Paris/

Hi Caylynne,

We are going to Paris in September and I have been doing some research myself. The helpline is a good source for info but I think going online will also help you make some good choices. We are planning five full days in Paris not counting travel time before going onto Italy for the duration of our vacation. Look into the Paris City Pass for all of your transportation and free entrance fees to the major sights in Paris. The Effil Tower is the only attraction ommited from the pass. Also there is the Viste pass which gives you discounted entry fees and all transpotation is included. Depending on the length of your time in Paris either pass is worth looking into. Have a great time.

Greg

How long will you be in each place? For lodging, if you are there more than a few days, I would suggest an apartment. Especially with 4 people it will be difficult to find a hotel room big enough for all of you. It is not like here where it is easy to find a room with 2 large beds. A double room is just that, room for 2 people. And the rooms are very small. Apartments can cost less than a hotel and you can eat some of your meals there too, which will save money. There is a free walking tour of Paris that you might want to look into. You are expected to tip the guide. Just google "free walking tour Paris" for more information. Have a great trip!

Keep in mind that the museums in Paris(including Versailles) are free for kids under 18. If you get a museum pass, the kids can enter with you in the shorter lines.
T.

Hi Caylynne--I second the suggestion to rent an apartment in Paris. We used vacationinparis.com when we went and were very happy with their service. I was recently on their site--thinking of going ourselves in August--and they have some last-minute deals, too. As others have said, do some research on the web: if you select an apartment, find out where the local market is; every arrondissement has one. Plan out what sights you want to see; nearly everything will be free for your kids. Study the metro map; the metro is easy to use and economical. Between fixing your own meals in your apartment and getting free admission to sights for your children, Paris can be very budget-friendly.

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. It's great to have help from those who have gone before . . .now the research begins. If anything else comes to mind, I'd love to hear what you have to say.