Beautiful shops in Gent

Last sunday, when I was wandering in the city center streets and admiring the shop windows, I thought that I would like to show all the little shops that Gent has to offer. 

I come from Florence, which is one of the world fashion cities, so I'm quite used to beautiful shops. But some shops in Gent have an atmosphere that I never saw in Italy: they have an attention to details and decoration that you can rarely see in other places. I think that, among the cities I visited, only Tokyo offer places like these: cosy, romantic and full of very nice little things that make you happy only by looking at them. But this together with the scenery of a beautiful, old and quiet city... well, that's what makes Gent so special.

So these are a few of my favourites, I will post some more in the future (also some clothing shops) but I think that first I'll wait to become bold enough to ask permission to take pictures inside!!

Dille & Kamille

Hornstraat, 15

9000 Gent

09 233 91 12

www.dille-kamille.nl; info@dille-kamille.be 

For home-decor and kitchen fanatics this is a real paradise. You can find every possible tool to cook, decorate home and glassware. They also have a wide selection of teas and infusions, sweets and candies, marmalades and special gastronomy food (mainly italian, but I don't know why!). I love to come to this huge shop on saturday, to buy some little things for my home, my favourite licorice candies or just to have a look.

Home Linen

Korenlei, 3

9000 Gent

09 223 60 93

Open also on sundays.

An amazing shop in the most beautiful part of the old city center. It sells a very wide range of Belgian linen, vintage silver bijoux, home decoration items, accessories like bags and scarves. Everytime I enter I would like to come back with a truck and buy EVERYTHING. The prices are very good compared to the quality, too.

Just one view of Gent...

From the bridge where Dille & Kamille is.
Just in front, following the channel after about 200 m, there is Home Linen.

Papaver

Jan Breydelstraat 6
9000 Gent
09 233 14 48

Open also on sundays

This shop means a lot to me. 

When I arrived in Gent last year I was alone, in a creepy and dirty student room in the red-light district (!). The first week-end I went all alone to have a walk in the center and I saw this plant & flower shop. It was so beautiful that I had to enter and its warm atmosphere made me feel home for the first time since I arrived. I decided to buy a little plant of Erica to keep me company, the owner was very nice to me and we chatted for a little while. 

You know those little, maybe a bit stupid, things that can change your day and you remember for the rest of your life? This was one of those little things for me.

Ooooops you can see me in the window glass!

Huis - Annick Van Wesemael 

Recollettenlei 2
9000 Gent
Tel: 09/335.87.61 
www.annickvanwesemael.be

This is the new shop of Annick Van Wesemael in Gent. It sells home decoration, porcelains, frabrics, gift ideas and some furniture. 

Very cosy and romantic atmosphere.

Here you can find a couple of pics taken inside the shop.

Oooops n° 2 you can see me also here!

When you're tired of walking and shopping in the city there are really tons of nice spots where you can stop for a coffee or a cup of tea.

Today I would like to suggest this place, a real blessing (and a curse! ahah) for every gourmand.

Julie's House

Kraanlei, 13

9000 Gent

www.julieshouse.be

Open also on sundays

I think these are nearly the best cakes and cupcakes I've ever tasted. 

If you come here (and you're able to find a place to sit!) you could stay for hours without noticing, so pleasant is the atmosphere.

They make also great breakfasts and brunches and everything is also for take-away.

Tea and coffee are served in hand-decorated porcelain (that they also sell) which reminds the colours of the sweets prepared in this wonderful patisserie.

That's it for today, but expect another round soon!

Pictures are not so good but I hope you liked it anyway and... come to visit!

Al