We're looking at going to France next April/ May for 3 weeks. We'd like to spend approximately a week in Paris and then move on. Is one week enough or too long? Considering we only have 3 weeks we are open to suggestions. I'd like to head to Provence perhaps and rent a house for 2 weeks. But are open to traveling around a bit. Any must do/see ideas are most welcome.
P.S. Our children will be 3 & 6 years old at that time.
Thanks heaps!
One week in Paris is adequate. We were there this May with our 2 year old.
So a week in Paris will get you to see the major sights, you could spend a year there and not see anything. The Eiffel Tower is a definite, as is Notre Dame (walk the whole way around the Cathedral), Sacre Couer is also a must, being able to see the entire city from a different perspective. The boat tours and hop on-off buses are also great especially to see the bulk of the city with little ones who may prefer to just sit and play.
Then there are the museums...try Musee D'Orsay as something different, but the Louvre is the one to go to. Don't expect to see everything though, just pick a few areas and see them comprehensively.
Provence is beautiful, there are plenty of B&B's and places to rent. Check out places like Aix-en-Provence and Cassis, we did this and skipped the major city of Marseilles and don't regret it (although I do hear it is a great trip).
Have a great time
A week is definitely not too long for Paris. We spent a week there with our 8 year old in 2008 and we're headed back to France next July with grandparents in tow as well. We'll be doing a week in Paris and then heading to Rousillon in Provence - we've rented a 3 bed house right in town there that has a heated (not that we'll need it in July) swimming pool. If you're interested in more info about our plans, just pm me and I'll be happy to help out.
Agree with the above poster. Don't try to see everything at the museums/galleries. Pick a few areas and see them comprehensively. Both have children's programs (little workbooks) that you can go through with the kids and we found really helpful. Another idea is to grab a few postcards (of paintings on site) and then have a hunt for them.
Here are some ideas for things to do with children in the Aix en Provence and Marseille areas: http://www.marseille-provence.info/family-friendly-children-kids.html
Hi there,
I just did a quite extensive research on kid-friendly activities in Paris and France.
There are some great attractions and it's a pity only few people know about them.
For example the Asterix theme park, just outside Paris. Often oversadowed by Disneyland unfortunately.
Other example is the Haribo museum on Côte d'Azur, not far from Pont du Gard aqueduct.
Here's my list Top Things To Do in France with Kids