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Take the Children to Paris!

© Heather Stimmler-Hall

Paris is a city of wonders and fantasy, and no one appreciates it more than the children! When I was a child I used to love reading the books about little French schoolgirl Madeline. But what to expect? Two articles in Bonjour Paris illustrate what it's like in Paris from a child's view, and what one family with pre-teens experienced on their family trip. People always ask what age is the best, but I think that all ages can enjoy Paris. There are just different considerations for each age group, and, of course, Paris weather. Here are just a few ideas and links to help you plan your trip!

When the Weather is Good

When the weather is warm and dry, all of Paris seems to move outdoors! Both adults and children will enjoy the parks, gardens, zoos, boat rides on the Seine and the Canal, free views from cafés on top of department stores, and sidewalk café terraces. There are a few amusement parks, including Disneyland Paris (similar to the one in California, but the rollercoasters go in loops!) and Parc Asterix (the famous French cartoon character). See the beautiful Parisian architecture while strolling the little streets or on the back of an open-top tour bus (or the open-back city bus #29, for a less expensive option).

For last minute ideas check out Paris Avenue, a bilingual site run by the French daily newspaper Le Figaro, great for those parents whose children have already done the kiddie tourist circuit. Paris Digest has a children's section with practical info for museums, gardens, and amusement parks for children. If you or your child loves carrousels, don't miss wonderful article about the carrousels of Paris from Salon.com.

When the Weather is Parisian

Don't count on great weather, and don't worry about it! There are plenty of toy shops, department stores, and candy shops, all done in that particularly enticing French fashion. There are so many museums in Paris that at least one is bound to please. For adventurous youngsters, there are tours of the Paris sewers and the creepy Catacombs. Cathedrals are free and usually impress even the most jaded children. In the height of winter, there's ice skating and the spectacular holiday window decorations in all of the department stores (with special platforms for the little ones to see better). If you're stuck with unexpected cold weather, a day at the indoor waterpark Aquaboulevard will make up for it.

Madeline

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