Brugges

[jazzybee]

Just got an email offer on Eurotunnel for a £15 day return with the car over the half-term break. Plan to take the family (wife and 2 kids 11 & 15). Now I have read most of the other threads that descend into a quote by quote playback of 'In Brugges' but I would appreciate some serious feedback - if possible.

Plan on a weekday day trip - I have passed through for an hour, and a waffle about 18 months ago on my way back from the 'ring. But I would rather not waste too much time guessing, so am looking for info on:

Parking, I remember parking was tough, but I think I was there on the weekend last time. Any recommendations on where to park in the town (I don't mind paying - just not too much). I want to walk around the town, view teh architecture, have a nice lunch buy some nice chocolates and florantines etc. Where would be the best place to park?

On that - my car (BMW) needs a service soon, I was thinking it might be cheaper to get it done there, but I can't find a dealer in the town. Anyone know of a BMW dealer in the town?

Lunch, Good place for lunch? We like nice normal food, nothing pretentious. Not interested in beer or wine as my wife and I are teetotal, so its all about the food.

Particulartly nice Chocolate/Florintine shops? Any other nice foody places in the town? Any other must do's for the family?

Anywhere else to see on the way back to Calais?

Thanks

[jazzybee]

Hi all, bringing this one up again - I have my servicing sorted in the UK now, so no worries about a dealer. However, was looking for some tips on Parking in town and the best places for Lunch and to pick up chocolates and and florentines. Any other suggestions for the family to do would be great.

[standfree93]

I went there a few years ago, just for the day, but all I can seem to remember doing is going to the football stadium, it's a nice ground, maybe worth a visit if the family is into football?

[Miss Pitstop]

I spent a lot of time researching/tasting the chocolates & florentines in Brugge and without question my vote goes to:

http://www.chocolatierdumon.be/

The shop is everything a choccie shop should be, not at all poncy but beautifully presented and welcoming. It's only slightly of the main street but well worth searching out. I've been there 3 times and it's always the same lady who serves, and she is charming. If you tell her a red-headed english girl recommended you to go there she may throw in an extra chocolate or two - when my friend went there in Nov she remembered me (but I had been there in the October!)

Parking is available - there is a fair bit of on street parking and a big underground place by the market place (centrum platz?) if my memory serves me correctly. It's signposted when you drive in to the city. It's not that big a place that you can't walk around.

As for lunch, I'd just pick somewhere you like the look of! Avoid the main square as that's where you'll find the tourist traps (like most cities) De Stove is good for an evening meal, but I'd pitch it more for couples than families.

[jazzybee]

Thanks for the tips.

Miss Pitstop said:

I spent a lot of time researching/tasting the chocolates & florentines in Brugge

Just the sort of research I would love to do

Thanks - from a Diabetic that loves chocolate - put it down as medical research

[Miss Pitstop]

That shop does diabetic chocolate too, I get it for my mum!

[huwp]

Ypres is worth the diversion on the way back to Calais.