Europe in a weekend - two day trip suggestions?

[somedaynow]

In the probably fruitless aspiration to take advantage of my new-found status as a South-Coast dweller, for however long that will last, who has suggestions for interesting two day (typically weekends) forays into Euro-land?

Bruges is obviously one but where else? I would be thinking a maximum of 200 miles radius of the popular ferry ports in France unless I am corrected.

We did Normandy last year from Ireland with our son and his Fiancee on a Tiger 1050 and an F650GS, turning sharp left as soon as we got off the boat and hugging the coast, doing the usual WWII sights (and sites come to think of it). Very enjoyable trip, albeit a week long. I'd recommend it. History is fascinating when you experience it vourself instead of just having dates rammed into your memory. Speaking of WW's has anyone done a trip to Ypres?

Would be interested in all suggestions and experiences, one can never learn enough.  I mentally file them away on my endless must-do-that-some-day-list.

[Winston Smith]

240ish will get you to Cochem along some great roads

[mecki]

I reckon Mont St Michel is a must see.

[patrick]

I've  been to Ypres... 1st night stop on a weeks tour of WW1 sites in France / Belgium. All very moving

[fatharry]

240ish will get you to Cochem along some great roads

With you on that...Cochem or Klotten is within reach (i know a great bikers hotel in Klotten)...and well worth the push

Le Touquet  is a nice easy ride....done there and back in a day

[Martin#30]

Maastricht is lovely, though probably more like 300 miles. Done it on the bike a few times though, painless journey. Definately Bruges if you have not been before.

Cannot comment on good roads though, I have always been going for work and just batter the motorways.

Martin.

[Boomer]

Belgium;
Bruges/Brugge
Gand/Gent
Ypres/Ieper
Bruxelles/Brussels (only 160km from Calais)
Ostende/Oostende

Holland;
Sluis (very pretty but roads are flat, straight and boring).

France;
Mont St Michel
Reims
Paris

Luxembourg is also a nice place to visit.
It's about 4hrs from Calais but the city is pleasant, the countryside is very pleasant, and the roads (except around the city) are not too crowded.

I grew up in Belgium so visit regularly.

A fun weekend is to ride over Friday night to the Motorcycle Loft Hotel in Oudenburg, near Ostende http://grd.be.
On Saturday get up late, have breakfast and then ride to Sluis/Ypres/Gent/Bruges/Ostende/Blankenberge.
Then back to the hotel for too much beer in the nicest bar I have ever been to.
Sunday recover from hangover, go food/beer/tobacco shopping and head home.