One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Belgium and France With Itinerary from Brussels to Bruges, Ghent, Lille, and Reims

Greet day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Belgium and France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. On today's agenda, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Laeken in Belgium. You will return to Brussels for your remaining 1 night in the city later today.

Laeken is brimming with adventures.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the interesting St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Brussels Park, an enchanting park that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Musée Magritte Museum, one of the village’s most worthwhile spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the interesting Royal Palace Of Brussels. When you're finished at the palace, Cinquantenaire awaits your visit. This park is a respected highlight on today's itinerary.

When you’ve had your share of Brussels, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Laeken. Your travel time is around 26 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Atomium. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the monument before you continue to your next stop.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Brussels. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium in a new light.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Lobster House, a top-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Roumaine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Des Amis offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Du Canal is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Little Delirium is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Belgium and France, you’ll soak in the magnificence Bruges in Belgium. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bruges, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Bruges, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Brussels to Bruges may take around 1 hour 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bruges, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Minnewaterpark, an often recommended park known for its mesmerizing features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Church Of Our Lady, a frequently visited church.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug) and uncover the details of this grand historical landmark. Make sure to also explore Groeninge, a worthwhile neighborhood. For your last stop, consider Belfry Of Bruges, a history-steeped monument that many travelers find worth the detour.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Bruges’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Belgium and France, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Bruges.

Don’t miss out on dining at Vlaminck '14, a top-rated dining destination in Bruges. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Het Visioen, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at t'Lammetje. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bruges this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Groot Vlaenderen, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bauhaus Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out 't Brugs Beertje. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Belgium and France! Enjoy your evening in Bruges to the fullest!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe. The highlights of today include Ghent in Belgium. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ghent, your home for 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Ghent.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ghent. This car ride takes around 50 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Gravensteen and explore the historic features. Next, make your way to Sint-michielsbrug, another highlight in Ghent. When you’re done exploring the historical landmark, continue to Saint Nicholas' Church, a historic church.

Nearby, you will also find Saint Bavo's Cathedral. This popular church is a top place to see in the area. Lastly, head to Belfry Of Ghent, a picture-perfect monument that is perfect for some final exploring in the city.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Ghent of your choice.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Ghent’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Belgium and France.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Maste Bvba, a popular restaurant in Ghent. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Ghent at Godot, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Patrick Foley's. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Ghent tonight.

Keep the evening going at De Geus Van Gent, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Alchemist, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Hot Club Gent, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your multi-country journey across Belgium and France. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in Lille in France. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Lille where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ghent and set your GPS to Lille, France. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 59 min. Upon reaching Lille, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Citadel Of Lille, an intriguing castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Next, explore Column Of The Goddess, yet another locally appreciated place to see in the area. After the monument, make time to go to Old Stock Exchange. This awe-inspiring historical landmark is well worth the visit. Lastly, head to Notre-dame-de-la-treille Cathedral At Lille, an increasingly popular church you won’t want to miss.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Lille. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Belgium and France by rewarding yourself with a taste of Lille’s local cuisine.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Couvent des Minimes de Lille, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Best Western Urban Hôtel - Rococo Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Auberge Du Forgeron - Restaurant gastronomique. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Lille tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Le Colbert Café, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Level Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Fridge Bar Lille also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Take in the ambiance of Lille as this day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your multi-country road trip to look forward to!

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Belgium and France. Today's main destinations are Dinant in Belgium, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brussels. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Reims, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dinant, Belgium. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Belgium. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 58 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Grotte De Dinant La Merveilleuse, a frequently visited cave in Dinant. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Citadelle De Dinant. This locally renowned castle is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’ve had your share of Dinant, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bouvignes-sur-Meuse. Your travel time is around 2 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Abbaye Notre-dame De Leffe, an often recommended monastery in Bouvignes-sur-Meuse. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Brussels. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

As the sun sets, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Brussels. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Belgium in a new light.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Villa Lorraine, a highly-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Marmiton, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, La Reserve offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Manneken Pis Cafe is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Addict Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

As the night falls in Brussels, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.