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Itinerary Feedback for London/Paris/Annecy with 2 kids in July

Posted by on

Hi everyone. Wanting to get feedback on a potential itinerary with our two kids (10 and 15 at trip time). Wife and I have been to Europe (not together though), and this will be our kids first trip outside the US other than Mexico. We are still filling in the details of what to see, but early thoughts would be welcomed. Depending on when we have the trip, Bastille Day might fall on a day in Paris or in Annecy. Because of our kids' schedules we don't have a lot of leeway in when we can go and early-mid July is our only window.

  • Day 1 - Flight to Heathrow Day 2 - Arrive in London, light exploration around hotel
  • Day 3/4 - London - Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, British Museum, Changing of the Guard, other TBD.
  • Day 5 - Eurostar to Paris, explore near hotel
  • Day 6/7/8 - Paris - Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Notre Dame, evening Cathedral concert, Tuileries, other TBD, maybe Versailles.
  • Day 9 - Train to Annecy
  • Day 10 - Annecy
  • Day 11 - Transfer to Geneva, return to US with stopover in Heathrow.
Posted by
2875 posts

You sound well-organized, and I am glad to see you don't try to count travel days as full sightseeing days, a rookie mistake. We took our kids for the first time at 8 and 10 and they enjoyed it all. My main thought is to try not to cram too much into each day. Also, ask each kid for suggestions, or for things they really would like to see or do. (If it is unreasonable to fit in, it is okay to say that it won't work).
In London, at the British Museum (very large) I would choose one or two or three galleries or displays. Museum fatigue is real. A double-decker bus ride is fun for everyone and not expensive or time-consuming. Maybe a boat ride on the Thames for good views of London sights? A tube map makes a fun souvenier, especially having a chuckle at some station names (Elephant & Castle, my favorite). You have some good ideas.
Paris, yes to the Eiffel Tower, but IMO going to the top can eat up lots of your precious time. It can wow one from below. Versailles will take up pretty much a whole day. It will be very, very busy and crowded. If you decide to forego it (as I would, but then I have been twice), there are other chateaux near Paris for a shorter day trip (Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte). A climb up Notre Dame's Tower would likely impress the kids (yay for the gargoyles and grotesques! and great view of Paris!) The Champs Elysees is a lot of chain stores and is very disappointing. Look down at it from the Arc de Triomphe or up from the Place de la Concorde. That does it for me. Walking along it wastes a lot of your limited time (IMO). A better walk is a long the Seine on the left bank. The bouquinistes' stalls selling books, posters, etc. are quintessentially Paris and fun. Bonus is finding a nice cafe or bistro for lunch or for a coffee/soda/glass of wine. Don't forget to reserve your entry time to various places, especially to get earliest entry if you can (smaller crowds).
I have no suggestions for Annecy. Never been there.
You will all have a fun and memorable time! Enjoy!

Posted by
1732 posts

Just my opinion, but you seem to be in a rush.

Are your flights already booked?

There are 2 camps on this forum for Annecy- love it ir hate it. I'm in the love camp, but it's been years since I've been. Many say it's become overcrowded.

You're really short changing London with only 2 full days. With only 10 days, I would keep it to Paris and London.

Whatever you decide, be sure you book accommodations with air conditioning.

Posted by
2875 posts

kshade,
Be sure to buy crepes (with confiture) from a street seller to consume on a park bench or bench along the Seine. So Parisian and tasty and such a nice memory!

Posted by
1601 posts

I agree with Jeanm. Unless you have family or a specific reason to go there, skip Annecy. Get the kids' input on what they want to see and do. And be sure to allow plenty of time for wandering.

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