We are visiting family in southern Sweden and plan on driving to Amsterdam, Normandy, and Paris. We will be two families traveling with 3 adults and 4 children ages 5, 10, 12, and 14. We will spend 2 nights outside of Amsterdam and 3 nights in the Normandy area. We would prefer to avoid driving in Paris. Is there somewhere our hosts could park their personal car outside the city for 2 nights if we find accommodations in central Paris, should we consider staying in one of the outer arrondissements, or is a staying in a suburb a better idea? We are concerned about navigating within Paris. We would prefer to take public transportation. However, budget is also a concern. We would like to pay around $150 a night per family and we will need to consider the cost of parking one car and transporting everyone in and out of the city each day. Any other tips for traveling with two families and children would be appreciated.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3984 posts
When are you traveling? Assuming that you mean US$, $150 per night is around 108 euros per night which is a low budget for a room for 3 or 4 people in Paris. However, if you are not traveling during the peak season and are willing to stay outside of the center, it can be done. You can look at the Ibis Budget Courbevoie Paris la Defense 1, which is not in Paris but is near the end of Metro line 1 and you could get into central Paris in about 30 to 45 minutes for the cost of a metro ride. Generally, take a look at the Ibis Budget Hotels. They are not fancy but they do have family rooms. If you are looking for something with more Parisian charm or a central location and can increase your budget, try Hotel La Familia. You would have to drive into Paris, of course, but they have parking for 20 euros per day.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Try this place, good reviews, city center, low price:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187147-d239623-Reviews-Hotel_St_Andre_des_Arts-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Hotel St. Andre des Arts
66 rue St-Andre-des-Arts, 75006 Paris, France
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
295 posts
You could stay in Versailles instead of going into Paris. That's one idea. It might be cheaper to sleep in Versailles or you could park there and take the RER into Paris. Other options that are easy to connect to Paris would be Chartres: 60 minutes away, Vernon(Giverny) 60 minutes but connections aren't as good. You will need to consider the costs. But I believe that sleeping outside of Paris will be more affordable even factoring in the cost to get back and forth to Paris and parking.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
154 posts
For a group as large as yours you may find better rates renting an apartment. Maybe not as inexpensive as you mentioned but you can look at options using www.vrbo.com or www.airbnb.com. You can also save some money on food since these usually have kitchens where you can make your own meals.