Robespierre

I've never tried this, but I bet watching the Eiffel Tower twinkle from the Arc de Triomphe would be stunning. The former is open late in summer, I believe until 22h30.

Robespierre

Let's see...the former would be the Eiffel Tower, and you don't care how late it's open.

I meant: the AdT is open late (p.s. it's included on the Carte Musée, should you want to hit it after a day of museuming).

WillTravel

parisnow, that sounds like a really difficult spot to be in. Your friend's daughter, after all, has the perfect legal freedom to go off on her own - and if she exercises it, what will her mother say to you when you get back? I'd ask your friend to reconsider, because that's not a reasonable constraint for a grown woman, albeit young.

peggi

I do agree that museum time should be determined by the boys' interests and can be short and still worthwhile. We had a private tour guide recommended on this site - Michael Osman - and he did a "condensed" tour of the Louvre that worked VERY well for our kids! Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Napoleon's apartments, the castle stuff they've excavated in the Louvre itself. I do confess that I drag my kids to museums, but I try not to torture them with it. Guides help tremendously. We'd still be in line to get in the Louvre without our guide!! He really expedited things.

zola

peggi:

I am in accord: when possible, it's nice to obtain a guide who might bring more life to the works on display. Indeed, any reasonable method that will help young people appreciate (and enjoy) what they're witnessing gets my vote. Then again, they can surprise you with how and what they find interesting. That's why exposure, even if limited, is still important.

parisnow

Forgot to mention, we will be going to Sacre Coeur/Monmatre in the afternoon to see the artist old neighborhood and staying until night. This is definitely a "French" experience. I do this everytime I am in Paris. The boys will enjoy the area during the early evening hours when the church is illuminated and the young adults begin to mingle on the steps and cafes. Also nice view of Paris and Eiffel at night. We will be staying in an apartment (1st time for Paris)near Invalides. If you are going to allow the boys freedom at night I would suggest staying in the Latin quarter (lots of cafes). Also I found some hotels that have family suites/Apts in them. Most are located near the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, and Marais. Check out Hotel college de france I think they have a suite or two. You stated your husband and yourself grew up in Europe. Do you live in Europe now or in the states? If you are in the states, I will give you the info of the apartment agency we are using. You don't have to pay the security deposit in Euros and you get the keys before you leave.
Not to dwell on the subject about safety, in my profession I see the worst 10% of society. I go to Paris to de-stress because I feel safer there than in my own city(and the Paris Police system/intel is excellent being one of the tourist capitals of the world). Minus the petty pickpockets, Paris is a relatively safe city. Most of its crime falls under the category of petty crime vs violent crime. I would avoid the Pigalle area neighborhood alone. I just got a notice from a Paris tourist official that pickpocketing has increased in the past few months. It all comes down to how experienced are your sons at being on their own and if they have big city experience and common sense. The eighteen year old that I am taking unfortunately has been sheltered. That is one of the reasons I am taking her to Paris with me so she can gain some experience. Just as long as they have the address where you are staying they can go into any Police station and get help if they become lost. Also if it helps your nerves pick out a time and meeting spot so you can periodically check on them.
Willtravel- The girl has already been told Rule #1-What goes on in Paris stays in Paris.

ben_haines_london

I keep on disc a long note on things in Paris that the children of Fodors readers liked. If you e mail me I shall be glad to copy it to you.

[email protected]

primrose

May I know the name of the apartment agency that parisnow used in the states?

Thanks a million

parisnow

Vacation in Paris or www.vacationinparis.com The company is based out of New Jersey. We leave March 3rd. So far everything is working out, got the keys last week, according to schedule. I will post back after March 12th if things went well. This will be are first time using them.