We are traveling to Paris in August with two children(ages 7 and 11). If we purchase the Museum Pass for the adults, will we still have to wait in line to pick up free tickets for the children? Since the kids are free into the museum, is the pass still a time-saver? Also, anyone have any information on the Hotel Madeleine Palace at 8,rue Cambon 75001? Any information on the above is appreciated.

John <BR>I don't know the hotel, but it has an excellent location. Look for comments from past guest at www.hotelboulevard.com <BR>www.paris.org <BR>I have not used the museum pass with kids, but I did once read that the advantage of the pass is offset by having to wait in lines to pick up kids tickets. Maybe someone else has direct experience.

When I traveled with my then 13 year old, we went through together on my pass. At the d'Orsay first thing in the the morning, there is of course a line to enter, but the museum pass holders line moved quickly and he got in with me.

Could someone please clarify the Museum pass question. I'm also going to Paris this summer with 2 children (ages 8 and 12). Do I need to buy a pass for them or just the adults? <BR> <BR>Thanks

Just got back from paris w/kids. Do not <BR>need to buy them for the kids or wait in line. good place to get the pass is the rodin museum or the d'orsay gift shop. <BR>Try the pompidou---open till 10pm & your kids will be amused/confused/shocked but not bored.

Thanks Jon for clearing that up. You can also get the passes via several internet sites here (3-day for $39). Should I wait or go ahead and get them here? <BR> <BR>Another question is whether we will need the metro passes. We're in Paris for 4 days, staying in the 6th, just south of the Pont Neuf (spelling?) bridge. It seems like a pretty central location and that we may only need to take the Metro up to Montmartre or maybe home from the Eiffle Tower. Thoughts? <BR> <BR>Thanks for the Pompidou center tip, I frankly would have passed that one up with so much else to do. Anything else we shouldn't miss with the boys?

Cindy <BR>If I were in Paris for 4 days and in a central location, I wouldn't get the pass, just buy carnets which are bunches of 10 metro tickets at one time. It is still a savings. The metro itself requires a lot of walking underground <BR>(stairways, corridors) and you'll experience more of Paris if you do as much above-ground walking as your kids can handle, supplemented with metro rides, buses, and even taxis since there are four of you. <BR>No need to buy the museum pass before you go; just get it at the first small museum that you happen to be near on your first day. <BR>The following is from my files: <BR>For activities geared towards children, call the CIDJ in Paris at 01 44 49 12 00. <BR>Le Pariscope and L'Officiel des Spectacles are two publications that feature info in English on activities for children <BR> <BR>The most-often recommended place for kids is La Cite des Sciences et de l'Undustrie, otherwise known as La Villette. This is a museum complex with different offerings for kids under 5, and for those 7-11 and even older. There is a Techno Cite for the older kids, as well as a planetarium and a real submarine to walk around in. The Geode is a film "experience" for ages 3-11. The Cite des Enfants is for the little kids and includes a room with water play. Phone 01 40 05 72 23, or for recorded informatino 01 36 68 29 30. <BR>Parks where kids can play on the grounds (Parisians are very protective of their grass in some parks)include Jardin de Babylone (rue de Babylone between rue Vaneau and rue du Bac, on the left bank); the Pre Catalan section of the Bois de Boulogne, and the grassy area near the fountains in front of the Palais de Chaillot, across from the Eiffel Tower. <BR>The Jardin d'Acclimatation (open 10-6 daily) on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne (phone 01 40 67 90 82) offers puppet shows, archery range, miniature golf, a small zoo, etc. Kids enjoy riding to it on the train which operates from Porte Maillot every afternoon in July and August, and Wed, Sat, & Sun afternoons in the other months.(check to make sure those times are still current). <BR>The small Jardin des Enfants aux Halles on the right bank near the Forum des Halles, phone 01 45 08 07 18 has tunnels, mountains, and slides to climb on. It is closed in bad weather. Reservations can be made, and the staff speaks English. Certain days and hours are for particular ages; stop by or call to enquire. Nearby at 8 rue Coquilliere is the restaurant Chicago Meatpackers which is very kid-oriented in both food and entertainment.