Guest Post by Madame Jen from Be Fluent in French
I’m Madame Jen from Be Fluent in French in Central Park, where I teach French to both kids
and adults. I’m often asked for tips, and I’m super excited to share some travel advice with you
as you might be gearing up for a trip to Paris.
When we head to Paris, we usually fly from Denver to London first. After a couple of days there,
we hop on the Eurostar to Paris, which is a quick two-and-a-half-hour journey. We’ve found that
catching a flight around 5 pm works best for us, especially with our little one. Securing bulkhead
seats for the trip gives the kids more space to move around.
Once we touch down in London, we prefer taking the train over dealing with city traffic in a cab.
Staying near Paddington Station, like the Hilton Paddington Hotel, makes it super easy to get to
our hotel – it’s just a 4-minute walk! While there’s lots more to share about London, today we’re
focusing on our Paris adventures.
Now, let’s talk Paris! Staying in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements is smart because they’re close
to all the action. Keep in mind that hotels in Paris often have smaller rooms compared to those
in the USA, and the air conditioning might not be as chilly. If you’re booking an Airbnb, make
sure there’s an elevator – some buildings don’t have one.
If you’re traveling with young kids, bring along a sturdy stroller for those cobblestone streets
because you will walk a lot – it’s a game-changer! On our first day, we love hopping on the Big
Red Bus for an easy and efficient way to see the sights with the kids. Alternatively, The Batobus
on the Seine River gives you a cool perspective of the city, with stops at all the iconic
landmarks.
Exploring Iconic Landmarks:
Take leisurely strolls around The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum
For the Louvre museum, I recommend booking a fun tour with Airbnb Experiences. The
scavenger hunt is fun for kids. Go up to Montmartre, see the Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre
for a family portrait.
Visiting Parks and Gardens:
The Luxembourg Gardens have a great playground for kids, pony rides, and plenty of space for
picnics and play. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is also very fun and offers many interesting
facts.
Discovering Kid-Friendly Museums:
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Musée en Herbe offer interactive exhibits and
hands-on activities designed to engage and inspire curious young minds.
Indulging in Sweet Treats:
Head to a local bakery for freshly baked croissants, macarons, or indulge in sweet or savory
crêpes at a traditional crêperie. You can even take a family cooking class!
Visiting Zoos and Aquariums:
Explore the Paris Zoological Park or the Aquarium de Paris. The Aquarium de Paris is next to
the Eiffel Tower and truly amazing. I had never seen that many types of fish.
Enjoying a Puppet Show:
Watch classic tales come to life in charming puppet performances at the Théâtre des
Marionnettes du Jardin du Luxembourg This is just so fun even if you don’t speak or understand
French.
Having Fun at Amusement Parks:
Spend a day at Parc Astérix or Jardin d’Acclimatation for rides, games, and activities suitable for
kids of all ages. The Jardin d’Acclimatation is a must-do! It’s one of our favorite things to do. The
Jardin des Tuilerie is fun as well and has the big wheel and so many fun things for young kids.
Here are some tips for exploring Paris with kids:
- Immerse in a Neighborhood: Dedicate a few hours or half a day to thoroughly explore a single neighborhood. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and experience the local culture more deeply.
- Excite Through Books: Use books to spark excitement about Paris before your trip. Reading stories or browsing picture books about the city can build anticipation and make the actual visit more engaging for your children.
- **Learn Basic French: Enhance your experience by learning a few key phrases in French. This can make interactions with locals more enjoyable and immersive. Utilize language learning apps or consider taking lessons to familiarize yourself and your children with basic French expressions. If you need additional assistance or resources for learning French, don’t hesitate to reach out to Be Fluent in French. You can email me at [email protected]. I offer various classes tailored for both kids and adults, including an upcoming “French in the Park” class starting on May 4th. This class provides an opportunity for both parents and kids to learn French together in an interactive outdoor setting.
Please check this link for more information.
Bon voyage !
Madame Jen.
