Paris: Ghent Christmas Market & Castle of Counts 2-Day Trip

The Paris: Ghent Christmas Market & Castle of Counts 2-Day Trip offers a well-rounded glimpse of Belgium’s festive traditions and historical sights. Priced at an accessible level, this tour gives you two full days of exploration with a 4.9 out of 5 rating from BackTrip, highlighting its popularity among travelers. Starting from Paris, the journey takes you into the heart of Flanders, where you’ll find over 150 wooden huts lining Ghent’s streets, creating an inviting Christmas scene filled with snacks, drinks, and crafts. The trip emphasizes the festive atmosphere of Ghent’s Christmas Market, complemented by a visit to Gravensteen Castle, known as the Castle of the Counts, for a deep dive into medieval history.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a short, culturally rich getaway, combining holiday cheer with historical discovery. The small group size and multilingual guides help ensure a personalized experience, while the convenient meeting point in Paris and flexible booking options add to its appeal. However, travelers should prepare for walking tours and check weather conditions to stay warm. This trip suits those eager to enjoy Belgian Christmas traditions and medieval architecture in a manageable, enjoyable package.

Key Points

• 2-day trip from Paris to Ghent, Belgium, focusing on the Christmas Market and Castle of Counts
• Over 150 wooden huts at the Ghent Christmas Market, with festive stalls, food, and drinks
• Visit to Gravensteen Castle, featuring medieval armor, weaponry, and views over Ghent
• Small group tours limited to 14 participants for a more personalized experience
• Multilingual live guides in English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian
• Meeting point at Rue de la Chapelle in Paris, with optional hotel pick-up for an extra fee

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Departure and Meeting Point in Paris

The tour departs from Rue de la Chapelle, near the Porte de la Chapelle Metro Station in Paris. The driver carries a BackTrip badge and logo for easy identification. Travelers also have the option of hotel pick-up and drop-off in Paris for an additional 10 euros per person. The coordinates provided (48.89674758911133, 2.3639938831329346) guide you to the exact meeting spot, ensuring smooth start to the journey.

This arrangement offers flexibility, especially for those staying in Paris, making it easier to join the tour without hassle. The meeting point’s proximity to multiple bus routes and metro lines adds to its convenience.

Exploring Ghent’s Christmas Market

The Ghent Christmas Market unfolds across the neighborhoods around Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt. You’ll find more than 150 wooden stalls decorated festively and selling authentic crafts, local snacks, and mulled wine. The market truly comes alive in the evening when the Christmas lights illuminate the narrow streets, creating a magical scene.

Wandering among the fir and pine trees, visitors enjoy the scents of pine resin and warm drinks. The market’s layout makes walking easy, and the entire area buzzes with holiday cheer. Since the city is compact and walkable, there’s no need for transportation between stops, and you can take your time exploring each stall and soaking in the holiday spirit.

The Charm of Ghent’s Main Attractions

The tour emphasizes Ghent’s cultural highlights, starting with the Sint-Baafsplein, a central square surrounded by historic buildings. The market’s stalls are spread along Botermarkt and Klein Turkije, blending seamlessly into the city’s historical and arts districts.

A major highlight is the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen). This medieval fortress features winding stone corridors, towers, and ramparts offering panoramic views of Ghent. Inside, the museum exhibits include armor, weaponry, and historical displays that provide insights into medieval life. Visitors can walk through former residence rooms, explore the dungeon, and even check out the old torture chamber, making it a vivid historical journey.

Walking Tour of Ghent’s Neighborhoods and Decorations

Ghent’s two main tourist quarters—the Historical Centre and the Arts Quarter—are within easy walking distance. The tour allows you to stroll freely through these areas, admiring Christmas decorations and local architecture. The Historical Centre hosts the highest concentration of monuments and historical buildings, while the Arts Quarter is home to museums and galleries.

The city’s pedestrian-friendly layout makes it simple to hop from one neighborhood to another, stopping at cozy cafes and restaurants along the way. During the Christmas season, the streets are filled with festive lights and decorations, heightening the holiday atmosphere.

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Visiting Gravensteen: Medieval Fortress and Museum

Scheduled as a key stop, Gravensteen provides a deep dive into medieval history. The castle’s architecture is well-preserved, and the interior exhibits tell stories of past rulers and medieval life. Visitors explore stone corridors, towers, and ramparts, with sweeping views over Ghent.

Inside, the museum displays include armor, weaponry, and historical artifacts, giving visitors a tangible sense of the past. The former residence rooms and torture chamber add to the immersive experience. The castle’s immersive atmosphere makes it a standout site during the tour.

Practical Details: Duration, Guides, and Group Size

This 2-day tour is designed for those seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive experience. The tour features a live guide speaking multiple languages—English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian—ensuring clear explanations and local insights.

The group is limited to 14 participants, fostering a more personal environment. Tours are flexible with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind. The average rating of 4.9 highlights its popularity and consistent quality.

Practical Tips for the Trip

Travelers should bring passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for cold weather. Since the market is most spectacular in the evening, planning to arrive around dusk allows for enjoying the lights and festive ambiance.

Most stalls accept cash and card, but carrying some cash is advisable. The tour involves walking in a city that is pedestrian-friendly but can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for holiday enthusiasts interested in experiencing Belgium’s Christmas traditions without a long trip from Paris. It suits those with an interest in medieval architecture and historic sites such as Gravensteen Castle.

Travelers who enjoy guided small-group tours will appreciate the personalized attention and multilingual guides. It’s a great option for families (over 3 years old), groups of friends, or couples seeking a mid-length getaway filled with festive cheer and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the trip from Paris to Ghent?
The tour is a 2-day experience, but specific travel times are not detailed. It starts in Paris at the designated meeting point and includes transportation to Ghent.

What is included in the tour price?
The basic price covers transportation, guides, and access to Ghent’s main attractions such as the Christmas Market and Gravensteen Castle.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking and uneven surfaces.

What language are the guides speaking?
Guides are available in English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 14 participants for a more intimate experience.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris are available for an extra charge of 10 euros per person.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and warm clothing for outdoor strolling and market visits.

When is the best time to enjoy the Christmas Market?
The market is most spectacular in the evening when the lights are shining brightly.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, babies under 1 year, or individuals over 95 years.

Is there a meal included?
The tour does not specify inclusion of meals; visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks available at the market.

What is the overall rating?
BackTrip’s 4.9 rating reflects high satisfaction and quality of the experience.

This 2-day trip from Paris to Ghent offers a delightful combination of festive holiday shopping and medieval history, wrapped in the charm of a Belgian Christmas. With small-group guidance, flexible booking, and a well-structured itinerary, it provides a convenient and enjoyable way to experience Ghent’s holiday spirit.

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