Hello, we are travelling to Bruges for 7 days in mid-May and basing day trips from there (Ghent, Antwerp, Ypres, Belgian Coast)..I would like to venture into the South of the Netherlands but not to travel more than one/one-half hours via auto...does anyone know of any nice towns/quaint villages in the South of the Netherlands...thank you
Mikek

Just nroth of Bruges is the province of Zeeland. The part directly linked to Belgium is called Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. This is a really nice part of the Netherlands. Just nice to drive around a little. Nice historic villages are Sluis en Hulst. But there are more to be found just driving around.

When you take the Westerscheldetunnel near Terneuzen (a somewhat larger village, not very historic, but good for shopping and dining) you can reach another part of Zeeland. Here you can find some more historic villages (a little larger than Sluis and Hulst). For example Goes en Middelburg.

Just above Antwerp Breda and Roosendaal are also nice towns to visit. Not small towns but historic, with a lot of shops and places to dine etc.

Another rec for Middelburg and the Zeeland coast. Very pleasant. In Middelburg, the restaurant Vriendschaap (right in the middle of town) is one of our favorite places...their mussels are great, as are their appetizers, nice service too. We frequently do day trips up to Zeeland from Bruges or Brussels, an easy drive.

Thank you for all your replys...much appreciated..MIkek