We have 3 weeks, staying in Bergen Op Zoom and Cologne in August. Suggestions please for places to visit nearby. We've been to Amsterdam , Brussels, Bruges and Ghent a few times so would prefer to go somewhere new. We may rent a car or go by train as parking can be a problem. We're particularly interested in good food and would like recommendations for restaurants etc
thanks

Köln is a wonderful city with lots to offer - including some outstanding restaurants. Two of Germany's best restaurants (3 Michelin stars) are in Köln's vicinity, in Bensberg Castle (Vendome - www.schlossbensberg.com) and in Lerbach Castle (Dieter Müller - www.dietermueller.de).

In any case, you should not miss Aachen. The cathedral - dating from 800 A.D. and crowning site of Charlemagne - is outstanding. And so is the restaurant La Becasse (www.labecasse.de - one Michelin star). La Becasse is one of the few gourmet restaurants which is still affordable, especially when you select the chef's summer menu.

It comes to my mind that Maastricht is also a worthy destination. There is a Belgian suburb to Maastricht with a nice hotel that has a good restaurant: www.labutteauxbois.be I strongly advise to order a menu with wine pairings. But sleep at the hotel or take a taxi if you are staying in Maastricht.

Another vote for Maastricht. Check out my recommendations on this thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...omment-5682242

Thanks a lot, it's really helful. I think we're going to need a car to get to some of these restaurants but it'll be worth it

More ideas
Oudenbosch Basiliek, Halderberge;
Sint Willebrord kerk;
Full-screen
Breda;
Tilberg is quite nice too

Listen, here,s a bit. I am going to Maastrict myself, it is highly underrated tourist wise. Another one is Den Bosch, especially their curiously unusual canal rides UNDER the old buildings.