We are flying into DeGaul in May for a month of travel. Our first stop will be Bruge. Can I catch a train at the airport that will take me someplace other than Paris so I can get a train to Bruge? Recommendations?
Also while in Bruge we want to take a tour of Flanders Fields. Can you recommend a good tour experience. And since we are planning this tour would you also recommend going to Verdun area to see more WWI sites. Would Flanders be enough? Thanks for any recommendations.
Why would you not want to take the train from Paris to Brussels? Bruge is kind of an out of the way place so you would have to connect through Brussels. Without checking schedule I don't think you will find a direct train to Bruge from anywhere in France. Or I may not have completely understood your question.
You caneasily catch the train directly from CDG to Brussels and connect from there to Bruge.
Thanks Jerry. Any thoughts on Flanders tour?
I can't comment on an organized tour, but you may want to base yourselves out of Ypres for such a tour. One of the most moving ceremonies happens at the Menin Gate in Ypres every evening at 8 pm, when trumpeters from the local fire department play 'The Last Post.' Whatever tour you take, make sure this is included in their agenda. There is also a fine 'In Flanders Fields' museum in Ypres.
With all of the battlefields and trenches to tour in that area, there's probably no need to go to Verdun as well. But we Canadians are partial to Flanders Fields, especially because of its ties to the poem by John McCrae.
Ahhh, Bruge!!!
Two years ago we were able to manage a week in Amsterdam, took the train down to Bruge for just one day. We wish we'd spent more time there! The lace-making ladies were so kind, the 'touristy' carriage ride was a hoot, the Frans Halz museum was great, the market was full of yummies. I'd love to go back someday...
The one tour I am aware of (sorry, don't have the name on me- take a peak at the Lonely Planet guide in a bookstore) is available from Ypres (Ieper in Dutch). You can get there easily from Bruge.
