Recommendations for Paris?

sobeitjedi

Hi.

Taking the family (3 kids 6-11) to Paris for 3 days in April. Have already booked the Eiffel Tower & Louvre, but what other recommendations do you have? Attractions, food, tips - anything!

summer_daze009

A river cruise down the Seine is well worth considering. You can go on lunch or dinner cruises but we just chose a sight seeing cruise that lasted an hour. Highly recommended.

When we went last October we did notice that most of the restaurants didn’t open until 7.30pm so you don’t get to eat until nearer 8pm which could be a problem with your younger children. Also, don’t forget to take some travel adaptors although some of the hotels supply them (but obviously that depends on where you’re staying)

A piece of advice that I was given before I went was when you enter smaller shops always greet the shop keeper with a “bonjour” It really does make a difference because not only is it a friendly greeting, it is also a sign of respect. To not do so is considered rude and may not get you friendly service. That also goes for waiters in restaurants

Enjoy your trip

sobeitjedi

Thanks for the response. Will remember to say Bonjour to everyone!
Where do you book the river cruise - is any place cheaper to book than another?

summer_daze009

The river cruise cost is pretty much the same on all websites. Currently 15 euros for adults and 9 euros for children under 12. They do evening cruises for the same price if you prefer to see Paris by night.

More info here:

https://www.seine-river-cruises.com/

DullGreyGuy

sobeitjedi said:

Thanks for the response. Will remember to say Bonjour to everyone!

Whereas the British often state that France is amazing and only spoiled by the French so the French say the same about Paris, its only spoiled by the Parisians.  Personally find that they respond positively to a little effort to communicate in French. 

Presumably Disneyland goes without saying... dont have kids so no idea what 6 year olds like but the Catacombes are rather atmospheric (45 minutes walking through underground tunnels lined with skulls/bones etc... theres almost 2,000 miles of tunnels and 6 million people down there)

Like most capitals it has its collection of natural history museums, aquariums, zoos etc but not sure that any are particularly special compared to others 

zagfles

summer_daze009 said:

A river cruise down the Seine is well worth considering. You can go on lunch or dinner cruises but we just chose a sight seeing cruise that lasted an hour. Highly recommended.

When we went last October we did notice that most of the restaurants didn’t open until 7.30pm so you don’t get to eat until nearer 8pm which could be a problem with your younger children. Also, don’t forget to take some travel adaptors although some of the hotels supply them (but obviously that depends on where you’re staying)

A piece of advice that I was given before I went was when you enter smaller shops always greet the shop keeper with a “bonjour” It really does make a difference because not only is it a friendly greeting, it is also a sign of respect. To not do so is considered rude and may not get you friendly service. That also goes for waiters in restaurants

Enjoy your trip

Yes with young kids you might find it easier (and definitely cheaper) to eat your main meal at lunchtime, there's loads of good value cafes if you walk a few blocks away from the touristy bits. Then maybe just get some snacks/sandwiches etc for later on. And yes definitely speak French as much as you can, don't assume people speak English because a lot don't (or won't!).

Work out the Metro and how to use it, kids would probably enjoy travelling on it.

If they like outdoor adventure activities look at doing an accrobranche course, these are like GoApe in the UK but generally much better courses and they cater far better for younger kids. Usually a lot cheaper than here too. We've not done one in the Paris area but they are everywhere in France.

For more specific advice, the tripadvisor forums are excellent for destination specific advice.

gwynlas

The self service restaurant at BHV department store is reasonable for lunch it is opposite Hotel De Ville. Creperies are generally cheap as well. Most parks have some playground equipment, there are splash fountains for children to run through at Parc Andre Citroen. The Paris Tourist Office site is very informative and offers various passes for discounts.

Sarahspangles

If for any reason you can’t ‘do’ the Louvre, the Orangerie in the Tuileries Garden is a great alternative with children - massive impressionist paintings, and they can get rid of some energy in the gardens.

My children also enjoyed making fun of all the small dogs. But not so the owners would notice.

The coldest wind in the world whips up the Seine, take a fleece.

thegreenone

L'Atelier des Lumières - Official site - Created by Culturespaces (atelier-lumieres.com)

We went to the Van Gogh show a few years ago when our son was living in Paris.  It might be 'Art' but it was brilliant and there were lots of children enjoying it when we went.  Booking essential.  

Agree with @summer_daze009 Always with Bonjour and Merci and try your best to order in French.  Apparently the French don't use Please - Sil vous plait but I always put some in.

I messaged my son and he said to look at Navigo for Metro passes but I don't think they would work for you, but do look. When we went, we bought 10 one-use tickets. Which would give you two journeys but you can buy more.  I'm sorry, I can't remember how much they were.

MikeJXE

Flak jacket, fire extinguisher, crash helmet, gloves 

Paris is the last place I would go with the present situation as it is. 

thegreenone

We went to Paris when the Gilet Jaunes were causing riots.  They were completely out-numbered by Riot Police, who are not to be messed with and everything was fine.  We even asked a small gathering of RP how to find a particular Metro station (disruptions due to riots) and they were very friendly and helpful.

Let's face it, when aren't the French protesting/rioting about something?

Go OP but do check the internet for affected areas and avoid.