Report from Paris with a toddler
Dec 28th, 2007, 04:39 PM
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Report from Paris with a toddler
After endless hours searching this forum, my departure for Paris was finally due.
My entourage of a toddler (1 year old) and my mother (in her fifty second year) did not share my obsession. But my I know my mother was thrilled in a more normal and civilized manner
We departed from Gardemoen (Oslo) early, and arrived at Orly about 10. The trip was quite quick, and my little one entertained us with giggles and smiles. (Hallelujah!)
My entourage of a toddler (1 year old) and my mother (in her fifty second year) did not share my obsession. But my I know my mother was thrilled in a more normal and civilized manner
We departed from Gardemoen (Oslo) early, and arrived at Orly about 10. The trip was quite quick, and my little one entertained us with giggles and smiles. (Hallelujah!)
Dec 28th, 2007, 04:40 PM
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We ate and rested at the airport, before we started our quest on the RER and metro, aiming for Hotel Saint Jacques. But first, a coffee and a croissant.
What an perfect start on our Parisian experience. The coffee just as strong and fine grind so I almost could smell the earth is was grown in, and the croissant as fat and soothing as I dreamt of. Well - not bad for a airport cafe, hihi.
We bought tickets for the Orlyval, the RER B and the metro at the "help your self machine". My one-year old did not have to pay, so the price was 18 e. We could pay with coins, bills or credit card (I think). Its in French, but you don't need to be a linguistic to crack the code.
We were equipped with one luggage each, and a MacLarren children's carriage. We learned that its better to take the escalator over the lift, even with the carriage. Its manageable with one cart luggage, but it gets kind of stressing and disturbing (in a bad way) with the second cart. I know for a fact - we tried that when we returned.
The French showed an remarkable attitude of politeness. People stopped to ask us if we needed help, and carried our luggage and baby carriage up and down metro stares.
What an perfect start on our Parisian experience. The coffee just as strong and fine grind so I almost could smell the earth is was grown in, and the croissant as fat and soothing as I dreamt of. Well - not bad for a airport cafe, hihi.
We bought tickets for the Orlyval, the RER B and the metro at the "help your self machine". My one-year old did not have to pay, so the price was 18 e. We could pay with coins, bills or credit card (I think). Its in French, but you don't need to be a linguistic to crack the code.
We were equipped with one luggage each, and a MacLarren children's carriage. We learned that its better to take the escalator over the lift, even with the carriage. Its manageable with one cart luggage, but it gets kind of stressing and disturbing (in a bad way) with the second cart. I know for a fact - we tried that when we returned.
The French showed an remarkable attitude of politeness. People stopped to ask us if we needed help, and carried our luggage and baby carriage up and down metro stares.
Dec 28th, 2007, 04:41 PM
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We came up from the metro, and the very first thing I saw was the Notre Dame. So beautiful! We walked the few meters to the hotel, and soaked in the atmosphere.
The hotel St. Jaqcues is mentioned on this board many times, and I thank for the help to find it. I think the rate was 115 e for a superior double room. (#9) The service was superb, and the room was nice with a great bath and "balcony". The breakfast was very good. I can recommend the hotel, for its location, great service and the size of the rooms.
The hotel St. Jaqcues is mentioned on this board many times, and I thank for the help to find it. I think the rate was 115 e for a superior double room. (#9) The service was superb, and the room was nice with a great bath and "balcony". The breakfast was very good. I can recommend the hotel, for its location, great service and the size of the rooms.
Dec 28th, 2007, 04:57 PM
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Great report! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip! I'm so glad to hear you had a great stay at the Hotel St. Jacques. Also based on reviews here and on tripadvisor, my two friends and I booked a room for our overnight trip to Paris in a week!
Dec 28th, 2007, 05:05 PM
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Great report. My husband and I are contemplating our trip for 2008 with our one year old and Paris on the short list. I can't wait to hear what you did in Paris and how you found traveling there with a very young child. Where did your baby sleep by the way (in a travel cot? in the bed with you?)?
Dec 28th, 2007, 05:25 PM
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Thank you for encouragement! The Parisians are truly helpful!
We had agreed with the St. Jaqcues that my son could sleep in my bed. I know he feels safe close to me, so that was a good choice. I put him to bed in his carriage, and just took him over to my bed when he woke up in the night.
We had agreed with the St. Jaqcues that my son could sleep in my bed. I know he feels safe close to me, so that was a good choice. I put him to bed in his carriage, and just took him over to my bed when he woke up in the night.
Dec 28th, 2007, 05:25 PM
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We put our luggage in the room, and went out to see the Notre Dame. We stopped to taste a baguette in the street. The owner offered us some complimentary tea as we waited on our chevre/honey baguette to be grilled. Both tasted so intensely good. We looked into every little shop on the way down to the church, and made shopping plans for the following day.
The Notre Dame is so big, so pale and so elegant. We had beautiful crisp clear weather, so we walked around it to look at it from every angle. We met a scam or two, but they did not bother us. I think maybe the carriage help us in that way.
The style of the church is quite intriguing on the outside, but I did not love it until we got inside. On each side of the entrance and exit of the church there was someone asking for money. The funny thing was, that it seemed to be some kind of system among the beggars. There was only one at the time, and when their time was up, another one was ready to take over.
The Notre Dame is so big, so pale and so elegant. We had beautiful crisp clear weather, so we walked around it to look at it from every angle. We met a scam or two, but they did not bother us. I think maybe the carriage help us in that way.
The style of the church is quite intriguing on the outside, but I did not love it until we got inside. On each side of the entrance and exit of the church there was someone asking for money. The funny thing was, that it seemed to be some kind of system among the beggars. There was only one at the time, and when their time was up, another one was ready to take over.
Dec 29th, 2007, 03:43 PM
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Inside the church, it was kind of a tourist feeling. People talked quite loudly, and even in this time of year it was many of us inside.
But that will never ruin such a beautiful place. The two enourmus round tainted windows gave me a feeling of awe.
We lit candles and I bought home some candles for my friends. (Very chic and trendy in the interior designs back home. And to me they represent a true value, a candle for prairs).
Outside some cafe served warmed wine. We bought a cup, and went back to the hotel to rest my little one. Mmmm
But that will never ruin such a beautiful place. The two enourmus round tainted windows gave me a feeling of awe.
We lit candles and I bought home some candles for my friends. (Very chic and trendy in the interior designs back home. And to me they represent a true value, a candle for prairs).
Outside some cafe served warmed wine. We bought a cup, and went back to the hotel to rest my little one. Mmmm
Dec 29th, 2007, 04:03 PM
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We wanted to see the St.Germain area after our nap.
We walked the streets looking at the patisseries, the florists, the small shops and the Christmas markets.
There were handmade wooden Christmas decorations, crafted wool items, plastic fantastics, foods, drinks and most important to the locals: Christmas cakes.
It was cold, no snow, but the feeling of Christmas came close as it got dark, and the lights came on.
Around us families were coming home from work, schools and kinder gardens. We adored the small children in their carriage as they chewed on their crepe de chocolate. I was glad to learn I'm not the only one who bribe my little one when the going gets tough
We walked the streets looking at the patisseries, the florists, the small shops and the Christmas markets.
There were handmade wooden Christmas decorations, crafted wool items, plastic fantastics, foods, drinks and most important to the locals: Christmas cakes.
It was cold, no snow, but the feeling of Christmas came close as it got dark, and the lights came on.
Around us families were coming home from work, schools and kinder gardens. We adored the small children in their carriage as they chewed on their crepe de chocolate. I was glad to learn I'm not the only one who bribe my little one when the going gets tough
Dec 29th, 2007, 04:17 PM
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My toddler was too exited just to look at all people, cars and lights. He really enjoyed himself, and that was a relief, as it’s easy to get the feeling that you’re putting yourself first when travelling.
We had planned to eat at a Paul’s or Chez Clément (Both recommended to be VERY child friendly), but as my son would not go to sleep we decided to have a picnic in our room instead.
We bought baguettes, red wine, grilled warm chicken and raspberry tartlet.
We had been walking the whole day, and both my mother and I was getting a little aggressive at this point.
We were glad to get to the hotel and after putting my little one to bed we ate. I had brought a water boiler so that my kid could get his milk (it has to be warm). At that point it was a blessing, but we later found the boiler to be a BIG mistake. We’ll get to that later.
As we drank our coffee from cups we made out of my sons disposable dinner jars, the hunger and the soar feet faded away, and we were ready for the new day to come.
We had planned to eat at a Paul’s or Chez Clément (Both recommended to be VERY child friendly), but as my son would not go to sleep we decided to have a picnic in our room instead.
We bought baguettes, red wine, grilled warm chicken and raspberry tartlet.
We had been walking the whole day, and both my mother and I was getting a little aggressive at this point.
We were glad to get to the hotel and after putting my little one to bed we ate. I had brought a water boiler so that my kid could get his milk (it has to be warm). At that point it was a blessing, but we later found the boiler to be a BIG mistake. We’ll get to that later.
As we drank our coffee from cups we made out of my sons disposable dinner jars, the hunger and the soar feet faded away, and we were ready for the new day to come.
Dec 30th, 2007, 12:26 PM
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The next morning started delightfully in the hotels breakfast dining room. Served at the table by a wonderful madame: Coffee, orange juice, fig jam, quince jam, nugetta, butter, baguette, croissant, (with and without chocolate) and a cake (!).
I can’t really enjoy chocolate and sweets in the morning, but it gave the right feeling I can assure you.
My son made friends with a little girl about 6 months old. It’s funny to see how small children are drawn to each other. We exchanged some words, and I think they also found travelling with a little one enjoyable.
I can’t really enjoy chocolate and sweets in the morning, but it gave the right feeling I can assure you.
My son made friends with a little girl about 6 months old. It’s funny to see how small children are drawn to each other. We exchanged some words, and I think they also found travelling with a little one enjoyable.
Dec 30th, 2007, 12:27 PM
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We were out shopping. In the 5th there are a lot of normal shops for residents as well as touristspecials. I really like the atmosphere in “our” street. Nothing fancy, just normal people, normal shops and normal tourists.
We went over to the island to the Dame, and bought home a vintage poster for 1,50 e in a tourist shop. I love such goofy stuff. I also bought a key chain of the Eiffel, but I was too embarrassed to tell my mother. (So kitschy!)
We decided to head for Les Halles. On our way we took a look at the people skating outside Hotel de Ville. Romance is at every corner in Paris…
We had some trouble finding our way. As soon as we fumbled up a map, two unconnected people passing stopped to ask us if we needed help. I have to say we were overwhelmed by the good will the Parisians showed us.
We went over to the island to the Dame, and bought home a vintage poster for 1,50 e in a tourist shop. I love such goofy stuff. I also bought a key chain of the Eiffel, but I was too embarrassed to tell my mother. (So kitschy!)
We decided to head for Les Halles. On our way we took a look at the people skating outside Hotel de Ville. Romance is at every corner in Paris…
We had some trouble finding our way. As soon as we fumbled up a map, two unconnected people passing stopped to ask us if we needed help. I have to say we were overwhelmed by the good will the Parisians showed us.
