A Paris to Bruges Day Trip : How to Get There & What to Do
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE A DAY TRIP FROM PARIS TO BRUGES? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
Bruges is a charming and historic city that is easily accessible from Paris. With the high-speed train and several available tours, having a Paris to Bruges day trip has never been easier.
As someone who grew up near Bruges, I can tell you that making a day trip from the city of love to the Venice of the North is doable and definitely worth your time.
Explore the city’s stunning architecture, history, picturesque canals, and mouth-watering Belgian cuisine. All, in one day!
Planning a Paris to Bruges Day Trip
If you’d like to go on a Bruges day trip from Paris, you’ll have to decide whether you’d like to go on your own or if you prefer a guided tour.
It’s not difficult to reach Belgian’s most famous city – just hop aboard the Thalys to Brussels and then catch a connecting inter-city train.
But going on a tour has its own benefits and will definitely be the easiest option.
You can easily spend several days in Bruges, but the city is walkable – it feels more like a town really – and on a single day in Bruges, you’ll be able to see a whole lot.
How to get from Paris to Bruges?
🗺️ 5 Best Paris to Bruges Tours
1. Bruges Audio Guided or Guided Day Trip with Canal Cruise Option from Paris
⭐ RATING: 4/5 (795 Reviews) | ⌛ DURATION: 14 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE
On top of our list is the Bruges Audio Guided or Guided Day Trip with Canal Cruise Option from Paris.
This tour offers a scenic drive from Paris to Bruges, with a roundtrip tour on a luxury air-conditioned coach.
During the tour, you will enjoy a guided visit to Bruges’ most famous landmarks and witness the charming view and Flemish architecture of the city while learning everything about its fascinating history and culture.
Discover different museums and galleries. Don’t forget to get a taste of the delicious local treats such as Belgian chocolates, waffles and fries!
You will also have the option to take a canal cruise and see Bruges from a different perspective.
Highlights of this tour:
- Historic Centre of Bruges
- The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
- The Markt
- Duvelorium
- Stadhuis
- Rozenhoedkaai
- Minnewater Lake
- St. Bonifacius Bridge
- Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk
“Such a beautiful city. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and gave very clear instructions. He made sure we knew where to go and what time to be back so as not to get lost. We had the canal cruise option which I highly recommend. Such a good way to see the city and avoid the crowds a little. All in all a great experience.”
shannon D., may 2023 (see reviews)
2. From Paris: day trip to Bruges with Seasonal Canal Cruise
⭐ RATING: 4.3/5 (976 Reviews) | ⌛ DURATION: 1 Day | 💰 CHECK PRICE
This full-day tour offers a round-trip transfer to Bruges in an air-conditioned bus from Paris.
Take a ride around the scenic canals and stop at the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Belfry.
Enjoy a guided walk around the stunning Renaissance architecture at the historic city centre. You will also visit historical museums where you can see the works of Belgium’s famous Early Netherlandish Painting artists.
A trip to Bruges isn’t complete without getting a taste of the local cuisines including famous Belgian fries with mussels and an extensive selection of Belgian beers to fill your belly.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you have the option to take a boat cruise along the charming canals of the city.
Highlights of this tour:
- Bruges Historic Centre
- Ten Wijngaarde
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Minnewater Park
- Try the national dish of moules frites and Belgian beer
- The Big Square and the Town Hall
- Burg Square
- Groeningemuseum
“Wonderful trip! We wanted a bit of a more leisurely tour to step away from busy Paris and that is exactly what we got. It was relaxing, our tour guide made it interesting and the old town is stunning, we had plenty of time on our own to try the amazing food, visit shops etc. also the bus was nicer than expected honestly,
getyourguide traveler, april 2023 (see reviews)
highly recommend this trip.”
3. Bruges Day Trip with Audio Guide Option from Paris
⭐ RATING: 4/5 (28 reviews) | ⌛ DURATION: 14 Hours | 💰 CHECK PRICE
This day trip to Bruges will take you on a delightful trip as you board an air-conditioned bus from Paris.
On this trip, you’ll have the option to upgrade to an audio-guided tour or just simply explore the different sights and top attractions in Bruges independently at your own pace.
You won’t want to miss the historic city centre and witness the city’s medieval architecture and learn about its history at the same time. Part of the tour includes visiting the beautiful landmarks and museums of Bruges.
For the best Belgian experience, beer and chocolate tasting are a must-try, especially for first-timers!
Highlights of this tour:
- Historic Centre of Brugge
- Bruges Beer Experience (Bruges Beer Museum)
- Bruges Art Route
- Chocolate Line Bruges
- The Market Square
- The Town Hall
- Rozenhoedkaai
- Minnewater Lake
- St. Bonifacius Bridge
- Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk
“The independent tour was perfect for us, because it allowed for stress free travel to and from Bruges, while letting us have total control over what we did. Bruges was a very walkable city, and perfect for a day trip.”
rachel s., august 2022 (see reviews)
4. Private 12-hour round transfer to Belgium (Bruges) from Paris
⭐ RATING: 5/5 (16 Reviews) | ⌛ DURATION: 12 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE
If you prefer a private and personal excursion, you should consider the Private 12-hour round transfer to Belgium (Bruges) from Paris.
This tour to Bruges offers a 12-hour private transfer from Paris, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the popular spots of the city and take beautiful photos!
Be prepared to be transported into a different time as you go back into history and witness the antiquity and well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages in Bruges.
Highlights:
- Market Square
- Customs Building
- Town Hall
- Cathedral of the Holy Blood of Christ
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Lake of Love
“We used the transfer service to get from the hotel to Brugge, a tourist town, and we were very satisfied. The driver was on time and helped us with our luggage. The journey was comfortable and pleasant, with a wonderful view of the surrounding landscapes.The service was professional and reliable, which allowed us to start our stay with peace of mind.We recommend this transfer service to anyone who wants to avoid the stress and hassle of public transport […]”
tripadvisor reviewer, march 2023 (see reviews)
5. Bruges Highlights Trip from Paris with Lunch, Boat trip, Brewery & Chocolate
⭐ RATING: 4/5 (9 Reviews) | ⌛ DURATION: 14 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE
If you’re looking for an all-in-one Bruges experience from Paris, then the Bruges Highlights Trip from Paris with Lunch, Boat trip, Brewery & Chocolate is the one for you!
From Paris, you’ll board a minivan with a group of fellow travellers. This small-group tour includes a guided walking tour, a boat cruise, and free time for you to explore Bruges independently.
This is perfect for travellers who want to experience the beauty and delicious treats of Bruges in just one day, from exploring the historic city centre and Market Square to delving into delicious chocolates- and beer-tasting.
Highlights:
- The Market Square
- Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery
- Boat tour Bruges
- Choco-Story the Chocolate Museum
“Could not have been happier! Guide was terrific. Well informed. We saw everthing listed in the details and more. Highly recommend this tour!”
pamela m., september 2022 (see reviews)
Getting to Bruges from Paris on your own
If you’re planning a trip to Bruges from Paris and you want to do it independently, there are several options for you.
🚄 From Paris to Bruges by train (best option)
As a local in Belgium, I highly recommend taking the train from Paris to Bruges. Not only is it the fastest and least stressful way to travel, but you also get to enjoy the scenic views along the way!
You can take the train at the Paris Gare du Nord station. The train ride from Paris to Bruges usually takes about 2.5 – 3 hours.
There is no direct train connecting to Bruges from Paris. So you’ll take the high-speed Thalys to Brussels and then a connecting intercity train to Bruges.
The train station in Bruges is within walking distance of the historic centre – it’s quite the beautiful walk through Minnewater Park (I’ve done that walk plenty of times when arriving by bus at Bruges station). Or you can take a short bus ride.
🚗 From Paris to Bruges by car
If you prefer driving your own car, it’s worth noting that the journey from Paris to Bruges is approximately 309 km and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Do note that I don’t particularly recommend this option for a day trip. Driving 3 to 4 hours in the morning and the same in the evening is just too much in my opinion.
However, it’s the most convenient way if you want to make a few stops along the way from Paris to Bruges. But then again, you’ll want more time than just a single day.
🚌 From Paris to Bruges by bus (cheapest option)
For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option, taking the bus is also possible.
There are several bus companies that provide direct trips from Paris to Bruges; the travel time usually takes around 4-5 hours, so I wouldn’t recommend this option either if you’re looking for a great day trip experience.
It is also a good way to experience the scenic countryside views of Belgium, in a cheaper way.
What to see between Paris and Bruges?
– Photo from Canva
A trip from Paris to Bruges isn’t particularly scenic as you’ll spend the majority of the way on highways. However, there are plenty of sights along the way if you don’t necessarily need to get to your destination in the shortest time possible.
One of them is the Astérix Park, which can be found in Plailly, France – about an hour outside of Paris. You can take a break from your journey here and enjoy some thrill rides if you like.
You can also take a short detour at the Amiens Cathedral, which is the largest cathedral in France and a truly must-see for any history and architecture enthusiast. However, it’s a little outside of the way, so count an extra hour if you want to add this sight.
Almost at the Belgian border, you’ll find Lille. The European Capital of Culture of 2004 has a gorgeous historical centre that’s mostly famous for the Bell Towers and the local art museum only has to give way to the Louvre in terms of the size of its art collection.
Ultimately, I’d recommend stopping in Kortrijk. This mid-sized city is one of my favourites in Belgium. Visit the famous 1302 Museum, have a picnic at the quays and wander around the beguinage.
Is a Bruges day trip worth it?
Absolutely! A day trip to Bruges is one of your best options if you’re in Paris. The distance is totally manageable and Bruges is small enough to discover on a day.
And if you’re in France for a longer time there’s no reason not to come back, again and again.
Travel tips: Paris to Bruges day trip
Ready to start exploring the Venice of the North? Great idea!
⏰ Start your journey early. It’s best to start your trip early in the morning (as early as possible) for you to maximize your time and explore as many sights and attractions as possible.
💼 No need to bring your passport. Both France and Belgium are in the European Union with open borders, so there won’t be any border checks along the way.
🎫 Book a reputable Paris to Bruges day trip tour for a hassle-free trip.
🗺️ If you prefer to go on a day trip on your own, plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your visit. There are many sights in Bruges, so you’ll have to choose what you want to do.
🍪 Don’t miss out on the local delicacies: chips/fries, chocolate and waffles for sure, but also the local beer Brugse Zot and the kletskoppen (Dentelles de Bruges), a thin caramel cookie.
📸 Take a lot of photos; Bruges has a lot of Instagram-worthy places and it might very well be the most charming city in Belgium.
Things to do in Bruges
🔔 Visit the Market Square
Go on a stroll and witness the stunning architecture and learn about Bruges’ rich history. The Market Square is one of the best places to see vibrant step-gabled houses and guild halls in Belgium.
Additionally, you can also climb the Belfry Tower to get a bird’s eye view of the city or have a drink at one of the many terraces (the outside sitting space of a cafe or restaurant).
Oh and don’t miss the Historium for a different type of museum visit. I loved it!
🍫 Indulge at the Choco-Story Museum
Discover the rich and delicious history of chocolate-making in Belgium by visiting the Choco-Story Museum. Get the chance to witness and learn how these chocolates are made.
The best part is, you can make your own chocolates here and taste them! Alternatively, you can go on a full-on chocolate tour and/or workshop.
🍟 Visit the Frietmuseum
Belgium is famous for its delicious chips, and the Frietmuseum in Bruges is the best place to learn about its history. This museum is located in a historic building and offers interactive exhibits and tasting sessions.
🚣♂️ Take a boat tour
The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There’s so much to love about this place but why don’t you take a boat tour through the canals for a different view of the city?
🍺 Do a beer-tasting
To cap off your gastronomic experience, consider taking a beer-tasting tour to taste Bruges’ famous craft beers and learn about their unique brewing techniques.
Bruges has a variety of breweries and pubs to choose from, and well, the amount of beers you can try is enormous, so you’ll definitely find a beer that suits your taste!
Where to eat in Bruges
One part of your itinerary for a Bruges day trip that you shouldn’t miss is figuring out where to eat. After exploring the picturesque views and attractions of the city, you’re sure to work up an appetite.
One of the best places I recommend to eat in Bruges is the Republic Café, where you can enjoy both international & local cuisine, offering a variety of dishes from fish meat to salads.
They also offer the best Belgian beer and wine in the city, which is a must-try. And well, it’s authentic and a bit alternative – 2 things I love. This isn’t a place that tourists know of – consider it a hidden gem.
If you prefer a healthier option, then head on to The Olive Tree. This restaurant offers Greek-Mediterranean dishes and has vegan options.
If you’re craving waffles, the House of Waffles is your best bet. This café serves waffles like no one else! They offer a great selection of waffles topped with your favourite treats like chocolates and ice cream.
Extending your trip: where to stay
La Clé Brugge (Budget): If you’re looking for a quality stay in the city, this hotel is for you. Located at the heart of the Historic Centre of Bruges, this property offers quick access to the city’s popular attractions. They also have a clean and quiet ambience perfect for everyone who wants a relaxing and wonderful stay in the city.
Hotel Navarra Brugge (Mid-range): This beautiful mansion at the heart of Bruges is located just a 3-minute walk away from the Central Market Square of Bruges. The hotel rooms offer elegant interiors and large windows where you have great views of the city. They also offer delicious meals and breakfast during your stay.
Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage (Luxury): For a luxurious and the most comfortable stay in the city, Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage is a top choice! This 19th-century mansion offers elegant and beautifully designed rooms and facilities. They also have a cosy restaurant that serves top-notch food and cuisines for you to try.
Frequently Asked Questions about day trips from Paris to Bruges
Is a day trip to Bruges enough?
It depends on how much you want to see and experience in Bruges. Personally, a day trip to Bruges can be definitely enough if you plan your itinerary well.
To save you more time on planning, booking a Bruges Day Tour can be a hassle-free option.
How to get to Bruges from Paris by train?
Getting to Bruges from Paris by train is quite straightforward. All you need to do is take a high-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord station to Brussels and then catch one of the frequent intercity trains to Bruges.
How many days do you need to visit Bruges?
If you want to experience Bruges at a leisurely pace and have enough time to visit major attractions and enjoy some local cuisines, then one day is enough time. But there are so many sights nearby that I recommend staying for at least 3 days and visiting Damme, het Zwin and one of the coastal villages such as De Haan.
Is Bruges worth a day trip from Paris?
Absolutely! If you wish to extend your stay in Paris and experience one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium, then a day trip to Bruges is undoubtedly worth taking.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Bruges?
There is no direct train that connects Paris to Bruges. The best option would be to take the train to Brussels. From there, you can take another train to Bruges.
Is it better to go to Brussels or Bruges?
Although the capital is often the most obvious choice, I would recommend Bruges a hundred times over Brussels. Both cities are often crowded with tourists, but Bruges has a lot more charm. It’s less big and the entire city feels like an open-air museum. The canals add to the charm.
Brussels has beautiful spots as well and some sights you can’t miss, but you’ll have to search for them a bit more.
Final Thoughts: Paris to Bruges Day Trip
If you’re planning a visit to Europe, make sure to add Bruges to your destination! Bruges is just a 3-hour train ride away from Paris and makes for a perfect European day trip.
In the above post, I have made a list of the top Paris to Bruges day tours that you might want to try, from guided historic walking tours to mouth-watering chocolate and beer tastings. You’ll experience a lot during one of these tours.
But it’s very straightforward to visit Bruges on your own as well. I’ve added some useful tips and a guide to the best sights for your 1-day Bruges itinerary.
Have a great trip and let me know what you’re looking forward to the most in Bruges!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
