European ticket help

[Mark_re]

Hi all, I trust some of you will have knowledge that extends to France/Belgium.

I have a complimentary return London - Paris Eurostar ticket, thanks to the disruption before Christmas. I booked it with the intention of having a jolly to Paris, but now I have a legitimate need to go to Bruges.

I've spoken to Eurostar and I can only change my ticket to another time/date as long as I stay on the London - Paris route, so no joy in getting to Brussels. I'd ordinarily take the Thalys to Brussels, then on to Bruges, but I want to take my bike too, which you can't take on Thalys without major inconvenience.

I looked for ex-London services which stop at Lille, but only the Brussels services do, so I'm stuck with changing at Paris. I'm totally flexible on times, but really it needs to be going out on a Thursday night/Friday and returning from Paris on the last train on Sunday (2113).

The question is, what is the easiest way to get from Paris (ideally Gare du Nord/Gare de l'Est) to Bruges without using the Thalys, so that I can take my bike? I don't mind cycling for any part of the journey.

Thanks for your help!

Mark

 

[gordonthemoron]

can you take bikes on TGVs?, if so do the journey via Kortrijk which will only select TGVs, not Thalys

 

[LexyBoy]

Luggage:
Maximum number per paying passenger: 3
Maximum weight per item: not checked
Dimensions of an item of luggage: the largest dimension must be ≤ 85 cm
The following also count as "luggage":
Manual or electrical wheelchairs;
Prams and buggies for small children (folded);
Bicycles contained in a loose cover 120 x 90 cm (front wheel removed);
Folding bicycles;
Skis in a protective cover;
Surfboards in a loose cover 120 x 90 cm;
Portable musical instruments.

Doesn't sound like too much of a faff compared to having a much longer journey. I'll have a look to see if I can find any "normal" trains.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
How about:

Paris Nord 	Th, 10.02.11 	dep 	18:07 	  	12037	Schnellzug
Number of bicycles conveyed limited, Please reserve, space for wheelchairs
Amiens 	Th, 10.02.11 	arr 	19:17 	  
  Transfer time 22 min. 		Adjust the transfer time 
Amiens 	Th, 10.02.11 	dep 	19:39 	  	RE 48949	Regional-Express
Number of bicycles conveyed limited, 2nd class only
Lille Flandres 	Th, 10.02.11 	arr 	20:58 	  
  Transfer time 7 min. 		Adjust the transfer time 
Lille Flandres 	Th, 10.02.11 	dep 	21:05 	  	RE 19819
IC 19819
IC 842	Regional-Express

Runs as RE 19819 up to Mouscron, then as IC 19819 up to Kortrijk, then as IC 842
Brugge 	Th, 10.02.11 	arr 	22:28

4h30 and 2 changes... (and you're still advised to reserve a bicycle space - I don't know how necessary it is though).

There are no regional trains to Lille, but there are TGV departures at xx28 and xx58 - apparently you can take your bike on this route (in the luggage van) if you book ahead for ~€10.

More info about bikes by train here:
http://seat61.com/bike-by-train.htm#France