Another fodorite just returned from Paris and enjoyed a day with http://www.cooknwithclass.com/index.html. They are highly reviewed on tripadvisor.
Ann Marie

Regarding Versailles - if you will be there over the summer, keep in mind that although the Museum Pass is valid there (and is, by the way, a great thing to have), you should definitely check the calendar of events ahead of time. During the summer in Versailles, there are sometimes "special" events in the afternoon and/or evening, during which times the Museum Pass is not valid, they shut down the gardens to prepare for the events, and then you need to buy a separate ticket for that event. We happened to be there on a day when there was both an afternoon event and an evening event. We planned for the evening event, but didn't know about the afternoon one, and it really threw off our entire day. The place was MOBBED with people. There was no crowd control, and during the evening fireworks show (we had to miss the fireworks part-it ran really late), it was so crowded and dark that I was really worried about becoming separated from one of my kids. It could have been a complete nightmare if someone had gotten lost. It was, by far, our most trying day of our entire European trip. In the end, we're glad we went, but we have extremely mixed feelings about that day, and the workers at Versailles were quite rude (didn't even let my 10-year old daughter use the bathroom on the way out of the gardens as we were leaving and physically blocked us from entering. She was in tears, not to mention we were close to having an accident on our hands) and were extremely disorganized. If you plan to attend the evening lights and fireworks show, I strongly suggest spending the night in the town of Versailles so you're not toast the next day. The town itself if lovely. Very crowded when Versailles (the palace) is crowded (I mean MOBBED), so get to a restaurant early. A very packed crepe restaurant must have taken pity on us. Let our family of 5 split into 2 groups so we could be finally seated (after waiting a long time) and then was just lovely and accomodating. And the crepes were delicious! It was the best experience of the day, and was very French! Did I hug the manager? If not, I should have!

it was so crowded and dark that I was really worried about becoming separated from one of my kids.>>

Epcot - fireworks - child lost for 20 minutes. do you have any idea how long 20 mins can be?

kidfriendly - i am soooo pleased this didn't happen to you!

If you want to save money and actually meet other Europeans ( which is more fun and enlightening for the kids) then I suggest you also look at camping in Europe as almost all places also have nice rentals and fun things for kids to do there. Do lunches out and save money by making your own dinners in and food and market shopping in Europe is one of the joys ( and learning for kids).

This place is right on the Seine in Paris and within walking distance to one of it's greatest parks. Fantastic for families!

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/0...bois-de-b.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/0...-pleasure.html

http://www.mobilhome-paris.com/

They have lots of rentals and it's not close in, but nice to be in the countryside feel before and after exploring Paris with fun things for the kids and easy to meet other kids to play with. Game room and take out food too. Learning the great subway and bus system of Paris is also part of the fun..and learning for the kids. Find the subway maps online now and start planning...give the duty to one of the kids or all of them!

Le Jardin d’Acclimatation is great for kids and nearby:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/0...ts-6th-at.html

I've written extensively about what we did in Paris on our website that might be a help. Just look under France.

This is a fantastic place in Bordeaux where you can ride bikes in world famous vineyards, the kids can paddle boat on a little lake or fish, swim or go to the water park, catch baby ducks, etc:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2009/0...e-country.html

Monet's garden is also great for families and can even be done as a day trip from Paris:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/1...ny-monets.html

I agree with those who say plan well with kids ( especially in such a short time period in high season) and go SLOW. If you plan well you can do a lot like 3 museums in a day without wearing out yourself or the kids:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/0...eums-in-a.html


The VERY best site for families in France, most Americans miss, but if you want to be thrilled and learn some cool history, don't miss Puy du Fou :

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2009/0...rk-1.html#more


I'd also consider Provence combined with Paris:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/1...he-f.html#more

Happy planning! We're going back to Paris and Provence this year and looking forward to it too!

hi WTnow,

finally someone else who's been to le Puy de Fou. we first went about 8 years ago when our kids were 11 & 14 and enjoyed it hugely, so much so that this year we're going back to the same area and the kids are coming too!

have you been to the cinescenie [a sort of mass participation son et lumiere] there? so many coaches all full of french people coming to see the telling of the story of the vendee with a cast of 1000+ people and asorted animals and birds. how they controlled those geese i shall never know. we've managed to get tickets for that too, by booking about 4 months in advance. otherwise, no chance!

enjoy Paris and Provence!

Hi Annhig!

Thanks! Glad to meet someone else who has been to le Puy de Fou! Enjoy your return visit!!

http://www.puydufou.com/en

It truly is spectacular and should not be missed. Puts Disney to shame doesn't it? The French really know how to put on unbelievably awesome shows! It's kind of a outstanding out door museum combined with stupendous shows. Very classy. What an exciting way to learn about history!!

We did not see the night show and it was not very crowded when we were there as we were not there in high season. We loved the falcon/birds of prey show ( have seen many in Europe, including one at the Harry Potter Hogwarts castle in northern England, but that one was amazing and topped them all). We also loved the Roman coliseum chariot rides and gladiator show ( and we have been to the gladiator museum near Ephesus in Turkey, Romes coliseum, and operas in the old coliseum arena in Verona, Italy etc). Definite WOW factor.

The vikings show was awe-inspiring and was a great way for kidlet to start delving into that history before we got to Scandinavia and explored museums showing the actual boats in Denmark, Norway and Sweden etc).

The knights horseback riding was so stunning and better than what we saw at the world famous horse show in Jerez, Spain!

It really brings history to life. Forget Disney Paris and head straight to e Puy de Fou as I can't say enough about it. We still have to put up most of our pictures and video on our website, but you can find more info on the web. We'll definitely be back.

BTW They do have translated little things for you if you do not speak French, but the stories are really clear without them. We did not care for their Odyssey show, but the rest were absolutely breathtaking for every age.

If the OP kids have an interest in Roman history and she decides to go to Provence instead, the museum at Pont du Gard is also one of the best that we have been to in Europe. Fun hands on stuff for kids and fun outdoor stuff mixed with history for all.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/1...holiday-i.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2006/10/pont-du-gard.html

hi again, WTnow,

the day-time show wasn't too crowded at all [we were there in June I think] but the night show was packed with loads of French people in coaches, most of them elderly [the people. not the coaches]. we had real trouble finding a hotel nearby for that night and in the end booked into somewhere about 50kms away, who were quite accustomed to puy de fou visitors turning up late at night after the show.

we also went to Futuroscope at Poitiers on the same trip , but weren't half as impressed as with the puy de fou. the next year we went to Parc Asterix [just south of Disney] and it was much better - our kids still talk about it, 7 years later.