Traveling to Europe for the first time (France, Belgium Switzerland) over spring break. Suggestions please!?

Question

This is my basic schedule for the trip. If anyone has any suggestions of other places to visit nearby I would really appreciate it.

Belgium: Tour of Brussels. Tour of Bruges (visit Waterloo and the Lion Mound) (we have a free evening in Bruges...any suggestions?)

France: travel through Reims to Paris. Tour of Paris (stops at The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre and then on to Versailles) (we do have a free morning in Paris, any suggestions of marketplaces or other places to explore?)
Switzerland: Walking tour of Geneva and then down to Lausanne. Visit the Chateau de Chillon and then onto Gruyeres.

Any suggestions would be helpful, if not about places to visit then general suggestions for travel in Europe. I’ve never been there before so is there anything I should know? Thanks!

Answer 1

When you are in Paris, be sure to check out the Champs Elysee (there is great shopping and wonderful cafes to sit outside and people watch). I'm not sure where the Toblerone Factory is in Switzerland, but you may want to check out that one for a tour. I think you need to think about Italy or Germany too...they are very unique and both have great foods. I've heard that Belgium is kind of boring (I rode through on the train and it didn't look like somewhere I would have stopped). Amsterdam is really cool too, you have the Rembrandt Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Heinken Brewery (with cheap tours for like $1), and great cafes and places to hang out. Berlin is a neat city with lots of historical places to check out. I think you'd be happier visiting France, Germany, and Holland (or Italy). Belgium and Switzerland are kind of boring compared to the others. My sister lived over there too and said the same. I wish I could join you, been over there three times and still have lots to see!

Answer 2

"One morning in Paris" sounds romantic, but not nearly enough time to get more than a general feeling for the city.

So you've seen the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame. No more museums, I suppose? You might want to make an exception for the "Centre Pompidou", even if you don't go in there, it's a sight to behold. Very interesting, very modern.

Personally, I'd suggest to simply go for a walk: Start at the Arc de Triomphe, conveniently located at the "Étoile" (Star) roundabout, walk down the Champs Elysées, have a coffee in one of the sidewalk cafés, enjoy the atmoshpere. Perhaps take a stroll through le "Jardin du Luxembourg" (Luxembourg Gardens) if you're so inclined.

The possibilities are endless, and much depends on your personal preferences.

Answer 3

Depending on the day, u can actually find some open markets that u can explore.Usually they wud provide all sorts of brochure at the hotel reception bout it.Schedules and variety of open markets.Its not to be missed especially since ure in Paris itself.Also u might wanna do some shopping at Champs-Elysees.And of coz , a must do is grab a cuppa coffee/cappucino.So while ure sippin away at ur coffee & pastry, u can "people watch" and enjoy the view.If u have time, try to go to the green grass close to the Invalides, to have a picnic & relax..take ur shoes off, read ,people watch and join the rest of the parisians on the green grass ( u'll be shaded from the sun ) and juz relax.They usually be tanning,playin frisbee wid their pet,having a picnic..etc..Have fun!

Answer 4

Just go into local nieghborhoods and get a cup of coffee at a loacal cafe. Sit next to the street and just soak in the atmosphere.