Polpaty

Husband and I, will be in Paris on Late September 2008 and are planning a day trip to Brugge (by train).

We are in the 30-35's and were thinking about take the boat tour then rent a bike to go around the city.

Considering we have so little time, what sights we CAN'T MISS? Also, is it worth to visit the windmills around Brugge?

Thanks

PolPaty

RJD

It's about a six hour round trip especially if you figure in time from/to the train stations. Doesn't leave much time for touring. I spent two days in Brugge many years ago. Pleasant to look at and the boat trip gives a good view of the place, but overall the town wasn't very memorable.
There are many other places closer to Paris like Versailles and Giverny that are more interesting.

ciaodeb

My husband and I took a day to Bruges trip from, if I recall, either Cityrama or Parisvision. I checked both sites but did not see any Bruges offerings. I did find another company, just click on it and go right to Bruges:

http://www.viator.com/Paris-tours/Da...rsions/d479-g5

When we were in Paris last, 1993, we passed, I thought a Cityrama office, went in and booked for next day. We had to be at bus early in the morning and got back in afternoon, if I recall. We both enjoyed this trip very much. Bruges is quaint, delighful and to us, fairytale-ish. I recall the lovely houses in route there. I would say, "GO"!

yk

Hard to tell you what YOU can't miss without knowing what your interests are.

If you're into beer, then spend your time in many, many beer bars, as well as a brewery tour.

If you're into "ambience", then just wander around town, take a canal tour.

If you're into art, MUST SEE is the Groeninge Museum and the Memling Museum. The 2 have incredible collection of Flemish Primitive paintings by artists like van Eyck, Bosch, and obviously, Memling. Nearby church, Church of our Lady, has a sculpture by Michelangelo.

For me, personally (I'm 35) I would spend my whole day at the museums.

DH & I will be in Brugge later this year. He love beer, but also art, so we'll split our time between beer bars, museums, and brewery.

yk

Of course, if you're a chocoholic, you can spend your whole day in Brugge visiting the many chocolate shops it has!

Polpaty

Thanks for all the tips... it really helped me..

I just added to my list of possibilities a day trip to Reims instead of Brugge.

Changing beer by champagnes ;o)
And only a 45 min travel from Paris.

I will come back to this post.. so if you have a better idea, feel free!

See you!

francophile03

Here is another recommendation for the Cityrama day trip to Brugge. We did it and it was worthwhile.

scheldekaai

Antwerp or Brussels would definitely be better than Brugge for a day-trip from Paris (direct trains). Why don't you check out Lille, otherwise ? Though Reims sounds great too.

Weekender

We did a day trip from Paris to Brugge last year. Took an early Thalys train to Brussels and then alocal train to Brugge. Had plenty of time to have a long lunch, a boat trip, saw some sights, etc. We were back in Paris by 7. A very pleasant day.