A family that travels together, learns, loves—and eats croissants in Paris—together
You know Paris. The City of Love. That magical place that makes you want to tie your expensive silk Hermès scarf around your neck and let it blow in the wind as you bike through the Luxembourg Garden. That majestic town that inspires you to indulge in the most buttery brie as you sip champagne under a weeping willow in full Easter Sunday garb (hat and gloves included). The vacation where you eat macaroons and croissants, meet Mona Lisa and walk the most beautiful fields in full contentment.
Yea, that Paris. But while we may see ourselves frolicking around Paris without a care in the world, the City of Lights is also great for those who are woken out of that dream by the sounds of arguing kids and whining teens begging for yet another phone. So, before you purchase another gadget, save your coins to give the kids a true cultural experience.
They’re great benefits in traveling with your kids. Exposing children to new cultures and places is one of the best ways to fuel their sense of curiosity and wonder to learn. Studies show that those that have abroad tend to have improved academic performances, something that can further develop when they go into high school, college and even work. So, pack up and let’s build a better appreciation for the French language, culture and, of course, amazing fashion.
Why Paris
I was a flight attendant in my former life (pre-wife and kids), and I was blessed to see a lot of places around the world, but Paris is ideal for family travel. Plus, my sons are both learning French in school and my daughter is a ballerina/fashionista. So, when my husband and I were looking for the next destination for our 3 kids, then ages 9, 11 and 14 to see, Paris was an easy choice.
Tip: For cheaper flights to France, try using apps like Hopper and Scott’s Cheap Flights.
Where to Stay
While we sometimes like the traditional tourist experience, living amongst the local community is what we always lean toward when travel. Of course, you want to make sure you’ve thoroughly researched whatever area you’re staying in for safety, access to transportation and overall amenities. We happen to have a friend who offered his apartment to us right outside of Paris in Ivry-sur-Seine. It’s a very diverse area that allows you and the kids to feel like locals and learn the bus and train systems. For those of you who love that New York City vibe, you'll really dig the relaxed cosmopolitan vibe here that gives you a real sense of what real life in Paris is like, outside the tourist map. We were so comfortable, my husband got groomed in a Brooklyn-style barber shop.
Tip: Stay close to the bus or metro and when asking for directions, start out speaking as much
French as you can, then they’ll jump in with English (giving you an A for effort).
Try:
B&B HOTEL Paris Italie Porte de Choisy, 3 à 15 Rue Charles Leroy , 94200 Ivry-sur-Seine, France
La Comtesse, 29, Avenue de Tourville 75007 Paris
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Where to Play
Spring is a beautiful time for the whole family to explore France. The gardens are in full bloom and there’s tons to do with kids of all ages. We discovered the fanciest Easter Egg Hunt at the Chateau De-Vaux-le-Vicomte and had a blast while learning tons of European history.
Tip: Travel with another family or reach out to friends who you know in the area.
Visit:
Aquarium de Paris, 5 Av. Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris
Disneyland Paris, Bd de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France
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Where to Eat
Chocolate croissants, crepes, cheese, cheese and more cheese. We did it all. As a New Yorker, we never eat street food, but the vendors in France are on a different level, and it’s tres delicious!
Tip: Take Grandma with you or hire a babysitter for at least one night and enjoy a night out on the town with your bae.
Rooster par Frédéric Duca, 137 Rue Cardinet, 75017 Paris
Le Grand Colbert, 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
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Must-See Places for the Whole Family
While Paris is full of architecture and landscapes that are usually only found in fairy tale books and movies, your trip won’t be complete without visiting these iconic places that represent the country.
Sacré-Cœur
Louvre Museum
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe