My husband and I are planning a week trip to Paris and Brussels. I would be interested in recommended lodging for each city along with any tips on taking the train between the 2 cities. Is it beneficial to purchase train tickets before we go for better prices? Is a first class train ticket worth the few dollars extra? Any other tips recommended are appreciated.

A high-speed Thalys train connects Paris & Brussels, leaving the Gare du Nord at 0955, arriving Brussels 1120. Go second class; the extra 1st class fare isn't worth it. Buy your tickets in Paris at the SNCF (French national rail) office on the south bank of the Pont d'Alma. It looks like a house trailer but it beats the long line (at times) in the main stations. You can use your VISA card. But my main question of you is this: why Brussels? After one day, you will discover that other than the Gran Place (a Renaissance square), the city offers little. Instead, after one day, proceed on to Bruges (or Brugge in Flemish). It is light-years ahead of Brussels insofar as charm, quiet, and interest are concerned. Brugge is only an hour west of Brussels by rail. Others may disagree, but we found Brugge to be absolutely charming.

Agree with Al re: the train. We tried 1st class and were unimpressed. The only difference seemed to be that everyone was in suits. I imagine it's more fun in 2nd with other holiday travelers. <BR> <BR>Buy your tickets a couple of days ahead of time - no need to buy them from the US. You can do it at any station, but I think you have to find a Thalys or TGV window (one is a Belgian high-speed train, the other French - I doubt there's much difference). Write our your preferred itinerary on a piece of paper to avoid any language issues. You can check www.sncf.com for schedules.

Not important where you buy the tickets as long as you get them a couple/3 days before. If you know your exact schedule get them here - just one less thing to worry about. A travel agent can do that for you. Try and get to Bruges - a wonderful, charming little town. E-mail me for more information. [email protected]

I did Paris and Brussels as my first trip to Europe. Stayed at the Hotel Pavillion near the Eiffel Tower and Napolean's grave. Nice little hotel for about $80 a night. <BR> <BR>Stayed with a friend in Brussels, but have to agree with the messages of the others . . . Did go to Brugge, though, and agree that it is worth the visit. <BR> <BR>Take the fast train between Paris and Brussels, as someone recommended. Not too expensive and very comfortable. We bought the tickets at the station the day we travelled -- I think our hotel made our reservations for us.

Even though I love Belgium,there is so much to do in Paris and around that one week is barely enough to scratch the surface. In my humble opinion, the best area to stay is in the first arrondisement (1st district) near the Louvre, Place Vendome, Concorde. From there, by Metro or walking you can reach most every interesting place you will have time to see. Take advantage of the Metro as much as you can, also for side trips around Paris. At the Metro station you can buy entrance to museums, palaces, etc., as well as several day passes for the Metro. You can save a bundle and have a lot of flexibility. Buy a good travel book on Paris and check hotels in the internet. I found one behind the Ritz, on rue Cambon, very reasonable (Madeleine Palace). Brussels is beautiful and worth a visit, but Belgium deserves more time. If you have to go to Belgium, go to Bruges. <BR> <BR>Have a happy trip....

Oh, one last thing: get a seat in a non-smoking car (even if you smoke). TRUST me on this one!