Just wondering if anyone has an idea about where to view the end of this year's race in Paris with two grandchildren (ages 9 & 12) and the logistics and timing of that. Also, any "not to miss with kids" ideas for Paris as well. Thanks so much.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
292 posts
My daughter at 4 1/2, 5 and now 7 1/2 was a huge fan of taking the stairs up the Eiffel Tower. Her idea of a perfect day in Paris is the Awesome Foursome: climbing Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and the Arc de Tiomphe in one day.
The playgrounds are pretty spectacular in the Jardins de Tuileries and the Jardins de Luxembourg. The latter is massive, has a small fee and both have fences. They are challenging and not so sanitized as in North America. They have the appropriate age ranges printed on or nearby. They have zip lines which have nearly all been stripped from playgrounds in our area. They have lots of benches where you can sit, read, plan, snack or nap. Or one adult can stay and the other go see stuff. They have a concession (think amusement park food), too but the crèpe stands are better. We went to the Luxembourg on our last trip but didn't stay as long as desired because it was snowing, among other things!
The Jardins de Tuileries also has a trampoline park. I'd buy a pile of tokens and dole them out like treats. Once the operator recognized us, she'd get longer on the trampolines. They are set into the ground so, in theory, slightly safer than the backyard variety.
They might like the Jardin d'Acclimatation near the Bois de Boulogne. It is like a small town amusement park 40 years ago. It was nearly shut down because of money woes 3 years ago but I believe it's still going. It was pricey. Mini-train was fun. French attitude to safety - ropes tied around the kids' waists instead of seat belts on the little motorcycles going in a circle - but not completely negligent. They have a big pond, peacocks wandering and an excellent water park. They also have a very nice playground. The whole day was more my style than EuroDisney but I hear some people like that. We may try EuroDisney this trip to save (put off) going to California or Florida a little longer.
Giverny might be a nice day trip. Brings alive the paintings of Monet they might see in the d'Orsay or may have seen anywhere. Those waterlilies are everywhere! We take the shuttle to the garden but the last time we walked back to Vernon. Lovely walk on a paved path with a playground on the edge of town. We had a wonderful conversation about life that day.
Fodor's has a little book called Fun things to do with Kids in Paris or something similar. It has a variety of sites which may appeal to different kids (and the adults whom they drag along). I let my daughter leaf through it and pick some things; I retained a veto.
Such lucky grandkids!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Lovely ideas. So appreciate your detail and personal quips. You seem to have my love of Paris and the attitude that one is never quite "done with Paris." Thanks.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1075 posts
It is a very long day when watching the finish of the race. To get to a good viewing area, you will need to get there at least 3 hours early. There will be lots of floats to watch go by before the race, but if you can't find a seat, it is a long time for your kids to be standing. They will probably be bored after a while. If you do go, take a daypack with food and water because once you leave the viewing area, you will not be able to easily get back to where you were watching. They have a big carnival set up in the Tuileries Garden that your kids will enjoy. From there, there are spots where you can get a peek of the race as they go by. If you time it right you can be on the giant Ferris Wheel and have a great view!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks so much. We were considering the Rue de Rivoli as an option so the Tuilleries makes perfect sense. So nice of you to take the time to write. Really appreciate it.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1075 posts
I watched the race from there. Be sure to be on the south side of the Rue de Rivoli if it is a sunny day. I felt sorry for those on the other side staring into the sun. I was surprised how many of the Metro exits were blocked on the day of the race. They definitely were trying to control the flow of the crowds. Jeu de Paume exit to the metro was open, but Concorde was closed.
Posted by
Chicago
8551 posts
you see the riders 16 times on the Champs Elysees; you see them once everywhere else. No contest for me that the Champs is where to be.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1075 posts
The riders go down the Rue de Rivoli eight times. The best place to watch them is where you can sit down until the actual race comes by otherwise it is a lot of standing.