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Eiffel Tower – The Eiffel
Tower is a "must see" for kids in Paris, not just at a distance,
but up close. When you stand under it, it's
just spectactular, all those curly cues in the structure. Take the elevators
to the top, or dine in the Jules Verne restaurant (if you feel like a splurge, the kids will remember it). And don't miss seeing the Eiffel Tower at night,
all lit up. In summer, on the hour in the evening, there is a magical show of twinkling lights. |
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Tip: Buying tickets in advance is essential. Check out the official Tour
Eiffel website for more information. |
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Champs de Mars Park – After you've been up the
Eiffel Tower, go out to the Parc du Champs de Mars, a huge big grassy area
where children can run to their heart's content. This is also the perfect
place for a picnic (grass and benches). Even in the height of summer, the
park won't feel crowded. |
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 Playgrounds – You'll find three playgrounds in the Champs de Mars. At Avenue
Anatole France, in the middle of the park, there's an old-fashioned carousel,
little play area with sand box, and cafe, where parents can relax, have
a cold drink or coffee, while the kids play. In the southwest section, allee
Pierre Loti, check out the large playground with colorful climbing structures,
slides, and imaginative play areas. For toddlers, tucked away in the southeast
corner is a small playground, perfect for little ones. |
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Pony
rides – On the same corner with the carousel, small children
will enjoy a pony ride on friendly, well-tended ponies. |
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Bateaux Mouche – Ride the bateaux mouche
on the River Seine at sunset or at night for a great view of the city all
lit up. The views of the Eiffel Tower in all its splendor is a kid favorite.
We took the Bateaux Mouche on a rainy October night. When we rounded the
Ile de la Cite, there was Notre Dame, beautifully illuminated, all the bells
pealing. It sends shivers up my spine just to think of it. (Pick up the
boats on the right bank, east of the Pont de l'Alma). |
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Tour of the Sewers (Quai d'Orsay at Pont de l'Alma) – Paris
sewers conjures up Les Miserables and Jean Valjean making good
his escape. Take a quick self-guided walking tour through
a real section of Paris sewers. Go through tunnels and walk over gratings
where you'll see the sewer water flowing right under your feet. Along
the way, you'll find out about the fascinating history of the water system
in Paris (e.g. how is the sewage transporated under the Seine ...) It
doesn't really smell in the sewers, but is a little dank, so don't wear
your best shoes. The self-guided tour brochure is in multiple languages. |
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Tip: Trip to the sewers is free with the Paris Pass. |
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Musee de l’ Armee (Army Museum) –
While I went shopping, my husband took our boys to the Army Museum. This
museum has riches galore, fabulous collection of ancient armor from 13th - 17th century (including kid's armor), plus cannons, mortars, swords, daggers, souvenirs
from Napoleon’s time, including his hat and sword. |
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Tip: Read on our blog about the Army Museum and Napoleon's tomb: Napoleon Bonaparte in Paris. |
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Next
to the museum, at the Dome des Invalides is Napoleon’s Tomb (Tombeau
de Napoleon), for an added bonus. Very impressive. |
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Musee d'Orsay – Step into the Musee d'Orsay and
you're stepping into 19th century Paris, literally – the building was once a cavernous
railway station. |
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The collections in the museum are also 19th century, including a large number of Impressionist paintings. Go right up to the fifth floor for paintings by Manet, Monet,
Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, plenty of French life and landscapes, waterlilies, haystacks and picnics.
Also on the fifth floor, peer out through the clock window (it's like Hugo Cabret). |
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Musee d'Orsay is a big museum, so allow plenty of time for kids to explore. |
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Tip: Musee d'Orsay is free with the Paris Pass. |
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Illustrated history of the Eiffel Tower – how Gustave Eiffel built a tower out of metal, opening in 1889 for the World's Fair, first reactions to this new landmark, and today a symbol of France and the most visited monument in the world. (Chapter book)
Also, picture book Gustave Eiffel's Spectacular Idea: The Eiffel Tower
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It's
the 1889 World's Fair. Jack and Annie go on an airy bike ride
over the Paris rooftops to meet Gustave Eiffel, the "Magician
of Iron," and engineer of the Eiffel Tower. (Easy reader)
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Illustrated biography of Napoleon, growing up on the island of Corsica, he was an excellent student (good at math, loved history), went on to become conquering hero, emperor, one the most famous military commanders in the world. (Chapter book)
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Little Katie
gets in the picture, when she climbs into an Impressionist painting,
and joins the family eating lunch in the garden. She picks a bouquet
to bring back, but her adventures have only begun. A delightful
story about French Impressionist paintings. (Picture book)
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A ballerina goes around Paris in search of Degas, finding more painters along the way, Monet, Caillebotte, Renoir, and Mary Cassatt. Each stop is inspired by a different Impressionist painting. Luminous illustrations. (Picture book)
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Meet Claude Monet, as a kid, he knew he wanted to become an artist. Monet moved to Paris to study art and meet other artists interested in developing a new style of painting - Impressionist art. At Giverny, discover the beautiful gardens designed and painted by Monet. (Picture book)
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Pictorial
history of the Impressionists, artists Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt,
Cezanne, Seurat, Gaugin, plus 21 activities – paint the sky
like Monet, cut out paper water lilies, draw a still life, bake
cookies with sprinkles like Seurat, and learn how to spot each
artist's work. Filled with lots of Impressionist paintings, good
for older kids. (Chapter book, with illustrations)
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(More children's
books on other Paris and France pages) |
