We had one day to visit Belgium. From the Gare du Nord train station in Paris we rode the Thalys speed train to Brussels. Meeting up with friends we strolled through Brussel's Grand Place, bought chocolates at the Galerie de la Reine, visited the Palace of Justice, and toured the magnificent Royal Palace. We then drove to the North Sea and had lunch at a seaside resort before driving to Bruges. Finally, it was a mad dash back to Brussels to catch the evening speed train to Paris. It rained much of the day and really poured while we were in Bruges, but despite the frantic pace and weather it was an enjoyable day with friends!