General Chat

Hey thx for that Ego. Perfect run down of the two. Bicycles sounds a blimming good idea too, we both cycle and really enjoy it. Thx again.

Been to both for about 5 days but not recently. THEY ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT PLACES Paris is a large, busy city with all the hustle and bustle that goes with it.........the Parisians have a reputation for looking down on those that do not speak perfect French .I personally would recommend spending time on the outer areas where prices are cheaper and people more relaxed and provincial in approach.The galleries are worth a visit but be prepared for long queues. Bruges has a more informal provincial town feel with a main square near the town hall.......my best advice would be ,after going along the canal and trying some nightime restaurants to hire a couple of bicycles and cycle out of town following the main canals.......in a few minutes you will have the place to yourself.Belgium is less glitsy and more plain but that suits some people.

Errol I was there a couple of years ago and we finished up eating in an American Grill Bar, pmsl. But - everyone should go to Paris just once in their life. I prefer the midi and the south of france, but that probably isnt practical for a weekend. OC

Hiya Helen, Bruges really does sound lovely from reading the reply's from all who have visited there, and posted. We maybe in our late 20's but we aren't into the clubs and pubs thing, we like tranquil, quaint places, and historic places too. Bruges sounds like it may fit the bill. Thank you.

Hi Tara, I've been to Paris lots of times, last time we just went for lunch!!!! (Yes I'm in Kent too.) It's beautiful and fun although three years ago we were gobsmacked by the numbers of beggars everywhere, presumably refugees. It was quite a shock last time, never seen anything like it. We went with some friends to Bruges the weekend before Christmas and it was lovely - very small but quaint and beautiful. The people were really nice and we could do it all in a weekend. Not lively as such but some lovely restaurants and bars - I would definitely go again, very romantic. If you want clubs and such it's probably not the place for you although I guess the Bruges youngsters go somewhere! We stayed at the Scanda hotel, just out of town but with a 70p taxi service there and back whenever we wanted it, which we used a lot. The hotel was very comfortable and again very friendly. Have fun wherever you go!

Have been to both places more than once. I would say Paris wins by a mile, especially going by Eurostar, with or without car. If you go to Paris i would say you do not need the car. The Metro is easy and there is more than enough to keep you occupied over 2/3 days. Paris by night is magical, especially on a warm summer's evening wandering around. Best places to eat are small cafe/restaurants that can be found off the main streets. If its romance you are after, and i think perhaps you are (LOL), i would say go to Paris. Gerry :-))

OC yes my sister told me it was expensive in Paris. We have £900 for two day's though but within that it does include the cost of our hotel & travel cost's & spending. Do you think that won't be enough for going to Paris??? Wow, thankyou Carol. That has been very helpful. Regarding Bruges and the hotel you mentioned, places like that is one of the reasons we thought of Bruges to begin with, being told how oldy worldy it is there, we love that kind of thing. Yeah Maggy, hull will be too far. We thought of eurostar or eurotunnel if we decide to go by car, beacause we want to get there quick as we only have two days and a night.

My impression of Paris is probably different from many, as we have relations living on the outskirts, and we 'did' Paris with their guidance. Local knowledge makes a difference, I guess. Reg

OC it is a lot better these days and if you go to the right places it isn 't too expensive

I have visited both places and would defo say Bruges. I wasn`t impressed with Paris, whereas Bruges was a lovely place full of charm and very friendly. Hope you have a great time wherever you choose. Frances

Paris is very expensive! But less than an hours flight these days - you barely get a chance to do up your seat belt. Went to Paris on my honeymoon, erm, XX years ago - loved it, but as I say, expensive then and still is now. Have a lovely time wherever you decide to go, though. OC

Have to go against the grain and say that I was extremely unimpressed with Paris - seedy and expensive and not good food (where we ate, anyway). I loved Bruges - very small but clean and compact - chocolate shops to die for!!

Tara driving in Paris is actually ok - no worse than driving in any city you don't recognise. Having driven there I prefer it to London ( although that isn';t saying much lol)

Hull maybe a bit too far for you then!! Can definately recommend Bruges though.

Hi Maggy im in wet n windy, Kent. We will be staying overnight. Carol, the travel agent's mentioned Brussel's too. Will look into that, thank you. We are prepared to go by car using eurotunnel or go on foot using eurostar, but the travel agents said its a nightmare driving in paris, always fast traffic and difficult to get around if you don't know the area, she said maybe best not to drive as she doesn't want newlyweds argueing on their honeymoon....LOL

If you stay off the tourist route then you cannot beat Paris - go to Pigalle and Montmartre and try the cafes just off the main drag - cheap but good food, cheap booze and, if you speak French, great people

Paris is nice, for Bruges you need Eurostar to Brussels and then change and travel on to Bruges, a nice very small city, why not go straight to Brussels and stay in Avenue Louise Area, nice shops, restaurants and short bus ride to major sites like the grand square. Nice hotel in bruge is Hotel Navarra: Situated close to the famous Market Square and the main shopping streets, the hotel is an elegant 17th century listed building which has retained much of its original charm. Originally built in 1602, the hotel was recently restored and renovated and now offers a unique combination of old-world charm and modern comforts. The hotel is ideally situated in a quiet part of Bruges, only 200 metres from the major tourist attractions. Nice hotel in Brussels: Sofitel Brussels Toison d'Or 40 Avenue de la Toison d'Or, 1050 Brussels, Boutique style hotel in the centre of Brussels. Located in the Avenue Louise quarter, the most prestigeous shopping area. The famous market square (Grand Place) and the 'Sablon' are at walking distance. 170 elegant rooms with en-suite bathroom. In the summer, you can take your breakfast on the terrace Nice hotel in Paris: Prince de Galles Hotel 33, avenue George V, 75008 Paris Overview Originally built in 1928 during the Art Deco period, the Prince de Galles Hotel is a symbol of excellence and tradition. Located in the heart of Paris on Avenue George V, it is just steps away from the most important business areas, the elegant boutiques of the 'Triangle d'Or,' and famous landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysées. I have stayed at all these Hotels and can recommend them all.

Don't know what part of the country you are in Tara, but we went to Bruges on the P&O ferry from Hull. Travelled on the overnight ferry, spent the day in Bruges and the night on the ferry back. You can opt to stay for more nights or in a hotel if you like. Bruges is a beautiful place and you can see most of it in a day, or maybe 2.

Thx Gywn Bruges was the first place we looked to going to, because we were told of its beauty and quaintness. That has helped knowing about the driving as we orignally wanted to take our car over there so we felt freer to go where we pleased.

We went to Brugges for the day last week, via EuroTunnel, travelling in our own car. It is very easy to drive once in France because most of the journey is dual carriageway, so travelling on the 'wrong side' is not so obvious. Brugges is picturescue, - still lit with Christmas lights, when we were there. Many of the shops are full of lace or chocolate...... but then you wouldn't be too bothered with shopping, probably. It would be easy to access for a short break, quieter than Paris but still suitable for the time you want to be away. Gwyn