If you're going to Paris with kids....

then be sure to take a peek.  Some right bank ideas to keep everyone happy!

Walking through the Tuileries

You might like my side bar!

I just updated the side bar with some Paris sites/blogs I really like.  Since I never know where to put things, I put the links there and will explain here.  There are a gazillion Paris sites.....I try to only follow a few........  otherwise I get distracted.  Easily distracted.

Little Brown Pen:  witty and extremely talented artist, has kids in Paris, writes about cheese!
The Secrets of Paris:  well, no longer a secret, but she has it down!
My Secret Paris:  again, secret's out, but I love how concise her site is. I do not get distracted.

Paris: Right Bank in one day with kids

This is doable in one day.
Angelina's for hot cocoa:

Pure chocolate and thick luscious whip cream!

Work off that sugar across the street at the trampolines in the Tuileries:

Or.... rent a sailboat (also an option at the Left Bank's Luxembourg garden), ride a carrousel or a pony.  I don't have photos of those.

Visit the Louvre.   Before you go, check out the kid's programs offered.

Can you believe this is the best photo I have in my collection of the Louvre?!?

But....do not enter via the dramatic glass pyramid.  You will stand on line forever, especially if at opening time.  Instead, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre (a little shopping mall and food court (in France!).  It's located on rue de Rivoli.  I've done this 6 times and have never run into a line.  Once inside, you'll see the pretty pyramid.  I also like to go late in the day, it's less crowded.

Walk through the Palais Royal.  The garden is on one side and the black and white courtyard on the other.    I packed daughter's jump rope and she burned off energy jumping and climbing on the stools.

This is a great place to relax and get a break from the hustle of Paris.

If you still have time and energy, here are a few more right bank suggestions for kids:

Quai de la Mégisserie:  An entire street dedicated to pet and garden shops.  You'll also see the picturesque bouquinistes across the street along the Seine.

Les Arts Decoratifs:  (very close to the Carrousel du Louvre) Great toy museum, textiles and fashion.  Once, I accidentally walked into a closed area while curators were setting up  a new exhibit and got an earful of  very loud and colorful french!  Oops.

Musée de la Poupée  Not as close by, but definitely worth a visit.  Take a look at their class schedule.  Daughter took a doll making class and loved it. 

 

Quick basics before you go

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Just a starting point to avoid headaches while you are traveling.  Please send updates, comments, suggestions!

1. Photocopy passports/credit cards/prescription medicines.
          Leave one copy here and bring one with you.

2.  Have enough medicines with you for your entire trip.  Don't check them with your bags.  Duh.

2. Make sure you have at least 6 mos on your passport (before it expires) from your return date.  THIS IS IMPORTANT.  While some European countries are lax and don't inspect your documents upon entry, some are particular.  My mom almost (it was very nervy and the officer starting ranting about President Bush, but decided to let us board anyway) didn't get to board the Eurostar (Paris bound for London) because she didn't have that 6 mos cushion.

3.  Just in case, know where your embassy is.  US Embassy in Paris:
                                                                            4 avenue Gabriel
                                                                            75008, Paris
                                                                            metro: Concorde or Invalides

4.  FYI:  the last 2 digits in Paris zip codes will tell you what arrondissement the location is.  Hence, the US embassy is in the 8th arrondissement.

5.  Money one.  Take enough euros to get by for a day.  Then use ATM's.  You will get the best exchange rate and lower your per transaction fees.  GUARD your pin.  Even better, GUARD your pin and use ATM's in less touristy areas.

6.  Money two:  Call your credit card companies before you go.  Tell them you will be out of  the country, where, dates......or they may cut you off until you can pass their security line nightmare.  Some may ask about how much you plan to spend.  ASK about foreign currency conversion FEES, and per transaction FEES.  I use my debit card for substantial purchases (sigh, no air miles) and euros from ATM's for smaller purchases.

In Santa Fe without travel silverware

We're in Santa Fe having a great time....but just thought it helpful to post a reminder to pack a set of silverware. It will come in handy for impromptu picnics in the park, or in your hotel room. We just returned from a trip to the local grocer only to realize that we didn't pack our travel silverware and there's nothing to spread the cream cheese on the bagels in the morning! Thankfully, we still have the spoon from daughter's ice cream treat....we'll see how that works.

Shopping for clothes with kids in Paris

This is a photo from a chocolate shop in Paris, not a children's clothing store, but I just couldn't post this entry without including this darling bunny photo.

Ahhhh, shopping in Paris. There are so many lovely boutiques for children. Many, however, are extremely expensive and downright impractical (but....nonetheless beautiful!).

Here's my list of favorite tried and true shops for excellent quality, style and price:

Petit Bateau The merchandise is cheaper and selection better than US.

DPAM Super cute clothes. I just love looking at their website!

H and M Yes, I know this is a Swedish chain with stores in US, but TRUST ME, they have a better selection in Europe, especially Paris. My favorite in the one at 54 Bd. Haussmann

Monoprix This is like the Woolworth's of Paris. The quality is great and you will find all kinds of fun things there. In most Monoprixs a grocery is located on the basement level. I ALWAYS recommend to friends that they find the closest Monoprix to their lodging before leaving for Paris. Also, make a note of their hours of operation, which vary by store location and size.

BEWARE:

My daughter said the cutest (or maybe alarming?) thing the other day. Since she wears uniforms to school (yeah!) we don't have to buy everyday play clothes very often. The last few trips to Paris we've really stocked up on clothes for her. At dinner we were discussing our next trip and she said, "I really need to go to Paris to work on my wardrobe." She's 8!

Geneva, Switzerland

We travelled last Spring from Paris to Geneva via a beautiful train ride. We were very excited to see Geneva since our daughter speaks French and all the other cities we've been to in Switzerland were stunning. Geneva did not let us down! It's an EXTREMELY child friendly, walkable town.....and even though we love Paris very much, it was a bit of a relief to walk around at a slower pace. Everyone waits for the walk signal. Really, it's quite amazing. And these little signs are posted about the city:

The city transit system is easy to use (many hotels offer free daily passes so ask at the front desk) and there is potable water everywhere. We walked past a little shop with cherries, turned the corner and voila! potable water to fill up our water bottles and wash the cherries.

Places to visit with your children (we did all this in a day):
The Natural History Museum. There's a two headed turtle in the entry way! My 7 year old loved this museum (download or pack the movie Night at the Museum to get excited). Best of all.....it's free!
Bastions Park, Place Neuve. At the north end of the park you can play a game of life size chess or checkers or check out the playground just past the green cafe. When you're finished with that, walk along the tree lined park where you'll see the first University in Geneva, lots of park benches for a rest, open spaces for picnics and some time to do cartwheels!

The flower clock. This is located along the promenade where you'll find playgrounds, ice cream shops and a lovely view of Lac Leman. The soccer ball (in the background) is hovering over the jet d'eau on Lac Leman.

There are lots more places to visit with children, but we had a train to catch for Venice and had to save some sights for the next time. For our next trip we'll stop at the United Nations, the American Red Cross Museum learn about the Swiss banking and watch making industries and definitely sample more chocolate!