Paris Is Always a Good Idea!

Paris is always a good idea, says everyone! In 2017, France saw 89 million tourists – the most visited country in the World and for good reason. France’s capital has everything you could want in a Holiday! Young and in love, families with children, empty-nester’s all flock to the City of Light. Legendary for its cuisine, fashion, art, history and culture, Paris has something for everyone. To ensure an easy journey and make sure that you come home still thinking that Paris is always a good idea, make a plan. At least for the must sees. This city sees millions of people rushing to check off their travel to-do list but also, for those in the know, one of the best places to stop and enjoy this City of Love. Maybe it’s the cafe culture which appears genetically ingrained. Possibly its stunning beauty. Thomas Jefferson said:

A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life!

Thomas Jefferson

When to Visit Paris

If you are not held hostage to school schedules, Spring and Fall are the perfect times to visit Paris. Spring flowers and Autumn foliage seem to make this golden city even more stunning. May has wonderful temperatures for site seeing although can be rainy. If you find yourself in Paris on a rainy day, hit the museums! Or don’t feel guilty about taking a long Parisian wine lunch and a nap. Very French. You will be doing as the French do and isn’t that part of your trip plan? Oui Oui. If summer is vacation time, then planning ahead is key. The best way to see somewhere is by not waiting in long lines. Take a look at France national holidays to avoid closings or extra high season rates. Although spending Bastille Day in France is so much fun, especially for children. There are spectacular fireworks, fundraising dances and military air shows. Lots of free flowing Rose wine and even more delicious desserts. Trust me. If summer in Paris is on your horizon, do not shy away from July 14th! May even be able to throw in a short history lesson. Just don’t call it that.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is laid out in 20 arrondissements or districts. If you are only in Paris for a few days, staying as close to the river Seine is helpful for ease of site-seeing. My first trip to Paris years ago, I stayed in the 7th arrondissement with mostly other Americans. While close to the Eiffel Tower, I now prefer either the 3rd, 4th or 6th arrondissements. Filled with charming cafes, delicious restaurants, shopping and major sites a close walk. To help narrow down where to stay, are you arriving/departing by plane or train? Paris has wonderful flights from both US and Europe. While the main airport, Charles de Gaulle is about 16 miles north-east of central Paris, transportation is good. Paris’ Orly airport has fantastic low-cost flights and great transportation to the center of Paris too. Also, Uber is an option and legal in France. Take a look at Paris transportation.

A nice place to stay if you arrive very late or have an early morning flight connection is this Paris Marriott

Offering a shuttle to and from Charles de Gaulle airport, it is a short walk to a charming village with many quaint restaurants, shops and cafes.

What to See and Do in Paris

Every guidebook is going to list out Paris’ many museums and cultural sites. See the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Musee d’Orsay. Because the City of Light is always a good idea, there will be many other tourists. Make sure to book reservations in advance so that you are in as few lines as possible.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is fascinating for kids of all ages. Book your tickets 3 months in advance. If your date is not available, keep checking as times often open up. You have a choice of purchasing a mid-level ticket or a ticket for the elevator to the top. Teens may enjoy climbing but younger children probably not. Often there are long lines for the elevators. Be prepared, it can get very windy at the top. Therefore, lots of people end up buying a sweatshirt from the gift shops! Three suggestions for seeing this enchanting landmark that will make your visit even more special. First, consider booking lunch or dinner at either the less formal Le Tour 58 restaurant or the Michelin star Le Jules Verne. Each restaurant has its own elevator whisking you to the best view in Paris! Second suggestion is to arrive to see Paris at sunset, seeing the best of both. Additionally, a visit to the Bar a Champagne at the very top of the Eiffel Tower allows you to toast with bubbly French champagne until closing at 11 pm.

Click here for more information on the Eiffel Tower.

Boating & Biking on the Seine

For families, my recommendation is to minimize museums and art galleries. Instead, rent a bike from one of the many city bike racks and ride along the Seine or take a bicycle tour. It’s a fun and active way to explore Paris. Also, the Batobus boats on the Seine allow you to hop on-hop off as often as you like within 48 hours and is a scenic way to sit and see the sights! A bargain at 19 euro, 10 euro for children and 3 and under are free.

Not So Cookie-Cutter Paris

To become a temporary Parisian, head to Luxembourg Gardens. This is a beautiful place to picnic with baguettes, cheeses, fruit and of course wine picked up from the markets. Popular with locals, this is a great place for everyone with playgrounds, small boat rentals, and cafes.

Little girls, especially those familiar with the Madeline book series, will delight in seeing many of the sites mentioned in the books. Madeline’s house is fictional but there are many vine covered chateaus that look similar. Don’t know Madeline? Great way to prepare children for their France trip.

Some suggestions for a deliciously memorable holiday: a chocolate tasting or French food and wine tour! Yum. Tour or not, make sure that you try delicious French hot chocolate at Angelina’s, sweet or savory crepes (both at Creperie Petite Brettone Paris), Macarons, mini-pastries and if legal age, French champagne.

Insider Tip – Music & Memories at Sainte Chapelle

Go to Sainte Chapelle. This was the residence of the Kings of France from the 12th-14th centuries. Inside the chapel, stunning stained glass panels depict stories from the Bible. There is a great app online that will read each window pane to you. Early is best to avoid long lines. The Museum pass does not apply to this over 750 year old royal chapel which is a jewel of Gothic art. Built in the 12th century by King Saint-Louis to house Christ’s Crown of Thorns, a piece of Jesus’ cross and other Catholic Holy Relics, Sainte Chapelle is gorgeous! These Catholic relics are now held at the nearby Cathedral of Notre Dame. On the first Friday of every month at 3 PM, the Holy Relics are exposed for veneration and adoration.

Travel by Train – Gare de Lyon

Have any train travel while in Paris? If so, arrange to spend some time in one of the world’s prettiest train stations – Gare de Lyon.  Le Train Bleu restaurant is spectacular. Open since 1901, the grand decor rivals French palaces! From this opulent train station, it is easy to get to CDG airport and to the South of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, England and Spain.

From Gare de Lyon, you can get to the Paris Nord station and the fast Eurostar trains. London is only about 2 hours 35 minutes by Eurostar. Croissants for breakfast, Bangers and mash for lunch! Could be back in Paris for a late dinner.

From the first glimpse out the airplane window, our kids were excited to see this amazing city! Of course Paris is a place you can go back to and still not see it all…therefore Paris is Always a Good Idea!

Any favorite places, shops, restaurants in the City of Love? Please share. French recipes to get you ready or bring back memories?

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