Wine Country and City Chic: Exploring Parisian Flavours and Benelux Beauty
There’s something magical about Europe when travelling by train — hopping between buzzing capitals and peaceful countryside with nothing but curiosity and a sense of adventure.
A recent journey through France and the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) offered exactly that — a trip fuelled by flaky pastries, bold wines, elegant architecture, and the delightful realisation that chic cities and charming villages can exist side by side.
This wasn’t a rushed itinerary that left only snapshots — it was a deep, immersive journey into the heart of each place. It was a slow, delicious dive into two very different but wonderfully connected worlds: the romantic decadence of France and the design-forward cool of Benelux cities.
From sipping Bordeaux in Lyon to exploring Amsterdam’s quirky canals and finishing with a waffle-fuelled day in Brussels, the route packed a punch — all without boarding a single flight.
First Stop: Paris – City of Light, Layers, and Lavish Pastries
Paris is one of those cities people think they know — until they arrive. And it turns out the stereotypes aren’t far off — wine really does pour like water, Parisians manage to look effortlessly chic, and some of the best food is found in humble little bakeries tucked down quiet streets. But what often surprises visitors is how much space the city offers for slowing down.
Each neighbourhood has its own distinct personality. The Marais is perfect for vintage shopping and legendary falafel, while Montmartre is a painter’s dream, full of cobblestones and café terraces that inspire daydreaming and people-watching.
And then there’s the food. Imagine buttery croissants that disappear the moment they touch your tongue, cheese shops that stretch as far as the eye can see, and cosy wine spots hidden in ivy-covered courtyards.
Still, as tempting as it is to stay put, France has more stories to tell. Booking a train from Paris to Lyon takes just a couple of hours, and suddenly a new world of flavours and charm opens up.
Lyon: France’s Gourmet Capital
Lyon greets you with the scent of slow-cooked meals from family-run bouchons, graceful bridges over the Rhône, and hidden traboules weaving quietly through the historic centre.
Food here isn’t just eaten — it’s revered. Quenelles, Côtes du Rhône wines, and bustling local markets set the rhythm of daily life. For food lovers, Les Halles de Lyon is more than a market — it’s a mecca of flavour, tradition, and craftsmanship.
Lyon blends fine dining with a laid-back spirit, culture that feels accessible, and a sense of calm that makes it all remarkably easy to enjoy.
Next Up: Northbound to the Netherlands
After soaking up the flavours of southern France, the next destination lies to the north. The contrast between vineyard-studded hills and perfectly ordered canals couldn’t be more dramatic — and yet, the transition is seamless. A ride on the Amsterdam to Brussels train is one of the most relaxed ways to country-hop in Europe. No security queues, no luggage restrictions — just comfortable seats and views that change by the minute.
Amsterdam: A playground of bold design, winding waterways, and more bicycles than you can count
Arriving in Amsterdam feels like stepping onto the set of a perfectly styled film. With its picturesque canals, perfectly aligned townhouses, and constant stream of cyclists, the city balances form and function like few others.
While world-class museums like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum draw crowds, it’s the quieter moments that create lasting memories. A coffee in a converted warehouse café. A crate-digging session in a back-alley record shop. A bike ride through Vondelpark that makes even tourists feel like locals — at least until they accidentally ride into a tram lane.
Amsterdam’s food scene goes beyond the expected. Yes, there are stroopwafels and raw herring, but the real surprise lies in the diversity — Indonesian cuisine, artisan sandwiches, experimental vegan spots — all coexisting effortlessly.
Brussels: Art Nouveau Meets Street Food
A short train ride later lies Brussels — often underrated but full of personality. It’s a mix of grandeur and whimsy, with ornate buildings sharing space with comic-book murals and unexpected splashes of colour.
Starting at the Grand Place is a must, but the city’s soul comes alive in the smaller details: the curved lines of the Horta Museum, the independent boutiques of Saint-Gilles, and the casual charm of its neighbourhood cafés.
And, of course, the food. Golden fries slathered in creamy andalouse, cloud-like waffles sprinkled with powdered sugar, and a rich, malty beer that tasted like liquid toffee. Brussels may not shout about its culinary credentials, but it delivers in spades — and without any of the pretence.
Why This Route Works
What makes this route shine is the ease of movement. The trains aren’t just transport — they’re a window into Europe’s soul. There’s a certain romance in watching the landscapes change from vineyards to canals, from cobbled lanes to sleek modern stations.
Each destination has its own pace and personality, but they all tie together with grace. From Paris’s elegance to Lyon’s culinary confidence, from Amsterdam’s creativity to Brussels’ quirky charm — it’s a journey that never feels rushed or disconnected.
Final Thoughts
For anyone craving a European escape that mixes art, history, food, and fun — without any of the boring bits — this itinerary hits the sweet spot. The rhythm is unbeatable: wine, art, bikes, bread, waffles, repeat. It’s like living inside a perfectly curated travel journal, just with better snacks.
Whether it’s a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a friends-on-a-budget kind of trip, linking Paris, Lyon, Amsterdam, and Brussels offers a rich, flavour-filled look at two of Europe’s most iconic regions. Best of all? No flights needed.
So go ahead — book the ticket, grab a baguette, and stop having a boring life.
