Oh and absolutely stick to the speed limit, particularly in the Netherlands! Otherwise it may become a very expensive trip. The speed limit changes on motorways, so keep an eye on the signs.

FWIW, I find rome2rio to be a very unreliable site.

But yes, we just flew Bordeaux to Amsterdam (on EasyJet) and home from Rotterdam to Bergerac (Transavia) for a total of 68 euros RT per person. Way cheaper and faster than the trains, though the whole airport thing is a big hassle these days, even on these short intra-Europe flights.

Well it sometimes gives you a new idea as to how to get somewhere that you haven't thought of. But I would always check the info on other sites.

I can understand wanting to drive. Check-in in Brussel for European flights is now 3 hours before the flight. Antwerp Airport is becoming a real alternative, now that they fly to so many new destinations.

<In Amsterdam you can park on the outskirts of town and take the tram from there. It's not free, but I don't think it will be very expensive. Check out the parking at Amsterdam Arena. >

DD and DSIL parked at the railway station--and had everything in the car stolen. I know, lesson learned.

Well, I'm finding hotels are still wide open everywhere, so booking last minute rooms has not been an issue at all.

Good advice about not renting the car at the beginning of the trip. We will spend a few days in Paris and then get the car for driving up to Brugge. (Insurance is included on the credit card, BTW.) I've considered flights as well, but the airport hassle makes me shy away from that.

Has anyone driven around the Loire Valley? That's another option, I suppose rather than going up to Amsterdam.

Drive around the Loire--take the train to Tours and rent the car there.
Drive around Normandy. Take the train to Caen or Bayeux and rent there.
Drive around Provence. Take the TGV and rent there, etc etc. etc.

As I mentioned, Train prices are WAY high. Its far cheaper to drive.

No train prices are not way high - it is in your situation.

What is your question with Loire valley and driving ?

A ticket from Paris to Amsterdam around May 5-10 is $300 round trip. I classify that as "way high." LOL. I think most people would, since it is more than double the cost of a flight booked at the same time.

I'm just wondering if Loire Valley is a good driving trip from Paris.

Loire is a nice region and easy driving.
Lots of castles wine and good food.

Have a great trip if you go there.

We really liked the Loire Valley. We stayed in Loches and enjoyed the markets and restaurants there and found it to be a good base for the chateaux we wanted to visit. Food was excellent in the region.

You can see our pics here:

https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]

Trains to the Loire and Normandy are local and are not 'way high'. Not everything is the "same".

Loches hosts the annual meeting of the happy fathers.

It is called 'la journée des pères de loches' and attracts, strangely, some perverts. Wonder why.

(I know I've written it before, but I like that one).

OK, I'll check into the local train.