Top Ten Tips for Paris with Les Enfants

Well, I’ve just come back from 5 days in Paris with two of my children, the 10 year old and the 8 year old, and here is my list of dos and don’ts
if you are thinking of going to the French capital with children

1. walking. Walking is a great way of seeing Paris. We got a book of 50 walks which come as little separate cards, so you can just take one with you. Each walk has suggestions of handy cafes/ice cream shops to stop in and each walk is about 1-2 miles long, so very easy.

2. Apart from the walk in the Bois de Boulogne, which was 7 miles long, by the time we found it. It was really long and we encountered too many members of the French sex trade for my peace of mind. So, to be avoided.

3. Much better to go to the Tuileries. You can walk, ride ponies, jump on trampolines and see the Monet Waterlilies which is NOT a giant cultural undertaking, although it is a masterpiece.

4. Go and see a film on the Champs Elysees. Go for VO, which is Version Originale, in other words English (or Spanish, or whatever). The children might welcome just a bit of spoken English but you are in the heart of the French capital. Avoid all cafes on the Champs Elysees, but Pomme au Pain is a good and cheap sandwich bar/creperie just beside the Gaumont cinema.

5. Don’t forget to get Tarif Reduit carnets on the Metro. A carnet is a book of 1o tickets. If you ask for children’s tickets you’ll get cheaper ones. Lots of people don’t know this bargain exists.

6. Go clothes shopping at MonoPrix. For Petit Bateau underwear, great coats, shoes, trousers etc. It’s like a chicer version of M&S. Branches all over Paris and a giant one on the Champs Elysees

7. Go on the RER. Double decker trains. Who knew they would be the children’s FAVOURITE transport? There’s a RER station just by the Musee d’Orsay so you can hop on after a bit of culture.

8. A bit of culture. But only a bit. See 10 pictures at the D’Orsay, and stand behind this great clock, or 5 at the Louvre. Then leave. They are all masterpieces so quality is no issue. Putting your kids off art for life is.

9. Have a contest spotting the symbol of Paris on bridges, churches, bus stops (its a boat in stormy weather, often bearing the insignia – Tossed about but never Overwhelmed)

10. Walk up the Eiffel Tower. You’ll avoid the lift queues, its much cheaper, much more fun. The lift back down is free!