Hello,
Didn't think we'd manage another trip abroad but here we are...
We are leaving at the beginning of April, I know very short notice for all involved. We will fly into Paris and then will need to travel to Antibes. The total trip will be two weeks. I have checked accomodation in Paris-expensive of course. Had initially though of spending upto a week in Paris seeing the sights but will now cut it down to about 4 days. We have kids in tow and would like to see things, but not spend all of our time trying to expand their minds (was not appreciated in the past), we need to do fun stuff too. What are the must, must dos (Louvre, Eiffle tower, Versailles, Notre Dame...)We must then travel to the Antibes area to meet up with (yet another) child. Is that a good place to stay for a week. I do not believe the weather will be quite hot enough for beach activities (we'll pray for a heat wave). We will not do as much here other than enjoying family time (ie. dad without a phone stuck to his ear). I am not sure if we are going to drive from Paris -we could stop on the way, perhaps in Dijon-or fly.

We loved Antibes! Yes, it is a great place to stay for a week and it is close to Nice, Eze, St. Paul de Vence, Villefranche-sur-mer and other places along the French Riviera.

Hi Mom,

>I have checked accomodation in Paris-expensive of course. Had initially though of spending upto a week in Paris seeing the sights but will now cut it down to about 4 days.<

If you have to sleep under a bridge, don't cut down on Paris.

What's your hotel budget? How many people? How many rooms?

For what to do in Paris, start with "Destinations" on this board.

Also
Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=34519236

100 Great Things to Do in Paris
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...=2&tid=1277898

Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34712768

Kerouac’s Ethnic Walk
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=35095155

Paris to Antibes is a direct train - 5 hr.
See www.voyages-sncf.com. PREMS fares are 57E.

I think that the nearest airport to Antibes is Nice.
See www.whichbudget.com for airfare - starting about 35E.

Enjoy your visit.

I agree with both Ira and Marianna. With two weeks, I'd want to spend a week in Paris and a week in Antibes! We based ourselves in Juans-les-Pins (next town to Antibes) for 6 nights. Every day, we got up, had breakfast at the pool (it was summer), then late afternoon, after showering and dressing, we'd head off somewhere (Monte Carlo, Antibes, Cannes, St. Tropez, Biot). Antibes is so close to so much, both beach town and not. There's even supposed to be an excellent Picasso museum in Antibes (not that we saw it LOL!)

Yes, there is a Picasso museum in Antibes and it was right near the apartment we rented. Unfortunately, it was closed at that time but it must be opened by now.

You guys(and gals) are so wonderful. I do not even attempt going anywhere without looking on these forums.
We are a family of 2 adults and four children (one is 7 months old). We will have another over in France already. In looking at apartments in Paris it seems that we will pay a penalty if we have a short stay, so we might as well try to stay the week. Does it matter which area of Paris we choose an apartment?(I have noticed that they are numbered)
Which is the best way to get to Antibes, flying or driving? My daughter was doing Picasso in her art class today. I told her that we may be able to visit the museum! Do we need a car in Antibes?

We had a wonderful trip two years ago. We started (in a round about way) in Barcelona and them rented a car and travelled to Uzes where we rented an apartment for 11 days. We love Europe so much because the pace of life is so much more peaceful (maybe so without all the back and forth to schools and activities). I love the fact that you must sit down to have a coffee. Even better was beer and soccer in the park in Nurnberg. This trip is last minute, so I appreciate all the help.

Vacationinparis.com is an apartment agency that is well spoken of... they have rentals for under 7 days and are based in the US. Worth taking a look.

Most people find the arrondisements of Paris with single digit numbers the best to stay in... 4,5,6 and 7 are probably the most popular. Staying in the 5th would put you near the Jardin des Plantes where there's a small zoo and not far from the Luxembourg Gardens where the younger children might like to romp.

With the time you have available you are probably best off taking the train to Antibes. Check sncf.com Start looking for tickets asap. Check back here at the forum if you need help with the site ... you'll save money by using the sncf.com site and not the raileurope site you may be redirected to.

Will you need a car in Antibes? I think so as the town isn't big enough to keep you busy for a week. You'll need a minivan of some sort. Many of us have had good results using AutoEurope.com who are based in Maine and act as brokers. They say they will match a better price found elsewhere.

Good luck with the rest of the planning!

Rob

Definitely get a car for Antibes. Using public transportation with that many people would be very difficult and there are so many places you'll want to go!

Hi mom; www.vrbo.com is another agency with rooms for as few as four nights. For me, with four children, it seems like a little restrictive for a week in Paris. Also, at the beginning of April, the weather can be nasty in Paris. Go south as you planned. The weather will be warmer. Hire a van and it will be a lot less cumbersome. ENJOY iris1745/dick