My soon-to-be husband (OMG! ) are planning our honeymoon in May. Tentatively, we'd like to spend some time in Paris, which is my "happy" place, and Bruges. We thought we'd likely fly into Paris, spend 6 or so days and then take the Thalys train to Lille and then another train to Bruges. From there, things get a little muddy. We intended to spend four or so full days there with the thought of renting a car to do a bit of exploring in Belgium. We'd then drive to Brussels to fly home. I've read that there is generally no fee for renting a car in Belgium in one city and leaving it at another, but I can't say that I've verified that.

However, a few friends have mentioned what a nightmare it was for them to rent a car in France, and I'm wondering if the same is generally true in Belgium. Neither of us know how to drive a manual either, so there's that.

So, Papaver (or anyone else who live in or is familiar with Belgium), do you have any recommendations? Even though Paris is my happy place, I've been there several times and would really like to see something new this trip. That said, if it's going to be a big expensive headache, then we can rethink it.

Thanks!