Hello and thank you to all who answered my many questions about traveling throughout Paris (and Zurich and Venice!)
We made it and had a wonderful time! Below are what we saw and some comments about some/all:
We took 2 large taxis to our Paris airbnb - great suggestion!
Luckily, we were able to get into our airbnb early, so dropped off our luggage.
Headed to Monge Market and arrived around 1:30 - altho stated it was open until 2:30, most booths were gone or
putting stuff away. All good, as that allowed us to stumble upon a restaurant in a cute area (don't recall where) as we
walked towards Luxembourg Gardens, then onto Notre Dame. We located the Love Lock Bridge, only to find out it was
under repair (as I actually think someone mentioned or I read about) so there were only a few locks on it. However, we saw
many locks in various locations - the most locks being in front of Sacre Coeur!! There was availability to go on an 8:30 pm cruise on the Seine River however we waited until our time slot, 9:15, and were SO glad we did, as the Eiffel Tower (and many other landmarks) lit up (that was actually why I made it at 9:15!)
As I just typed our first day, I realize that I better just share the highlights/tips for future group travelers! Haha
Our oldest in our group was 78. He stayed back when not wanting to go along - either at our airbnb or at a meeting spot. It worked well. Our two babes - the 2 1/2 year old and 7 mo old did SO well! Our daughter and son-in-law carried the baby
in a front pack and she was content - using the passifier as needed. Our grandson (2 1/2 year old) was content in the stroller, and walked/ran around when there was room. They were such troopers! Our daughter brought along a small fun toy for him to open each morning to hold/play with in the stroller. She also had small bags of snacks to pull out when needed.
Our son had all of the bus/train routes arranged ahead of time; however, our original airbnb was cancelled about 2 weeks
before we left (cancelled by the airbnb - they offered us other options and gave us a $600 credit to one that I found that was $600 more expensive) - - that worked out; however, our son's diligent searching was thrown out the window! It all worked out
as our 4 adult kids jumped in and figured out how to get from here to there with ease. We had to ask a few natives a few times - especially reading the signs in Switzerland, as that language isn't decipherable! It all worked out!
We were surprised, though, that no one checked our tickets on the trains in Switzerland!?!?
We did get tap water upon request without question in Paris and Venice. However, in Switzerland, the waiter charged $3/water. We asked him (after he set it down) if there was a charge, and he said "$3. Nothing is free in Switzerland." Haha For $2 more, some ordered a beer/pop! So, he took away most of the waters.
In Venice, we didn't see any picnic area. We found a lovely area to sit under vine covering with many benches. A person came by multiple times telling us/others that you cannot eat here. Where else to eat a picnic lunch? Our sun also leaned against a post in St Mark's Square only to be told he couldn't lean there! Also, when our other son/daughter-in-law ate at the outside restaurant they each had to pay an additional $6 to listen to the music. We, also, drank coffee in Cafe Julian and $6 was added onto each of our bills to listen to the music that was OUTSIDE, and from our angle, we couldn't even see the band. Hmmm...
As I think of more tidbits to share, I will. :)