I am trying to come up with a plan for a trip to Europe this coming June. I will be landing in Paris on 4.6.12 and taking off from Amsterdam on 14.6.12 that means I have 10 days and 9 nights for my trip. I plan to spend 3 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam so that means I have 3 more nights which I could spend in the Normandy, Loire regions etc or should I spend those 3 nights in Brugge/brussels on the way to Amsterdam? Would appreciate if you could suggest how I should I plan my trip for this 3 nights. I nice countryside scenery and quaint towns etc. Appreciate any ideas and suggestions. Thanks.
Posted by
columbus, nc
294 posts
I don't think you can go wrong with either Normandy or Loire Valley. Both will get you out of the big cities and into the countryside. Brugge is also a nice change from bigger cities. All will be very relaxing. I think travel time from Brugge to Amsterdam or Paris to Amterdam will be about the same.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
gordon, My suggestion would be to spend the three days in Bruges, especially as it's "on the way" to Amsterdam. It's a very beautiful and historic city, and of course good Beer and good Chocolate. IMHO, it definitely fits the "nice countryside scenery and quaint town" category. While there you could perhaps take a bicycle ride to Damme (reward yourself with a "cool one" when you arrive) or take a day trip to Ghent. Some Hotels provide bicycles for their guests. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Singapore
32 posts
Thanks for the replies and suggestions. Maybe I could spend my time like this: 2 nights : Normandy or Loire. I guess it would be best to have a car to explore either the Normandy or Loire regions. Would you have a suggestion as to make my base to stay in Normandy or Loire? I read about honfleur, could I get a rented car from here for perhaps just 2 days?
Any suggestions for Loire? If instead of a car, would a rented bicycle be suitable for exploring these places? Is the terrain flat? 3 nights : Paris 2 nights: Brugge 2 nights: Amsterdam There will be 3 (all adults) of us travelling and what is the best train offer/packages I can take advantage of from my journey from Paris to Brugge then Amsterdam. thanks for your kind suggestions.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
FOUR nights in Paris, two in Brugges, there is WAY more to see and do in Paris, no comparision at all.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
I agree with Pat, especially if you are coming off a longhaul flight and jetlagged.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Gordon Looks like you are in to the fun planning stage of your trip. Please do not travel to more than 3 places, preferably two. This is why: you will spend more time in the car/train than you will at the places you want to see! For your "wants", I would suggest the Loire and Normandy. Let's see how your trip will look on a calendar with travel times. Download a calendar from wincalendar.com. Easy to share and change. Put in your international flights. Then figure out the travel times for train (Paris to Amsterdam, 3.5 hrs) and car (check ViaMichelin.com for Travel Time. not miles) Paris to Normandy to Loire to Paris CDG. I think the Thalys train still leaves from the airport to Amsterdam. Note: You could also take the train from Paris to Caen and rent a car there. Here is the part that I and many others have a hard time grasping. The travel time also includes the time to pack, check out of hotel, get to the train, wait for the train, train time, get to the new hotel, check in, get oriented, figure out the local transportation, etc. The car has similar steps. You can easily spend 1/2 a day or more traveling between places. Put this on the calendar. Now what does your original itinerary calendar look like? Add Brugges or Brussels. Now what? These last 2 hold many great travel experiences but do not fulfill your desire to see nice countryside scenery and quaint (small?) towns. Let me know if this helps you see your itinerary better?
And how you will be spending your time?