Paris - a kid friendly way

We have two hotel recommendations that are geared toward families. Both of these have been used and therefore recommended by on of our friends.

The Paris Explorer Hotel. Much nicer than other one, and great deals on rooms in the off-season. Pirate type themed hotel (which my kids loved), giant dragon in the lobby, kids play areas, restaurants and pizza parlor in hotel. Indoor pirate pool and continental breakfast. Free shuttle bus to Disney Metro stop. Rooms to accommodate large families. We had a two bedroom with bunk-beds. My top choice.

http://www.explorershotels.com/us/home.php

Cheaper hotel choice Can accommodate large families, RER metro station just across the street, breakfast can be included. No-thrills type accommodation for budget families. Close to stores, grocery store, and bakery.

http://www.residhome.com/hotel-residence-aparthotel-europe-139.html

I booked most Europeon hotel accommodations through this website. I usually use this site for our traveling and have had pretty good luck with the hotels we have had. I always read the reviews people write in before deciding where to stay. They seem to always have a cheaper rate than if you go through the hotel directly.

http://www.eurobookings.com/

I strongly recommend doing some homework for a successful Paris trip and picking up a touring book before you go. I like the Rick Steve's books best.

Sites in Paris:

1. Eiffel Tower (of course!) You can now buy tickets online! NICE!

http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

2. Arc de Triomphe and walk the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde

3. Lourve

http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en

4. Musee d' Orsay- Wonderful museum with great impressionist paintings and more!

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html

5. Musee de l'Orangerie- Small museum starring Monet's gorgeous Water Lilies

http://www.musee-orangerie.fr/

6. Notre Dame Cathedral

http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-

7. Sainte Chapelle Cathedral- A small cathedral with stunning stained glass windows

http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Cathedrals/Paris/Sainte-Chapelle.shtml

8. Napoleon's Tomb

http://www.invalides.org/pages/anglais/dome_a.html

9. Musee Rodin- Walk the gardens and see the Thinker, among other sculptures. Great for the kids to run around a bit.

http://www.rodinmuseum.org/284-237.html

10. Pantheon- Don't miss the crypt!

http://www.pantheonparis.com/visitor-information

11. Catacombs- Under the streets of Paris, walk through the tunnels with intricately arranged bones from over 6 million Parisians.

http://www.catacombes-de-paris.fr/english.htm

12. Pere La Chaise Cemetery- A fascinating walk through one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. You can search for the graves of many famous people buried there, such as Chopin, Collette, Jane Avril, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, Moliere, and many others. Hint- Have a list, a good map, and be prepared to hunt around! My kids loved this!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_Lachaise_Cemetery

There are lots of books and resources out there that are specific to doing Paris with children, but I wanted to show you my favorite one so far. It is basically like an adventure game. It is a box of cards, each containing a routed walk. The description of the walk on one side with the map on the back. Totally kid friendly and helps them to take charge and help guide the tour.

City Walks with kids: Paris 50 adventures on Foot