Hello, Thanks in advance for your help.
We will be in Paris from Mar 4th to 14th w/ 2 kids (4 & 2 yr old). This time, we are staying in apt, in the 16eme quarter. It's on square charles dickens, supposedly not too far from Trocadero garden and across from Eiffel tower & close to Metro Passy. About a week out this time, I will be alone with the kids since my hubby will be working. This is my first time to Paris w/ kids. I am not familiar w/ the 16eme and are looking for general info/suggestions about the area as well as on where to eat that are kid friendly. We plan on going to the close by parks such as champs de mars, trocadero gardens.. ; however, if you have any other good kid suggestions around this area, I am so happy to receive them. Is this area accessible by bus? Since I will have strollers with me, I plan on trying the bus system.
On the weekend, we would like to take a day trip outside of PAris? Is it recommended w/ kids? Where would you recommend? I have been to Versailles so looking for something different
Also, what will the weather be like in early March? Cold and rainy?

Any help will be very appreciated. Thanks.

Hello MomJC -
I stayed at the Hotel Gavarni(street of same name) for a few days in 2000 with my 79yr old mom and found the following:
The walk from Metro Passy to Place Costa Rica(a roundabout) took a toll on our legs as it's all uphill. Looking at a map I see you are able to gain access to Sq.Charles Dickens via rue Charles Dickens, but above that are more steps into rue Raynouard which meets rue Passy the main street of the village. There must be a bus stop in the main street?
The Trocadero Gardens aren't very child friendly and you may come across a lot of "wino's" and homeless people hanging out in some parts.
I would take the kids to Parc Monceau where there is a playground and sandpit or Luxembourg Gardens with the same plus a carrousel even if I had to spend a bit a money on taxi's.
There are three chinese eating places down rue Delessert which is the route to Trocadero Gardens.

Hi again -
I,ve just remembered there is (or was) a McDonalds in Place de Passy. Also a sort of mini shopping mall which may have other places to take toddlers.
The Chinese I mentioned before had outdoor seating.
I was thinking if you took them onto the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower they could run around quite safely but would have to have a ball / bike or some toy to amuse themselves. There is also a carrousel just over the Pont d'Lena bridge.
Best of luck!

Hello Tod,
Thanks so much for your reply. From map, I see that the apt is close to the street that runs in front of Eiffel Tower. Are you saying that from the main strt, one has to go uphill quite steep to get to Charles Dickens. Can you please confirm. This concerns me since that means my 4 yr old won't be able to walk a lot. I have not confirmed this apt. Should I look at something else? Thanks.

The N° 72 bus runs up and down the river just down Rue des Eaux from the Square, stopping at Pont de Bir-Hakeim. This map should be helpful:

http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...=72&fm=pdf

If you head west on Rue de Passy, that street becomes Chaussee de la Muette and leads into a fabulous park - lots of families with small children (and little kid playground equipment), along with lots of folks walking their adorable pure-bred dogs.

There are lots of family friendly restaurants in this area (where families live...). One of our favorites is La Muette on Chaussee de la Muette.

tod is correct about the immediate neighborhood being quite hilly, where many of the sidewalks are actually steep staircases.

Here's a fabulous Paris bus routes maps with streets http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...eur&fm=pdf

This is detailed and takes a minute or two to load...

Note that walking up or down hill is required to reach the bus stops as well from Square Charles Dickens.

Hi MomJC - I do think the area of the 16th is lovely and thank goodness for Robespierre once again! If you rely soley on the bus 72 you will only walk uphill when you venture back to the apartment......that in itself could be tricky after a days play with pooped-out children. Everything looks so close-by on a map but boy have I learned that distances are deceiving!!
(Also check that bus route and see if you need to cross a busy street which looks like Ave.President Kennedy)?
I walked along rue Passy quite a lot and think the park djkbooks is referring to is quite a distance for a four yr old - plus how would you get there except by negotiating those steep steps?
I must be absolutely honest here and say if I had two tots in towe I would look for something more level.
Maybe someone could suggest an apartment near a park that would suit your needs. Why not put out another request on this board and see what developes?

Just another thought......Hire an Au Pair during the day to help out?

ttt

An obvious option is the Jardin d'Acclimatation, a nice little amusement park on the northwest corner of the Bois de Boulogne. It costs a few euro but it's very nice, and seems to have improved in recent years. It has a little fast-food place that is pretty good, too. Get off at Les Sablons on Line 1 and follow the signs.

To get an idea what the slope is like, you might want to go by http://photos.pagesjaunes.fr, type <b>eaux</b> in the <i>Rue:</i> box and hit the <i>Rechercher</i> button.

You will be at the foot of Rue des Eaux at Ave. du Pr&eacute;sident Kennedy. Pressing the &quot;up&quot; arrow will take you north, away from the river.

As you can see, the stairs don't begin until after you're <u>past</u> Rue Charles Dickens. The Square is at the same level as the top of Rue des Eaux, as anyone can plainly see on this map:

http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...;loc=quartiers

The N&deg; 72 bus stop is just east of the Bir-Hakeim Bridge.

My goodness, when you're good - you're GOOD! That's you Robespierre. What a fantastic way to view the location you are about to reserve for ones holiday.
Not only can you view the gradient of Rue des Eaux, which in MHO is not bad at all, but I viewed Rue de L'Alboni as well and see it leads directly to the Passy Metro and right into Sq.Charles Dickens.
That is such a plus for MomJC as she should have no problems with the bus or metro.
Congratulations Robespierre you are quite simply a genius!
MomJC what do you think?

Thank You so much, Tod, Robespierre and everyone. You are so helpful. This Pages jaunes is so cool! Is there any other way to get up to Rue Passy, besides conquering the steps. I was told that the market, Monoprix, shops, restaurant... are on the Rue Passy, rue de l'annonciation.etc.. and I am trying to find an alternate route to get there by foot. Is it close enough to go by foot? I would like to explore 16eme since it looks interesting. Does anyone know whethe Metro Passy has an elevator? Thanks.

Go to http://photos.pagesjaunes.fr and type

N&deg;: <b>4bis</b>

Rue: <b>l'alboni</b>

...and you will get a nice surprise!

Robespierre,
You are simply amazing!!! Thanks.
I love this page jaunes. Now, that we find the up escalator, I wonder if there is escalator down . It will make my life. This apt is on 2nd floor w/ no lift so I am trying to minimize steps as much as possible. Yet, I am simply so happy w/ your latest find,Robespierre. Thanks so much again.

Hi,
Don't want to be negative about the esculator but it was out of order in 2000 for the time we were there - or maybe they just turn it off sometimes??
That would not stop you from taking a taxi to the supermarket and back.
Very best luck!