I am going to Paris for 2 weeks with my 5 and 3 year old. Do you recommend any good day/overnight trips by train- which destination would you recommend? We were considering Bruges, Laussane, maybe an overnight train to Venice??
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11532 posts
I think I would fall on a sword before I would consider an overnight train to Venice with two small children fun. Really,, not as romantic as you think. Why don't you all sleep in your closet tonight,, and then see how you feel in the morning,, with a full day of sightseeing in front of you,, LOL .
Brugges may be cute,, but I would only go if weather was good, walking around in rain isn't fun either, and Brugges is definately a walk about place. You can book while there( in Paris) .
Posted by
OP
Chicago
56 posts
Love you reply:) They are boys by the way...maybe just stay local in France, I guess.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I personally would not bring childern that young to Venice. When I was there I saw a lot parents lugging strollers up and down the bridges over the canals (they are arched, and take a toll after a while..). The boats are fun for kids to see of course... but I would stay in Paris - there are great parks there, with perhaps a side trip to somewhere outside of the city - to one of the amusement parks perhaps? The grounds of Versallles on a nice day are lovely and fun for kids.
I believe Rick's Paris book has a section on things to do with kids.
Posted by
Reston, Virginia
403 posts
Traveling with children that small is difficult, and a night train is tough for most people (it is for me, anyway) to get any sleep. I can't imagine dragging kids that small through museums and cathedrals, so that means a lot of active & outdoor activities. Certainly there are multiple daytrips available by train, but time of year when you are going makes a difference...there is little point in heading south to Provence in the winter when the mistral wind makes everything chilly. Assuming a summer trip, you might consider:
London ( 2hrs 15 by Eurostar). London Eye, London Zoo in Regent's Park, Horse Guards near Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park to see the kids sailing little boats on the ponds, Covent Garden. Some children's programs are available through the RSC, National Theatre, etc...
St Malo, Dinard, the beaches of Normandy for beach time.
Nice is only 5.5 hrs from paris, and would excite kids, I think...wonderful gelato and pizza, crowded beaches with lots of interesting people and activities.
I'm sure the other posters will have many other good suggestions. Have a great time and good luck!