Paris with Teens

I have searched the internet over for recommendations on itineraries and activities that will appeal to teens and adults alike in Paris; there is a dearth. Since I have taken my two boys a couple of times and have more trips on the docket, I thought I would share my experiences and plans. This is my list of places and activities I have enjoyed with my boys ranging in age from 10 to 16. Typically, I make a “half-agenda”, aiming for one museum or major site per day (tickets in advance), and then let the spirit of la flânerie take over.

Realizing that all kids are not alike, you will have to gauge your own kids’ tolerance for some of these activities. Mine, for instance, are not shoppers (hence the lack of shopping suggestions). My boys are also happy to eat at restaurants, though sometimes they prefer to opt for a quick crepe or sandwich on the go. (See notes on eating out in Paris below). Some kids are set on the triumvirate: Tour Eiffel, Notre Dame and the Louvre. However, if they are not (and you are not) set on those, I contend that there are sites and activities of equal or greater interest with far shorter lines and greater return on your time and money.

LOGISTICS

Getting Around

My advice is to make yourself a map on Google (star your saves) and you can pull it up on your phone as you walk through town. Much less embarrassing than spreading out a huge paper map! Below, you will find several walks with links to maps we have made for Revolution points, sweets, fun facts, and street art. Take comfy shoes for walking- this is a walking town!

The metro system is moving to a card, rather than tickets. For a while longer, you may still buy a "carnet"- 10 tickets on the metro; they should get you through a day or many more depending on weather and your walking shoes. Soon, children under 11 will ride free, so check before you go.

For our last trip, we experimented with a two-day Paris Museum Pass that grants unlimited entry to the permanent collections of 50ish museums and monuments. Other than having to pick it up in person at a desk in a rather hard to find spot in a huge shopping complex, and having to plan two days of museum visits, it did save us a bit of cash.

Tips For Dining in Paris:

At restaurants and popular bistros, you will likely need to make reservations. Plus, doing so will take some of the stress out of looking while hungry. Brasseries and cafes are easy drop in spots for salads, omelettes, and more standard fare. For a list of restaurants to suit all tastes and ages, click the menu to the right on Restaurants.

A slight difference between dining in Paris (and France) and the US is the unusual sight of children at a table, and the not infrequent sight of a dog, often being fed from a fork and a plate… on a chair. General politesse is the same, but children are not often part of the party at restaurants, so make sure your kids are well-behaved unless you like the rushed treatment and hard-glare from the opposite side of the room. It is essential to say bonjour or bonsoir when entering a restaurant, and when you leave to say merci. Follow up with a Madame, Monsieur or Mesdames Messieurs if you feel so bold, for added bonus points.

The coupole at Galleries Lafayette.. If you order a museum pass, this is one of the pick up locations. Next to the Eiffel Tower, it is the 2nd most visited site in Paris, so prepare yourself for crowds, but it is worth a walk around to see the displays. And your kids can jump on the suspended trampoline-like net. Don't miss the food halls across the street- especially during holidays, the displays are extraordinary.

I like to make reservations, though at the 7pm hour, when Americans typically eat, most restaurants will not need or require such (Parisians don’t dine until 9ish or later). But reserving does let them know you are coming, and relieves the pressure of searching-while-hungry. (Try La Fourchette for online reservations; they often offer deals- similar to OpenTable.) I might recommend trying your more expensive restaurant choices for lunch as their menu will be less pricey at noon, and/or a prix fixe set menu meal. Often, it’s the best thing of the night.

It is okay to ask for water by the carafe- those bottles of sparkling can get expensive (though I will admit to being a fan of Badois). Good vocab to know is, un carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait and gazeuse or plate (bubbles or flat). Don’t expect ice, (in fact, don’t even ask) nor doggie bags (though often the volume of food isn’t, like in the US, big enough to merit takeaways).

If you are pleased with the service, do leave a tip, but not an American-sized one. (A few Euros, rounded up, will do. If you pay and they do not return your change, ask for it).

Before You Go

A few books to read before you go:

A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke

Paris, A Novel by Edward Rutherford

Paris by Eugene Atget (photography)

A Paris Apartment: A Novel by Michelle Gable

The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City by David Lebovitz

SCAVENGER HUNT

This is a list that is fun to use during your walks through the city. It may give kids a say in the itinerary and make your flâneurie a bit more fun for them. Click map below for link to the locations.

For more itineraries and walks, visit Holman Photo On the Go