I am writing this for a friend who isn't on Fodors. I don't have kids, although I do go to Paris frequently.

She asked me for advice on Paris, and I've given her some ideas. They will be there a little over a week.

BUT, I am not an introverted young man nor do I have any kids. I really don't know that the sorts of things I find appealing would appeal to a young guy. This would be his first visit, I think his parents have been there a handful of times but the last time was a long time ago. So there are a lot of obvious first time things to do.

My visits are usually about strolling, window shopping (or real shopping), sitting in a cafe and people watching, eating, catching up with friends who either live there or are visiting when I am there too, and seeing new exhibits in museums I've already visited many times. I think that would be boring if I were 19-20. He would be hanging out with his parents and not very likely to go off on his own. His Mom says he is very nocturnal, too. Early morning things are not likely to happen.

If you have gone on trips with young adults, what were some of the hits and misses? I was also thinking of suggesting renting a bike for either the Bois de Vincennes or Bois de Boulogne, and, perhaps a cooking class together if he like to cook.

Thanks.

I think it's important to figure out what "Paris" means to him. And then do that.
You mentioned biking. I took a Fat Tire Bike Tour of Paris back in 2004 and that was a blast. We actually took a night tour - that began in daylight and ended up arriving back to the ET at night.
https://www.fattiretours.com/paris/t...ivity_type=296

Another night tour in a vintage Citroen. That was a blast! We did it again last December and although the route varied, it was a lot of fun and a great way to see famous places lit up at night -
https://2cvparistour.com/book-your-2cv/

Unless he's really into art, I'd keep museums to smaller, "lighter" ones.

Years ago I bought a deck of cards with things to do - for future use with a great-niece. I thought I'd give it to her early and let her pick out about five things she thought she'd like to do. I have no idea where that deck is right now.

A few years ago I took a chocolate tour that was fun.

[QUOTE=starrs;17669991
Years ago I bought a deck of cards with things to do - for future use with a great-niece. I thought I'd give it to her early and let her pick out about five things she thought she'd like to do. I have no idea where that deck is right now.
.[/QUOTE]

I had that deck too. When I was 14. So..... just 5 years ago. Unless I look in the mirror.

Not sure of the age of this young man. I liked (and still do) climbing things, so climbing the spiral staircase to to the roof of Sacre Coeur is a favorite of mine in Paris. Yes, you can walk along the rooftop. That way you get to see the Eiffel tower in the distance and a close up view of the Byzantine architecture. The best of both worlds.

Edited from my post as I gave suggestions based upon my misread of the word "adult."

I first went to Paris at his age, and an introverted young woman. I loved the Eiffel Tower, climbed to the top of Arc de Triomphe. I loved art so, personally, this was a must for me to see the Louvre.

He may enjoy the Catacombs?

The Concergie is often overlooked and might find interesting?

Thank you Starrs! I really do not know what his main interests are but his parents would know. I know he is not a partier or super gregarious. I would think museums would be something he would really like especially if the content of the museum were his interest. Paris has a lot of unique small museums. The tours you mention sound like a lot of fun. My daily coffee shop rents bikes and does tours but I think they are planning to stay on the left bank. There may be something closer to them. I personally would love a night bike tour, maybe he would too. I think they like to hike a lot, at least.

Shelemm, good call on climbing things. I was going to suggest some high vantage points just for the views.

Travel nerd, he's 19 or so. He would probably be bored with cafe sitting, for example (one of my favorite things to do there - hang out and have a glass of wine and people watch). His Mom did mention the Catacombs and good call on the Conciergerie too. For all my visits I actually have not gone inside either one! I don't know how much history about France he has already read, either.

The sewer tour is actually quite interesting and may be of interest. I would suggest encouraging his parents to have him help with some of the planning. I find if kids or teens are part of the process, they tend to "own" their choices and enjoy them more.

I went to Europe for the first time at about the same age. No internet and only the Lets go Europe. We figured things out. Time for him to figure things out on his own.

There is a pretty cool virtual reality exhibit of the history, construction and renovation of Notre Dame. My 17 and 16 year old nephews really liked it! It's practically right under the cathedral.
https://www.eternellenotredame.com/en/experience

We walked from there to Pont Neuf and took the boat around sunset. The bateaux gets to the Tour Eiffel right as the sparkle lights come on, It's beautiful and the boys enjoyed that too.
https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/

I'm too old now but on Friday nights there is a huge group that rollerblades around Paris at 9pm.
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article...obilites-a1757

Friday nights on the right bank of the Seine is where hundreds of Parisians take a picnic dinner and relax. There is music and dancing, all ages are there and it's a way to show him the culture.

"Years ago I bought a deck of cards with things to do - for future use with a great-niece. I thought I'd give it to her early and let her pick out about five things she thought she'd like to do. I have no idea where that deck is right now."

Oooh! I would love to know the name or where to find those cards! My 80 yr old father goes to Paris every year and while he never runs out of things to do or see, a new perspective would be amazing!

Buy him the Rough Guide and throw it at him, 19, time he decided on his own.

He can look at the Rough Guide and take suggestions. The two are not mutually exclusive.

A lot of 19 year olds might want to get away from their parents which can be a touchy subject. Here is a possibility that will not necessarily be in guidebooks:

https://www.pointephemere.org

He’s an adult. Lots of teenagers his age travel around Europe during the summer. Let him figure it out.

Some young people DO love sitting in cafés in busy areas full of people their age, such as Les Halles. The passing parade of people that conform to their sexual orientation is mesmerizing. It would be a total bust though in geriatric areas like Saint Germain des Prés.

Hey, a friend at 17 arrived in Paris with the goal of losing her virginity. She was on a school trip. She was successful. Sure a 19 yo guy can figure out some things he may want to do in Paris - but this is a travel forum. There's nothing wrong at all about asking for ideas to share with him. He is not on his own gap year trip - he's traveling in Paris with his parents. Share ideas if you have some. Seems simple enough.

". It would be a total bust though in geriatric areas like Saint Germain des Prés."
LOL
I've heard a lot of your different trash-talking about SGdP, but this one made me literally LOL.

But he may enjoy a PSG football/soccer game... so in a roundabout way it's "good" advice. LOL

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Here are the August games -

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The team's website -
https://www.psg.fr/en

If it's a home match, here's where PSG plays -

He may be interested in a stadium tour. They are available on match days also -
https://stadiumtour.psg.fr/en/

There's also a PSG store in Galeries Lafayette
https://haussmann.galerieslafayette....mens-clothing/
with Nike apparel

Are you getting a commission from the PSG, starrs? (The main PSG store is on the Champs Elysées anyway.) As for stadium tours, most people prefer to visit the Stade de France. 🎫 Stade de France | Tickets for football, rugby & concerts (stadefrance.com)

Yes, I am! It's a great side gig!

This is not the kids deck I am looking for but may be helpful. Note - the 2011 copyright.

And another - although I'm not sure a 19 yo is the market audience

starrs, those books look terrific!