Paris or Brussels?

[Chris71]

The OH and I want a few days somewhere within Eurostar'ing distance for a short break. On reputation alone this would be a no brainer – you have the most romantic city in the world versus the epicentre of European bureaucracy – but I’ve only ever paid fleeting (business) visits to both, so I have no idea how they really stack up for a holiday. All I know is Brussels probably has better beer.

Any recommendations?

[Puggit]

Chris71 said:

The OH and I want a few days somewhere within Eurostar'ing distance for a short break. On reputation alone this would be a no brainer – you have the most romantic city in the world versus the epicentre of European bureaucracy – but I’ve only ever paid fleeting (business) visits to both, so I have no idea how they are really stuck up for a holiday. All I know is Brussels probably has better beer.

Any recommendations?

Subtle EFA

[Chris71]

Puggit said:

Chris71 said:

I’ve only ever paid fleeting (business) visits to both, so I have no idea how they are really stuck up for a holiday.

Subtle EFA

Parisians?

[psgcarey]

has your OH been to either?

Give her the choice.

Imagine the number of brownie points you'll get!

[Puggit]

Chris71 said:

Puggit said:

Chris71 said:

I’ve only ever paid fleeting (business) visits to both, so I have no idea how they are really stuck up for a holiday.

Subtle EFA

Parisians?

Yup - Paris is a self-important island in France.

Sure, go and enjoy yourself, there are far more sights to see in Paris - it's just the service can be appalling and very expensive. Be prepared, and you'll still enjoy it!

Have you considered the obvious Bruges? Or how about transferring on to a TGV and going somewhere else? I once did Tours for a weekend like that (Tours is only 180 miles/55 mins from Paris on TGV).

[Chris71]

Puggit said:

Chris71 said:

Puggit said:

Chris71 said:

I’ve only ever paid fleeting (business) visits to both, so I have no idea how they are really stuck up for a holiday.

Subtle EFA

Parisians?

Yup - Paris is a self-important island in France.

Sure, go and enjoy yourself, there are far more sights to see in Paris - it's just the service can be appalling and very expensive. Be prepared, and you'll still enjoy it!

Have you considered the obvious Bruges? Or how about transferring on to a TGV and going somewhere else? I once did Tours for a weekend like that (Tours is only 180 miles/55 mins from Paris on TGV).

Bruges is another option. My reservations about it were the same as Paris - potentially very touristy and expensive? I confess I don't really know a great deal about either apart from the prevalence of manky hookers and racist dwarfs.

[greygoose]

Bruges is no more expensive than Paris or Brussels imo. Brussels is ok for a weekend but it is a much smaller city than Paris and there are fewer attractions. I'd go to Paris if I were you.

[thehawk]

I lived in Brussels for a year, it's a no brainer, go to Paris.

[g3org3y]

Paris.

[chard]

Bruges is very managable everything is in walking distance. Don't worry about it being touristy you are after all a tourist, so you will have things to do.

If their are no tourists in a city its because its not worth visiting. (would you take a short break in Coventry)

[Chris71]

thehawk said:

I lived in Brussels for a year, it's a no brainer, go to Paris.

chard said:

If their are no tourists in a city its because its not worth visiting. (would you take a short break in Coventry)

Both very good points. So - make that Paris or Bruges!

For me personally, I think beer and chocolate might just sway me. Plus, I've worked in Belgium quite a lot (near Hasselt) and the Belgians seem like an affable bunch.

[Puggit]

Chris71 said:

the Belgians seem like an affable bunch.

Compared to Paris, even the afore-mentioned people of Coventry are an affable bunch

[rpguk]

Another vote here for Bruges. Easily the most romantic city I've visited. I've never really *got* Paris and I'm sure it gets worse every time I visit.

Bruges on the other hand is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is small and about perfect for a weekend. You have to change trains in Brussels. It might have changed but you used to get free onward travel anywhere in Belgium for 24 hours with your Eurostar ticket. So this means that we had a nice Breakfast in St Pancras, then in Brussles for a nice Lunch and an afternoon wandering around before getting the train to Bruges in time for a lovely dinner. Broke up the journey nicely (not that it's a particularly arduous journey mind)

There are also a couple of nice villages around Bruges which you can follow the canals too on a bicycle. Spent a day riding up to the Dutch border which was pleasant enough (with the obligatory nice lunch and nice dinner along the way)

[Chris71]

rpguk said:

Another vote here for Bruges. Easily the most romantic city I've visited. I've never really *got* Paris and I'm sure it gets worse every time I visit.

Bruges on the other hand is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is small and about perfect for a weekend. You have to change trains in Brussels. It might have changed but you used to get free onward travel anywhere in Belgium for 24 hours with your Eurostar ticket. So this means that we had a nice Breakfast in St Pancras, then in Brussles for a nice Lunch and an afternoon wandering around before getting the train to Bruges in time for a lovely dinner. Broke up the journey nicely (not that it's a particularly arduous journey mind)

There are also a couple of nice villages around Bruges which you can follow the canals too on a bicycle. Spent a day riding up to the Dutch border which was pleasant enough (with the obligatory nice lunch and nice dinner along the way)

I think I may be sold!

Puggit said:

Chris71 said:

the Belgians seem like an affable bunch.

Compared to Paris, even the afore-mentioned people of Coventry are an affable bunch

Doesn't surprise me. My father is a commited Francophile who lived over there for several years and he came out with a very similar remark. Still, they can't be much worse than the cheery folk of North London.

Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 2nd August 11:07

[billzeebub]

Bruges