Day Trip to Bruges from Paris
Day Trip to Bruges from Paris
While Paris is the glamorous leading lady of a romantic movie, Bruges is the feisty supporting actress who goes about her business unobtrusively but commands everyone’s eye. Day-tripping from Paris to Bruges might feel like a whirlwind romance, but it’s the kind of whirlwind that leaves you grinning as if you’ve found the sole pain au chocolat left at the patisserie. Day Trip to Bruges from Paris is actually one of the best excursions in France.
The Journey: Croissants in Paris, Waffles in Belgium
The journey starts at sunrise, bleary eyes and one cup of coffee. Two hours of whizzing along on the Thalys fast train, and voilà — the rolling French fields give way to Belgian whimsy. Somewhere between sleeping and staring out the window at green fields, travelers find themselves in the process of crossing into a country renowned for three glorious things: beer, chocolate, and fries that have no business being referred to as “French.”
First Impressions: A Fairy Tale, but With More Palatable Treats
Getting off the train in Bruges is like entering a painting — the sort in which the painter was presumably happy. Cobblestones snake between gabled houses, canals cut through town like ribbons on a present. A heavenly aroma of waffles lingers in the air, either a genius marketing ploy or accident.
By the time one reaches Markt Square, the city’s thumping heartbeat, they’re already wondering how soon they can learn Flemish and buy a bike. The Belfry looms above, challenging anyone foolhardy enough to endure its 366 steps for vistas well worth the exercise.
In Bruges, “just popping into a shop” is a high-risk activity. Chocolatiers fill the streets with stalls that tempt even the most self-controlled visitor to wonder at their life choices. Dark chocolate pralines? Of course. White chocolate truffles? Why not. Ten minutes later, the bag is inexplicably full and the wallet unjustifiably lighter.
And then lace. Dainty, complex, and somehow making everyone want to have a lace tablecloth even if they’re temporarily using their dining table as a laptop desk.
The Canals: Venice, but Quieter (and With More Beer)
A canal boat ride is near compulsory in Bruges. Travelers float beneath stone bridges and by medieval facades, witnessing the city from an angle that is nearly clandestine. The water is so still in places it reflects back exactly against the buildings like the town has a built-in postcard device.
And, naturally, no Belgian adventure would be complete without sampling the native beers. There are several hundred-year-old breweries in Bruges where beer is more a cultural relic than a beverage. Even the non-beer drinkers can’t help but be intrigued — perhaps because each glass is accompanied by a snack.
Heading Back: A Sweet Goodbye
With the train’s departure at night, suitcases rummage through souvenirs — chocolate for the friend, lace for grandma, perhaps a case of beer for that “special occasion” next Tuesday night.
Bruges may be small, but it leaves a big impression. Paris might still be the glamorous star, but Bruges? Bruges is the scene-stealer you’ll be talking about long after the credits roll.
