Below was my itinerary in Paris for my recent trip with Cruz. While it was just from my own research, childhood memories, recommendations and experiences, it worked great. Stay tuned for Friday, for tips on *how* to travel to Europe with children, and things that *worked* for us.
Day 1: Jardin des Tuileries, Ferris Wheel, Place de la Concorde, outside of the Louvre, crepes.
A view of La Place de la Concorde in the Ferris Wheel. It was great elevating and showing Cruz where our adventures would lead us the rest of the trip
Within the garden
We made sure to go to every single playground and carousel we could. It always cost us a little money, but it made seeing the tourist sights more interesting and fun.
The Louvre. Unfortunately, this was the closest we got. Next time,we’ll hopefully have more stamina to go in…
Day 2: Picasso Museum, Explore the Marais, playgrounds, Eiffel Tour.
Cruzzie learned about Picasso in school, so it was fun to make the trek to the museum. Plus, there are always bathrooms (clean) in museums.
Celebrating (with a big glass of juice).
Eiffel Tower. It is impossible to get tickets for the elevator up (must arrange 6 months prior) but it was super easy (and only 15 euros) to walk up the stairs to the second level. Highlight of the trip!
And of course, we walked away with our first souvenir — a big “Made in China” Eiffel Tour that we bargained for.
Day 3: Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Notre Dame, more playgrounds, and Ferris Wheel for the sunset.
Sacre Coeur: One of my absolute favorite places in Paris.
Exploring the streets in Montmartre.
The famous metro spot
But of course, a pit stop at the carousel near the bottom of the funicular of the Sacre Coeur.
Notre Dame.
Ferris Wheel apres dinner at 9 pm.
Our dessert.
Watching the sun go down.
Day 4: Jardin D’Acclimatation and Bateaux Mouches.
Play time! Rides, rides, and more rides. Not necessarily a stop you would make in Paris WITHOUT kids but so much with them. The fairground is outside, well maintained, beautiful, and super fun. Great to run around in. We could have been ANYWHERE in the world, but still fun to do.
Fun!
Didn’t make it inside the new museum (Foundation Louis Vutton), but did get a photo of us from the fairground (they are located next to each other). The building itself is a piece of artwork designed by Frank Gehry.
Lunch. A hot dog. On a baguette.
The rides.
Bateaux Mouches on the Seine. A somewhat sleepy ride, but still fun to see the sights and just rest (vs walk / scoot).
Day 5: French Cultural day with my French Exchange Family: Swimming Pool, play, crepes, and pie, located in the 18th arrondissement.
Speedos and more speedos!
Creperie near my french family’s apartment. So delicious and tasty (and of course, I ate 3/4 of Cruzzie’s uneaten crepe).
The most unbelievable tart! (With my son the picky eater eating a granola bar since he didn’t eat his lunch….and of course, did not eat the pie — I had two slices).
And now, we are back to home sweet home, yet happy and content with our adventure and travel. Traveling with kids is NO JOKE and everything needs to be planned with a plan A, a plan B, snacks and bribes, options and more options, flexibility, and happy attitudes…..more on traveling tips on Friday!
Love this special mother/son trip.. Looks like you two had a great time!
http://Chicandshabbybysara.wordpress.com
Oh my goodness! Looks like you guys had a great time. It would be difficult to travel with my children across the country. He is a lucky a boy!
Wow! What an amazing trip. I’m sure he will never forget the fun memories you guys shared on this trip. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Gorgeous pictures of Paris. Makes me want to go back right now! Would love to travel there with my kids someday. What a fun adventure you guys had!
Ha so true about the bribes and snacks!
Thanks for the itinerary! Looks like you have hit every carousel you laid your eyes on — good idea for kids. Next time I would take him to Tour Montparnasse (easier access than Tour Eiffel, not as crowded, more central view, imho.)
This is the cutest post ever! Craving a crepe now…