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First time to Paris coming for 4 to 5 days with Family and kids

Hello All,
Coming here little late but thought will seek some help.
I will be flying into Brussels on May 28th morning and Flyout out from Brussels on Jun 2nd evening.
We have nights and 6 days in hand to explore.

Thinking of first going to Paris. Do i go by train or rent a car so that it comes handy and i can drive stick shift comfrotably.

Planning to rent to Studio Apatments so that we can go from there daily to sighseeing.

My request to you is:
Which areas should i consider to stay for 5 days to see Paris attractions.
Which places to see as a priority ( just wanted to visit the most popular places since i didn't do my home work )
Is it wise to travel on the rental car for comfort and safety or we can rely on the public transit. if the public transit is good , say from few locations then i would rather try and rent something there, atleast will try :)

Any suggestions/feedback is really appreciated.

Thanks,
Shanti

Posted by
9436 posts

I would take a train and not rent a car. A car in Paris is a hindrance and expensive to park. Buses, the Metro and walking are the best way to get around. My favorite areas to stay are the 4th (Marais and Ile St. Louis), the 5th (Latin Quarter) and the 6th (St. Germain)... this is the center and heart of Paris. Paris is very walkable and these areas make it convenient to walk to many of the top sites (not so much the Eiffel Tower, though for people who like to walk - me - it's not bad). I highly recommend you buy the Rick Steves Paris guidebook... money well spent... it will explain everything you need to know for this visit to Paris.

Five days is a decent amount of time for Paris... top sites for a first time visitor (imo): Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Seine River Boat cruise, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Osay, the Luxembourg Gardens (do not miss), and just walking and exploring many areas: the Marais, Ile St. Louis, Ile de la Cite, Latin Quarter, St. Germain, along the river... actually all the arrondissements 1-10.

Day trips: Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Giverny (many others but these 3 would be my top for a first time visitor... pick just one... or none... since you only have 5 days).

Spending time outside at a cafe (don't pick one next to a tourist site, too expensive) people watching is one of my favorite things to do in Paris.

A bit of advice... always say Bonjour to everyone you interact with, entering a store, cafe, etc. Always say Merci (thank you) and Au Revoir Merci (goodbye and thank you) every time you leave a store or any interaction with someone. Always say s'il vous plait (seal voo play... please) when asking for something. When you are in a store or at an outdoor market, never touch anything without asking first. This will go a long way in how people will treat you. The French are wonderful but they value good manners.

Posted by
10241 posts

I agree with Susan that you'd be more comfortable taking the train between Brussels and Paris and not worrying about the car. Check out the other portions of this website for information on traveling by train and purchasing tickets (you should look as soon as you can, the cheap prices are probably already gone) and also the website The Man inSeat 61, who is the guru on train travel.

Posted by
13 posts

Hey Shanti! I would definitely take the train into the city. I remember walking around certain parts of Paris and being in complete awe that there wasn't a massive pile-up accident! Unless, you've driven NYC for years, I'd say stick to public transit! The nice thing about Paris is that the Metro and your feet can get you just about anywhere in a decent amount of time.

As for places to see, I'd say a huge part of it depends on the age of your children. Another great factor is your budget.

I'm actually headed to Paris this summer with my soon-to-be hubby; I've been and he hasn't. I'm seriously considering doing one of the free -- yes, FREE -- NEW Europe walking tours. Eight years ago (at a 20-year-old), I did the NEW Europe free walking tour in Berlin. It was by far one of the highlights of my trip! The tour guides were young, energetic, knowledgeable, and entertaining! I learned a lot, saw a lot, and completely enjoyed myself! Anyhow, having had such an incredible experience on the tour, I figure its worthwhile doing in Paris. The tour in Paris hits a lot of big tourist sites: http://www.newparistours.com/daily-tours/paris-free-tour.html

On my last trip, I also did a day trip to Normandy and did one of the guided Normandy tours. This was another major highlight of my experience, and I feel like it would appeal to kids who are in middle or high school (maybe late elementary depending on their interests and demeanor). I did a tour through Victory Tours: http://lignerolles.homestead.com/ The fellow who runs the tours is a true history fanatic and does an incredible job of educating and entertaining. He also takes you to a lot of "off the beaten path" stops. While he is my number one recommendation, there are a variety of other Normandy tours available. Heading out to Normandy is definitely an all-day trip, and might require a bit of planning with public transportation.

On this upcoming trip, my fiance and I are looking at traveling to Versailles. We are going to create our own tour this time! Trying to keep the budget down.

Paris is one of those places, where there are far too many places to see! I think the walking tour will give you a good feel for the city, and also give you ideas as to what you might want to explore in the following days with your family. Also, try doing a picnic in the parks near the Eiffel. Grab some bread, cheeses, and maybe some meats (or wine for the adults) from the shops near your hotel, and picnic under or near the tower. My girlfriends and I did that instead of waiting in line to travel up the Eiffel. Far more fun, and you got to pop in French shops and experience French culture in preparation.

Oh! And before you go, try to learn just a few phrases in French. The French really appreciate when tourists at least attempt to speak the lingo!

Posted by
4 posts

Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions Jill, Km & Susan.

we have decided to the go by train to Paris from Brussels, thanks to all of your for helping me to decide.

I have booked an accommodation in Paris near near the vibrant "Canal Saint Martin", République and le Marais for 4 nights.

I was told that i will have access from that place to the local attractions, but i do not know yet.

Pending activities for me:
1) Book a round fare ticket in train from Brussels to Paris and back to Brussels.
2) Plan to visit the few attractions in and around Paris.
BTW, my daughter is 11 and my son is 6 ( and we both are old enough :) )

Please do suggest us if there are any special ways to book the tickets for trains and any guidance on the Paris attractions.

This forum is informative and we really appreciate informed and knowledgeable folks are guiding the rookies like me.

Best Regards,
Shanti

Posted by
9436 posts

I somehow missed that you would have kids with you and wanted to add that I think your kids will especially love the playground in the Luxembourg Gardens... My son loved it when he was 11. The LG also has donkey rides, a marionette show, a carousel, two cafes, music at the bandstand some days, plus lots more.... Bring a picnic and enjoy.

Another place kids your age might enjoy is the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne (on the western side of Paris). It's a small, wonderful, old fashioned, very French amusement park for kids up to about 12. My son loved it here, especially the trampolines.

And don't miss the street entertainers in front of Notre Dame every night, particularly Friday and Saturday nights... And on the pedestrian bridge behind Notre Dame which leads to Ile St. Louis during the day every day and every night. Very fun to watch them.

Posted by
11294 posts

"Pending activities for me: Book a round fare ticket in train from Brussels to Paris and back to Brussels."

Do this immediately, as the price goes up, substantially, once cheaper tickets sell out.