Ghent

A beautiful City in a relaxed environment – unless you need to get on and off the Motorway everyday which can be very congested. Nevertheless, Ghent, situated half way between Brussels and the coast is, for some people, the real diamond of Flanders and Belgium.

It is the fourth largest city in Belgium with about 250.000 inhabitants - not as big as Antwerp but bigger than Bruges. Ghent is also the flower city of Belgium where flower growers from across Belgium sell their beautiful begonia's and azalea's all over the world. Every 5 years the successful 'Gentse Floraliën" ( Ghent Flower Show) attracts thousands to the city.

The City has a typically Belgium central area, alongside the river where many families can enjoy city living in the unique Belgian, almost bohemian, style. Similar to Bruges, it is rich with medieval building and artefacts, as well as being home to an internationally known University.

There is an important harbour, thanks to the canal Ghent-Terneuzen which allows sea-going vessels to bring their products to the city and its industrial hinterland. The Belgian State University is an influential presence and the presence of so many young people and students has turned Ghent into an important Flemish cultural centre.

The area has numerous out of town villages and hamlets, offering homes with large gardens and a genuine rural environment.