Three friends and I have planned a trip to France in late March (Mar 17-25). Due to AA web fare special availability, we are flying into Brussels and looking at the following as an intinery:

Sunday - Arrive BRU @ Noon
Take Thalys train to Paris

Sunday through Thursday AM - Paris

Thursday afternoon through Saturday afternoon - Rent a car, drive to Normandy to see the D-Day beaches and Mont St-Michel.

Saturday & Sunday - Thalys train back to Brussels. Spend the day in Brussels.

Now a couple of questions:

1) For a flight arriving in Brussels at Noon. What time should we plan on catching the train to Paris? I am thinking 3pm should be sufficient.. any other ideas?

2) Any suggestions on decent places to stay in any of the three locations? We are not looking for world class accomodations, but some place clean, comfortable and not too expensive (up to $80-100/night for a double room)

3) Any other comments or suggestions on our planned itinery?

Thanks for everyone's help.. you guys have been great helps on a number of my past questions.

Greg