I agree with the suggestion to stay in Ghent - which we did for a 4 night stay a few years ago. We found the city enjoyable in itself, and a convenient base to explore the other cities.

bookmarking

In May, we are staying 2 nights in Bruges at the Lut & Bruno Setola B&B and 2 nights in Antwerp at the Monique Vermiere B&B. Lut & Bruno's have excellent reviews and the one TA review (in French) for Vermeir's is also excellent. Both were prompt in answering email, seem attractive in their web sites, are well located and have very good prices.

Bookmarking. For any of the above who are stilled interested in this thread, how are rail connections in this area? Could we stay in Bruges and connect by train as far east as Ghent?

Also thinking about Mechelen for a base (based on description in an old Fodor's Guide to the Netherlands), and maybe one nite in Bruges before heading to the WWI battlefields and eventually to Paris.

Or do the other way round and stay in Gent and go from there to Brugge.
Yes, railways function very well.
From Bruxelles to Paris you have a fast train called Thalys doing the job in 1 h 30. Tickets at lowest price for sale about 90 days in advance.
mvg.

Thanks! We've decided to get a car but take the train into the cities (Antwerp and Brussels) from Mechelen. The town sounds charming and we prefer to stay in smaller towns.
Is it still as unspoiled, or has it been "discovered."?

We'd spend five nites there and one in Brugge. We spent a nite in Gent many years ago and may or may not return, but probably won't spend the nite.

Again, thanks for the help.