Happy Friday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend in store.
Today, I am linking up with other bloggers posting on France – Simply Irresistible! I decided to post on traveling to Paris with children, because I’ve done it! I’ll share the obvious highlights and a couple of secret tips.
Traveling with children can have its challenges (and rewards) no matter how near or far you are traveling. But, toss in a foreign language and jet lag and you have a whole other set of issues to contend with. But, having traveled to Paris with my then 5 and 8 year old….there is no city more welcoming to children. Come on….I’ll show you how we did it.
First, we rented an apartment. On the Left Bank. Rue du Four via Elite Destination Homes. I just checked the rates and there is no way that’s what we paid…so if you seriously want to rent an apartment, ask for their best rate. The apartment sleeps 6 and has an amazing location. And, a concierge. Seriously…..such an amazing way to travel as a family.
One of the unexpected highlights of Paris is Musee Rodin. Part home, part gallery, part gardens….this was one of our favorite museums to visit. I had to appreciate my 5 year old’s willingness to pose alongside world renown statuary.
One thing I’ve learned is that children truly are adaptable….to time changes, to unusual food and to new experiences. What a thrill to see Paris through their eyes.
This is so great Elizabeth and looks peculiarly similar to my trip with Will! Oh, that's right… we got so many wonderful tips from you!!! Happy Weekend!
Such great advice and memories!
Have a fun weekend E!
xo
Cathy
What a timely post!! I am taking my girls to Paris next month and am just firming up our itinerary. Can't wait to see the city of lights through their eyes. Wishing you a very happy weekend – starting off on the right note on this beautiful morning!
Photos are great! Your boys are darling.
Beautiful Elizabeth, this post is very near and dear to my heart, as I am a French immersion teacher at the elementary level. Children are always a good idea too to accompany on many an adventure, n'est-ce pas? Your boys are darling, and hot chocolate will always appease the child within us all! Thank you for participating and the party runs ALL WEEK! So when you have a chance, visit the others, give them time to come see your beautiful post and HAVE FUN! Thank you so much and I can't even tell you how much fun I've been having all morning long! Anita
Oooh la la! Love this post!
I'm going to be in Paris soon for the very first time ever and I couldn't be more excited.
I've been listening to podcasts to get in-the-know about French culture, what foods to order, and how to avoid a faux pas!
This is a great idea to post about traveling with kids Elizabeth. Mine are grown, but I recall the difficulty in trying to do this sort of thing when you bring young ones along. Looks like you had a great trip and balanced the MUST SEE list with just allowing the boys to play.
Enjoy your weekend!
xxleslie
Elizabeth, What a great post and very timely – just mentioned to my daughter we will be going to Paris as a graduation gift to her. I have been several times and can't wait to take my children. Thanks for sharing.
Linda B
what a lovely blog! I'm linking with all the French fun today and found your trip to Paris. What a darling family you have and your trip looks fab. I spent the holidays in London and Paris with my family (including teenage nephews) so I can relate. We had a ball. Sounds like a wonderful summer plan.
I look forward to following your blog!
Cheer, Heather http://www.stylemindchic.blogspot.com
Elizabeth I was thinking you're brave but even to me your trip sounded like a lot of fun. You were pratical and thoughful of your children needing to be kids at the same time enjoying your trip. You're a good Mom. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
Enjoy your weekend!
XXX
Debra~
Wonderful post, Elizabeth!! Great advice for traveling with children…it is so important to have them experience the world from a young age. I am bookmarking this for the future if anyone asks me for help planning a European trip with children.
Have a beautiful weekend! xoxo
I wish I could travel with you! You had the perfect agenda and an even better attitude about traveling overseas with young children! It's not easy to do! This was delightful and I LOVED your recommendations as well as seeing through a child's eye! That's usually the best way to see a number of things! Have a wonderful weekend!
This post was very close to my heart, as it is the first of the link party to include children. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years, and my kids are my life. I'm so happy you got a chance to travel to this wonderful place with your children. I think I loved the carousel most of all, and it brought back sweet memories, as I used to take my children on them all of the time.
What a lovely post, and it's so nice to meet new friends.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
What a wonderful way to travel and glad to learn about Elite Destination Homes. I would definitely ask for that discount, but it's a fabulous way to travel with children…certainly making memories on this trip, Elizabeth!
And your boys are ADORABLE – such fun ages!!
Beautiful…..we enjoyed taking our kids and did much of what you did and were just careful to pace ourselves, taking breaks, not overloading them with too much in one day, and of course taking time to do "kid things". We had an amazing time and I think Paris truly is for ALL ages..it is so magnificent, and there is something for everyone and if I am lucky I will be going to Paris until I am old and gray!! Enjoy your weekend Elizabeth!
We took our boys to Paris last summer and loved it. Your pictures remind me of our wonderful trip!
I really enjoyed this tour, your pictures come with beatiful color, love the blog.
regards
Luisa Maria
http://personallyselected.blogspot.com.es/
I want to thank you for a wonderful time.All the sites were made more fun though your childrens eyes.That carousel was fantastic.Your boys were having a grand time on it.
It has been a pleasure,
Marie Antionette
Welcome in France…nice to see you here…….love to do this together…Anita is such a good friend to all of us…enjoy the weekend love Ria…xxx…
Good timing – I am heading to Paris after London, a 13th birthday trip for my daughter. The Eiffel Tower restaurant idea is great – there's still availability on her birthday!
I went with my aunt 5 years ago, and the Rodin Museum stands out as a favorite.
We are going to Versailles this trip as we weren't able to squeeze it in last time.
What an amazing post this is! I love Paris and can't wait to go back. It's so nice to see Paris through a child's eyes too! Can't wait to check out Castles, Crowns and Cottages!!
xo
Sharon
What a delight to see your children enjoying Paris! Thanks for sharing in the party!
~ Violet
Dear Elizabeth,
I am so very glad you took the time to visit me as now I have found YOU! Your post is full of helpful information and beautiful pictures, many of which are from my old stomping ground in Paris. You have brought a smile to my face.
I am off to follow you now.
Stephanie
ps Oh, we have a Calvalier King Charles too! What fun!
Merci pour ces images magnifiques remplies d'émotion …
Amicalement
Marie-Ange
Hello Elizabeth. It's a pleasure to meet you. Yes, you have done it, especially with children. Your blog is lovely and I can see from the photos, you had a fab time. I see your son posed quite well with Rodan's statues. Your one photo is almost a duplicate of the one with my hubby. I am your newest follower, Linda
Dear Elizabeth thank you so much for sharing your family's time in Paris!! Wonderful!
Come with me on my adventure in France.
life, possibilities, grace
a beautiful dream…
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Truly beautiful post, Elizabeth!
It would be worth it to me to enjoy Rodin and the food and drink. Can't wait to go.
Teresa
xoxo
This must have been a dream come true to take your children to France. I think introducing them to travelat an early age add so much to their lives. We hope to do this with our grandson when he is a little older. Marvelous post! Visiting from Anita’s party.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Elizabeth I love this post and I know because travelling to Paris with children is amazing nd fun! The French re so welcoming of les enfants and the parents get to share their experiences as well. We did Cafe Marly after The Louvre as well and Georgiana absolutely loved the fair at the Tuilieries gardens! We went to Angelina's as well and I love the fact that it is on bustling Rue de Rivoli but once you step inside it is heavenly!
best wishes
Frances
Elizabeth!!! What a great post. I want to take Katherine to Paris and was wondering how to do it. Thanks for the tips and the peek into your trip.
XO,
Amy
Such wonderfully iconic Parisian scenes, I love them. Thank you. Anita's link party has been such good fun, and a total education.
Great to see you again.
Di
x
Totally agree, renting a place with friends or kids is absolutely the BEST way to go. I love doing this.
Really great post.
cant wait to take Aston to Paris!
Elizabeth,
What a wonderful way to see Paris through the eyes of children. Sounds like a lovely trip.
Elizabeth
Bonjour Elizabeth,
Merci for sharing your wonderful family vacation photos.
Sure looks like you had a great time and your children are darling.
Carolyn
What a great vacation it must have been.
Elizabeth!
Your boys are precious! Thank you sharing this delightful Paris experience!
We took our daughter to Paris when she was twelve. She had two places she wanted to visit on her list. La Maison de Victor Hugo and La Musee d'Orsay. It was so fun to watch her reaction to seeing the Impressionists and her favorite Degas ballerinas and the ballerina sculpture with the "real skirt"! She was captivated by the first renderings of Cosette in Hugo's home.
I love the images on the Carousel, interpreting Rodin, and indulging in the Chocolat of course!
…as your delightful blog! I plan to visit often!
~Lynne
withLove.
What a great post. Loved that you put such a personal touch on it by sharing photos of your boys. I bet they will look back later in life and remember this trip.
Heidi @ hi-d's place
I can't imagine going to Paris with children, I have always thought of it as a grown up pleasure. How lucky your kids are that you feel differently. I was a teen before I got to see it and it still got into my blood.
Lovely seeing your blog thanks to Anita's party… it's been grand seeing new sites.