The Thalys is a high speed train that runs between Paris and Brussels, that would be the quickest way to travel. Then from Brussels to Brugge is about an hour.

Brussels is a nice city, we like it there but Brugge is special, very attractive and walkable. We had 4 days there and found lots to do.

Also we've found Belgian food to be very good. Fantastic cake shops and some wonderful meals. Also great chocolate shops.

I would go even if for one day. It's better than not going at all.

Kay

Ruby99,
I just went to the Loire, and wrote up a post regarding the Chateaux visits there. If ytou can drive, and like to max your visit to 1 hour, you can definetaley see more than 3, see my post for more info if you like.

I didn't know this thread was still active! Thanks again for all the great replies.

We have booked a B&B for 1 night in Bruges and are in the process of arranging train travel. Can't wait!

I'm not sure we'll get to the Loire Valley this time, I'm thinking that could be a wonderful trip in 2-3 years time concentrating only in that area and south-west France. Intex, I'm going to go read your post!

Can one catch a train from Brugges straight to Amsterdam?

Brugges thats easy!

Okay - it's officially making me crazy. The name is BRUGGE in Flemish, which I believe is the preferred version since it is in West Flanders and it's history is predominantly Flemish, or BRUGES in French, which I think most English speakers default to (shame) because it is easier to pronounce.

BRUGGES it is not.

I agree with you, Aramis.

bookmarking

Okay, it's making ME crazy

>and it's history is predominantly Flemish, or <<

it's "ITS", not "It's", if it were it's , it would read. "it is history is predominantly" :) :)

It's so easy to make those little mistakes. Note to self - always check that you grammar is perfect before correcting others.

For example, one might type;

"it would read. 'it is history predominantly'" instead of
"it would read; 'it is history predominantly'"

If one dishes out, one must be able to take it :)

Another vote for Bruges. And, by the way, be sure to see the movie 'In Bruges', it's great, but see it after you visit Bruges as you'll better be able to recognize every place in the film. It's a dark murder/comedy with a great cast and location.

As for Bruges itself, we spent two nights just off the square at a Best Western. The town is just fantastic. And as for comparison to Brussels, none. Brussels was nice, Bruges was fantastic, touristy a bit, but wonderful.

I have a few questions about Bruges. What is the easiest and most economical way to get there? International air, or train from another city, or low cost air from another city? How much time, by train to go from Paris to Bruges? What kind of weather is usual in September? Thanks in advance.

If you Google Belgian rail, you'll get a nice website for the national train system that should get you your answers to rail connections.

I don't think there is a straight rail shot from Bruges to Amsterdam, but there are planty of trains to both Brussels and Antwerp and connections in those towns are so quick it is not much of an issue.

My one trip to Bruges we went up through Lille and back through Brussels. As far as ease of transfer and pleasantness of the respective rail stations and routes, the connection through Brussels was much nicer. We had a group of five and I just happened to get a low cost rail fare through Lille, but that was then and this is now. If one has to go from Paris to Bruges and gets a cheaper fare through Lille and money matters, then that connection is nice enough, but if comfort is the issue or money isn't an issue, then you should go through Brussels.

As far as getting there, flying into CDG-Paris, Schiphol, or any airport in Belgium is equally good, since there are ample rail connections from these airports.

currently i have plans to visit brussels for two days but perhaps i need to reroute it to bruges.

I happen to be a huge jean claude van damme fan (seen every single one of his movies). does anyone know if there's a jcvd museum.... or some sort of jcvd themed attraction in brussels or bruges?

If there is, I'm not going back....

if you want a larger more cosmopolitan location, then go to bruxelles. there's a lot to see and do with very good food. if you want a smaller more medieval location, then brugge is better. it's a very scenic town that will transport you back in time.the food is great too. brugge gets very crowded during the nicer months too. and, remember belgium is a two language nation (dutch & french). make sure you know town/station names in both languages when riding the trains so you don't get confused. bon voyage or geode reis!