I am thinking of a last minute weekend away this week as I have a car at my disposal (rare treat) in Amsterdam. Am considering North/Western France or even over to Germany. Just spent new years eve in Brugge and enjoyed that, so trying to keep within around 5 hrs drive. I enjoy small and big towns/cities, good food but not after fine dining and something with atmosphere. I know thus sounds very general but hoping someone out there with experience in these areas can help.Thanks!

DE : Koeln, Aachen
BE : Liège, Gent
FR : Metz, Nancy, Lille

Agree with Aachen and Koln. We LOVED the former but I am a history freak and the Charlemagne remains were fantastic.

Travelwise, Germany is the obvious choice.

In Aachen, try to get a good weekend rate at the Pullmann Quellenhof.

Have lunch in the atmospheric historic "Postwagen" restaurant that is tucked at the side of the medieval City Hall. Have dinner at "La Becasse" (one Michelin star). And visit the cathedral from 800 A.D. where Charlemagne was crowned.

Köln has a multitude of attractions: the Cathedral, the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Roman Palace (ad sewer) under the City Hall, world-class art museums etc.

And all these traditional breweries with their restaurants.

I wouldn't go to Cologne by car from Amsterdam though. Unless the car has a green umweltplakette you can't go into the centre. The train is easy and takes you slap bang into the city.

Yes, a car in Köln is a hindrance and the train connection is excellent.

So, Aachen would be first choice. Driving time is 2:30. Use your car to drive from Aachen to Monschau - probably Germany's most romantic historical town.

Also, Maastricht is a fine city nearby. So, enough to do for a weekend.