First Trip to France
Jan 31st, 2007 | 04:21 PM
#26
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
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Do not let friends/neighbors deter you from traveling with your kids! We always have our kids with us and don't regret it at all, even when they were younger.
I think your plan is good. In Paris we did not have a quad room as the hotel was rennovating it, so we had two rooms, next to each other. It worked out fine.
In Rome, we had a quad at the Hotel Miami. Great hotel, the staff were really good with the kids, and it was within walking distance to everything. Our room had two twin beds, and then a separate room with a queen bed. The room was quite large and we never felt like we were tripping over each other.
In Florence we had a quad room at the Hotel Casci. The owners of this hotel are great, and really do everything to make your stay perfect. Our room there also had two twin beds and then a queen, but no separate areas. The bathroom was kind of small, but it wasn't a problem. Just not as large as the hotel in Rome. The location of the Casci is great.
I would highly recommend both of these hotels for families.
I think your plan is good. In Paris we did not have a quad room as the hotel was rennovating it, so we had two rooms, next to each other. It worked out fine.
In Rome, we had a quad at the Hotel Miami. Great hotel, the staff were really good with the kids, and it was within walking distance to everything. Our room had two twin beds, and then a separate room with a queen bed. The room was quite large and we never felt like we were tripping over each other.
In Florence we had a quad room at the Hotel Casci. The owners of this hotel are great, and really do everything to make your stay perfect. Our room there also had two twin beds and then a queen, but no separate areas. The bathroom was kind of small, but it wasn't a problem. Just not as large as the hotel in Rome. The location of the Casci is great.
I would highly recommend both of these hotels for families.
Jan 31st, 2007 | 05:14 PM
#29
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,755
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..re Paris- the sewers (yes the sewers not a misprint). My boys loved the armor at Les Invalides. My son loved the guided tour at the conciergerie. It was in French but as he had no English (except at home) until he was 10 it was a non issue (someone else can help you on the board as to the possibility of an English tour)..They loved the bateau bus. We went to Scieux which is on the RER. There is a lovely garden by Le Notre. We had a lovely family picnic and the kids kicked a soccer ball. The Louvre was not a hit except for the Egyptian room. We have visited the Chateaux..I think I did a quicky visit with each of the kids. I think there was a sound and light show at one, but I can't remember if they run in June. One of my kids loved Malmaison because he had done a history report on Napoleon..My children can't wait for their Paris visits to Bertiaunne for great ice cream. I hope this is of some help for Paris (I have trouble remembering the bits as I lived in Paris with my eldest...and on later trips with younger kids in tow we often visited friends and family so what we did was different so I have tried to remember the more touristy things we did when with N.A friends. In Rome..They loved the mouth of truth..The Vatican impressed..The colleseum was OK but the forum wasn't..They enjoyed the gardens of the Villa Borgese.. I had a great afternoon with one of my kids when he was about 11. We sat at a cafe on the Plaza Navonne..It was in March or April and very uncrowded. He felt very grown up. We had a nice walk with the kids through the Travestevare(?sp)..Pizza and a walk near the river... Even when the kids were little (I think from about 8 on, I would give them a "coffee table type book or a guide book with pictures and have each of the kids pick out some thing(s) they would like to do...I was really surprized by some of there choices..things I hadn't thought of. I think too when something isn't working, I just cut and run..I always try to have a back up plan.
Jan 31st, 2007 | 10:15 PM
#31
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,266
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I just saw your post about traveling for the first time to Europe with your kids - have a great time!
It sounds like you've decided on an "all-city" trip. Does your family enjoy cities, and will you find it enjoyable and exhilerating to be in big cities for 2 weeks? If maybe not, then consider instead of Florence, maybe 2-3 days outside one of your destinations. I know you've mentioned Florence for relaxing, but it's still a big city. We took our son (then 10) for his first trip to Europe in 2005, and he loves big cities. Nevertheless, we felt it would also be good for him to experience rural Europe a bit, so we traveled to London, then the Loire Valley for 3 nights, then Paris. He loved it all, but London best (we loved Paris best). We're returning to Europe with him this Spring, this time to Spain (Barcelona), southwest France (castles in the Dordogne and environs), finishing with 2 more days in Paris. (The only reason we're not taking him to Rome this trip, which he would LOVE, is that we did an adults-only trip there last fall.) One thing that he and we all enjoyed about the time in the Loire, in small towns, was that we could sit in a cafe and feel comfortable with him wandering around on his own, to nearby stores. I don't think I'd do that in Rome, Paris or Florence.
I'm a big history buff, and exposed him to all that I could before we left. Kid-oriented books about London in Shakespeare's time, which I thought were fun, he found boring. We read the Hunchback of Notre Dame together, and it really brought Notre Dame alive for him, and made our visit there fantastic. For this trip, we're reading the Da Vinci Code - we're enjoying the book and having fun separating fantasy from reality! I can't remember that we watched any movies, though I'm sure there are a bunch. We got him the Nintendo game "Age of Empires" for Christmas, and it's actually got quite a bit of accurate history, as well as leading him to ask questions about, for example, Joan of Arc and Richard the Lion-Heart, both of which fit in great with travels in France!
My son likes the French Asterix comic book series (in English). He's learning some history (French and Roman), and engaging in something that French kids enjoy.
My son hasn't done so well with me assigning him entire trip-planning activities, but will help me with trip-planning. For example, I've shown him websites for various chateaux, and had him tell me which looks interesting to him (and why). I would say that giving him a short list, and having him work from there, has worked the best for us. The Eyewitness guides (checked out from the library) have been useful, because they have many good pictures. But websites are even better, because the pictures are bigger!
For both trips, we've said everybody gets to choose "must-sees." It's not all about him! I did notice that, as the trip went on, he was more interested in visiting places like museums (which, to be honest, he usually likes more than most kids his age). And there were some places that were must-sees just because of historical importance; even those he usually liked.
We had no issues with food or him wanting to eat "American" food (unlike me on my family's first trip to England, a very long time ago). But we've always eaten a big variety of foods, and told him about what we've eaten on our adults-only trips. Before our trip, we went to a casual French restaurant in our hometown, where he tried croque-monsieur - he was hooked, and loves them now! In Paris, we had fun trying different pastries (small ones) from a bakery near our hotel each morning.
We planned our trip starting in London, where it would be the same language. But I did notice that being in France didn't bother him at all. Kids exist kind of in a bubble, and as long as mom and dad are in charge, my son didn't seem to care what language people spoke. At the age of 10, kids don't have many direct dealing with people while traveling anywhere, if you think about it. I did teach him some basic French, and he did order his own food items most of the time.
Have a wonderful time planning your trip!
It sounds like you've decided on an "all-city" trip. Does your family enjoy cities, and will you find it enjoyable and exhilerating to be in big cities for 2 weeks? If maybe not, then consider instead of Florence, maybe 2-3 days outside one of your destinations. I know you've mentioned Florence for relaxing, but it's still a big city. We took our son (then 10) for his first trip to Europe in 2005, and he loves big cities. Nevertheless, we felt it would also be good for him to experience rural Europe a bit, so we traveled to London, then the Loire Valley for 3 nights, then Paris. He loved it all, but London best (we loved Paris best). We're returning to Europe with him this Spring, this time to Spain (Barcelona), southwest France (castles in the Dordogne and environs), finishing with 2 more days in Paris. (The only reason we're not taking him to Rome this trip, which he would LOVE, is that we did an adults-only trip there last fall.) One thing that he and we all enjoyed about the time in the Loire, in small towns, was that we could sit in a cafe and feel comfortable with him wandering around on his own, to nearby stores. I don't think I'd do that in Rome, Paris or Florence.
I'm a big history buff, and exposed him to all that I could before we left. Kid-oriented books about London in Shakespeare's time, which I thought were fun, he found boring. We read the Hunchback of Notre Dame together, and it really brought Notre Dame alive for him, and made our visit there fantastic. For this trip, we're reading the Da Vinci Code - we're enjoying the book and having fun separating fantasy from reality! I can't remember that we watched any movies, though I'm sure there are a bunch. We got him the Nintendo game "Age of Empires" for Christmas, and it's actually got quite a bit of accurate history, as well as leading him to ask questions about, for example, Joan of Arc and Richard the Lion-Heart, both of which fit in great with travels in France!
My son likes the French Asterix comic book series (in English). He's learning some history (French and Roman), and engaging in something that French kids enjoy.
My son hasn't done so well with me assigning him entire trip-planning activities, but will help me with trip-planning. For example, I've shown him websites for various chateaux, and had him tell me which looks interesting to him (and why). I would say that giving him a short list, and having him work from there, has worked the best for us. The Eyewitness guides (checked out from the library) have been useful, because they have many good pictures. But websites are even better, because the pictures are bigger!
For both trips, we've said everybody gets to choose "must-sees." It's not all about him! I did notice that, as the trip went on, he was more interested in visiting places like museums (which, to be honest, he usually likes more than most kids his age). And there were some places that were must-sees just because of historical importance; even those he usually liked.
We had no issues with food or him wanting to eat "American" food (unlike me on my family's first trip to England, a very long time ago). But we've always eaten a big variety of foods, and told him about what we've eaten on our adults-only trips. Before our trip, we went to a casual French restaurant in our hometown, where he tried croque-monsieur - he was hooked, and loves them now! In Paris, we had fun trying different pastries (small ones) from a bakery near our hotel each morning.
We planned our trip starting in London, where it would be the same language. But I did notice that being in France didn't bother him at all. Kids exist kind of in a bubble, and as long as mom and dad are in charge, my son didn't seem to care what language people spoke. At the age of 10, kids don't have many direct dealing with people while traveling anywhere, if you think about it. I did teach him some basic French, and he did order his own food items most of the time.
Have a wonderful time planning your trip!
Feb 1st, 2007 | 03:22 AM
#32
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,366
Likes: 0
Emily;
Since I started this whole "involving the kids" aspect of the thread, here is my advice;
Once you know where you want to go - paris and Rome, I see, research and find things in each city that you think would appeal to your kids - Euro Disney, maybe?
Then, sit down with them and discuss them - the options your son asked about - and work them into your plan on a fairly specific timetable.
Your kids will NOT enjoy all of the sightseeing that is so central to your experience, they simply don't have the maturity nor the lifetime of expectations that you do to make it as pleasing. What will help them, and therefore you, in getting past their boredom at looking at stuff is knowing that there is something for them to look forward to.
Taking time to put kid only, perhaps "non-European activities" into the mix will make it go more smoothly for everyone.
Maybe they want to go to a water park, spend a day at a beach, etc..
I disagree with those who say you are making a mistake - you may not see the benefits that your children gain on a daily basis, but they are going to remember this and it will enrich their lives.
So far I have 1 committed world traveler from my three and I think the other two are going to get the bug.
Since I started this whole "involving the kids" aspect of the thread, here is my advice;
Once you know where you want to go - paris and Rome, I see, research and find things in each city that you think would appeal to your kids - Euro Disney, maybe?
Then, sit down with them and discuss them - the options your son asked about - and work them into your plan on a fairly specific timetable.
Your kids will NOT enjoy all of the sightseeing that is so central to your experience, they simply don't have the maturity nor the lifetime of expectations that you do to make it as pleasing. What will help them, and therefore you, in getting past their boredom at looking at stuff is knowing that there is something for them to look forward to.
Taking time to put kid only, perhaps "non-European activities" into the mix will make it go more smoothly for everyone.
Maybe they want to go to a water park, spend a day at a beach, etc..
I disagree with those who say you are making a mistake - you may not see the benefits that your children gain on a daily basis, but they are going to remember this and it will enrich their lives.
So far I have 1 committed world traveler from my three and I think the other two are going to get the bug.
Feb 1st, 2007 | 03:34 AM
#33
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Hi eg,
>would you suggest flying from paris to florence or taking a train? <
See www.easyjet.com for flying Paris ORY to Pisa PSA.
You can take the train from PSA to Florence. See www.trenitalia.com.
May I suggest flying www.myair.com to Venice VCE and seeing Venice instead of Florence?
>would you suggest flying from paris to florence or taking a train? <
See www.easyjet.com for flying Paris ORY to Pisa PSA.
You can take the train from PSA to Florence. See www.trenitalia.com.
May I suggest flying www.myair.com to Venice VCE and seeing Venice instead of Florence?
Feb 1st, 2007 | 04:02 AM
#34
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,619
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There is an overnight train from Paris to Rome, you might want to consider that - not an experience they are likely to have here in the States. Do a search on night trains to get the varying opinions on the experience - I'm 53 and enjoy one overnight per trip. Fun to take snacks and watch the countryside go by.
I think Paris and Rome are good choices - lots of interesting sights for kids. The food should be easy in Italy, maybe not so much so in Paris tho there are plenty of things that should be familiar and tastey - like the pastries! Florence is not one of my favorite places unless you are heavy into art. Venice to me is more exciting because it is so very different just to stroll around - Rome is similar just in that the ancient ruins mixed in with the modern city makes it amazing.
I think Paris and Rome are good choices - lots of interesting sights for kids. The food should be easy in Italy, maybe not so much so in Paris tho there are plenty of things that should be familiar and tastey - like the pastries! Florence is not one of my favorite places unless you are heavy into art. Venice to me is more exciting because it is so very different just to stroll around - Rome is similar just in that the ancient ruins mixed in with the modern city makes it amazing.
Feb 1st, 2007 | 04:59 AM
#35
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
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http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/France/paris.htm
Easy to get such links just by googling "Paris with kids" or "Travel with kids"
Easy to get such links just by googling "Paris with kids" or "Travel with kids"
Feb 1st, 2007 | 05:00 AM
#36
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Feb 1st, 2007 | 03:40 PM
#37
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2007
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mms: thanks so much for the hotel and b&b recommendations, i will look into them more this weekend.
nbujic: are you an angel? thank you for looking into the flight fares for me! that does seem high, but i will research more.
travelbunny: the kid suggestions in paris are wonderful and give me a bunch of new ideas, things i had no idea of.
lexma90: i agree about the big city trip. we do enjoy cities as we live in phoenix but don't really have the benefits of a great city to enjoy. nyc is one of my kids favorite places and we visit every year (going again next week). however, i would really like to have a couple of quiet days and i had no idea how big florence is. i will look more into visiting some place smaller where we can enjoy the village and countryside. my husband mentioned a short stay in lake como? know anything about that? i love the idea of sharing large coffee table books with beautiful pictures and letting the kids pick a place to visit. i will also get them on line to visit sites and start learning about our destinations so they feel more a part of the planning and will really get them excited about the trip. my son is already disappointed that we have to wait until june to go!
aramis: the idea of "non-european" activities had never even occurred to me. we are big disney fans so maybe that would be a fun family thing to do?
suec1: thanks for your advice on the overnight train. i do think its a fun idea and something we will never do here in the states. as i mentioned above, i have had reservations about visiting florence. i had heard its all about art and am not sure that it will be something to look forward to after all the wonderful art in paris. my son can't wait to see the mona lisa and all the sites at the louvre. how about you? know anything about lake como?
everyone, i had no idea that this site would be so much fun. i look forward to reading the posts every day. i am afraid i am addicted! thanks for all of your help, and if you have any more suggestions, ideas or thoughts, please share! when i get things in order this weekend, i will post again and i can guarantee i will have more questions! thanks everyone
emily
nbujic: are you an angel? thank you for looking into the flight fares for me! that does seem high, but i will research more.
travelbunny: the kid suggestions in paris are wonderful and give me a bunch of new ideas, things i had no idea of.
lexma90: i agree about the big city trip. we do enjoy cities as we live in phoenix but don't really have the benefits of a great city to enjoy. nyc is one of my kids favorite places and we visit every year (going again next week). however, i would really like to have a couple of quiet days and i had no idea how big florence is. i will look more into visiting some place smaller where we can enjoy the village and countryside. my husband mentioned a short stay in lake como? know anything about that? i love the idea of sharing large coffee table books with beautiful pictures and letting the kids pick a place to visit. i will also get them on line to visit sites and start learning about our destinations so they feel more a part of the planning and will really get them excited about the trip. my son is already disappointed that we have to wait until june to go!
aramis: the idea of "non-european" activities had never even occurred to me. we are big disney fans so maybe that would be a fun family thing to do?
suec1: thanks for your advice on the overnight train. i do think its a fun idea and something we will never do here in the states. as i mentioned above, i have had reservations about visiting florence. i had heard its all about art and am not sure that it will be something to look forward to after all the wonderful art in paris. my son can't wait to see the mona lisa and all the sites at the louvre. how about you? know anything about lake como?
everyone, i had no idea that this site would be so much fun. i look forward to reading the posts every day. i am afraid i am addicted! thanks for all of your help, and if you have any more suggestions, ideas or thoughts, please share! when i get things in order this weekend, i will post again and i can guarantee i will have more questions! thanks everyone
emily
Feb 1st, 2007 | 04:43 PM
#38
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
Yes, Fodor's is an addiction...
The idea of having a few days of quiet is what Rick Steves calls in his books a "vacation from your vacation." Makes sense, doesn't it?
We visited Lake Como (sans kids), and I'm afraid it just didn't click with us. Lots of other people like it, though. It might have been the time of year, I think we were there in September, and it just seemed kind of dead and past its prime. We liked some of the other lakes more, but still, I think we're just not lake people.
The overnight train is a possibility, and I will say my son liked taking the train on our last trip (and we'll be taking the train for one portion of our next trip). In the interests of time, however, you might want to consider taking a low-cost carrier from Paris to Rome.
To locate your vacation on a vacation, consider places that are an easy distance from Paris or Rome. Lake Como or others would certainly be peaceful, but those locations would be a bit more convoluted to get to. It might not be worth the hassle (or you might decide it would be!) Depending on how many chateaux you'd want to visit (my son loved them), the Loire Valley could be peaceful, and it's certainly rural. I've also seen posts here on Fodor's on rural day-trip or short trips from Rome. We visited the Pitigliano area several years ago, while on a trip to southern Tuscany. But apparently Romans have weekend houses in the Pitigliano area, so it must be reasonably close to Rome. That area has fascinating Etruscan ruins.
The idea of having a few days of quiet is what Rick Steves calls in his books a "vacation from your vacation." Makes sense, doesn't it?
We visited Lake Como (sans kids), and I'm afraid it just didn't click with us. Lots of other people like it, though. It might have been the time of year, I think we were there in September, and it just seemed kind of dead and past its prime. We liked some of the other lakes more, but still, I think we're just not lake people.
The overnight train is a possibility, and I will say my son liked taking the train on our last trip (and we'll be taking the train for one portion of our next trip). In the interests of time, however, you might want to consider taking a low-cost carrier from Paris to Rome.
To locate your vacation on a vacation, consider places that are an easy distance from Paris or Rome. Lake Como or others would certainly be peaceful, but those locations would be a bit more convoluted to get to. It might not be worth the hassle (or you might decide it would be!) Depending on how many chateaux you'd want to visit (my son loved them), the Loire Valley could be peaceful, and it's certainly rural. I've also seen posts here on Fodor's on rural day-trip or short trips from Rome. We visited the Pitigliano area several years ago, while on a trip to southern Tuscany. But apparently Romans have weekend houses in the Pitigliano area, so it must be reasonably close to Rome. That area has fascinating Etruscan ruins.
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