Five days in Paris this spring
 

Five of us will be arriving in Paris on March 29th, leaving on the morning of 4th April. Thanks to your input, we have reserved an apartment in the 7th district. It works well for us to take a taxi/cab to and from the airport as our children are 3, 8 and 10 year old. So here is what I request your help with:

1. Should we buy a train pass or sets of 10 tickets or just buy them as we need them. Considering that we will not require transportation to/from CDG, is it worth it to take a 1-3 zone pass?

2. We do not plan to visit Disney (had enough of that here in US:). Is there a 'must see' that may require us to travel outside the city? If yes, what would you recommend?

3. If we stay within Paris, could you help us plan our time between major spots? Kids are young and we as a couple have seen Louvre in detail...so plan to visit perhaps one museum and not more. What are your favorite family friendly places?

4. My wife is a doctor and chooses to wear the Islamic head dress (not covering the face). Should we be worried about traveling in french public transportation system?

Thanks for all your wonderful advise...always.

With a 3 year old I would suggest taking buses rather than the metro. The metro has lots of stairs which would be difficult for one so young unless you carry your child. Buses use the same pass/tickets as the metro.

-It is usually much cheaper to buy a train pass than to buy them as you need them. Factor in what it would cost for transportation from CDG, and that will determine if the 1-3 pass is worth it.

-The parks in Paris are wonderful for kids. There is a Carrousel in the Tuileries Gardens, and lots of space to run around. Be sure to get some ice cream at Berthillon, at e31 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile, just around the corner from Notre Dame.In the Parc de la Villette there are 11 different gardens, three especially for kids. The Jardin du Dragon has a giant play structure and slide in the shape of a dragon, there are fountains and "water curtains" in the Jardin des Brouillards, and kids can pedal their own windmill in the Jardin des Dunes.

-My favorite outside-the-city trip is to visit Monet's house and gardens at Giverny. The Vernon station is situated on the main line Paris / Rouen / Le Havre. It starts from the Saint-Lazare Paris station (which has not changed much since Monet painted it). The fastest trains complete the journey in less than 45 min. In the Metro, take the 'SNCF - Grandes Lignes' exit. Buy a ticket to Vernon. The Rouen line departs from the right side of the platform, in the 'Grandes Lignes' section. Monet's house is several miles from Vernon station. You may take a taxi, the coach, rent a bike or walk.

-There are many Islamic residents in Paris, and I don't think your wife should have any worries about travelling about Paris.

-Our favorite restaurant in Paris is Astier, located at 44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud. They have a very reasonable fixed price menu and a cheese board to die for!

Please enjoy your trip - Paris wonderful!

I have only ever used carnets of ten tickets for Paris. They are inexpensive enough. You will most likely never leave zone 1 on the bus or the metro since you are taking taxis to and from the airport.

Head coverings are very common sights on public transportation in Paris.

I would not take any day trips in the time you have with a young family. Plenty to do in Paris itself, and you will be closer to your apartment to return if the kids (or the parents) are tired.

I lived in Paris last year, and I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. One of our favorite spots with them was Chateau de Vincennes. It's the last stop on the 1 (yellow) line. The kids really enjoyed exploring the castle.

Here are some photos: http://littlebrownpen.blogspot.com/2...-required.html

Other than that, definitely check out Luxembourg gardens, ride the carousel at the Hotel de Ville and follow it up with some crepes from the adjacent cart, and don't miss the parks! All of them. ;)

I understand your concern about the head covering, but it's only the full head/face covering that may cause concern in Paris. I'm surprised how little DH and I use the Metro. It is a very walkable city and as above, the stairs in/out of metro are difficult with a stroller. Ditto littlebrownpen. Good advice.

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