Jean

I have scoured the guidebooks to see if there is a "verdict" on children eating in Paris establishments. The only thing I have found is "you won't see anyone under 18 in a restaurant" -- but not sure if that applies to the American term "restaurant" or is supposed to be inclusive of restaurants, bistros, brasseries, and cafes. Sense tells me not to bring our 5 year old into a wine bar however! But, have you brought a family to Paris and eaten anywhere besides at a hotel or le fast food? We leave in 5 days...and are hoping to enjoy at least one good french meal somewhere. Opinions?

Marsha

Dean Jean: I think it depends on your 5-year old. If he or she can sit still, eat "different" food, and generally behave, then I think your child would be welcomed in most restaurants in France. (The French love children!) The waiters we encountered were very nice to my picky-eater 8-year old. And she was pretty good about eating a plate of pomme frites and an orange drink, nothing appealed to her on the menu. (Nobody cringed when we ordered these items.) I would suggest that you do your fine dining at the noon meal, rather than a typical late dinner meal in France. Perhaps a light meal or McDonalds in the evening. (Don't laugh - I know all the McDonald's in Northern France - they have European coffee and something called a McSoleil - a provencal bun with cucumbers and tomato.) <BR>

Jean

Phew! Glad to hear it. Thanks for the good advice. She eats out very often with us now and her behavior should hold up (we'll see what effect all the sight seeing has on her...we'll use our judgement!) <BR> <BR>I'd welcome additional replies and experiences as well. Thanks all.

Lori

In general you will not find "child friendly" places in abundance as you do here in the U.S. I have yet to see a child seat/high chair in a Paris restaurant (not that your 5 yr old needs that). I would suggest eating your big meal at lunch or doing an early dinner. We have relatives in Paris and their children are 5 and 3 now and they do not take them out dining in the evening. By the way don't treat McDonald's lightly ... they are one of the few genuinely non-smoking places in Paris and their rest rooms are usually clean! And kids are welcome. <BR>Seriously tho, in all the years we have been going back and forth to Paris we have seen very few kids dining in the evening. By the way, all the major dept. stores have a cafe too which would be "family friendly" I'm sure. <BR>I'd be concerned about smoke in most places tho, I can barely tolerate it and I'm well past 5 yrs old <BR>

susan

Jean, <BR> <BR>We have been living in Paris now for the past few months with a 2 and 6 year old. We've found that we could take our kids to most any brasserie and if you arrive by 7 for dinner it should be no problem. However, our kids' favorite is pizza and french pizza is very good so you might want to give that a try one night. We haven't had a bad pizza yet with the exception of Pizza Hut. Again, especially if your child is well behaved, you should be able to take her to most any restaurant if you go early enough (by 7).

have

Jean, we didn't see ANY children dining in restaurants during the evenings, but we were only in Paris for five days. <BR> <BR>If you get tired of hotel or fast food, consider the Carousel at the Louvre. Giant food court, lots of choices (including something your little one may eat), and very kid-friendly.

Jean

Thank you for your great replies. Looks like we'll make lunch the meal of the day and maybe do some evening pizza or picnic-type of meals. Thanks for the McAdvice - I would certainly have steered clear otherwise! Great point about the smoke too. <BR>~J

Caitlin

I'd also recommend creperies and cafes for your evening meals, as they are casual and offer continuous service, so you can eat earlier. They have a good variety, too, and plenty that a 5 y.o. will eat. BTW, we had a very good meal at Creperie Beaubourg, next to the fountain at Place Igor Stravinsky in front of the Pompidou Center, and it was the only place we ate in Paris where we were asked "fumeur ou non-fumeur?" Cafes and restaurants in the museums are strictly non-smoking as well.

Jean

Susan: since you are living there, wonder if I can ask you a question about traffic. On Friday afternoon, we'll be traveling from Chantilly down to our hotel in the 16th. Looks like this means taking the Ring Road. Can you tell me, is that like other urban beltways, generally clogged up at "rush hours" - especially on a Friday? We can figure other ways if it's to be avoided at all costs. (We have too little time in France to waste in a major traffic jam...!) Anyone else feel free to chime in.

em

check out the childrens section of the book Time-out Paris; they also have a web site with similiar info. That sect. lists places to eat w/kids as well as lots of good info on charming activities such as puppet shows, circuses, musical performances etc. French dining is also a longer affair than in US restaurants & as the mom of a wonderfully behaved former 5yo I know that even the most cooperative child can tolerate an hour but may lose it after 2hrs. Have fun. Try Amazon if you cant find time out .