I started learning French when I was in 5th grade and, miraculously, I decided that I loved learning the language. As a result, I continued on and took it through high school – including a year of French literature – and into college. The sad thing was…I never made it to France…until this summer.
Finally - Paris!
The second leg of our trip was to Paris. I must say it was AMAZING. I was a little worried at first. I had years and years of education about the sights and culture surrounding France…and I knew I’d only be there for a few days – and with my kids!! AHHHH — would I see it all? Would I enjoy it? Would my kids enjoy it? The answer to these questions was YES – of course!!!
Here are a few of the highlights – and a few tips on seeing Paris with kids.
I must admit we were out and about from breakfast and into the wee hours of the night. It stayed light until after 10 pm so it gave us ample opportunity to pack in the sights.
The people in Paris were quite friendly. At one restaurant, the kids were given light sticks. That night we headed over to the Louvre to see it lit up against the night sky. It was quite a sight. Although I loved the beauty of the Louvre in lights – the kids loved playing Star Wars battles with their new found light sticks! Everyone was happy!
Star Wars at the Louvre!
We tried to throw in kid-friendly activities. So, after a day at an art museum, we went to the Luxembourg Gardens and let the kids ride the ponies…and have ice cream! A favorite!
Pony rides at Luxembourg Gardens
Who could resist the stained glass at Saint Chapelle and the awe-inspiring size of the Cathedral of Notre Dame?
Stain glass windows catch the eye of people of all ages!
The Louvre was great for me because I saw the Mona Lisa…it was great for my kids because they saw a Mummy.
Mummy!!!! In the Louvre!
My kids still talk about going up in the Eifel Tower. AND – we saw it at night several times – when the lights flicker and it turns to “diamonds” – a thrill for everyone.
View from the Eifel Tower
Garden mazes became a theme of the trip – the kids loved running through them…here’s one at Les Invalides.
Ahhh - the mazes - a kid's version of big fun!
Napoleon’s tomb may have been cool for me…
The kids weren't so interested in Napoleon's tomb...
but the tanks,
checking out one of the many tanks at the Musee d'Armee
armor,
Pint-sized armor
and cannons
Endless cannons at the Army Museum in Paris
were cool for my kids. I think my son pretended to shoot off every single cannon in the museum!
Versaille was the most universally family friendly place. It was absolutely beautiful with hours of garden mazes for the kids.
More mazes!
Anyone seen my kids??
Having some fun in the gardens at Versaille...
The bottom line: Don’t worry, you can see everything you want to see in Paris with kids.
