Howard

I think you'll be okay, Nolene. We did see a lot of French families with strollers all over the city. Just a few "little" problems:
1. I'm not sure if they're allowed in museums, so you might have to check it.
2. There are a lot of stairs in the metro stations, especially if you are changing trains.
3. You'll probably have to fold up the stroller if you go to a sidewalk cafe, as the tables are usually very close to each other.
All in all, however, I don't see any major problems. There are so wonderful park and open areas (Tuileries Gardens, Luxembourg Gardens, Place de Vosges, for example) that will be easy for you to maneuver around.
I would recommend that you NOT go to Pere Lachaise Cemetery, as it would not be fun to push a stroller along those cobblestone streets/paths.

nolene

Thank you Howard for your response. The cemetry was on my to do list, but a good walk for a three year old will make for a good nights sleep. Once again thanks.

Howard

I'm not sure how interested the 3-year-old will be in Pere Lachaise, but you and the other adults will find it fascinating. Make sure you buy a map just outside the entrance and then take the time to plot out a route to seek out the plots you want to see.
You all will sleep well the evening after your trek through the cemetery....but it'll be after spending some most interesting hours there.

Congrats

Congrats Howard! This post was listed as the best thread on the entire Fodor's site over on the US board. They started a thread there asking people to list the best and worst posts on the site and yours was immediately recognized as the best because of how detailed it was. So congratulations to you, and keep up the good work!

Tothetop

Topping for those planning a trip to Paris who haven't seen this post. It's the best one!

Paula

Topping for Karen ....

Larry

We, too, would like to compliment you Howard, even if it is a 3-month old posting. You provide some good notes and views. We travel to Europe, including Paris, in 3 weeks (first timers) and we've copied several of your notes which we look forward to using. We will be driving a van to Paris, and was planning to just park it wherever the hotel parking is and leave it. But we were wondering about driving around Paris and also out to Versailles: would it be practical in your estimation, Howard (if you're still viewing this post, or anyone else out there if you can offer a view - thanks)?

Howard

Thanks for the kind words, Larry. I'm glad to hear that this post has been helpful your planning. That's what it's all about. Please let us know after the trip your reactions.
In response to your questions, I definitely would not drive around Paris. Once you get there, you'll see what I mean. Traffic is very, very heavy and slow moving. Further, I found Parisian drivers to be very aggresive. The city's metro and bus system can get around much easier.
Also, I think it might be easier to take the RER to Versailles, a Parisian suburb, rather than driving. The train is very convenient and the station in Versailles is a short walk to the chateau.
If you were going to the Loire Valley or Giverny, then I'd take the car.

starrsville

topping an oldie but goodie

HowardR

Wow, starrsville, am I ever flattered (and shocked) to see this old post of mine brought to the top.
I most humble appreciation!

starrsville

I wondered if you were that Howard.

I was searching for Versailles summer pictures with kids for a current poster when I found this.

I hope the poster with the detailed (minute by minute, route by route) plan of Paris reads it too!

HowardR

starrsville, I agree about insanity of a minute-by-minute plan. (Hey, we may agree about the theater, but we sure do on the important travel issues!)
We didn't even cover everything on our A list in the 13-day trip to Paris. Did we regret anything? Well, really only that we wish the trip was even longer...but we didn't and still don't regret not having seen "everything" on that trip!

HowardR

Ooops, starrsville, that should have said, "We may NOT agree about the theater....."

starrsville

Actually, I think Wicked is the only (specific) thing we've disagreed on. If all of life was that simple!

Scarlett

Oh ! this is really an oldie but Goodie!
Thanks for topping it

beachgirl86

What a great trip report! I am headed to Paris next winter, and this has lots of great tips....thanks, Howard BTW....we are off to Anguilla in 4 weeks and your experiences on the Caribbean board are ever so helpful!

HowardR

Thanks for the kind words about this thread. But, I can't take credit for anything on the Caribbean board. It must be a different Howard!

cigalechanta

I missed this first time around. Fashion note,Today, instead of orange hair, it's more of an metallic red.

stormbird

Hey Howard - great report but would like to check out your photos - could you confirm again the address http://traveurope.net/fodorite.fodor.htm as I am getting a 'cannot open page' etc.
Many thanks

HowardR

stormbird, there's a new address:
http://fodorite.fisherfowler.net
When you get there, click on "Fodorite pictures on this site" in the upper left-hand portion. Then, you'll see a bunch of listings. My Paris pictures are (naturally) in the French section.
While you're on the site, you might want to look at my three sets of photos from Italy.
I hope you enjoy them.
Howard