This weekend I went to Paris, France with my daughter and my 7yr old grandson and 11 yr old granddaughter. Most people assumed we were taking them to EuroDisney but we were there to show them the sights.
The highlight for my grandson was the Eiffel Tower. We took two lifts to get us right to the top of the tower which I had booked well in advance. I am not that happy about heights and eventhough we were inside a lift, I didn't feel that comfortable the nearer we got to the top. Once at the top(which is enclosed in glass) the views were tremendous and I have to admit it felt much higher than I thought. My grandson was truly full of awe and wonder and wanted to go back each day to look at it again.
The newly opened Notre Dame Cathedral which I was desperate to see had such horrendous queues that I had to forget that idea. Just not fair on the children.
I was glad we made the effort though as both the children loved the museum. As it used to be a palace the building itself is so decorative and opulent and of course we did see the Mona Lisa.
The extensive Metro system makes it easy to get around.
It is four years since I was last in Paris and the biggest difference was the crowds and I don't mean tourists. Every metro train we got on was crowded and felt uncomfortable. The cost of food and especially soft drinks was very expensive. Planning ahead and booking tickets before you go is absolutely essential. Overall it was a really good trip and one the children will remember for a long time.
What a great trip with the grands! I've never been to Paris except through novels. Wonder if I'll ever get there.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that all cities are now busy all the time. Very off-putting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip! I know your grands will remember it forever! The tower looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteFascinating place to explore, you're lucky the UK is so close.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit all I have seen of Paris was Disney land a year or two after it opened, nearest I got to the pace was driving round the ring road taking the Metro from Paris South to North. The place has never appealed to me but others like it and I know my wife went there before we were married but I would love to see Notre Dame
ReplyDeleteIt was so exciting for us when we visited Le Tower, one of those very memorable travel experiences. We had some kind of queue jumping tickets and I don't remember waiting at all.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it must be high immigration levels that have made it so crowded. I think a brand new public transport rail line recently opened, train or tram, I can't remember.
My husband had two elderly uncles living in Paris, and they showed us wonderful places when we were there last.. well before Covid. I loved every day in Paris.
ReplyDeleteNow they are no longer independent and we will have to create our own tours.
It's a long time since we went to Paris so I'm not sure I would appreciate it now with all the crowds. We just admired the Eiffel Tower though.
ReplyDeleteIt looks and sounds a successful trip with the grandchildren ... happy memories.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Beautiful photos! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely tour.
ReplyDeleteThat was such a good idea for the grand children and you are so lucky to be able to get there quickly by train while it takes us 14 hours of flying and added hours waiting in airports. That is why we don't do it anymore. Sad to hear of the queues at the renovated Notre Dame and the crowds in general. I'm so glad we did most of our travelling in the 70's, 80's and 90's before the crowds were unbearable.
ReplyDeleteHow did it feel going into the Louvre, after the massive theft? Were you more anxious this visit than any earlier visits? I would be constantly looking around corners, even though I have long loved the Louvre.
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