Bruges

Eurostar travellers between Ebbsfleet International and Bruges have average journey times of 2 hours, 5 minutes; the route passes through Lille, Brussels and Ghent. Highspeed rail is popular when reaching Belgium, because its rail network is so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city via train. The best time to visit is around Easter, as the confectionary shops in Bruges will be full of fine quality Belgian chocolates.

Bruges is in the north western part of Belgium, has a population of approximately 120.000, and is the most visited part of Belgium, especially by English and American tourists. Because of this, visitors are advised to pre-book accommodation, especially during the summer months, to avoid unavailability; room prices vary wildly, but the most expensive is the Marriott hotel for 350€ per night.

Its origins date back to the 9th century; after the 11th century it became one of the most important European centres for its commercial aspect as well as for its production of textile goods, especially linen and cotton, and in 2002 was named the European Capital of Culture. Restaurants in Bruges are extremely reputable, but can cost around 27€ to 35€. The famous Kardinaalshof restaurant, for example, provides a six course menu for an average 88€ per head.

Most inhabitants and visitors park outside the city as most vehicles are not allowed, which reduces internal congestion and retains its charm, but mini-buses are available in the city for tours. It is easy to travel around the city by foot, by visitors are advised to spend a couple of days to take in all the sights. Bruges is approximately 20 minutes away from Brussels by train, and easily accessible by train from Ghent.

Points of interest

French Alps

Alpe d'Huez Alpe d'Huez has a skiing area of 450km, one of the great features of Alpe d'Huez is it's large vertical drop an average of 2,210m. The resort has one of the largest ski runs in the world.... Alpe d'Huez , France Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil) Avoriaz is probably the best known resort of the Portes du Soleil area which has 12 resorts and two country's. Avoriaz is located at an altitude of 1800m, it stays open until April when the Ski season Ends.... Avoriaz, France Brides-les-Bains Brides-les-Bains has the worlds largest ski area with 600km. The resort has apres ski life and a spa resort. You can stay in the upper mountain hotels to get the most out of your holiday resort.... Brides-les-Bains, France Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, Western Europe and the European Union. The two most famous towns near Mont Blanc are Courmayeur in Aosta Valley, Italy, and Chamonix.... Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France Courchevel Courcheval does enjoy a reputation for being the world's best ski resort. Described as classic, prestigious and extravagant , Set in breathtaking scenery in a superbly inter-linked region, Courchevel offers visitors a choice of 198 lifts, uphill capacity of over 243,000 people an hour .... Courchevel, France Drouzin le Mont (Vallee d'Aulps) Drouzin le Mont is a small beautiful family resort, children can learn to ski here in complete safety on slopes facing the accommodation. The resort has 15 slopes with 2 chair lifts, 4 drag lifts and 2 snow wires.... Drouzin le Mont, France Flaine Flaine has 265km of skiing area, it is a well known tourist attraction for winter holidays. Some of the best skiing in France can be found at this resort. The resort is well laid out with 77 lifts.... Flaine, France Grand Massif Grand Massif is 5 resorts linked by 256km of skiing with 133 down hill slopes served by 78 lifts.... Grand Massif, France La Clusaz The ski village of La Clusaz celebrated 100 years of winter sports in 2007 and this resort, often described as dynamic,is one of the closest to the UK so is convenient for car drivers.... La Clusaz, France La Plange La Plange has a 6 seater detachable chair lift, 11 individual resorts make up the area La Plange. It has slopes at different levels of difficulty, there are 210km of ski runs which favours beginner and intermediate skiers.... La Plange, France La Plange, France 1 2 3 Next