It’s been a minute! It’s the usual excuses - busy at work, kids routine out of whack, travel, and just enjoying a different season.
This summer, we were one of the many American families that decided to visit Europe. In fact, it felt like there were more Americans in Paris than in New York City in late June while we were there. But, like so many others, we had put off travel for a bit and were just itching for an adventure. Especially since my kids, both 8, felt old enough to handle a European city.
It’s cliché, but I love Paris. I studied abroad there and I always have it on the top of my list for a vacation with my husband. But my kids had never been and had been asking to visit (thanks Ladybug Girl and Cat Noir!), so I took it as my opening for a family trip.
We are back, but we still have friends and Strongsuit members planning trips this fall and winter. So here’s what I’d do again, what I wish we had done, and what I’d skip…
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Do It Again:
Seine Dinner Cruise - it was cheesy, the food wasn’t the best and it was all tourists, but the kids loved it. We got to see all of the bridges and buildings lit up at night and we were on the water when the Eiffel Tower began to “sparkle.” The dinner boats are enclosed with windows so you don’t need to worry about the weather and it feels like you are really enjoying the city while sitting down. (Our friends did Ducasse sur Seine and said the food was great if you want a more elevated experience.)
Smaller Museums - not too overwhelming, totally historic, and more tailored to kids. The Hotel de la Marine was a highlight with their kids audio guide (included in the ticket!) about a stolen treasure and the French Revolution. We didn’t reserve tickets to the Orangerie in advance so missed it, but they also liked the Musée Rodin.
Neighborhood Bistros - I was nervous about hushed French dining rooms and loud American kids. Turns out the staff couldn’t have been nicer, English is more charming when spoken by an 8 year old, and every restaurant seemed to have a “tourist family” section where they grouped the American families dining at 7:00 pm. In a former life I would have wanted to sit with the locals, but in this instance I was relieved. Two favorites: Cinq-Mars and Le Bon Georges.
Wish We Had Done:
Downloaded the FlashInvaders App - Finding Invaders and imitators as we walked around was the kids’ favorite thing to do. I knew to point them out and we had looked up the history, but I wish I had thought to get the app.
French Food Tour or Cooking Class - I didn’t want to “waste” an afternoon in a class, but we were so hot and tired from morning explorations that we didn’t do much else. It would have been more fun than heading back to our room. And I had my hit list of food spots - Poîlane, Pierre Hermé, Berthillon, etc. - that I didn’t think we needed a tour. We didn’t need one, but everyone would have been more into it if I hadn’t been in charge of directions and trying to lecture my kids on fun facts on the culinary history of France.
What I’d Skip:
Eiffel Tower Summit - so crowded, so hot, so many unavoidable lines. This was a direct request from both kids, but if it hadn’t been the one thing they wanted to do more than anything else I would not have agreed. And we wouldn’t have missed much.
The Louvre - madness, pure madness with the crowds. And some of the rooms (like the crown jewels) were closed due to the heat. If I did it again, I would recommend a tour guide to manage the lines, navigating crowds, etc.
What I’m Glad I Packed (that would work year round)
Sneakers: I was right at home with all the French women with my New Balance pair (so comfortable, so light to pack, sold at an up charge in France!). I also saw Bobbies a bunch and they were super cute in person.
Despite the heat, the over crowded airports, and the cost, I’m really, really glad we did the trip and have the memories. And I’m even more glad that Strongsuit booked everything I wanted in advance, so we had a plan and weren’t scrambling with everyone else.
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