Weekend away from Ghent: the best holiday homes within 1 to 2 hours' drive
Ghent is a fantastic city to live in, but sometimes you just need to get away. Fortunately, Ghent sits centrally in Belgium, meaning you can be somewhere beautiful within 1 to 2 hours' drive. From the Ardennes to the Flemish Ardennes, from the coast to the Kempen: there is always a holiday home that suits you for a short escape.
From Ghent, the Flemish Ardennes and the Pajottenland are less than 1 hour away. The Belgian coast (Ostend, Blankenberge) is 40 to 60 minutes. The Ardennes (La Roche, Durbuy) take 2 hours. The Kempen is 1 hour to the north.
Why the Ardennes remain a top choice from Ghent (2 hours' drive)
The Ardennes are the classic destination for a weekend away from Ghent. Two hours' drive puts some people off, but once you get there, you understand why everyone makes the trip. The combination of vast forests, babbling rivers, charming villages and an impressive range of holiday homes makes the Ardennes hard to beat.
For a weekend from Ghent, Durbuy and La Roche-en-Ardenne are the most popular destinations. Durbuy claims to be the smallest city in the world and has a charming historic centre, good restaurants and a large choice of holiday homes nearby. La Roche-en-Ardenne is ideal for those seeking adventure: kayaking on the Ourthe, mountain bike trails and a medieval castle.
A tip from Ghent: take the E40 towards Brussels and then the E411 towards Luxembourg. It is the fastest route and you reach La Roche in under 2 hours. Avoid leaving on Friday after 4 pm: traffic on the E40 towards Brussels can significantly lengthen your journey.
Closer to home: holiday homes in the Flemish Ardennes and Pajottenland
Want to drive less but still enjoy nature and peace? The Flemish Ardennes, less than 1 hour from Ghent, are a strong alternative. The area around Ronse, Kluisbergen and Geraardsbergen offers hills, forests, quiet cycling routes and a growing range of holiday homes. It attracts fewer tourists than the Ardennes, which makes the peace and nature feel genuinely authentic.
The Pajottenland, south-west of Brussels, is slightly further from Ghent (about 1 hour), but it is a rural area that receives little attention despite being very beautiful. Gentle hills, old farmhouses converted into B&Bs or holiday homes, and a sense of timelessness you will not find in more touristy regions.
In the Flemish Ardennes, holiday homes are on average 20 to 30% cheaper than comparable properties in the Luxembourg Ardennes. For a weekend for 2 to 4 people, expect to pay around 80 to 140 euros per night, with a pleasant garden and views over rolling hills.
By the sea: east coast or west coast from Ghent
The Belgian coast is surprisingly close to Ghent. Ostend is barely 40 minutes away, Blankenberge 50 minutes. A weekend at the seaside from Ghent is entirely doable, especially outside the summer peak season when the coast takes on a very different character.
The West Coast (De Panne, Koksijde, Nieuwpoort) is more spacious, with wider beaches and a less urban feel than the Central Coast. De Panne borders the Westhoek, a vast dune area with walking paths. For a quiet winter weekend this is the better choice. Koksijde also has a fine range of holiday homes just behind the dunes.
Knokke-Heist on the East Coast is slightly further from Ghent (1 hour) but is the best choice for lovers of the Zwin nature reserve and a more refined atmosphere. Holiday homes in Knokke are more expensive than elsewhere on the coast, but the quality and surroundings match.
Note: during the summer weeks (July-August) holiday homes on the coast are very hard and expensive to book for short stays. A seaside weekend is best booked in May, June, September or October for better availability and lower prices.
The Kempen as an alternative for forests and nature
The Kempen is 1 hour north of Ghent and offers a completely different experience from the Ardennes. Flatter forests, extensive heathlands, ponds and a lower tourist profile. For those wanting forests and nature without the drive to the Ardennes, the Kempen is an interesting alternative.
From Ghent, take the E17 or E34 towards Antwerp and then into the Kempen. Popular destinations include Mol (with the Zilvermeer lake), Lommel (with the sand dunes) and the area around Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg. The latter is just over 1 hour from Ghent.
The Kempen has a large range of holiday homes for families with children: flat cycling routes, play areas and a quiet, safe environment. Homes are generally slightly cheaper than in the Ardennes and less fully booked in high season.
Tips for a last-minute weekend away from Ghent
Last-minute booking can be good value, but also frustrating if everything is full. The Flemish Ardennes and the Kempen have more short-notice availability than the Ardennes or the coast, especially outside high season.
Decide on your priority first: peace and nature (Flemish Ardennes, Kempen), active and adventurous (Ardennes), or beach and sea air (coast). That way you can search and decide faster without endless comparison.
For a weekend away for two, the value for money in the Flemish Ardennes is excellent. You will find charming small homes or gîtes for 80 to 120 euros per night, 30 to 45 minutes from Ghent. That is the best choice for a spontaneous weekend away.
Still want to head to the Ardennes but have little time to plan? Durbuy and its surroundings have one of the highest concentrations of holiday homes in Belgium, meaning there is often still availability at short notice, even at weekends.
Frequently asked questions
How far are the Ardennes from Ghent?
La Roche-en-Ardenne is about 2 hours from Ghent via the E40 and E411. Durbuy is slightly closer at 1h45. The motorway is fast, but allow for more traffic at weekends.
What is the nearest nature destination from Ghent?
The Flemish Ardennes (Kluisbergen, Ronse, Geraardsbergen) are less than 1 hour from Ghent and offer forests, hills and quiet walking paths. An excellent choice for a short trip or a weekend.
Is the Belgian coast easily reachable from Ghent?
Yes. Ostend is 40 minutes away, De Panne 50 minutes. Outside the summer peak season the coast is easily accessible and there are more holiday homes available for short stays.
What are the cheapest options for a weekend away from Ghent?
The Flemish Ardennes and the Kempen are the most affordable options. Holiday homes start from 70 to 100 euros per night for 2 people. The coast and the Ardennes are more expensive, especially in season.