First time driving to Belgium.

pompeyrich

Tarry wrote: »

That made me giggle :rotfl:

Imagine that.

De Panne (not sure how to spell it, I might have just mentioned the baguette you know) looked really interesting last time I went over there but parking seemed expensive.

You got it right Tarry, although the signposts in France call it La Panne. We thought parking seemed dear at €15 for the morning and the same again for the afternoon but may have read it wrong. There is a "park and ride" just after the 1st roundabout on the way from the A16/E40, it costs €2.50 to park with a free tram ride to the town centre/beach and back for all passengers, would recommend using that or parking for free outside the charge zone and then 10 min walk.

Nice beach, tide goes out far so better for paddling than swimming, nice prom with various shops/cafes.

Plopsaland as mentioned by peachyprice is on the road to the beach too, no Alton towers but worth a trip with little'uns if passing.

for smokers, turn right at the roundabout, just over the canal on the way back to the A16, for "Tobacco Alley". A dozen or more baccy shops selling Golden Virginia for £5 for 50g pouch, £16+ here, cigs around half the UK price too.

andygb

martindow wrote: »

I think many countries' national pride prevent them from giving signs to towns across the border no matter how large.

I have never had a problem with that in France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, plenty of signs available - usually in both languages.

martindow

andygb wrote: »

I have never had a problem with that in France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, plenty of signs available - usually in both languages.

I've also experienced this in Belgium near Lille as the poster described. On motorways it's not a problem but local signs can be parochial.

mcfisco

I wouldn't expect to see signs to places in another country to be the same TBH and I certainly haven't noticed any reluctance to sign places in a different country
There are plenty of signs to Barcelona on the A6 heading south through France but none of them say Barcelona, rather Barcelone and Bruxelles rather than Brussels heading North out of Paris
Similarly, if driving in Italy I wouldn't expect to see signs to Florence or Rome.

visidigi

Look out for the speed cameras in France, on the short stint to the Belgian border.

They're in the middle reservation - pointing towards the traffic, driver height, grey boxes with black/yellow tape round the edge...

there were two in operation on that stretch last time I was on it, one in the traffic control area...

Tarry

pompeyrich wrote: »

There is a "park and ride" just after the 1st roundabout on the way from the A16/E40, it costs €2.50 to park with a free tram ride to the town centre/beach and back for all passengers, would recommend using that or parking for free outside the charge zone and then 10 min walk.

Nice beach, tide goes out far so better for paddling than swimming, nice prom with various shops/cafes.

Pl.

Will bear that in mind next time I go over, I did fancy it.

And yes that's how I read the price too about €15.

shammyjack

I love Belgium !

The people are very much like us Yorkies. Down to earth, friendly and brew great beer !

A tip with the Belgian beer. Drink like they do. Slake your thirst with the cheap weak lager first then choose a bottle of the good stuff, sit down , sip and enjoy it like a good wine .

I can recommend the 9.2% Blue label Chimay !