I plan on couple of days visit to Belgium while vacationing in Paris. I would appreciate information on how to get there and return back.
Thanks.

Take the Thalys train. It's easy, cheap and very fast: 1 hr 25 min from Paris Nord to Brussels Midi or 2 hrs 8 min to Antwerp.
Have a look at www.thalys.com

I've taken Thalys a couple times, from Paris to Brussels and back. Very comfortable, quick, and easy. Be mindful of your belongings while in Gare Nord.

And be even MORE mindful of your belongs in Brussels Midi Station. But I agree that the Thalys is the way to go and I've taken it several times.

Here is another vote to take the Thalys train. The seats are absolutely comfortable and has good legroom but the ride is very short, just a bit over one hour.
In Brussels Gare du Midi, yes, like any train station just be aware of your surroundings. It's a very crowded station.

Hi mi,

You can get schedules and prices at

http://www.voyages-sncf.com/

Thanks a lot! I looked at the web sites you have suggested and was pleasantly surprised by price/duration/frequency combination. Now I have a question after looking at those timetables: what are those SMILYS MEZZO and LIBRYS? are those travel class names, so according to the price LIBRYS would be 1st class? What is the difference between classes anyway? This is my 1st railroad venture in EU, so forgive my ignorance. Thanks in advance,
Migurus.

No it's not the class of service, it's the different fares:

<b>SUMMER OFFER CF1 : NO EXCHANGEABLE NO REFUNDABLE

MEZZO PLUS : Return ticket compulsory. Exchangeable (once) and refundable at 50% before outward departure

LIBRYS : Exchangeable. Refundable : 100% before departure and 90% after</b>


Here is the same site in English:

<b>http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage?_TMS=1090221305105&amp;_DLG=SvHomePage &amp;_LANG=UK&amp;_AGENCY=VSC</b>

Migurus,
As far as I know the different names of the tickets do not refer to first or 2nd class but they all refer to their specific restrictions. The cheaper the ticket, the more restrictions. You can see what restrictions there are by clicking on the specific name, and then opt for 1st (comfort 1) or 2nd class (comfort 2).
Second class on Thalys is perfectly acceptable. Trains are fairly new and clean (at least the ones I traveled in). In 2nd class they won't bring the drinks to your seat but there's a restaurant car where you can go to have a drink or a small snack.

There are much more trains, they are way quicker, more convenient and more comfortable.

Bus is cheaper. You should be able to get infos on buses shedules and fares on www.eurolines.com

Hi there. I've spent lots of time in Paris and Belgium (lived there for 6 months). Paris is much more beautiful than Brussels and has lots to see. How long do you have for your vacation? Because if it's not that long, I would not bother with staying in Brussels at all. The nicest place to visit in Belgium is Bruges, it's a pretty, quaint little town. You can do it as a day trip from Paris by train changing in Brussels. Trains are frequent and inexpensive, just turn up at Paris Gare du Nord and buy a ticket. 2nd class is fine. Other nice day trips from Paris are Versailles (chateau) and Monet's garden at Giverny.

Thanks everybody again! What a great forum! So I don't need to buy tickets in advance? That is great, as we definitely prefer flexibility. And Paris is our favorite place on earth, in fact this is our 2nd time visit. I saw many postings about Belgium, so thanks for the advice, we will go to Brugge or Ghent instead.
Thanks a million again.
Migurus.