Paris: 3 generations familiy trip
Where to stay in Paris? How to get from A to B? Are the classic sights really the best choice? Please find hereinafter our recommendations.
For our personal insights and if we could really accommodate 6 people aged 15 to 68 (over 3 generations) for the good of all, please switch to the travelog page and access PARIS in the tag cloud on the right. Alternatively, check the blog archive (April 2012) to find tour reviews and photo galleries.
As usual, I take no resposibility for external links (see disclaimer), schedules, prices, etc.
Duration: 5 full days (excl. arrival and departure)
Tourist party: 6 pax family, 3 generations
Tour type: City trip (individual)
Languages: French and English
Arrival
- Flight to Charles de Gaulle airport, taxi van for 8 max. to Montmarte 48 EUR
Accommodation
- Amazing holiday apartment in Montmartre, Rue Caulaincourt (c/o frenchy rentals), 3 bedrooms, big dining/living room, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, extra WC. Amply equipped, far more than just basics ;)
- Supermarket/grocery and private charming bakery right next door.
Frenchy rentals rents out various apartments, also smaller ones. Great service, nice communication, easy processing. The ultimate advantages for a private apartment in Paris are spread here.
Transportation
- Very good public transportation (RATP) throughout Paris. Only few steps from our apartment, we use two busses: No 80 with direct access to Champs Èlysées and Eiffel tower, and No 95 to reach opera and Louvre. Apart from that, we’ve been walking most parts of our daily tours.
- Timetables and route maps for all RATP lines here. (English pages available)
- For multiple rides it’s worth to get day passes called Paris Visite for 2, 3 or 5 days; 19, 26 and 38 EURO each adult. It includes discounts for some of the sights. Paris Visite passes available at all metro stations, current information here.
- Single tickets available at metro stations and Tabac shops, single ride 1.60 EUR, 10 rides (Carnet) 11.60 EUR.
Please note! You can also buy tickets from the bus driver what is slightly more expensive. In any case, tickets must be validated before travelling!
Sightseeing
Paris offers a museum pass to access more than 60 facilities within 2, 4 or 6 days. So those who are planning an extensive run on Paris museums may take advantage of the 42, 56 and 69 EUR expenditure. Better compare prices in advance as most of the museums offer reduced fares for EU citizens, young adults, students and retirees.
One definite advantage: no queuing!
Current information and online order here. (Englisch)
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame: daily from 8:00 am, no charge. Guided tours few times per week in various languages. Audioguides available. Current information here.
Access north tower 8.00 EUR, free for EU citizens below 26.
Museum and treasury open from 9:00 am, 2.50 EUR entrance fee
- Louvre: daily from 9:00 am, Tuesdays closed! Consider different opening hours for special exhibitions!
Entrance fee: 12.00 to 16.00 EUR (depending on special exhibits), various reducements. Free entrance for kids up to 18. Audioguides available.To avoid queuing at the main ticket office (under the big pyramid): go get your ticket in advance and use the less crowded side entrances either 99, rue de Rivoli or Porte des Lyons. Louvre official website here.
- Catholic church of Saint-Sulpice: free entrance. Sporadic organ concerts.
- Montparnasse tower: Best bird’s eye view of Paris. Panoramic floor and roof terrace daily from 9:30 am til late evening. Entrance fee: 14.50 EUR, various reduced prices. Current information here.
- Eiffel Tower: Current information to opening hours and access fees here.
- Dôme des Invalides, tomb of Napoleon I, and military museum: Current information to opening hours and access fees here.