located. All these attractions are easily accessible on foot, without physical boundaries or transportation hurdles.

The Charm of Ghent’s Neighborhoods: From the Market to Cultural Sites

The tour seamlessly blends visits to shopping streets, local cafes, and restaurants along the way. The small group setting encourages conversation and personalized attention from the live tour guides, who speak multiple languages including French, English, Romanian, Italian, and Moldavian.

Walking through Ghent’s neighborhoods, it’s impossible not to notice the festive decorations and welcoming atmosphere. The Historical Centre offers a concentration of monuments and buildings, while the Arts Quarter provides a cultural side with access to main museums.

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Food and Drink Experiences in Ghent

Beyond the Christmas market, the tour includes tasting regional foods, cheeses, and local snacks. Visitors can enjoy street food, regional delicacies, and potentially visit food markets during their free time. The attractions are complemented by the aromas of mulled wine and pine resin, which enhance the festive feeling.

It’s recommended to bring cash for personal expenses, as not all vendors may accept credit cards. The food stops are designed to introduce you to Ghent’s culinary traditions in a relaxed, holiday setting.

Practical Details: What to Prepare for the Day Trip

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly, especially during the winter months when the tour operates. The meeting point at Porte de la Chapelle is easy to access, and pick-up and drop-off services at hotels or apartments in Paris are available for an extra fee.

Given the length of the tour, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable walking for extended periods. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those under 1 year old.

The Guided Tour Experience and Multilingual Support

The tour features live guides who can speak multiple languages, making the experience accessible to a diverse group. The guides are responsible for leading visitors through the city’s main attractions and sharing insights about Ghent’s history and Christmas traditions.

Participants benefit from the small group size, which helps foster a more personalized experience and allows for questions and interactions during the guided visits.

Timing, Pacing, and Flexibility

The itinerary allows for a balanced day, with approximately 4 hours spent in Ghent exploring the market, city sights, and enjoying free time, plus time for shopping and sampling local treats. The guided parts are complemented with free time to explore independently.

Booking reserves your spot with the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, making it convenient to adjust plans if needed.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

The experience suits travelers who love Christmas markets, cultural sightseeing, and short day trips from Paris. It’s perfect for those interested in historic architecture, local food, and festive atmosphere without the hassle of organizing transportation and tickets independently.

Since the tour involves a fair amount of walking, it’s best for people comfortable with physical activity. It may not be suitable for people with mobility issues or large luggage.

This day trip combines the holiday magic of Ghent’s Christmas Market with visits to notable landmarks like the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The market’s wooden stalls and decorations create a lively scene, perfect for soaking up the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, the historical and cultural sites reveal Ghent’s rich past.

The guided tour ensures you learn about the significance of each attraction, while the free time lets you enjoy shopping, food tasting, or simply wandering. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and engaging.

This 14-hour tour from Paris offers a comprehensive introduction to Ghent’s Christmas celebrations and historic sights. The itinerary balances guided visits with free exploration, allowing for a personalized experience. The high supplier rating indicates reliability and quality.

While the tour involves a full day of walking, it provides a manageable and delightful way to enjoy a Belgian Christmas without the need for overnight stays. Perfect for holiday lovers, history buffs, and foodies, this trip helps create festive memories in a charming European city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I meet the tour in Paris?
The tour departs from Rue de la Chapelle, outside the Metro Station Porte de la Chapelle. The driver will have a BackTrip badge for easy recognition.

Can I book hotel pickups?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or apartment in Paris are available for an additional €10 per person. Other locations like Versailles or Disneyland can also be arranged for extra charges.

How long is the journey from Paris to Ghent?
The private van journey takes approximately 4 hours each way, allowing enough time for a full day in Ghent.

What attractions are included in the tour?
You visit Ghent’s Christmas Market, the Belfry, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and explore the Historical Centre and Arts Quarter.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for babies under 1 year and not accessible for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility issues.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides speak French, English, Romanian, Italian, and Moldavian.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, cash, and a camera. Be prepared for crowds in busy areas.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility in planning.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
No, this tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those requiring non-folding wheelchairs or strollers.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of festive market exploration with city sightseeing in Ghent, guided by multilingual professionals, in a small group setting delivers a personalized and festive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby