Paris in the Spring, Paris in the Fall
One of our favourite European cities. While there are so many cultural and historic sites to visit in Paris, you can’t beat just wandering the streets, admiring the architecture. enjoying a coffee while watching the world go by, and just taking in this wonderful city.
Having visited Paris several times pre-parenthood, Anya and I first visited together when she was just 5 years old. It has since become her favorite place where we often tend to visit in the spring or during October (when there are slightly less crowds), and is somewhere she would happily visit every year.
For accommodation, we have tried a variety of options from a campsite which is just a 30 minute RER train ride from the central areas, to hotels from where it is a 30 minute walk or a few stops on the Metro. We would recommend Meininger Hotel on the East side of the city, which is a little out of the hustle and bustle, but just a few stops on the Metro from the Louvre and very family-friendly.
On several visits, we have jumped on the RER which offers a direct service to Disneyland Paris. A full day at the park is more than enough – and if you visit in October, you get to enjoy Disneyland Paris themed for Halloween!
Our Must Dos for a Trip to Paris
Walk or jump the Metro to the Cathedral of Notre Dame
It has been closed on our last few visits due to the fire which catastrophically destroyed part of this beautiful building that took just under 200 years to construct and was completed in 1345. It still remains a building worth seeing even just from the outside and from here, you can stroll along the Seine, seeing the ornate bridges crossing the river with some wonderful views of The Eiffel Tower.
Visit the Louvre
Whether going into the Louvre or just wandering around the buildings and surrounding gardens, this is somewhere we enjoy spending time. Of course, seeing the Mona Lisa and releasing how small it actually is in person is a must – although not so much fun trying to actually see the painting with everyone trying to take ‘selfies’ in front of it… The buildings are equally as stunning as the art inside, and this makes a great place to bring a picnic and either sit in the courtyard or wander through the gardens to sit by the lake.
Head uphill to the Sacre Coeur
For panoramic views over Paris, numerous restaurants and street artists, the Sacre Coeur is the place to visit. If you are unable to make the climb up the steps, there is a small funicular that operates daily. Both the Sacre Coeur and the views are stunning. Just be aware of pick-pockets in this area who employ numerous tricks – we always find just saying ‘No’ as soon as they try to engage and walking away prevents any further issues.
Seek out the best Macarons
Macaron (not macaroons) are the epitome of Paris and adorn many a bakery window and the range of flavours is immense. When we visited Paris when Anya was 5 years of age, we popped into the Laduree on the Champs Elysees where one of the assistants offered Anya a free macaron to try. Of course, Laduree instantly became our favourite Paris bakery and we seek it out whenever we are there!
Gluten Free Paris
When you think of Paris, and France generally, gluten free may not necessarily be considered an obvious option. And not being able to eat the delicious pastries, have a croissant at breakfast or a baguette at lunch is a real challenge. However, on our most recent trip to Paris we discovered an amazing entirely gluten free bakery just behind The Louvre, offering such a wide range of breads, cakes – and yes, even croissants! Copains is well worth a visit and a great place to grab a few treats to then enjoy in the grounds of the Louvre on a sunny day!
