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Travelling to Paris with my young daughter

Good Day,

I will be travelling to Paris with my 12 year old daughter in March (I'm mom). I've been to Paris once before, but only for a few days. So, I definitely don't feel like I "know" Paris. Also, my first trip was with a group, and this one it's just me and the kid. I'm a little nervous to be honest. I have a few questions for the more seasoned Paris travellers.
Firstly, are there areas we should definitely avoid visiting, especially as women? (I hope that doesn't sound sexist) If it was just me, I wouldn't be so worried, but I don't want to get my daughter into a dangerous situation. Along the same line, where is a safe, but reasonably priced, area to stay? Anyone ever use airbnb?
Secondly, we will not be flying into Paris, but we will be flying out of Paris at CDG. We will be loaded down with luggage and souvenirs, so I really don't want the hassle of transporting our belongings "safely" through the RER and Metro. How much should a taxi ride cost us approximately?
Any other helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for the advice!!!

Posted by
2091 posts

Lisall, in 1999 I took our 12 year old daughter to Paris; we split our stay in St German and on rue Cler in the 7th. (Our older daughter was living in Paris in 1999 in an apartment in the 7th.) Within the périphique there really isn't an area I'd be worried about although of course I'm always cautious (alert) and wear a money belt. (Actually in Paris I often just leave my passport--and just take a copy of it--and bulk of money in the hotel safe.)
I understand what you mean about getting to the airport on time and with extra souvenirs. The cost of a taxi though also depends on the traffic and what day of the week and what time of day you need to get to the airport. Depending also on where you are departing from, it could cost €55-60. If you stay in an hotel, the desk could advise you on the approximate cost. Just be sure to reserve the night before. Rick's guide has an English speaking taxi company listed with the phone number.

Posted by
2081 posts

lisall,

i won't comment about where you as females should avoid since I'm on the opposite side and feel what is okay for me may not be for you.

But as far as traveling heavy, you may want to put some thought into that just like where you think you may want to avoid.

look at:

packing light.

limit the amount of clothes you bring. There are laundry mats over there and you can use them to minimize your change of clothes.
you can buy many of the consumables over there. You can also leave them over there too once you're on your way back. It may not make a whole lot of space, but it could. Of course there is the leaving them behind and those in themselves would be souvenirs.
Wear your most bulky clothes/jacket/shoes when you are in transit. It may give you more space.
if you are going to bring a jacket/coat, look at one that is packable. a wool coat looks nice, but isn't packable. Some of the newer hi tech stuff can squish down into a small package.
look at shipping stuff home. Granted it could be "expensive" but weigh the cost of shipping vs hauling around extra luggage or heavier luggage. the only way you will know if its "expensive" is to check online or when you are there. you can google LePoste and see what comes up and look at shipping rates to the USA.

happy trails.

Posted by
1806 posts

Define "reasonably priced" in terms of Euros per night (or at least dollars per night) so we know what type of budget you are working within. The double digit arrondissements tend to have more options in terms of budget lodging or getting a larger apartment for the same amount you might pay for a very small apartment in a more central, single digit arrondissement. In general, without being loaded down with luggage and souvenirs, are you comfortable with taking the Metro or a bus to get around if you stay further out or are you wanting to stick primarily to walking and taxis to get around? I've stayed in the 10th and while the blocks immediately surrounding the big train stations (Gare du Nord or de l'Est) might seem a little sketchy, I have never had any issues staying in the 10th as a female. A few minutes walking away from the train stations puts you in the 10th's residential areas with a mix of Parisians (including many families) going about their daily lives and offers plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops. But again, ask yourself how comfortable you are with taking public transit.

Although you would have more space and privacy in an Airbnb rental, you might prefer a business class hotel with a front desk (like a Mercure or Ibis) so you have someone readily available whenever you need to ask questions, get directions, call for a taxi, etc. Another option might be to book a private room in a hostel. You can still get access to front desk staff to answer questions, you'd have your own private bathroom and you won't have to share sleeping quarters with other hostelers, but you will have full access to the hostel's amenities (kitchen, laundry, etc.) which make it sort of like an apartment without the additional security deposits or cleaning fees. Typically, a private room in a hostel might run close in price to a budget hotel, but it gives you options if you want to cook a simple meal for yourself and your daughter, or do a load of laundry. Before booking any hostel, read the reviews on Hostelworld.com. Some hostels cater more to solo backpackers and others more towards families, older travelers or school groups. Just like a hotel, you'll want to make sure it is getting good ratings for being centrally located, clean and quiet.

Posted by
829 posts

I would take a taxi to CDG. Last summer we paid around 60 euros. I have never felt unsafe in Paris. Just pay attention to your surroundings.

Posted by
9462 posts

Hi Lisall --

On your question of how much a taxi ride might cost to the airport - can you tell us the day of the week and time of day of your flight departure? That will make a bit of a difference, as will the part of Paris you're coming from.

Here in the 12th arrondissement there are a couple of simple hotels that seem nice right by Metro Nation, and it is a bit out of the city center (i.e. a bit cheaper) while still being really easy to whip into the center on the fast line 1. (At Metro Nation there are also the lines 2, 6, and 9, plus the RERA. It's a really great transportation hub.)

Google these hotels or look them up on TripAdvisor and see if they might interest you:

Lux Hotel Picpus, 74 boulevard de Picpus. I think this one is a little cheaper, it's a 2-star in the French hotel system. http://www.lux-hotel-picpus.com/?lang=en

Hotel du Printemps, 80 boulevard de Picpus. This one is a bit nicer, but just a couple of doors down (closer to the metro) than the Lux. http://www.hotel-paris-printemps.com/en/

I don't have any affiliation with any of these hotels, I just live in the neighborhood and would find it totally comfortable here if I had a 12-year-old daughter. It's safe, clean, no "edgy" around here, and perhaps a bit cheaper than staying in one of the "single-digit" arrondissements. Also one street over from these hotels is the market street rue de Rendez-vous with wonderful bakeries, fruit stands, cheese shops, etc. etc. (most closed Mondays, but open every other day of the week including Sundays).

Good luck with your research! What a wonderful gift you're giving your daughter.

Posted by
2030 posts

A taxi ride from central Paris to CDG will cost about 60 Euros. You might want to budget for this now. As a woman who often travels alone, and doesn't pack particularly light, the cost is worth it to me. Ask your hotel or hostel to help you book it. I have always had good results using taxis to get to the airport. The only other option I use to get from or to the airport is the Air France bus, (also called Les Cars) but it has only a few stops in central Paris, and it may not be convenient for you. You can go to the CDG website, ground transportation section and get more info about where this bus stops in Paris.
I have visited Paris, as a single woman or with other mostly women friends, probably at least 100 times and have never been in a neighborhood I thought was dangerous (though I agree the areas around the big train stations can be a bit sketchy). I stay in the central part of the city mostly, but also love Montmartre, Canal St. Martin, Pere Lachaise, Bois de Boulogne areas on the edge of town. I think some of the arrondissements in the north-east area of the city may be more dicey and perhaps the area around flea market at St. Ouen -- (though I have not been there), but I'd guess you won't be going there.
I think the Latin Quarter is probably the most reasonably priced area to stay in. Many of the famous Ecoles are here, so lots of students, cafes, night life, but very safe.

Posted by
3 posts

You will love this trip with your daughter!
I have been many times to Paris, usually alone, and getting to and from CDG is very easy and far cheaper than 60 euros for a taxi!
If you take a taxi from wherever you are staying in Paris- with your load!- to the OPERA, there are hourly buses (and you will find many English speaking fellow travelers) which will take you to exactly the airline you are flying.
The ride is a smooth way to transition from the heart of the city to the airport.

Posted by
3 posts

and also~
I forgot to say, the buses leave from just outside the Opera, very close to the American Express. You can ask for schedules many places.

Posted by
6 posts

Ceidleh,

I'd like to keep the cost of accommodations to under about 90 Euro per night. I am willing to give up space and convenience for cleanliness and cost. In other words, I don't mind much if we are a little further away from the city centre as long as it is clean and priced well. It would be nice to stay where there is at least one person who can answer questions and arrange a taxi to the airport.

Kim,

We leave Paris on Monday, April 6 in the morning. As I mentioned above, I am ok with staying further out from the centre, as long as it is clean and in a safe neighbourhood.

Posted by
8293 posts

Lisall: the area around Place de la Nation is a safe neighbourhood, and not usually a place tourists seek out. There are lots of restaurants, department stores, etc., and a street market on Saturday mornings. We used to stay at the Hotel Camelia but it came under new ownership and got all tarted up and expensive. The Hotel Campanile Nation is not expensive and has the best darn beds you could ever want. It is also close to the stop for bus No. 351 which you can take to and from CDG for the price of 3 tickets (less than 6 Euro)

Posted by
6 posts

Another question then . . . I found a place on airbnb that looks suitable and priced reasonably. There were many great reviews for this place. It is located in Neuilly-Sur-Seine. Can anyone tell me anything about this neighbourhood? Thank you again for all the advice!

Posted by
8293 posts

The problem with Neuilly is that it is a suburb so travelling to and from the city can be a pain. Also, it makes it difficult to return to your "abode" during the day if you need a bit of a rest. Staying in the city allows you to do that and then pull yourselves together and sally forth to do more battle. Obviously it is your decision but I do think with a little more research you will find something in Paris proper.

Posted by
6 posts

Norma,

That's a great point. The last time (only time) I was in Paris I walked all day without a real break and I can tell you that all of the members of our travelling group were all super grumpy and tired after about 10 hours of walking!! It wasn't as enjoyable as it could have/should have been! I won't make that same mistake this time.

Do you have a link for the hotel you mentioned?

Posted by
11507 posts

Iisall.. Paris is a great destination for a solo woman traveller and one with a child. I took my kids there on my own.. my daughter was 11 for her trip ( I did them all separately) .

Don't worry about safety.. bet you live somewhere more dangerous! lol

I can suggest the Hotel Eugenie,, its a budget hotel.. but in a VERY central area.. tons of shops cafes around it.. bank machine nearby, metro and RER stops close.. 50 yards from the Seine and view of Notre Dame.. Rooms are clean, have ac, tv , mini fridge( nice to stock with cokes from grocers rather then letting kids order them at restaurants for 5 euros each!!) .. but are small and plainly decorated. Staff speak English and were very helpful. Walk to many sites easy from this location..

If you stayed at that hotel I personally would take the RER from airport because its so easy to walk to hotel from the St Michel RER stop.. but if you take a taxi it will run 50 -60 euros.. depends on time of day and traffic.

Posted by
7981 posts

I took my daughter at this age to both Paris and London at different times; it was a delight. Paris is a safe city and I wouldn't worry about that at all. Get a hotel near the river -- one of the joys of Paris is that evening stroll along the river with the city lit up. (stay up on the sidewalk not down on the river bank path at night -- I doubt it is precisely unsafe, but there are always a few unpleasant drunks under bridges at night -- in the daytime the concrete bank is fine)

An apartment is nice because you have social space and can save tons by having breakfast in and keeping snacks and lunch makings even if you never have dinner in (and there is a lot of good take out in Paris if you like) One of my favorite things in Paris is going out to the bakery early in the morning for the breakfast bread. I like baguettes but the bakeries are also replete with amazing breakfast pastries and with an apartment you can also get a dinner pastry and keep it in the refrigerator for a late treat.

Your daughter will be free to most museums and Paris is a great city to explore with a child this age.

Hope I am still able to travel when my granddaughter is 10 or so, so I can have this great adventure again.

Posted by
16893 posts

I would not be worried about the Montmartre neighborhood, but it does feel a bit far from the central sights, with fewer choices of metro lines, e.g. 8 stops from Lamarck-Caulaincourt to Concorde on Metro Line 12 to get you into the center. The owner mentions Bus Line 80, which will take you direct to the Champs de Mars.

Posted by
6 posts

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the great advice/tips. I appreciate the help, and I feel less stressed about everything.

Thanks!

Posted by
81 posts

One thing that I did when I traveled to Europe with my daughter who was about that age was have her pack the "slightly" outgrown clothes in her closet, or the things that were destined for Goodwill anyway. At the end of the trip we just left them and that freed up room in the suitcase. (We both traveled for 12 days out of one carry-on each.) I still do the same as an adult with undergarments that are on their last leg and toss them after wearing!