It is not easy organising holidays abroad and finding activities which will make everybody happy. The whole family is enthusiastic but each member wants something a little bit different. Arthur, five years old, is after loads of fun and is desperate to see the Eiffel Tower. But his sister Mary, who is nine, would like to visit the Louvre and learn all about the history of Paris. Then theres your husband, who wants to explore French gastronomy and try his hand at a French cooking class. And thats before you have even considered yourself! You want to make everyone happy and spend a wonderful time forming lifelong memories with your family.
Paris is a fantastic city to visit with kids there are so many things to discover! It has a local feel and is perfectly safe to walk around. I think a family holiday should be all about everyone being together and sharing quality family time. Because I have organized so many successful family breaks, I want to let you in on a few of my secret tips to help you organise the best possible trip for the family.
Get the accommodation right
You are struggling to decide between a hotel and an apartment. But do you really have to choose? There are some really excellent apartments located in 4 or 5 star hotels. Personally, I think it is the perfect option for a family, letting you enjoy the freedom of an apartment with its own kitchen or kitchenette alongside the services typical of a hotel: daily cleaning, helpful reception, and breakfasts in the morning. If you are set on staying at a hotel, my advice is to choose a child-friendly one which will help you make your stay easier.
Say ‘yes’ to museums and culture
But with a special and fun family twist museums and cultural destinations can quickly get boring for kids. To keep the young ones engaged, you have to take a different approach to make them interested and enthusiastic. First up, I advise you to bear in mind what they like and what they want to see. But thats not always enough: you have to find places aimed directly at kids, and luckily for you there are a lot of very interesting such places in Paris. For example, if your child is passionate about science you should visit the famous Cit des Sciences. Or if one of them likes the magical world of the funfair, you cannot miss the Muse des arts forains, a fantastic place where you will find carousels and other carnival attractions dating back to the early 1900s.
Ask for help
If you are looking for an overview of Pariss many artistic masterpieces, it is better to book a trip with a professional, local agency. First of all, they know everything about Paris and the best ways to see the sights. You are sure to save time, find museums open and, most importantly, you will be escorted by a professional and English-speaking guide. They can organise part or all of your trip depending on your preferences and requirements, and I am sure it will be of great help to you and fill your trip with good rather than bad surprises!
Experience culture in many different ways
Not just the museums, Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. To get to know Paris better, it is essential to explore French culture in all its forms. French gastronomy is renowned the world over, so make the most of your time in Paris to try escargots, ptisserie, pain and fromage. And if you fall in love with French food, you can have a cooking class (there are loads of different options in Paris). If you are not so interested in cooking you can have a break in a very typical Parisian caf and get a private French lesson. Then it will be easier for you to chat with the locals and navigate the city without getting lost.
Enjoy the parks and gardens
Your children need to have some time to relax. Paris has plenty of big parks and gardens everywhere, so I suggest you choose a hotel with a park nearby. Whatever the season, you can enjoy a quiet moment outside with the children playing safely in a place specially set aside for them. Le Champ de Mars (near the Eiffel Tower) and the Jardin du Luxembourg with its pond full of model boats are very good places for a lovely time with your family.
Paris is perfect for your first family cultural trip and I am sure you will leave with a wonderful set of lifelong memories.
