Paris (France) travel tips/suggestions... with kids

[Jeff Lebowski]

Just got back from Paris. This was my fourth trip to France, but my first visit to Paris. Wow. It surpassed the hype. My new favorite city.

I will also add that the old stereotype of rude Parisians is a myth. We were treated fabulously by everyone.

[Mrs. Funk]

Just got back from Paris. This was my fourth trip to France, but my first visit to Paris. Wow. It surpassed the hype. My new favorite city.

I will also add that the old stereotype of rude Parisians is a myth. We were treated fabulously by everyone.

:clap:

I miss Paris. Glad you had a fab time.

[TripletDaddy]

Just got back from Paris. This was my fourth trip to France, but my first visit to Paris. Wow. It surpassed the hype. My new favorite city.

I will also add that the old stereotype of rude Parisians is a myth. We were treated fabulously by everyone.

Paris is our fave city, as well. Nothing else compares. The great thing about Paris (much like the other wonderful cities of the world) is that it reinvents itself with each season. Paris in the Spring..amazing. Paris in the Fall is also amazing. Paris in the summer is great, but I can do without the heat and the crowds. Everything is jammed.

[MarkGrace]

Jeff, how did you make it to france three times and not get to paris? Where did you go?

[Jeff Lebowski]

Jeff, how did you make it to france three times and not get to paris? Where did you go?

First trip was to Grenoble (work). Second trip was to Lille and Nancy (work). Third trip was to Normandy with the family (on D-Day anniversary) via the Chunnel.

[filsdepac]

Just got back from Paris. This was my fourth trip to France, but my first visit to Paris. Wow. It surpassed the hype. My new favorite city.

I will also add that the old stereotype of rude Parisians is a myth. We were treated fabulously by everyone.

What are some of the specifics that helped in surpassing the hype? I love hearing others' experiences both for ideas and to live vicariously for a moment.

[PaloAltoCougar]

...I will also add that the old stereotype of rude Parisians is a myth. We were treated fabulously by everyone.

My impression based on only a few visits is that one will be treated rudely if one acts like an Ugly American, behaving boorishly and acting as if everyone should speak English. But if one acts at all deferential, trying to speak a little French or apologizing for one's linguisitic shortcomings (in other words, behaving like a grateful guest rather than as an entitled snob), they find such efforts endearing and love to assist. We love France and can't wait to go back.

And I still think Midnight in Paris is Woody Allen's most enjoyable movie in two decades.

[Blueintheface]

Awesome. I'm assuming this one was pure pleasure or was it also for work (not that it matters as it sounds like it was a great trip)?

[Jeff Lebowski]

What are some of the specifics that helped in surpassing the hype? I love hearing others' experiences both for ideas and to live vicariously for a moment.

Mainly the overall experience, I suppose. The architecture, history, food, atmosphere, people, etc. I also loved the metro system. Very easy to get anywhere in the city. This was a bit of a surprise since the Paris airport is terribly inefficient.

My impression based on only a few visits is that one will be treated rudely if one acts like an Ugly American, behaving boorishly and acting as if everyone should speak English. But if one acts at all deferential, trying to speak a little French or apologizing for one's linguisitic shortcomings (in other words, behaving like a grateful guest rather than as an entitled snob), they find such efforts endearing and love to assist. We love France and can't wait to go back.

And I still think Midnight in Paris is Woody Allen's most enjoyable movie in two decades.

I watched that on the plane ride home on my iPad and I loved it. I was going to watch it before going but I am glad I waited as I was surprised at how many locations I recognized.

Awesome. I'm assuming this one was pure pleasure or was it also for work (not that it matters as it sounds like it was a great trip)?

Actually it was a work trip. Spent most of the week in Northern France. But this time I was smart enough to schedule a few days in Paris on the way home.

[ERCougar]

Nice "top ten" list on getting on in Paris that popped up on my work computer browser home page (and thus will probably miss everyone's browsers on here). Some of this rings so true if you've spent much time in France:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/07/31/10-things-youd-never-guess-about-paris/?intcmp=features

[myboynoah]

Nice "top ten" list on getting on in Paris that popped up on my work computer browser home page (and thus will probably miss everyone's browsers on here). Some of this rings so true if you've spent much time in France:
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/0...ntcmp=features

A good list. I would add the TV tax they would come around annually to collect. It was like $5 per TV for receiving the signal through the air. They actually taxed access to the air.

[Soccermom]

I'm so excited! Aristides has decided we will be going to Paris for our 15th anniversary. We will be going in April or May. Ooh la la. He has never been to Paris. I haven't been to France since FOREVER ago, so it feels almost like I have never been either. I am going to re-read this thread, but feel free to share favorite hotels, restaurants, whatever else for those of you who have been there recently.

[hostile]

I'm so excited! Aristides has decided we will be going to Paris for our 15th anniversary. We will be going in April or May. Ooh la la. He has never been to Paris. I haven't been to France since FOREVER ago, so it feels almost like I have never been either. I am going to re-read this thread, but feel free to share favorite hotels, restaurants, whatever else for those of you who have been there recently.

Sounds like fun. We're looking to go in a couple years for our 20th. Haven't been since graduating from med school in '98. We did a bike tour in south/central France and then spent 5 days in Paris. I'll have to go back over our where we stayed and ate.

[Omaha 680]

I must be an ugly, rude American because we just spent three nights in Paris on our recent trip and it was my least favorite city we visited, by far. We spent two of the days with a native French-speaker friend of my wife (she's Swiss) and she felt the same way about the general treatment we received from locals. Different strokes I guess. Of course the food and museums were amazing though.

I will say that everything we experienced in France outside of Paris (apart from driving in and out of the City) was incredible.

[Moliere]