Paris with boys 14,12, 9
Feb 14th, 2002, 09:31 AM
#2
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I would suggest reading "Take Your Kids to Europe" by Cynthia W. Harriman, published by The Globe Pequot Press, for activities and the realities of traveling with pre-teens and teens. The "Kidding Around ..." series is also good. As others on this forum have suggested, I would recommend including your boys in the planning process. Have them read a little about the places they will visit and make sure they have a rudimentary understanding of European history and art history. If one of them is interested in the ancient Egyptians, a visit to the Antiquities wing in the Louvre would be a good idea. If you have a soccer player, you may want to stop some afternoon at the Arene de Lutec (near the Rue Mouffetard) to watch the local kids play.
Feb 14th, 2002, 12:21 PM
#3
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Last time I checked it, the tourist office web site had a list of things for children and youth.<BR><BR>www.paris-touristoffice.com
Feb 14th, 2002, 01:14 PM
#5
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Might we inquire as to the rest of your itinerary? - - three days in Paris is just barely enough.<BR><BR>Some activities I recommend are: the obvious, of course: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe - - or consider la Grande Arche instead of or in addition to), the Sewers - - yes the Sewers - - this is not a reference to people who use sewing machines - - Montmartre, and Musee d'Orsay - - which makes for a good place to have lunch - - ya gotta eat, and with kids it's nice to split up the visit there 60-90 minutes before lunch, and mostlikely, a similar amount of time after lunch. Very time-efficient, elegant yet suitable for a family with kids and a good value - - food AND service.<BR><BR>Lots of good day trips possiblities around Paris, though I often recommend leaving Paris to see places around - - base outSIDE the city. But that's why I am curious about where Paris fits into the context of your entire trip.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex Bickers<BR>Westerville, Ohio<BR><BR>
Feb 14th, 2002, 01:50 PM
#7
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Needless to say, going to the tippy top of the Eiffel Tower is a must. Read about La Conciergerie, and think about that one for your sons. My 10 year old like it when I took him last year. It's the old jail/castle on one of the main islands, so it's easy to access and right in the midst of things. It's full of history the kids can connect with, including the French revolution, which is easily related to the American. Plus, it has lots of gory history boys love. The displays are interesting and tours good. My son also liked the Cluny, a wonderful museum with Roman baths in it and lots of remnants of Medieval times, including armor, and even the Lady and the Unicorn pictures. Artwise, my son even liked the top floor art museum at the Pompidou Center. (The Musee D'Orsay, where I would have taken him was closed on strike. My son was mad we didn't take him to see the Mona Lisa....You might want to sqeeze that one in.) It's amazing how my son manages to rise to the occasion of enjoying art when traveling, though we try not to overwhelm him with so much culture that he gets sick of it! Montmarte is a way cool neighborhood with lots of artists painting people. In fact, we stayed there, at the Tim Hotel, at the Place Emil Goudeau. If you get a room on the top floor, on the correct side, you can watch the Eifle Tower sparkle with lights on the hour every night from your room, overlooking the rooftops. It was spectacular. Another neat thing about that hotel was the young street performers-to-be practicing their fire juggling/baton twirling and other amusements. Montmarte is a quick metro ride from downtown and this was not a problem for us. You'll have a great time!
Feb 14th, 2002, 01:56 PM
#9
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I must be scatterbrained today. Meant to say the young street performers were in the square just outside the Tim hotel. We sat on benches watching them for a bit on a couple of nights. It was really a memorable trip all the way around, and watching the young street performers practice was quite enjoyable.
