We are doing an ambitious self-driving trip. Thinking of leaving Paris, going east through Parc Naturale Regional de Ardennes and Givet, then on to Belgium towns Dinant, Durbuy, Spa, up to (Brussels) Mechelen/Lier, and Antwerp, before heading to Amsterdam. Like short hikes, museums, quaint towns. Antwerp has Rubens, Plantin, Red Star Line, and FOMU Photo Museums. End of May. Allowing 4-6 days. Is that enough? Appreciate thoughts on travel and visit times, places to stay, sights of special interest. Need reservations ahead? Thanks
Posted by
The Netherlands
1613 posts
This seems like a lot to see and do in only 4 days. 6 days would be better, but still busy. Have you made a day by day itinerary?
Posted by
OP
Salida CO
42 posts
Have not made a day by day plan. Hard to judge length of time at any location. Half day? Drive through? Short hike? Do have flexibility. Juggling places that need tickets with hope for a relaxed pace.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2106 posts
-On the way to the Ardennes you can visit ofcourse Reims for it’s cathedral and champagne houses. You can include a detour to Épernay for a visit to Moët & Chandon, which is also home to the Dom Perignon brand.
-Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières is not to miss, looks like Place des Vosges in Paris
-Rocroi is a little fortified place, to visit on the way from there to Givet.
-Bouillon in Belgium is worth to see for it’s huge medieval castle. Once home to Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the first crusade.
-Not open to public but built on top of a cliff Château de Wazin south of Dinan is spectacular to see. Best view points at the south side.
-Monschau just across the German border east of Spa is famous for it’s half-timbered houses. Is very touristy but worth visiting.
Posted by
OP
Salida CO
42 posts
Thanks so much! Yes, Reims is on our radar too. Really appreciate this info. Very grateful. This is so helpful.