We are visiting London the first week of June and are planning on taking the high speed train to Paris for the day. We are a family of 4, with two teenage girls 14 and 19 and want to see as much as possible during our one day. I have been looking at either a private tour or possibly a 4 hour bike or electric bike tour? I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on the best way to see the sites? I doubt we will go inside the Louve, but We would like to see the popular tourist sites such as Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame (not sure if you can currently get close?) and visit Montmarte as I hear that area is good for buying street art, etc. as my girls like outdoor artists and markets- things you cant get other than locally. Also, would you recommend the Seine River Cruise? I would welcome any suggestions as I am not sure how far apart these sites are and if I am being overly ambitious? thank you in advance for any suggestions!!
Posted by
Folsom, California
542 posts
If it were me, I think that teenagers would find an bike tour more interesting. I think there would be some fun tours that would appeal to a family.
Posted by
11500 posts
Yes to a Seine River boat cruise. Do it first to get your bearings as most of Paris’ famous sites are along the River.
Posted by
New York City, NY
301 posts
If it were me with 2 kids, I'd also do the bike tour - Fat Tires, which meets at the Eiffel Tower (maybe combine this with walking up the tower as far as you could without a reservation to get the view?). I'd find a nice bistro for lunch, walk around an iconic area - maybe the two islands, then walking into the fashionable Marais district on the right bank, finding a good restaurant for dinner, doing a Seine River cruise.... Are you returning to London in the evening or staying overnight? Get a guide book for Paris and vote as a family on what you might want to see beyond these recommendations (if you have time - don't rush it!), also what restaurants you want to go to. Taking a ride on the metro would certainly be fun too if you don't ordinarily ride on a subway.
If you're there, say, from 10 a.m. (after your train) until 6 p.m., I'd do the Fat Tires bike tour, the Eiffel Tower, a bistro lunch, the Seine River cruise, and a walk along the river.
Posted by
OP
NY
19 posts
Thank you Dorothy! Great suggestions! So far this is what we are thinking: Train arrives in at 9:17, visit Eiffel Tower (looks like we may have to take the stairs if the line is long as all presale timed tickets are already gone :-(. any suggestions here? are the stairs doable or a bit challenging?), then a Seine River Cruise, hopefully a short lunch after (suggestions welcome!) then we have a reservation for a 4 hour electric bike tour with Paris Charms &Secrets from 2:30-6:30. After that, either grab another bite to eat or hopefully find some cute shops (suggestions?!) and then head back to London on a 9:15pm train. I heard we need to be at the train station 60 minutes prior so trying not to make it too hectic! I may need to map everything out as I am not sure how on travel time between each activity?!
Posted by
Paris
7260 posts
Hi,
There is no time for the Seine cruise unfortunately. Assuming a timely arrival, it will be 10.15 am by the time you reach the Eiffel Tower, so depending on the line and time you take for the climb (moderately strenuous but not difficult if you're reasonably fit) and sightseeing, you'll have to head straight to your bike tour which is about half an hour away.
I'd even question the Eiffel Tower. If had such limited time in a new city, I would not want to spend it in lines and in a specific sight; I'd rather wander around one or two neighbourhoods, stop at a cafe... But of course I understand the appeal of the Tower, and you can squeeze it in.
Grabbing a bite at 6.30 in Paris is not easy everywhere; for peace of mind I would look for dinner right by Gare du Nord (Terminus Nord is both "authentic" and quite good, all things considered, despite the inflated price tag).
But it will be fun, and it will be a day to remember!