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Paris and Brussels

7-day rail trip: Paris to Brussels via Thalys train

Illustration of Paris and Brussels

Railbookers runs Paris and Brussels, a 7-day, 6-night rail vacation between the two capitals. Three nights in Paris open the trip, with days described as free to explore the 'City of Light' at your own pace, from the historical monuments and museums to the hilltop district of Montmartre. A high-speed Thalys train then carries the journey to Brussels for three more nights. There, the itinerary points to the Gothic Hotel de Ville and its 96-metre tower in the Grand Place, plus hundreds of varieties of Belgian beer, chocolate shops, and museums covering everything from comic books to the painter Magritte. The trip covers only rail travel and hotel stays with breakfast; sightseeing passes and attraction tickets, such as for the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, are mentioned only as optional extras to arrange separately. The trip suits independent travelers who want a simple rail-and-hotel base in two capitals and prefer to plan their own days.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities for this trip; the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • This trip includes only rail travel and hotel stays with breakfast; sightseeing passes, guided tours, and attraction tickets such as for the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre are mentioned only as optional add-ons in the itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    Welcome to Paris! After you have settled into the hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the many sights of the 'City of Light.' The cityscape is embroidered with world-famous landmarks, and the streets are soaked with an artistic, fashionable and historic aura. Spend the evening getting your bearings in the city, perhaps stopping by the bohemian hilltop district of Montmartre to enjoy sunset views over the rooftops overlooking the Eiffel Tower and the city skyline. The nearby Moulin Rouge also offers spectacular Parisian cabaret - a true must do in the city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    After breakfast this morning, enjoy your second full day in Paris. Explore the historical monuments and its innumerable museums, or relax with a river cruise along the Seine. Why not ask us about booking a skip-the-line ticket to use at the Eiffel Tower, which will allow you priority entrance to the lift that takes you straight to the top. Enjoy the amazing views of Paris before wandering around the first and second levels at leisure.

  3. Day 3overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Enjoy another full day of sightseeing in Paris. After a delicious Parisian breakfast at your hotel, why not indulge in some retail therapy or perhaps take a sightseeing bus tour of the city. Maybe explore the world-famous Louvre museum, home to the Mona Lisa and an enormous collection of paintings, sculptures and tapestries.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Brussels

    Paris to Brussels

    After breakfast, speed over to Brussels on the Thalys train and then make your way to your hotel to check in for your two-night stay. Why not visit the Gothic Hotel de Ville, located in the Grand Place and climb to the top of the 96 metre high tower for incredible views over the city. Perhaps take some time out and relax at the 200 hectare Heysel Park. Here you can view a 102 metre-high model of an iron atom, filled with various exhibitions.

  5. Day 5overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Spend the day at leisure exploring Brussels. Enjoy some of the hundreds of varieties of Belgian beer, sample Belgian chocolates or perhaps enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch at the newly renovated Chez Leon in the heart of the city!

  6. Day 6overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Continue exploring Brussels today, perhaps visiting one of the many world-class museums in the city. Explore a topic that interests you - there are museums spanning themes as diverse as comic books, chocolate and Magritte.

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart Brussels

    Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing with your travels. If you wish to extend your holiday, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you make those arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The trip begins amid the landmarks of the "City of Light," with the option of sunset views from the hilltop district of Montmartre.
  • Day 4The high-speed Thalys train carries the journey from Paris to Brussels.
  • Day 5Brussels' Grand Place area is near the Gothic Hotel de Ville, whose 96-metre tower offers city views, alongside chocolate shops and hundreds of varieties of Belgian beer to sample.
  • Day 6Brussels' museums cover themes from comic books to chocolate to the painter Magritte.

Included

  • Rail travel from Paris to Brussels in standard class
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Paris
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Brussels

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel from Paris to Brussels in standard class is included.
Which train connects Paris and Brussels?
The Thalys (Eurostar), in standard class.
Are museum or attraction tickets included?
No. The evidence lists only rail travel and hotel stays with breakfast as included; the itinerary mentions the Eiffel Tower and Louvre only as optional suggestions.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Paris and three nights in Brussels.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
No guide is mentioned; the itinerary describes each day as time "at leisure" for independent sightseeing.
How much does it cost?
From $229 per person, per Railbookers.

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