My little treasures
So you’ve taken them to the most culturally rich city in the world, among old world masters, Rodin sculptures and history rich from the Napoleonic era but do they care? When kids just want to be kids make a selection of our attractions below.
Most museums are free for the under 18s and remember all museums are free 1st Sunday of each month! Most close Mondays and some on Tuesdays, check their website to verify opening times.
Getting around: The Metro will get you anywhere in Paris efficiently; you can buy a 1-3 Day Paris Pass or a 10-pack of metro tickets. To get orientated on the first day, take one of those Tourist buses, to come and go at your leisure. Paris buses are also great although their routes take a little longer to comprehend. You can also Batobus (water taxi on the Seine), which stops at popular attractions and is also reasonably priced:
Tip: You can buy a 10-pack of metro tickets at most tabacs (newsagency) instead of queuing with other tourists
WITH KIDS
The Catacombs of Paris
— If you’re into bones and skeletons this one might appeal, particularly to teenage boys and their dads. Over 5-6 million people are buried (don’t worry no flesh) in ancient burial grounds. I think they ran out of space. Lots of underground tunnels above famous Paris streets.
M: Denfert-Rochereau
www.paris.fr
1 ave du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Museum of Natural History
— This is a great museum for all ages. The permanent collection is not unlike the National History Museum in London, perhaps a little smaller but just as enjoyable. Some of the permanent displays include Minerals, Anatomy and Evolution displays. Numerous temporary exhibitions include: 'Aux Sources de la Terre' until 30 Nov, 2008 at 57 rue Cuvier
'Tresor de la biodiversite' until 9 Nov, 2008
Closed Tuesday. Métro: Jussieu
www.mnhn.fr
The Grand Galerie de L’Evolution
Do try:
— The Jardin Tuileries, in summer & spring its wonderful; rent a toy sailboat, ride the historic carousel or find a pony ride for the little ones.
A visit the Louvre - Go directly pass the queues with your personal Family Pass. Tour parts of the museum normally reserved and conduct a treasure hunt with your guide. Best for ages above 6 (295€ for a family up to 5).
Notre Dame Cathedral – visit the South Tower for a close-up view of the gargoyles – you’ll need to ascend 422 steps! Climb even higher for a magnificent view of Paris.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for an equally great view of Paris - be careful, do not attempt to cross the several lanes of traffic, take the underground walkway along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Be prepared to climb over 100 steps a panoramic 'Paris'. If you’re with a stroller there is a lift but also several steps you will need to manage to get to the top.
Below is an easy to print list from the American Embassy of parks for kids.
www.france.usembassy.gov
Disneyland Highlights
— Sleeping Beauty's castle will regularly be dazzled with fireworks every evening commencing 15 July until 31 August Tuesday to Sunday at 10am.
The Fantillusion Parades will be held from July 5 until August 31. It is easy to book online. There are several hotels in the area and of course the very expensive Disneyland Hotel situated in the Park.
To get to the Park from Paris take the train. it is ae RER A (Red) towards Marne-la-Vallée (RER line A4). Departure Stations include: Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Auber, Chatelet Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, Nation. You will arrive at Marne-la-Vallée and walk to the gates from the station (2mins)
Allow 45 minutes and trains run regularly every 20 minutes or so. Tariff: €6,45 (Zone 1 - Zone 5).
www.disneylandparis.com
Observatory of Paris - 400 year celebration
— 400 Years ago Galileo, the italian Astronomer and Physicist, discovered the first of several important observations in our galaxy. 2009 has been declared 'The Year of Astronomy' by Unesco and the observatory is planning several events throughout the year to celebrate. Come and see the stars from Paris. in the 1667 Perreault building, in the heart of Paris. Visits are guided and last two hours, must be pre-booked. Only on Tuesday and Thursdays.
Metro: Denert-Rochereau
www.grandpublic.obspm.fr
61, Av. de l’Observatoire, 75014 (Enter 77 ave Denfert-Rochereau)
Chinese New Year
— February 10th. Head to the 13th arrondissement for authentic Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants and Celebrations. Each year there is a big street carnival commencing at 1.30pm via the Rue du Disque and continuing via Ave d'Ivry, Ave de Choisy and the Place d'Italie.
This area is worth exploring anytime of year and represents 'Chinatown' in Paris.
Metro: Mason Blanche
Winter - Ice Skating Hotel de Ville
— There are two major skating rinks, one at the Hotel de Ville and one at Montparnasse. Skates are reasonable around 5 euros. Free entry if you have your own. Join in the Winter fun, even if you can't skate it's a great place to learn.
Commences early December till late February.
Hours of operation:
Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm; Fri 12pm-12am; Sat 9am-12am; Sun 9am-10pm
Les Marionnettes
— Where would Paris by without a Puppet show, these shows are held regularly in Parks across Paris, Normally every weekends and Wednesdays (15.30) when children all over France, do not go to school or go half day. The site below provides details and times of each show being held in Paris.
Three venues we know of are: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (avenue Simon Bolivar, rue Botzaris)
Parc Montsouris & Rond Point des Champs Elysées
(angle avenue Matignon et Gabriel).
www.parisparis.com