First Trip to Europe--Paris
Sep 1st, 2012, 11:39 AM
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<< Honestly, we don't know our interests in terms of travel. >>
Not your interests in travel terms but in general terms. You must know what you like to do. For instance, do you like riding bikes, hiking, sculpture, music, crafts, cooking, etc.
Not your interests in travel terms but in general terms. You must know what you like to do. For instance, do you like riding bikes, hiking, sculpture, music, crafts, cooking, etc.
Sep 1st, 2012, 11:49 AM
#22
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Closer to December, Paris Walks will list their monthly walks. In the winter they often have more inside "walk" such as museums. One time I did a mosque tour with them and although I had been to the mosque before on my own it was more interesting with a guide.
I love off beat museums so I've been to the Lock & Key Museum & Post Museum. I like to go to the Rodin Museum and then to the Maillol Museum to compare 2 very different types of sculpture.
Choose an area and just walk around slowly and really look at things and look for things such as sundials on walls.
If you like literature you might want to to go to the Victor Hugo house. If you can understand French and like tapestry there's a Gobelins workshop which offers tours.
The Rick Steves Paris guide book is very limited. Check out the books in your library to see which ones appeal to you. If you do buy the RS book then you must have at least one more book that gives a comprehensive view of Paris.
I love off beat museums so I've been to the Lock & Key Museum & Post Museum. I like to go to the Rodin Museum and then to the Maillol Museum to compare 2 very different types of sculpture.
Choose an area and just walk around slowly and really look at things and look for things such as sundials on walls.
If you like literature you might want to to go to the Victor Hugo house. If you can understand French and like tapestry there's a Gobelins workshop which offers tours.
The Rick Steves Paris guide book is very limited. Check out the books in your library to see which ones appeal to you. If you do buy the RS book then you must have at least one more book that gives a comprehensive view of Paris.
Sep 1st, 2012, 12:13 PM
#23
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We went with three kids for 8 nights and we all wished we had more time. I wouldn't leave for Bruges for the day. We always use VRBO when we travel and have never had a bad experience. We stayed right across from the Notre Dame in a beautiful little apartment for less than $800 US. The kids all want to go back they loved it so much. We walked everywhere from there. Even walked to the Eiffel Tower and back and the kids were 4, 10 and 12 (had a stroller for youngest). Versailles is a MUST.
Sep 1st, 2012, 12:56 PM
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[I've skipped everything but know you'll get great advice--this would be a perfect place for Fodor's to place that helpful guides insertion, yes?]
egwright10, there is a guide (help, please, other Fodorites) that says, "if you have ___ days, see....". My late husband and I used that to validate places we chose after looking much reading.
I'm so excited for you and hope what I just posted makes sense. My eyes are seeing 'Bruges' above--if you do go and like lace, make sure you're there on the day the lace maker place (http://www.kantcentrum.eu/ ) is open.
egwright10, there is a guide (help, please, other Fodorites) that says, "if you have ___ days, see....". My late husband and I used that to validate places we chose after looking much reading.
I'm so excited for you and hope what I just posted makes sense. My eyes are seeing 'Bruges' above--if you do go and like lace, make sure you're there on the day the lace maker place (http://www.kantcentrum.eu/ ) is open.
Sep 1st, 2012, 01:30 PM
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Here is a two bedroom apartment we rented last year for two couples. It could not be more central, as it is two short blocks from Notre Dame -- you can hear the bells. http://www.vrbo.com/171773
Depending on the weather, the kids might get a kick out of a Segway tour.
http://citysegwaytours.com/paris/
Depending on the weather, the kids might get a kick out of a Segway tour.
http://citysegwaytours.com/paris/
Sep 1st, 2012, 02:18 PM
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We just returned from a trip to Paris with 2 teenagers in tow. If you're kids are not used to urban vacations, this will different for them for sure. You might want to prepare them in advance. Don't be put off by the graffiti and homeless people.
Dining: The french are into tartare everything. I wasn't overly impressed with the typically tourist dinners. Go off the beaten path to find unique restaurants. Waiters dont typically get tips, they can treat you as an annoyance. Wine is, of course, excellant. Pastries are great, get to the pastry shops by 10am when everything is freshest.
Touring: We visited in summer, so we maximized time outdoors. In december, you will spend most time indoors. Watch your stuff, especially smartphones. Paris right now is experiencing an epidemic of pickpockets due to the economy and problem with the 20K homeless Romas. If you spot a group of nicely dressed teen girls walking together, they are most likely trained Roma pickpockets. Lately they will take your stuff and use force to get it. Watch out, seriously there are hundreds of these girls in Paris and they all concentrated near the places you plan to visit. St Chappelle is under renovation. You should still go though. Definitely go to Versaille. You have to transfer to a local train to get there, but really no problem.
Master the subway system. Unlike Rome, Paris sites are spread out enough that you will need to take the Metro. Your teens will help you figure out the unground maze of tunnels pretty quickly. Plan to buy the carnets of 10 tickets. Do avoid rush hours. Some of the trains pack people like sardines during these times.
I found the people mostly very pleasant, especially if you attempt to speak in French to them. Paris is a beautiful, unique city with a deep history. You will enjoy.
Dining: The french are into tartare everything. I wasn't overly impressed with the typically tourist dinners. Go off the beaten path to find unique restaurants. Waiters dont typically get tips, they can treat you as an annoyance. Wine is, of course, excellant. Pastries are great, get to the pastry shops by 10am when everything is freshest.
Touring: We visited in summer, so we maximized time outdoors. In december, you will spend most time indoors. Watch your stuff, especially smartphones. Paris right now is experiencing an epidemic of pickpockets due to the economy and problem with the 20K homeless Romas. If you spot a group of nicely dressed teen girls walking together, they are most likely trained Roma pickpockets. Lately they will take your stuff and use force to get it. Watch out, seriously there are hundreds of these girls in Paris and they all concentrated near the places you plan to visit. St Chappelle is under renovation. You should still go though. Definitely go to Versaille. You have to transfer to a local train to get there, but really no problem.
Master the subway system. Unlike Rome, Paris sites are spread out enough that you will need to take the Metro. Your teens will help you figure out the unground maze of tunnels pretty quickly. Plan to buy the carnets of 10 tickets. Do avoid rush hours. Some of the trains pack people like sardines during these times.
I found the people mostly very pleasant, especially if you attempt to speak in French to them. Paris is a beautiful, unique city with a deep history. You will enjoy.
Sep 1st, 2012, 03:07 PM
#27
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eg: Unfortunately, the apartment we used when we took all the family is no longer available and we now rent 1 bedrooms.
I would second the suggestion of Michael Osman. He's a terrific guide and he's especially helpful in Pere Lechaise, to maximize finding all the famous people.
I would second the suggestion of Michael Osman. He's a terrific guide and he's especially helpful in Pere Lechaise, to maximize finding all the famous people.
Sep 2nd, 2012, 12:02 PM
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I'm also going to Paris with my 20 year old over Christmas 
Definitely get an apartment. There are a lot of sites out there - try googling "paris vacation rental" or "short term apartment rental"
The Christmas weeks (2 weeks that are standard US school winter holidays) are high demand weeks, so you'll pay a premium price. Still, and apartment is much better than a hotel. French hotels rooms are tiny - a double will be 2 twin beds, with maybe a couple of feet of space between them. And the last time I stayed in a French hotel, the bathroom door was glass! Not exactly the space or privacy I want when sharing a room with others
Plus, an apartment allows you to prepare many of your meals at home, which is a big plus if your kids decide they don't like the restaurant food, as well as for breakfast and snacking.
However, many rentals will have futons or sofabeds rather than real mattresses - make sure you read the site carefully. Also remember that the first floor in France is what we consider the 2nd floor - and many apartment buildings don't have elevators, so you need to know how many flights of stairs you'll have to climb with your luggage.
Travel guides: try Secret Paris as well as a more traditional guide book. It will give you things to do that are not quite so touristy - interesting places to go and things to see that are less well-known and will be less crowded (a plus during holiday season!) that the traditional museum tour. Definitely try to get to the Catacombs, though, because that's something you just can't do in the US at all.
Getting around: expect to walk a lot, so bring comfortable shoes and warm coats. Don't bother with any of the metro passes unless you just like the convenience of not having to dig out money - you'll probably only use about half of the value of the pass, especially if you stay in the middle of things.
Versailles is worth a trip if you like old architecture - the gardens will be dead, so only go if you would enjoy seeing the grandeur of the inside of the palace. It's magnificent if you like that type of thing - but I'll be going alone while my son hangs out in Paris on his own, since he has no interest in looking at buildings
And try to leave some time to just explore and wander around - there is too much to see to try to cram it all into a single visit, so don't even bother - that creates too much stress. There's a lot to be said for just walking around, getting food from a street vendor, etc.
Also, if you're going to go to museums, etc, make sure you check their schedules. They aren't open 7 days a week, and many are closed on Tuesdays, so check before you go so you aren't left out in the cold!
Definitely get an apartment. There are a lot of sites out there - try googling "paris vacation rental" or "short term apartment rental"
The Christmas weeks (2 weeks that are standard US school winter holidays) are high demand weeks, so you'll pay a premium price. Still, and apartment is much better than a hotel. French hotels rooms are tiny - a double will be 2 twin beds, with maybe a couple of feet of space between them. And the last time I stayed in a French hotel, the bathroom door was glass! Not exactly the space or privacy I want when sharing a room with others
Plus, an apartment allows you to prepare many of your meals at home, which is a big plus if your kids decide they don't like the restaurant food, as well as for breakfast and snacking.
However, many rentals will have futons or sofabeds rather than real mattresses - make sure you read the site carefully. Also remember that the first floor in France is what we consider the 2nd floor - and many apartment buildings don't have elevators, so you need to know how many flights of stairs you'll have to climb with your luggage.
Travel guides: try Secret Paris as well as a more traditional guide book. It will give you things to do that are not quite so touristy - interesting places to go and things to see that are less well-known and will be less crowded (a plus during holiday season!) that the traditional museum tour. Definitely try to get to the Catacombs, though, because that's something you just can't do in the US at all.
Getting around: expect to walk a lot, so bring comfortable shoes and warm coats. Don't bother with any of the metro passes unless you just like the convenience of not having to dig out money - you'll probably only use about half of the value of the pass, especially if you stay in the middle of things.
Versailles is worth a trip if you like old architecture - the gardens will be dead, so only go if you would enjoy seeing the grandeur of the inside of the palace. It's magnificent if you like that type of thing - but I'll be going alone while my son hangs out in Paris on his own, since he has no interest in looking at buildings
And try to leave some time to just explore and wander around - there is too much to see to try to cram it all into a single visit, so don't even bother - that creates too much stress. There's a lot to be said for just walking around, getting food from a street vendor, etc.
Also, if you're going to go to museums, etc, make sure you check their schedules. They aren't open 7 days a week, and many are closed on Tuesdays, so check before you go so you aren't left out in the cold!
Sep 2nd, 2012, 01:29 PM
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The Paris Mosque is nice in winter: they cover the courtyard where you have tea and heat it. Also Musee Carnavalet in the Marais is interesting, and Centre Pompidou had interesting stuff on metaverses and data visualization that even my 15yo son found interesting.
I'd skip walking down the Champs Elysees, but I'd definitely take city buses, much nicer than the Metro and there are lines that take you past the hotspots.
Do consider Palais de Tokyo or Fondation Cartier for an off the beaten track museum experience. Also there are great photography places: Jeu de Paume and MEP come to mind. And of course, in December the big department stores will have their display windows!
Good food and beer is to be had in Le frog & le Rosbif if you feel you need a british antidote to French cafe culture.
I'd skip walking down the Champs Elysees, but I'd definitely take city buses, much nicer than the Metro and there are lines that take you past the hotspots.
Do consider Palais de Tokyo or Fondation Cartier for an off the beaten track museum experience. Also there are great photography places: Jeu de Paume and MEP come to mind. And of course, in December the big department stores will have their display windows!
Good food and beer is to be had in Le frog & le Rosbif if you feel you need a british antidote to French cafe culture.
Sep 2nd, 2012, 04:22 PM
#31
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Thank you everyone for the great recommendations. I am especially excited about the apartment, nukesafe- it really does look lovely. I am working on tickets and hotel/apartment over the next few days so I will get back to all of you when I start putting together the first draft of our itinerary.
Sep 2nd, 2012, 10:42 PM
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If you really need help you can walk into any hotel and ask a question. If you need medical help, stop in any pharmacy. If you need other help the police are all over the place and are so helpful.
Sep 3rd, 2012, 11:19 AM
#34
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We were in Paris two years ago for Christmas and had a great time...T/R links are below if you want to read about what we did, etc...
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-fantastic.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ch-smaller.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-fantastic.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ch-smaller.cfm
Sep 3rd, 2012, 11:52 AM
#35
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I think what Gretchen suggests is valid and good advice.
Given that this is your first trip to Europe, let alone your first trip to France, a country with different customs and a different language, and it being a group of four of you, not just yourself, a hotel will give you less to worry about and more time and space to enjoy getting around and discovering the wonders of this city. You'll probably find yourself planning your next visit and planning an apartment rental once you understand and know the lay of the land better.
However only you know your family best and how they'd operate under these circumstances.
Given that this is your first trip to Europe, let alone your first trip to France, a country with different customs and a different language, and it being a group of four of you, not just yourself, a hotel will give you less to worry about and more time and space to enjoy getting around and discovering the wonders of this city. You'll probably find yourself planning your next visit and planning an apartment rental once you understand and know the lay of the land better.
However only you know your family best and how they'd operate under these circumstances.
Sep 3rd, 2012, 11:56 AM
#36
Paris is HUGE. My best suggestion for a hotel/apartment location is to get a map of Paris. Study it to understand how the numbered arrondisements work (they go outward from 1 in a spiral shape) and where the main site/sights you want to visit are located. I would choose to stay somewhere central (4, 5, 6 or maybe 7).
Sep 3rd, 2012, 12:33 PM
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Here's a link to one of Kerouac's wonderful photo-essays to get you in the mood for Christmas in Paris:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...paris-2011.cfm
Kerouac has photographed and written about many interesting neighborhoods in Paris. Just click on his username in the post above to find links to his many contributions.
I agree with those who recommend an apartment for you and your family. Also agree with suze's recommendation for location. If I were visiting in December, I would want to be very centrally located for walking around to most sites first-time visitors want to see.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...paris-2011.cfm
Kerouac has photographed and written about many interesting neighborhoods in Paris. Just click on his username in the post above to find links to his many contributions.
I agree with those who recommend an apartment for you and your family. Also agree with suze's recommendation for location. If I were visiting in December, I would want to be very centrally located for walking around to most sites first-time visitors want to see.
Sep 4th, 2012, 04:53 PM
#38
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I appreciate your concerns regarding an apartment, but given the dynamics of our family it just seems better for us not to stay in a hotel.
At this time I am in contact with someone regarding a property in the 4th arrondissement, on the Ile de la Cite. The price is reasonable ($1921 USD) for a week and will offer us 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms (2 showers and toilets).
I have researched some of our interests and are planning one special "something" for everyone- baking macaroons at Cook'n With Class, a teen shopping tour, wine tasting and a stop at the Paris St. Germain stadium.
The family is trying to decide whether to take a day trip to Versailles or Brussels. Doing both is out of the question. I know many of you said that leaving Paris with just a week's stay is foolish, but we are up for doing something different. Right now we are leaning away from Versailles as the gardens will not be quite as beautiful.
Thanks to denisea for sharing your Christmas vacation links
At this time I am in contact with someone regarding a property in the 4th arrondissement, on the Ile de la Cite. The price is reasonable ($1921 USD) for a week and will offer us 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms (2 showers and toilets).
I have researched some of our interests and are planning one special "something" for everyone- baking macaroons at Cook'n With Class, a teen shopping tour, wine tasting and a stop at the Paris St. Germain stadium.
The family is trying to decide whether to take a day trip to Versailles or Brussels. Doing both is out of the question. I know many of you said that leaving Paris with just a week's stay is foolish, but we are up for doing something different. Right now we are leaning away from Versailles as the gardens will not be quite as beautiful.
Thanks to denisea for sharing your Christmas vacation links
Sep 5th, 2012, 09:33 AM
#39
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There is plenty to do in Paris for 6 days, but I completely understand your desire to do something different, especially since it is your first trip to Europe. However, read up on Brussels to determine what you would like to do there. I didn't find it all that interesting. I like Bruges much better, but the train there is twice as long as Brussels.
Sep 6th, 2012, 04:00 AM
#40
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Interesting thought- So many of you have suggested we NOT take the day trip to Brussels, citing a lack of things to do when there is still so much to see in Paris. We are really interested in trying to do something a bit different while away and trying to break up the trip so...I just saw another post about a couple traveling to London for a long day. What do you think about that? If we can get Eurostar tickets and leave early in the morning and return late that evening, is it worth just going for a day to experience a taste of London? I realize we would see very little, but seeing a lot isn't really the point of going for a day. What are your thoughts on this crazy idea?
