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Original poster

Weekend in Paris, Lille or Bruges?

11 replies

BoBoo · 15/04/2015 14:08

It's my birthday at the end of June as was thinking of going away for a long weekend (with DH, and 7 and 5 year old). I thought of going on the Eurostar to minimise travelling time, so was thinking initially of Paris, but then maybe Bruges or Lille.

We won't have a car so will need to be able to get around without one and have enough to do in three day. I went from thinking maybe Bruges would be better to Paris but think I am now verging towards Paris again. Does anyone have any convincing arguments for one of the three? Thanks.

OP posts:

m0therofdragons · 15/04/2015 14:10

We were in Paris at the end of march and I was so disappointed. The begging was so aggressive and it just seemed dirty when compared to London. Bruges looks lovely so I'd choose that but maybe we just had a bad experience.

Allinafankle · 15/04/2015 22:05

Bruges is lovely. I'm not a fan of Paris and I don't think you'd find enough to do in Lille for three days. Don't rule out Brussels either.

Scrumbled · 18/04/2015 09:58

Bruges woukd be less frantic with younger children.
Its so close to Calais that its worth thinking about driving. If you have a city centre hotel there's a massive underground car park where you can park for the weekend.

mrsdavidbowie · 18/04/2015 10:01

Yes I love Bruges too. Can easily walk around it, canal trip, horse carriage trip round old town, loads of chocolate shops
Really pretty town

Seriouslyffs · 18/04/2015 10:06

I love Paris and lived there. Sadly it was dirty and hostile last time I visited and I'd probably take young children to Bruges. I'd move back to Paris in a shot

kateecass · 22/04/2015 15:18

I've just come back from Paris with my DH and kids similar age to yours. Went on Eurostar and loved it. It was great weather though. Didn't find it dirty. Similar amount of begging to London. Lot of policeman with massive guns present but it was the marathon. My kids didn't even seem to notice this though! We've all been to Bruges too and they enjoyed the river trip and a walk up the tower (oh and chocolate shops!) but we did a day trip from France to there and there didn't really seem to be a lot to do whereas in Paris we were there a week and still had things to do.

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 22/04/2015 15:21

You could do Lille and Bruges, the train between the two is cheap and takes about an hour

AbbeyRoadCrossing · 22/04/2015 15:23

Forgot to say Lille has as zoo that is free that'd be good for kids if they like animals. Bruges is great also, canal boat trip might be good for DCs

Bunbaker · 23/04/2015 12:23

Bruges. I don't really like Paris and don't know Lille at all. You couldn't do Lille and Bruges in a weekend as there is plenty to see in Bruges.

Bruges is far less frantic than Paris. It is compact and feels much, much safer. Also it is much prettier than Paris.

The poster who thought there wasn't a lot to do mustn't have read the guide book. We found loads to see and do in the four night break that we had there.

6Musiclover · 23/04/2015 17:39

I've been to all three. Bruges would be my first choice.

anyquestions · 23/04/2015 22:57

Not been to Bruges or Lille, but went to Paris in April last year (children aged 10 and 13) and had a great time. Didn't encounter any aggressive begging or find it dirty compared with other large cities.

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