Bakery list from Aimee
Museum Jonna read about online
http://www.afar.com/magazine/
List from Janet:
https://museumnetwork.sothebys.com/article/paris-the-insiders-guide
The Picasso. Rose et Bleu at Musée d’Orsay is FIRST stop.And the Grand Palais has the Joan Miro Exhibition up, including THE FARM which Hemingway famously took to Havana where it nearly succumbed to the elements with the permission of his FIRST wife Hadley (he gave it to HER when he left her for his SECOND wife) after it was loaned for an exhibition and then MoMA miraculously rescued it after the Fall of Cuba, restored it only for Hemingway’s FOURTH wife to give it away to the National Gallery in DC after hanging it in her Manhattan dining room after his suicide! A pity — should have gone to MoMA. Go see in Paris.The RODIN is always lovely.Hmmm ... cannot recall the fashion one ... Heavenly Bodies is at the MET and The Cloisters and Dior is now in Denver (or was).I must confess, it is trés difficile to keep up !Just being in Paris now is gorgeous, no ? I notice the weather is perfect today ...I hope this helps a little.Love et bises from Sundance,Janet xx
Depending on when you are there (early or late June) you might be lucky enough to hit all the sales (soldes). It is a great time to stock up on french brands at discounts and still get VAT back at airport. I think sales start around June 26th this year
If your kids (or you) are into classical music "Swan Lake" is at the Palais de Congress on June 22. Midi Musical at the Operahouse on June 23. The city wide Fete de la Musique starts June 21.
Paris Plage (where they turn the banks of the Siene into a beach complete with sand) doesn't start until first week of July.
Jardin d’Acclimatation is a great way to spend an afternoon or a whole day. This large park has everything from rides they can do by themselves, to a farm zoo, lake where you can rent boats, and beautiful gardens and playgrounds. There is a small train as well. http://www.
Versailles is an obvious spot, and one that I recommend. But do consider checking the schedule on line FIRST as there are only certain days when the fountains are on. It will be a lot more interesting and entertaining for your kids if you go when they are on. Rent a golf cart to get from main palace to the Trianon and Orangerie. Your kids will love the ride, while you get audio guide, and they won’t be so tired from the very long walk that they have a melt down.
If you want to do something different (or if ya’ll are really into castles/chateaus) try Vaux le Vicomte. Similar to Versailles, but a lot less crowded and you get to see more of the castle and how it was built. On certain days they also have costumes for the kids and special activities. http://vaux-le-vicomte.com/en/
The best way to see the Louvre with kids is with a guided tour designed for them. My kids love, and still talk about, the tour we did. It was a treasure hunt tour and worth every penny. Your kids are fascinated and engaged, and you get to see museum and skip the crazy long lines. I highly recommend Paris Muse Tours. https://parismuse.com They have tours for grown ups as well.
Take the funicular to the top of Montmartre. The view over the city is amazing. You can see Sacre Coeur and wander the tiny streets. Have the kids portraits drawn on the square. Touristy, yes, but a great memory. Just be sure to walk all the way around to see each artist’s work before choosing your artist. Some will haggle the price with you, but only a little bit. If it is afternoon have a pastry and coffee at Carette. http://www.carette-paris.fr/
Piscine Josephine Baker is a cool art deco public pool that you (or kids) can go for a day/break and be with locals!
On a Sunday you can book a great buffet brunch at Chalet des Isle. http://chalet-des-iles.com The setting is magical. Set in the Bois, you take a little ferry boat to the island. You feel completely removed from the bustle of the city. They usually have a magician or balloon artist to entertain the kids after they have finished eating. Mostly locals, this is a great break from the insanity of the city. You will have to take a taxi there.
You might want to consider taking a day (depending on how long you will be in the area) and heading up to Mont St. Michel. It is a great way to spend a day.
If you have two extra days, rent a car and head to Loire Valley (1 1/2 hr from Paris) the Chateaus around there are amazing. There is even a hotel inside a cave (pool in cave too) where you can stay. Many of the chateaus have special activities for kids. Let me know if you want a list of them.
If the weather is bad the Cite des sciences et de l’industry http://www.cite-sciences.fr/
Speaking of which, definitely book your tickets before you leave if you want to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. But don’t waste your money on the restaurants there! 100% for tourists. Instead head to Mr. Blue at the Palais de Tokyo or the rooftop bar at the Musee des Quai Branly. The views of tower are amazing and the food is much better. For something different you can take a tuk tuk from Tower to anywhere else instead of cab.
there are lots of good food tours, and delicious restaurants that are good for young adults/older kids - Shrivan http://www.shirvancafemetisse.
One of our favorite restaurants is Auberge Bressane http://www.auberge-bressane.
Angelina is great for hot chocolate and pastries (next to Tuileries on Rue Rivoli), La Duree is great for macarons (I like the location at Madeline the best), and Eclair Genie https://leclairdegenie.com has the best eclair I have ever eaten in my life. You can get them at the shop or at Bon Marche.
Go to Maille at Madeline and taste all the varieties of mustard. You’ll never believe how many there are and how many you can’t get in the US. Makes great gifts.
Some great apps to look into - LaFourchette (TheFork) for restaurants and reservations. And c'est la greve app for info on any strikes happening and their whereabouts, etc. for the kids look at the FlashInvaders app.
No comments:
Post a Comment