Burgundy Barge Trip with 1 Year Old?
#1
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Burgundy Barge Trip with 1 Year Old?
Has anyone done a barge trip with a small child on board? Our family of 7 (including the 1 year old) is planning a spring 2007 trip to France. We are trying to decide between a week in an apartment in Paris with side trips, or doing a barge trip. Does anyone have experience with either?
Thanks ahead for any replies.
Lucy
Thanks ahead for any replies.
Lucy
#2
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I would think that a week in a Paris apt. would be a much better option for a 1 year old. When my kids were one, they liked to wander and try out their new walking skills. I can't imagine dealing with a 1 year old on a barge (even if there were 6 adults to look after the child).
An apt. is an excellent option with a toddler because you have can eat some meals in the apt. (it's difficult for any 1 year old to dine out for every meal over a week). Also, the toddler can roam aroudn the apt. and if he needs more space, Paris has lots of child friendly parks.
An apt. is an excellent option with a toddler because you have can eat some meals in the apt. (it's difficult for any 1 year old to dine out for every meal over a week). Also, the toddler can roam aroudn the apt. and if he needs more space, Paris has lots of child friendly parks.
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No experience with a barge 54lucy but with a boat (a large cabin cruiser that friends had at the time my daughter was a toddler). It didn't seem to bother my friends but I was a nervous wreck. We finally quit joining them although their invitations were so appreciated. Toddlers and water vessles don't really work to well in my experience. I would rent an apartment, I truly think you would find that much for relaxing and fun for all of you. Best wishes.
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think about being with your kids in a large car going aout 15 miles per hour for a week. I'd love to do one of the barge trips, but know that my kids (13,11,8, and 7) would not enjoy it after the first day or two.
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Another thought 54lucy, I don't know if it is necessary on a barge but when we took our little one on our friends cabin cruiser we put a babysize approved life vest on her. She had to wear it the entire time. She was not happy about that, lol. And I sure understood as life vests in my experience can get very uncomfortable especially if the weather is hot.
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also, there are side trips to restaurants, biking trips, châteaux tours, all that...I am not sure whether a one year old would restrict you in that regard...whereas in Paris...it is much easier to accommodate these issues...
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I've seen barges in Europe that families obviously live on - laundry hanging and a tiny car on the barge. They actually have a harness and line for their toddlers...the line seems to be long enough to allow the child some distance to run around.
#8
Save a barge trip for when the child is older -- Barges will always be there. The best thing about a barge vacation is that it is so restful - but w/ a toddler on board you would never be able to let your guard down for an instant. Not that you wouldn't have to be watchful abywhere - but the lure of the water, ducks, swans and all just makes a boat trip more difficult.
#9
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Thanks so much to everyone who replied. I think you're all right, and for now, at least, the barge thing is not very do-able (sp?) with a small child. We appreciate all of your replies. The apartment it is!
Lucy
Lucy
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