Can anyone recommend a good tour operator or service which offers a guided, one-day tour of Brussels, which would originate from Paris, and return to Paris? We're looking for a service which offers all-in-one rail and tour coach packages. There are plenty of these from London-Paris, and vice-versa, but it seems hard to find the same thing from Paris to Brussels (and back).<BR>Any and all help would be appreciated!<BR>Thanks,<BR>Ross

Ross, I don't know about a tour operator, but it is so incredibly easy that you may not want to bother paying for that kind of service. If you hop on the Thalys at Paris Gare du Nord, you'll be at Brussels Midi station in less than an hour and a half. The station is connected directly into the Brussels public transit system. Get a guide book and check it out. Brussels is just not that large or complicated. (While I haven't REALLY answered your question, you ARE on the top again.) Happy Contrails!

Ross: My wife and I just made the trip you are asking about. As Jim said, we took the train from the Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi. From there you can either jump on public transit or free transfer to a local train to the Gare Central. Right outside are two sightseeing tour bus companies. Since our trip was a spur of the moment affair, we took a bus tour to see the highlights of the city. Upon returning to the train station, we made the short walk into the older and extremely interesting section of the city. We had a great time window shopping. At lunch time we ended up on a small and narrow street that had many wonderful little resturants. It is an easy and fun trip. You can also get a really good day rate on the trains but you must do this ahead of time. We did ours the day before with no problem. Good luck and have a great time.

Kind of a long address, but this will take you to my travel notes on this:<BR><BR>http://www.igougo.com/planning/journalEntryActivity.asp?JournalID=3126&EntryID=87 40<BR><BR>Sorry we can't hotlink that for you!

Ross,<BR>I agree with the others; you do not need a guided tour. From Paris to Brussels by on the Thalys train takes approx. 90 mins. Upon arriving in Brussels at Gare du Midi we took the tram and it took us to the Grand Place. There is also a few shopping areas and one is an enclosed gallery. There is not much else to see. We have not gone but it appears that Brugges may have more sightseeing.

...now I'm curious... does anyone know what it costs for a ticket between Brussels and Paris (1 way?)<BR>I'll be doing that route in the summer and would love to know!

Julie, <BR>Prices range from ? 50,00 (mini tariff in 2nd class) to ? 196,00 (business class) depending from the type of ticket and the comfort class.<BR>Look at www.thalys.com, click on 'tickets types' for the explanations of the various tickets. Exact prices can be found when you fill in the details in the 'timetables/fares' section. <BR>You need a reservation for the Thalys, though tickets can be bought until just before departure.

The ? in my a.m. post should have been an euro sign. So prices are in euro. Sorry!

As someone asked about price, I went back and looked. On August 26, 2001 it cost my wife and myself $143.18 for a same day round trip, Paris to Brussels. We purchased the ticket at the Gare du Nord the day before travelling. While Brussels is not Paris, we found it to be an interesting city and a fun day trip.

Hi Ross, De Boeck is the tour operator in Brussels. They have a 3 hour city tour. 10:00, 11:00 and 2:00 every day. cost is 19 euros. They also do a hop on- hop off bus for 12.50 euros. Its called Visit Brussels Line. You can visit their website. www.deboeck-incoming.com Kerry

Go to Brugge!!!!!!!!! We just returned and found it to be the loveliest city! No need for a tour - you can walk around and explore and find something grand around every corner. And if you want to stay over night - stay at the Hotel Azalea!