My little treasures
So you’ve taken them to the most culturally rich city in the world, among old world masters, Rodin sculptures and history rich from the Napoleonic era but do they care? When kids just want to be kids make a selection of our attractions below.
Most museums are free for the under 18s and remember all museums are free 1st Sunday of each month! Most close Mondays and some on Tuesdays, check their website to verify opening times.
Getting around: The Metro will get you anywhere in Paris efficiently; you can buy a 1-3 Day Paris Pass or a 10-pack of metro tickets. To get orientated on the first day, take one of those Tourist buses, to come and go at your leisure. Paris buses are also great although their routes take a little longer to comprehend. You can also Batobus (water taxi on the Seine), which stops at popular attractions and is also reasonably priced:
Tip: You can buy a 10-pack of metro tickets at most tabacs (newsagency) instead of queuing with other tourists
WITH KIDS
The Catacombs of Paris
— If you’re into bones and skeletons this one might appeal, particularly to teenage boys and their dads. Over 5-6 million people are buried (don’t worry no flesh) in ancient burial grounds. I think they ran out of space. Lots of underground tunnels above famous Paris streets.
M: Denfert-Rochereau
www.paris.fr
1 ave du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy
Museum of Natural History
— This is a great museum for all ages. The permanent collection is not unlike the National History Museum in London, perhaps a little smaller but just as enjoyable. Some of the permanent displays include Minerals, Anatomy and Evolution displays. Numerous temporary exhibitions include: 'Aux Sources de la Terre' until 30 Nov, 2008 at 57 rue Cuvier
'Tresor de la biodiversite' until 9 Nov, 2008
Closed Tuesday. Métro: Jussieu
www.mnhn.fr
The Grand Galerie de L’Evolution
Do try:
— The Jardin Tuileries, in summer & spring its wonderful; rent a toy sailboat, ride the historic carousel or find a pony ride for the little ones.
A visit the Louvre - Go directly pass the queues with your personal Family Pass. Tour parts of the museum normally reserved and conduct a treasure hunt with your guide. Best for ages above 6 (295€ for a family up to 5).
Notre Dame Cathedral – visit the South Tower for a close-up view of the gargoyles – you’ll need to ascend 422 steps! Climb even higher for a magnificent view of Paris.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for an equally great view of Paris - be careful, do not attempt to cross the several lanes of traffic, take the underground walkway along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Be prepared to climb over 100 steps a panoramic 'Paris'. If you’re with a stroller there is a lift but also several steps you will need to manage to get to the top.
Below is an easy to print list from the American Embassy of parks for kids.
www.france.usembassy.gov
Musée du Moyen-Âge
— Interesting exhibits and a very special Unicorn Garden; as well as the Celestial Gardens with its carpet of a thousand flowers. This is a great museum for all ages.
M: Cluny-La Sorbonne/Saint-Michel or Odéon
www.musee-moyenage.fr
Hotel de Cluny, 6, place Paul Painlevé M: Cluny-La Sorbonne/Saint-Michel or Odéon
Espace Dali-Montmartre
— If you are a fan of this surrealist artist you will enjoy this exhibition, particularly the interiors and unusual lighting for a museum. Walls are black and many of the exhibits are sculptures that reflect the artists obsession with objects with know his art by, melting watches.
Entry 10€. Children under 8 free otherwise 6€. Open 10am - 6pm. Metro: Anvers or Abbesses
www.daliparis.com
11 rue Poulbot, Montmartre. M: Anvers or Abbesses
Chocolate Museum
— This newly museum opened early 2010, it is definitely one for the whole family. Go back 4,000 years to discover the history and roots of cocoa and chocolate. Over three sections, there are techniques to explore, secrets and some tastings of course. Don’t forget to drop into the shop for souvenirs.
Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Entry: Adults 9 € Children 6
Metro: Bonne Nouvelle
www.chocostory.free.fr
28 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle - 75010 Paris
Musée Grévin
— As you would expect there are lots of French personalities so you may become a little lost. However, always a special exhibition and you’ll be sure to recognise Céline Dion and Sarkozy.
Open Monday to Friday 10 to 6.30pm and Saturday (school holidays) 10am-7pm
Entry: Adults 20€ enfant = 12€ Monday,
Metro: Grands Boulevards ( lignes 8 ou 9 )
www.grevin.com
10 Boulevard Montmartre 75009 t: 01 42 46 06 35
Disneyland Highlights
— Sleeping Beauty's castle will regularly be dazzled with fireworks every evening commencing 15 July until 31 August Tuesday to Sunday at 10am.
The Fantillusion Parades will be held from July 5 until August 31. It is easy to book online. There are several hotels in the area and of course the very expensive Disneyland Hotel situated in the Park.
To get to the Park from Paris take the train. it is ae RER A (Red) towards Marne-la-Vallée (RER line A4). Departure Stations include: Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Auber, Chatelet Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, Nation. You will arrive at Marne-la-Vallée and walk to the gates from the station (2mins)
Allow 45 minutes and trains run regularly every 20 minutes or so. Tariff: €6,45 (Zone 1 - Zone 5).
www.disneylandparis.com