We are going to be in Paris for six nights. Would love to see Bruge, does anyone know if it is feasible as a day trip? I believe the only direct train leaves Paris in the evening and returns in the early morning which is the opposite of what we'd need. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks [email protected]

No big deal to take a NON-direct train (i.e., change in Brussels). I think there must be departures Paris-Brussels and vice versa at any hour you desire.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

topping<BR>

Cheri, No need to duplicate your question. Copy/pasting the replies to your other posting:<BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR> <BR>Author: EHC ([email protected])<BR>Date: 03/17/2002, 08:27 am<BR>Message: I'd also like to know the answer, and is it worth the time to do so? I know Brugge is supposed to be a beautiful town, but is it a waste of a long day to just spend a few hours there? - so ttt. <BR><BR><BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR> <BR>Author: SJK ([email protected])<BR>Date: 03/17/2002, 09:00 am<BR>Message: Brussels is about a 2.5 hour Thalys ride from Paris. Brugges is about an hour away from Brussels. I'd check and see if there's a direct train from Paris to Brugges. If not, that's about 3-4 hours of trains one-way. Doesn't leave you with a lot of time for exploration. Brugges is worth a whole day, so if you have 6 days, why not plan to spend the night there?<BR><BR><BR>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR> <BR>Author: Myriam ([email protected])<BR>Date: 03/17/2002, 09:47 am<BR>Message: Train ride is 2h. 30min. one-way. It is doable for a daytrip if you leave early and come back late. Would however suggest to stay overnight in Brugge. <BR><BR>Example for a daytrip: <BR>Paris Nord 8.25am - Bruxelles Midi 9.50am (on fast Thalys train)<BR>Bruxelles Midi 10.10am - Brugge 11.01am<BR><BR>Brugge 7.33pm - Bruxelles Midi 8.23pm<BR>Bruxelles Midi 8.40pm - Paris Nord 10.05pm (on fast Thalys train)<BR>

Cheri<BR>Only on Saturdays there is a direct Thalys train in the morning, leaving at 7.55am in Paris. But even with this fast connection the train ride takes 2.30hrs because it will stop as well in Brussels. Only difference is that you don't have to change trains.

Brugge is a doable day trip, as long as you realize it's a LONG day and you plan to take it easy the next day back in Paris.<BR>In addition to the train option, there are escorted day bus trips from Paris to Brugge. Last I checked, they were about $100-$150 a person for RT fare, the tour guide, lunch, and maybe one museum ticket. If possible, ask your Paris hotel to look into it for you. <BR>The bus ride is no more or less scenic than the train trip, although I think the Thalys is more comfortable than a bus.<BR>BTilke (Brussels)

I went from Paris to Bruge last may on a one-day bus tour. It's a long ride, but Bruge is worth it. The guid was with us for the day and gave us a walking tour of the town. Bruge is worth seeing. watch out for the Belgium chocolates as they are irresistable. Also take a tour by boat in Bruge. Have fun.

Brugge is definitely worth the trip - it was the best part of our trip..In retrospect, we should have skipped Paris altogether! I hope you are going to Paris with a group of people (and with someone who speaks French). My husband and I went alone and the people were INCREDIBLY RUDE to us. We will NEVER set foot in Paris again!! Last year, we went to Rome (I was apprehensive, but agreed to go). The people were wonderful in Rome - very nice to us - went out of their way to assist us..We plan to go back to Italy.. Good luck!!