Trip to Paris

[Wcdhtwn]

Hello TRF, especially all the Paris/Europe experts. In June of 2023 I’m taking the family to Paris for a week. Me, the wife, 14 and 15 year old kids. I’ve been there once for 4 days, so have basic familiarity but far from an expert.

I’m looking for recommendations on where to get an Airbnb in Paris, which neighborhoods to prioritize and/or avoid. Looking in St. Germaine area and around l’arc de Triumph, recommendations for (obviously) safe area but maybe less touristy, yet still close to attractions, would be great.

We would also like to do a day trip or two outside of the city and recommendations on any of those would be great. Versailles yes we’ll do that. But there are trips to the Champaign region, Normandy, Castles, etc. that look good but some are likely better than others.

Restaurants, cafes that are don’t miss would be great to know. Other things of interest in Paris beyond the major sites like The Louvre, which we’ll visit, would be great insight as well.

Thanks TRF. I asked the same for a trip to London we did this past year and received awesome suggestions. Thanks again to those of you who responded.

[macrowatch]

Mont St Michele if you can swing the time, although that'd be awfully rushed.

[rick lee]

Go see the cathedral at Rheims. It will bring you to tears.

[austinp]

Montmarte was a place my teenagers liked. Have one of the artists draw a picture of your kids. Lots of tourists but a nice place to walk around.

We stayed in St Germain. Perfect location for the popular sights.


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[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by rick lee

Go see the cathedral at Rheims. It will bring you to tears.

Yeah, we’ll definitely see that.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by austinp

Montmarte was a place my teenagers liked. Have one of the artists draw a picture of your kids. Lots of tourists but a nice place to walk around.

We stayed in St Germain. Perfect location for the popular sights.


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Thank you! Agree, I think St. Germain is the best area to rent a place.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Mont St Michele if you can swing the time, although that'd be awfully rushed.

Yeah, a full day. There are tours and they’re 14 hour trips.

[kulak]

I was there for work for a few months and stayed in Boulogne-Billancourt which is a short bus ride to Versailles. Also perfectly easy to get where ever you want in the city. It wasn’t too terribly touristy. On the weekends I’d literally walk from one side of Paris to the other.

I had a car mostly to commute to work outside of Paris. It came in handy for “Normandy.” There is so much to see over a large area I’m not sure there is a real practical way to do it otherwise. Just watch out for the average (between two points) speed cameras.

[Masteryacht]

Take the day trip to Normandy. Utah, Omaha beaches, Pointe du Hoc, etc.

[mbalmz]

go to breizh cafe for crepes (a few locations around the city). in my experience it’s a crowd pleaser for all ages.

[texasmade]

Berthillon for ice cream. Make sure you go to the correct location.

[JParm]

Agree with staying in St. Germain.

I'd personally skip the Louvre and go to Musee D'Orsay. Love the historical buidling itself and the artwork is just as grand.

Le Train Bleu is a worthwhile stop, and Sainte-Chappelle was absolutely stunning. All 3 stops will give you a very Parisian experience / feel, along with the many cafes along the way!

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by JParm

Agree with staying in St. Germain.

I'd personally skip the Louvre and go to Musee D'Orsay. Love the historical buidling itself and the artwork is just as grand.

Le Train Bleu is a worthwhile stop, and Sainte-Chappelle was absolutely stunning. All 3 stops will give you a very Parisian experience / feel, along with the many cafes along the way!

Cool! This is very interesting! I want my kids to go to the Louvre, it would be dumb to go to Paris and not. But the Musee D’Orsay looks fantastic! We have time for both. Thanks for the input!