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

Planning a quick getaway to Belgium’s Flanders region during the holiday season? This 2-day trip from Paris to Ghent offers a charming blend of Christmas cheer, historic sights, and cozy local culture. While it’s not a long voyage, it packs in enough to give you a real taste of what makes Ghent such a festive and fascinating city in winter.

What I really like about this experience is how it balances the Christmas Market buzz with the chance to explore a stunning medieval castle and walk through a city that’s both compact and full of character. Plus, the small group size (capped at 14) means you get more personal attention and fewer crowds—always a plus during the busy holiday season.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the market is best enjoyed in the evening when the lights truly sparkle, so daytime visits might feel a little rushed. Also, since the entire trip is built around walking and exploring on foot, it’s best suited for those who enjoy a lot of strolling and don’t mind cooler weather.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a cozy, well-organized way to soak up the festive spirit in Ghent without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate historical settings and lively markets with authentic local vibes.

Key Points

• Festive Atmosphere: Ghent’s Christmas Market boasts over 150 wooden huts decorated with twinkling lights, creating a warm holiday ambiance.
• Central Attractions: The trip includes a visit to the impressive medieval Castle of Counts, offering history and sweeping city views.
• Walking-Friendly City: Ghent’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, with all major sites within a short distance.
• Guided Experience: A live multilingual guide helps enhance your understanding of the sights and the city’s holiday traditions.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now and pay later with the option to cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Small Group Comfort: Limited to 14 participants, making the experience more personalized and less rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on this 2-Day Trip

Day 1: Departure and Ghent’s Christmas Market
The journey begins early in Paris, with a convenient pick-up point at the Porte de la Chapelle metro station. From there, you’ll head straight to Ghent, a city that’s famous for its mix of medieval architecture and lively neighborhoods. The drive offers a chance to relax and get into the holiday mood.

Once you arrive, the highlight is wandering among more than 150 wooden market stalls. These stalls are thoughtfully spread across key locations like Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt. Each of these spots reveals a different facet of Ghent’s festive spirit—charming, decorated streets, the scent of pine, and the inviting aroma of mulled wine.

You’ll find everything from festive snacks and drinks to handcrafted gifts and authentic crafts. The market is especially magical in the evening when the lights turn on, illuminating the wooden huts and casting a cozy glow over the city. If you love the sights and smells of Christmas markets, this is a picture-perfect setting—many reviews note how “the whole neighborhood gets out its Christmas decorations,” making it feel like a holiday movie scene.

Day 2: Castle of Counts & City Exploration
The next day is dedicated to exploring Ghent’s main historic sites. The star here is the Gravensteen, or Castle of Counts, built in the medieval period. This well-preserved fortress offers winding stone corridors, towers, and ramparts—great for those who love to walk through history.

Inside, the castle’s museum showcases armor, weaponry, and displays that give a tangible sense of medieval life. Walk through the former residence rooms, explore the dungeon, and visit the old torture chamber. It’s a vivid, immersive experience that transports you back centuries, and the views from the ramparts over Ghent are particularly striking.

The city itself is very walkable, with the historic and arts quarters seamlessly blending together. As you stroll, you’ll pass inviting cafes and restaurants—perfect for a quick coffee or a hearty Belgian waffle. The small group setup ensures you have space to explore at your own pace and ask questions.

Practical Details & Tips
– The entire tour is guided in English, French, Italian, Moldavian, and Romanian, making it accessible to a wide audience.
– The trip is suited for anyone able to walk comfortably; the city’s compact layout makes navigation straightforward.
– Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes—Ghent’s cobblestone streets can be uneven, and winter weather might be chilly.
– While most stalls accept both cash and card, having some cash handy will help avoid delays.
– The experience is not recommended for children under 3 years, people with mobility impairments, or those with large, non-folding strollers or wheelchairs.

How the Tour Is Structured & Why It Works

This tour’s strength lies in its well-planned balance of guided sightseeing and free exploration. The transportation from Paris is comfortable, and the small group size enhances the experience—no rushing or feeling like just another number. Having a multilingual guide helps bring the city’s stories alive, and their local knowledge makes the visit more meaningful.

The schedule allows for ample time at the Christmas Market—the best viewing is in the evening, so you’ll have a chance to see Ghent lit up and festive. The castle visit offers a deep dive into medieval history, with exhibits that are both informative and immersive.

The flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before means you can plan confidently, knowing you can adapt if your plans change. Also, the option to add hotel pickup for an extra fee adds convenience, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.

Value for Money

Considering the price includes guided tours, transportation, and entrance to the Castle of Counts, it offers good value, especially given the small group setting. The experience isn’t overly commercialized, and the focus on authentic sights and local charm makes it worth exploring for anyone wanting a taste of Belgium’s festive season.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who appreciate authentic Christmas markets and enjoy exploring historic cities on foot. It’s ideal if you want a stress-free way to visit Ghent without the hassle of planning transport or tickets. The guided format means you’ll learn more about the city’s history and traditions, making it perfect for curious travelers.

While not designed for those with mobility issues or very young children, it’s a good option for independent travelers, couples, or small groups interested in cultural and festive experiences.

If you’re craving a quick, cozy escape from Paris and want to experience Belgium’s holiday spirit firsthand, this 2-day Ghent trip is a solid choice. The Christmas Market spreads joy in every corner, and the castle visit offers a tangible connection to the past. The organization by BackTrip keeps everything smooth and manageable, with enough flexibility to suit your travel style.

You’ll come away with a warm feeling, a few handcrafted souvenirs, and memories of Ghent’s festive lights and medieval charm. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this experience delivers a genuine taste of Belgian holiday cheer in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Is this tour suitable for travelers who want to explore Ghent at their own pace?
Yes. The small group setup and walkable city layout give you the freedom to enjoy the sights at your own speed, especially during free time at the market and exploring the city.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation from Paris, a guided experience in multiple languages, entrance to the Castle of Counts, and time to explore the Christmas Market and city streets.

When is the best time to enjoy the Christmas Market?
While the market is lively during the day, it’s especially magical in the evening when the lights are on, so plan to enjoy it after sunset for the full festive effect.

Are there any restrictions on who can join the tour?
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, people with mobility impairments, or those with large, non-folding strollers or wheelchairs, due to walking and accessibility considerations.

How long do we spend at the Christmas Market?
You’ll have ample time to wander, shop, and sample local treats, especially in the evening when the market’s lights are at their brightest.

Is it easy to get around Ghent on foot?
Absolutely. Ghent’s historic and arts quarters are close together, making walking the best way to explore its charm and discover inviting cafes along the way.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and a passport or ID. Some cash is handy for stalls that may not accept cards.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your winter travel plans.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While it’s not specifically designed for children, older kids who enjoy walking and exploring historic sites would likely find it interesting, but very young children or those with mobility issues may find it less suitable.