Introduction
Imagine immersing yourself in centuries of history, stunning architecture, and the vibrant atmosphere of three of Europe’s most captivating countries – the Netherlands, Belgium, and France – all in just one trip, that’s right an Extreme Day Trip covering 3 Countries in a day! It might sound ambitious, but these destinations effortlessly blend the past and present, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Wander through the charming streets of Sluis, a hidden Dutch gem with a rich trading history, or explore the medieval beauty of Brugge, where cobblestone alleys and serene canals transport you back in time. Then, make a quick stop in France for a convenient supermarket run and a duty-free shopping spree, picking up local delicacies, fine wines, and great deals before heading back on your journey.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to experience the unique cultures of these neighboring countries, this guide will help you make the most of your trip. Get ready to discover why the Netherlands, Belgium, and even a quick stop in France should be on your travel list – no matter how long you stay.
Saturday, 22nd February 2025 – Our 3 Country Day Trip
Planning and documenting a day trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and France isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s about making the most of every moment in these diverse and historic destinations. From strolling through the charming streets of Sluis to exploring the medieval beauty of Brugge, and even making a quick duty-free stop in France, this journey blends cultural discoveries, local flavors, and convenient shopping into one unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re after history, cuisine, or just a change of scenery, this day trip offers the perfect mix of exploration and enjoyment.
All costs mentioned are for two people, unless stated otherwise.
Getting There
04:30 GMT: Departure from our AirBnB
Our adventure began bright and early – well, perhaps just early, as “bright” isn’t the word that comes to mind at 4:30 in the morning! With the excitement of the journey ahead keeping us energized, we set off from home, ready to make the most of the day.
05:00 GMT – Arrived at the Port of Dover
A quick check in and drive through border control had us waiting in line to board our DFDS ferry to Dunkirk with the car (£39.00).
06:00 GMT – And We’re Off!
At 06:00 GMT, our day trip to 3 Countries officially started! Aboard our DFDS ferry from Dover to Dunkirk. We were ready to embrace everything our trip had to offer!
06:15 GMT – Breakfast on Board
We had breakfast at the restaurant on board the ferry, enjoying a hearty full English breakfast with all the classics, accompanied by two pieces of toast and two rich, creamy hot chocolates. It was a great way to start the journey, fueling up while taking in the views of the open sea. The total came to £23.90.
10:00 CET – Arrival in Dunkirk
We arrived in Dunkirk on time at 10:00 CET. Since we had already cleared passport control in the UK before boarding the ferry, there were no delays upon arrival in France. We were able to drive straight out onto the roads and begin our road trip without any hassle.
10.00 CET – Travel to Sluis, Netherlands
Following our Sat-Nav, we enjoyed an easy one-hour drive through France and Belgium before crossing the border into the charming Dutch town of Sluis. Three countries in just one hour – an exciting start to our adventure!
We easily found on-street parking for just €5 for two hours, making it a convenient and hassle-free stop.
11:00 CET: Exploring Sluis
We spent a delightful two hours exploring Sluis, strolling through its charming streets, visiting the indoor food market, and browsing the shops. We visited the picturesque windmill (€5 entry for two), picked up a fun souvenir – a pair of clog fridge magnets (€3), and enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Bistro de Smoef. Our meal included warm apple pie, traditional pancakes with butter and sugar, and two rich hot chocolates, all for €18.70. A perfect way to soak in the town’s cozy atmosphere!
13.00 CET: Jumbo Supermarket
On our way out of Sluis, we passed the Dutch supermarket, Jumbo. We couldn’t resist the temptation of the famous stroop waffles, so we picked up a few packs for €8.50.
Afternoon Activities
13.15 CET: Travel to Brugge, Belgium
We started the short 30-minute drive to Brugge, Belgium, and quickly made our way into the city centre, searching for a parking space. After not finding anything on the street, we decided to look for a car park. Despite some difficulty with the Sat-Nav directions, we finally arrived at the Interparking underground car park just off the main square, with a total cost of €7.70.
14:00 CET: Exploring Brugge
We wandered from the car park into the center of Brugge, immediately captivated by the city’s medieval charm. Our first stop was the delightful Aux Merveilleux cake shop, a cozy little gem where we indulged in a large, warm chocolate chip brioche for €4.60. The brioche was soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet – a treat we couldn’t resist.
From there, we continued our exploration, taking in the famous sights of Brugge. We marveled at the bustling main square, with its stunning historical buildings and lively atmosphere. The iconic canals framed by picturesque bridges that offered stunning views of the city. Everywhere we looked, Brugge seemed to be a perfect blend of beauty and history, from the intricate architecture to the tranquil waterways that meandered through the town.
Along the way, we couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs. We bought six colorful fridge magnets for €10, each one a small reminder of the city’s charm. We also found a cute house model for €3, a perfect keepsake to remember our visit. And, of course, we had to stop at one of Brugge’s many renowned chocolate shops. We picked out a selection of rich, hand-crafted chocolates that were as delicious as they were beautiful.
Evening Activities
16:45 CET: Dinner at Brasserie de view Winden
At 16:45 CET, we decided to have dinner at Brasserie De View Winden, a charming restaurant perfectly situated overlooking the main square in Brugge. The location offered a fantastic view of the historic buildings and lively atmosphere, making it the ideal spot to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the city.
For our meal, we ordered a classic Margherita pizza, with a perfectly crispy thin crust, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. To go alongside, we indulged in a large portion of golden, crispy Belgian fries, a must-try when in Belgium. They were served piping hot with a side of mayonnaise, just the way the locals enjoy them. To quench our thirst, we had two refreshing soft drinks, the perfect way to cool off after a full day of exploring.
The meal was simple but satisfying, allowing us to take a break while watching the world go by in one of the most picturesque spots in Brugge. The total for our meal came to €37, a reasonable price for both the delicious food and the unbeatable view. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Brugge before continuing our journey.
17:30 CET: Travel back to Calais, France
At 17:30 CET, we made our way back to the car, taking one last look at the beautiful streets of Brugge before setting off on the journey back to Calais. The 75-minute drive was smooth and straightforward, passing through the scenic countryside of Belgium and northern France as the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape.
Upon arriving in Calais, we made a stop at Carrefour, one of France’s well-known supermarkets, to shop for some French products. After browsing the aisles and picking up a few items, we continued our journey.
With our shopping complete, we made the short drive to the Calais Ferry Port, arriving in plenty of time for our 21:20 CET sailing back to Dover. As we waited to board, we reflected on the incredible day we had—three countries, countless memories, and a fantastic mix of sightseeing, food, and shopping. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable European day trip!
After a slight delay due to fog in the English Channel, our ferry finally made its way across the water, and we arrived back in Dover. As we disembarked, we were greeted by the familiar sight of the iconic White Cliffs, a welcome reminder that we were back on British soil.
Despite the delay, the journey had been smooth, and we were relieved to be on the final leg of our trip. With just a short drive ahead, we set off towards our Airbnb.
Tired but satisfied, we looked forward to a good night’s rest, knowing that our whirlwind European adventure had been a truly unforgettable experience.
Total Costings
Total Costs for the our 3 country day trip
After an unforgettable day in Europe, we tallied up the costs:
- GBP: £62.90
- EURO: 92.90 EURO
Using an exchange rate of 0.83, 92.90 EURO is equivalent to £77.11.
So, the total cost for our day trip came to £140.01, which breaks down to about £70.00 per person – a fantastic value for such an action-packed adventure!
Travel Tips
Always carry a mix of payment options when traveling across multiple countries, as some places may prefer cash over cards or vice versa. In the Netherlands and Belgium, card payments (especially contactless) are widely accepted, but in smaller towns like Sluis, some shops may only take Maestro or cash. In France, toll roads and some supermarkets may not accept foreign credit cards, so having a small amount of euros on hand can save you hassle. Always check in advance to avoid surprises!
Finding Out More
Other Destinations
Inspired? Why not visit our other extreme day trip reports!
