Day Trips From Paris Part 1: Bruges

here

It has begun. The planning and dreaming and not quite yet stressing about our summer trip to Paris. We had guide books out yesterday, y'all. 

This sh*t is for realz....

So what I want to figure out first, and plan my whole trip around (for now), is a day trip out of Paris to cross a border.

Yes, I'm beginning my Paris-trip-planning by investigating trips out of Paris. It may seem weird, but that's where my mind is going so I'm running with it. In all honesty, it's probably my function of my lust for new places. Paris is a repeat for me, and as much as I love the city, I'm eager to add a new place to the agenda.  The Boy has some major catching up to do as far as his country-count, so this will help him, and I just hate to go all that way and not add to my tally. 

Being that France borders a whopping 6 countries, plus a watery border with the UK, we have several options. But given that we want to take the train, and not spend really more than a day or day and a half, we're reasonably limited to the following countries: Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. 

So here's Vol. 1: Bruges, Belgium

here

This is the option I'm leaning towards already. I think after bustling Paris, it would be nice to spend a day in Bruges, a notoriously charming town with a fairy-tale vibe. I mean, just look at that main square! Called "The Venice of the North," the city of Bruges seems to huddle merrily along the banks of it's many winding canals. If the real Venice is one of my world-wide favorites, why not try it's northern namesake?

here

Attractions? Museums, quaint stores, and enough chocolate shops to make one sick (49 to be exact. But really what attracts me to Bruges is not the plethora of historic sites or gasp worthy Flemmish artworks, it's the ambiance of the place. It looks so quaint and quietly cheerful that I just want to row a little boat down the canal and wave to all the passersby.

here

While on the canal, I would also like to stay in the floating De Barge Hotel, a second life boat docked on the canal at the center of town.

here

Find  the NY Times recommendations here and drool over twice fried french fry reviews.

here

So what do you think? Bruges? Or shall we keep searching....


Update: Do you read Hi Sugarplum? It's super cute and she has a nice review of Bruges as well. All signs point to this cute city, but I'm still researching!