Bruges-Our Favorite Place!

Staying at the Duc de Bourgogne helps you get in touch with the mood of Brugge. You will have the best view and will enjoy wonderful meals at the Duc de Bourgogne. Brugge offers something for everyone whether it is the canal tour by boat, walking the shopping streets, tasting Strong Henry beer, or dining in one of the many wonderful restaurants. Each time we visit, we try something new and experience a new Brugge. It is our favorite of all European cities as it is so magical. You will understand once you visit Brugge. You can also visit the market to get a flavor of the town and the people. Everyone is so friendly and kind that you get caught up in buying something that you want to try like licorice or chocolates. There are museums that you can enjoy, but the city is so consuming that you will most likely enjoy walking the streets of the Old city.

Quick Tips:

An enjoyable trip from Paris is via the Thalys fast train to Brussels. It is as if you are riding an airplane with formal dining service too! It is worth it if you are short of time. Otherwise, you can take a train into Brugge at your own speed.

Best Way To Get Around:

Do not miss the canal boat ride if the weather permits. Otherwise, bundle up and walk the cobblestone streets of Brugge.

The hotel room has only 10 rooms that vary in size. Most have their own bathrooms with all modern conveniences. The restaurant overlooks the canal which is lit in the evening. The menu is a fixed price for lunch and dinner. If you do not stay at the Duc, try it for lunch or dinner. The food is great. For a real treat, have cookies and hot chocolate served in the library. The ambiance of this hotel is worth every penny. With such a small hotel, everyone knows your name and can make recommendations for dinners and tours. If you like bigger hotels, try the Crown Plaza.

A small quaint restaurant with a varied menu that offers a warm atmosphere and tasty food. There are many restaurants to choose from in Brugge, but De Stove offers many choices to handle many a picky palate. In our group, we had a vegetarian, a no beef, a no seafood eater and all found something to eat. This restaurant is walking distance from the Duc as are most of the restaurants within the city.

When in Belgium, you should try a belgian beer. What is more fun than seeing how the beer is made with a tour of a brewery that has created the brew since the 16th century?! The beer is stronger than American beer, but has a good flavor. The tour takes you around the brewery including a view from the top that is a good photo opportunity.

A romantic spot that used to be a transport between Bruges and Ghent. Take a seat to view lover's lane. This is a pleasant walk that is a quiet diversion from the shops. There are pleasant views that can be enjoyed even on a cloudy day.

Take an easy climb up the 366 stairs of the Belfry tower built between the 13th and 15th centuries. You will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the main square. You also may hear the bells that are played only 3 times a week. It is not a difficult climb unless you do not enjoy heights.