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Gand
Located at the confluence of four rivers, Gand, the capital of eastern Flanders, is one of the most welcoming cities in Europe. From the Saint-Michel bridge, one can explore the three towers, the Saint-Nicolas church, the Belfry and Saint-Bavon cathedral, that dominate the city before going to Château des Comtes, a medieval fortress that bears witness to the historic grandeur of Gand. Be it on foot, by boat, horse-drawn carriage or even by bike, the city has unforgettable tours that are even more exceptional at night, thanks to the magical illuminations. With a rich past and a present full of activities, there is always something to be explored in Gand!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Gand!
Novotel Gent Centrum
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Proudly sitting at the top of the Belfry, the dragon, a copper and steel colossus, weighs 400 kilos. The animal, symbol of the city, watches over the inhabitants from over 90 m high!
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Made up of 12 oak panels, the magnificent Jan Van Eyck, which dates from the 15th century, is famous the world over. A treasure to be admired in the Saint-Bavon cathedral.
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The Gand festivals, that begin in July and last a month, are an important date in the Gand calendar. Puppet shows, street theatre, music … a magical month!
Museums & Exhibitions
Natural Science Museum for children (De Wereld van Kina: de Tuin)
Particularly enjoyable because it was specially designed for children, this place is an important cultural place in Gand. From one room to another, you will explore fauna and flora and discover how Mother Nature works. Children will particularly enjoy the huge colony of bees and beehives and will shiver in front of the windows enclosing spiders. To get over these emotions, the whole family can then have an unforgettable walk in the museum garden that has over 1000 plant species.
Berouw 55, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 225 05 42
From Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and Sunday from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm.
Archaeology and Textile Museum (M.I.A.T.)
Located in an old cotton mill, this museum is a real Ali Baba’s cave that will particularly appeal to young ones. Artefacts, machines and scenes illustrate the change in industrial society up to the 21st century’s consumer society. The museum offers numerous workshops and interactive activities. Let a storyteller explain the history of the collections to children.
Minnemeers 9, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 269 42 00
From Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
La Maison Alijn (Het Huis van Alijn)
Divided into four areas – way of life, popular beliefs, work and leisure, this Popular Art museum is a marvellous journey through the history of Gand in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition the superb collections on the daily life of the city, Maison Alijn is also worth a detour for its magnificent dolls room and the shows in its puppet theatre.
Kraanlei 65, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 269 23 50
From Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
La Parc de Famille Harry Malter
An incomparable paradise for children! Created in 1992 by Carine and Harry Malter, this park, a few kilometres from Gand, revolves around the relationship between animals and humans. Children can go on nature walks on the back of elephants, camels or ponies — children only have to choose the animal. After these unforgettable trips, children can relax on the numerous slides and other activities at the park. A unique place not to be missed!
Bosheidestraat 15, Heusden – Tel.: (+32) 9 252 22 56
Every day from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm from Easter.
Botanical Garden
Located close to the Citadelle Park, the botanical garden of almost three hectares lets the whole family explore over 10,000 plant species from five continents. Take an extraordinary walk amid mountain or Mediterranean flowers and find yourself in a multicoloured world of intoxicating scents. Labels show the name of each species, its family and its environment, which makes this walk particularly educational for the youngest ones.
Karel Lodewijk Ledeganckstraat 35, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 264 50 73
From Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and weekends from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm.
Le Domaine récréatif Blaarmeersen
A few kilometres from Gand, this park is a chance for the whole family to share a day between relaxing and sports activities. With rope bridges and slides, lakes and numerous sports pitches, the area is the place for a day outdoors before continuing the tour of Gand.
Zuiderlaan 5, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 266 81 70
Every day (for information about times, call directly).
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Le Secret des Anges Déchus
Leaving the Saint-Pierre de Gand Abbey, young and old will have the feeling that a visit to a museum will never be the same. In fact, thanks to a unique movie guide, the whole family follows the steps of the Alison monk in his search into the disappearance of his friend Raphael. The monk will lead you on a fantastic historical journey through the secular buildings of the abbey, its secret passages and magnificent gardens. Simple accident or a murder…? Both an unbelievable and original visit.
Sint-Pietersplein 9, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 225 93 06
From Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (last departure 4.30 pm).
L’Illuseum
Thanks to the Gand Illuseum, young and old will be able to discover all the secrets of illusion. Immobile objects come to life, forms suddenly appear, and holograms provide the most surprising 3D effects…in total, over a hundred optical illusions, each as fascinating as the next. The more curious, the better……
Braeckmanlaan 123, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 228 28 56
Sunday from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
Boat trips
Sailor, captain, ship’s boy…who has not dreamed of exploring the world in their own boat? This experience allows you to enjoy the Minerva Company by making mini-yachts available to you. Go and discover the treasures of Gand, the beauty of the surrounding lakes and the villages of the painters Saint-Martens and Deurle… an unforgettable adventure. Immediate boarding!
Port Minerva, Coupure Rechts 2a, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 233 79 17
From Tuesday to Sunday from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm (from Easter to October) and from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (July and August).
Good places for a family meal
Le Clochard de Luxe
This is a chance for the whole family to explore the huge range of Belgian cuisine in a contemporary environment. There is also a children’s menu.
Ottogracht 18, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 269 08 08
Every day from 6.00 pm.
T’Gents Fonduehuisje
The house of Gand fondue is a chance to try all fondue dishes, from the most classical to the most original. Food lovers will particularly enjoy the chocolate one. Not to be missed!
Jan Breydelstraat 30, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 234 34 05
Every day except Wednesday from 6.00 pm.
Brasserie Pakhuis
In a superbly renovated environment of an old warehouse, this brasserie offers you Franco-Italian cuisine based on fresh products. Ideal for all the family.
Schuurkenstraat 4, Gand – Tel.: (+32) 9 223 55 55
From Monday to Saturday from 12.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels hope you enjoy your stay in Gand.