I have never seen horse (cheval) on a menu in Paris, but we have seen it several times on menus in the provinces. I don't see how anyone could confuse cheval with boeuf on a menu though.

Hi Michelle: Sounds like you have thought of just about everything. One thing we did when my husband and I took our young son to Paris was to put information on an index card that he put in his pocket in the unlikely event he became separated from us. We included his name, our name, where we were staying, the phone number of where we were staying and the nearest metro stop to the hotel. Add whatever information you deem important. I laminated it so that it would last the duration of the trip and pinned it to the inside of his pocket everyday before we left the hotel. It gave us all some peace of mind. Ayez de bonnes vacances!

There is a great website that posts things to do with kids in Paris. They cover several parks, sites in and around Paris and the adjoining suburbs. Luxembourg Gardens is a nice place for families with kids, there is a lake with ducks, horses to ride and a park. While it might be geared towards younger children, it makes for a very nice Spring picnic spot next to the lake!

I wouldn't think the notarized letter from your ex-husband seems necessary. I am a single mom, divorced from my husband when our baby was 15 mos old. I got a passport for her to travel with me and never experienced any problems, questions, etc as to where her father was and if he had allowed her to come with me. If your son's name is different from yours, then perhaps that is a consideration, but otherwise I would not think it necessary.

Also, another idea for meals is to get take out! Eating out for those 8 days might get quite expensive. Many Italian restaurants/pizza places serve up authentic Italian pizza (thin crust) and are pretty cheap. You can stop by a Monoprix, Franprix, or other supermarket and pick up beverages and eat in your apt. I am sure your son would enjoy the change and it's fun!

My parents took me on my first trip to France when I was 13, and I've loved it ever since. Here's wishing you and your son a great adventure!

Suggestion:

Before you go, hit the library or bookstore for a copy of Cathedral : The Story of Its Construction by David Macaulay. Macaulay has a series of books about how things were built (another one is called Castle). They feature kid/teen- friendly descriptions of things like how people in the 1300s could build such huge stone structures with no machinery. It's kind of a "fun with architecture and history book" that prepares you to know what you are seeing when you go into a cathedral like Notre Dame or St Chapelle. I'm a teacher, and my ninth grade boys all really liked this book.

Definitely do the sewer tour! We had just seen Les Mis when we did it, and so it was quite meaningful. It's actually really interesting if engineering-type problems intigue you.

Finally, the catacombs are COOL! Lots of bones and skulls around. Very exciting to the teen mind. You might want to check first to make sure they are open, because I remember rumours that they were closed down for awhile.

Finally, if you are there on a Friday night, your son might enjoy seeing the weekly rollerblading race through Paris. They close down the streets and literally hundreds of people speed by in a HUGE crowd. It is wild. Here's a link to an article about it: http://travel.discovery.com/ideas/cu.../cities/3.html

Have a great trip!

Thank you so much for all the ideas as far as eating out is concerned. I think that I get embarrased easily and hate to look like an idiot and bother other people so that is one of the reasons I shyed away from the food last time. But I will be sure to do better this time, you all have given me a lot of great information to go on with the suggestions and websites!

clarson: That idea of the laminated index card is a GREAT idea!!!! I had not even thought of it. I will be sure to do something along those lines....again GREAT idea!!

Huitres: Yes, my name is different that my sons and mine is the same as my husbands which is why I thought it would be a good insurance for me to have the letter. Better safe than sorry!
That is a nice idea to picnic in the parks, my favorite thing! It was actually all we did last time. It was so nice to sit back and watch the people just enjoy their time with their family and friends and not rush about like us Americans. I really look forward to showing that side of their lifestyle to my son.

BlueSwimmer: I forgot all about the rollerblading that is something that he would love to see. We didn't see it last time either so it will be new for us all. And the tips on those books were a good idea. He loves history and wants to be an architect when he grows up, so that would fit him well!!

Thank you so much for all of your information!! It is quite helpful. We are counting down the days, 26 today!!! and I am noting all this great info!! Thanks again!

Don't eat where the rest of the tourists eat-go three blocks off the main drag and look for a place that is full of locals. Don't sit in a trendy outdoor cafe and order coke-they may rush you as much as $10. Always ask to see the menu/prices first. Use the Metro, it is great but watch out for pickpockets. The normal drill is for one to stop in front of you while you are entering the metro car. A second comes behind, bumps in to you at picks you pocket at the same time. Use local phone cards (vs the expensive ATT cards), and don't use them from your hotel room. Have an absolutely wonderful time. Paris is great, even better since some folks started boycotting it. If you have a little school days french then try it. People speak English but they are VERY appreciative when you try. If you tip, tip in the local currency but DO NOT forget that most places add a service charge hence there is no need to tip very much. Consider a trip to Versailles but don't get sucked in to some of the expensive bus tours to Versailles. You can get there VERY easily by public transportation (20 minutes or so).