Grand Soleil – Gent (Montegnie/Ropers, historical)
Ghent Winter Ferris Wheel above Korenmarkt
Operator: Fabian Montegnie / Annie Ropers (operation in Ghent 2023 documented; current operator unknown)
Grand Soleil Gent is the Ferris wheel that towers over the Korenmarkt during the Gentse Winterfeesten. Its gondolas offer you a view of the illuminated squares, the historic Sint-Niklaaskerk and the rooftops of the old Belgian city. However, the name is not unique: another Ferris wheel called Grand Soleil travels around Germany with the Göbel showman company. This profile describes the wheel in Ghent specifically, not the one from Worms.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
A peaceful ride with views over Ghent's festively illuminated old town.
Grand Soleil Gent: The ride above Korenmarkt
Even from the ground, the Ferris wheel is one of the most striking sights at the Winterfeesten. Once you board, its steady rotation lifts you above the Christmas chalets and the tram tracks on Korenmarkt. As you rise, the old town's skyline grows ever larger. The view is especially impressive in the evening, when the façades and Christmas lights glow.
The ride is for visitors who want to enjoy the views and the winter atmosphere. Don't expect a fast-paced ride experience. However, the height may be a challenge for people who are afraid of heights. The duration of a circuit, the number of gondolas and the boarding rules for the specific Ghent ride cannot currently be verified with sufficient confidence.
General
- Model
- Ferris wheel (Ghent ride; not Göbel's Grand Soleil)
- Also known as
- Grand Soleil Gent; Reuzenrad Grand Soleil Gent
Ride
- Height
- 45 m
Grand Soleil Gent: History and operator information
A report by the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad documents the Ghent wheel at the Winterfeesten in 2023. At the time, Fabian Montegnie and Annie Ropers were reported as operating it; the ride was described as approximately 45 metres high. The report mentions a multi-year run at the same location. This is historical evidence, not proof that ownership or the operating arrangement remained unchanged in every subsequent season.
The city tourism organisation Visit Gent explicitly names the wheel as Grand Soleil in its winter programme for 2026/27. The official organiser's website also confirms a Ferris wheel on Korenmarkt. This means the attraction has been announced for the upcoming edition. However, current ownership and manufacturer details remain unknown. In particular, the technical specifications of Göbel's Ferris wheel of the same name must not be attributed to this different ride.
Timeline
The Belgian press documents operation by Fabian Montegnie and Annie Ropers in winter 2023 and gives its height as around 45 m. The wheel is demonstrably not necessarily identical to Göbel's Grand Soleil (Worms; Mondial, built in 2017, approx. 48 m). Visit Gent lists Grand Soleil for 2026/27; current operating and ownership arrangements have not been independently confirmed.
- Operator
- Fabian Montegnie / Annie Ropers (operation in Ghent 2023 documented; current operator unknown)
Tips for your ride with a view
If you want to take photos of Ghent's old town, a ride at dusk is worthwhile. You'll then see the churches' last outlines in the fading light as well as the Winterfeesten lights. Take care to take photos from inside the gondola and not to hold objects over the railing. Staff safety instructions always take priority.
In strong winds or other unfavourable weather conditions, operation of a large observation ride may be restricted. So check the latest information at the ride before you visit. For the Ferris wheel in the winter programme 2026, the official organiser lists a price of nine euros for adults and six euros for children up to twelve years old; these prices apply to this event and may change later. You can find more Ferris wheels in the attractions directory.
Upcoming funfair dates
Ride Grand Soleil – Gent (Montegnie/Ropers, historical) live
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