Don't worry about the franchises. They are few and far between which is unlike they are at home, basically being on every other corner or in every other shopping plaza.

The French side is lovely in areas and so is the Dutch side. We personally prefer to beach on both sides doing the farthest drives during the daylight hours, and dine, party and play on the Dutch side for the most part, which is why we choose to sleep Dutch. To each his own, right! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />