Paris for Parents

Spent the past week populating our insta with great Paris kid activities, but let’s not forget, Paris is equally amazing for parents! If you can find a way to get there as a couple, do it. If you’ll be there with littles in tow, at least make time for a date.

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The best thing about Paris without kids is the complete absence of parenting responsibility. No rushing through sites for snacks, naps or meltdown management. No worry that your munchkin will give you the slip in a crowd. You get to RELAX… Sleep in or stay out late. Enjoy all that Paris has to offer with adult pace and interests in mind. Go out at night, linger over a meal, people watch, and stop to frame a photo.

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Soak in the sites as the Parisians do. Read a book in a beautifully landscaped garden (Luxembourg is my fave). People watch as you sip cappuccino at one of the city’s many outdoor cafés. We love the famed Café de Flore – great location, history and service.

Love to shop? Enjoy boutiques in the fabulous neighborhoods of Saint Germain des Prés, Le Marais and along Saint Michel in the Latin Quarter. For high-end window shopping, check out Rue St Honoré and nearby Avenue Montaigne. Find an unusual souvenir at Les Puces, the sprawling weekend antique market (open 10-6 Sat and Sun, also Monday but often appointment only).

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Sit on the banks of the Seine across from Ile de St Louis, and spend hours watching the boats. Come dusk, enjoy l’heure de l’apéro (happy hour) at one of the riverfront bars of the left bank, across from the Grand Palais.

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Love art, architecture, history or fashion? Museum-go to your heart’s content, without worry your kids will bore or tire. My faves are Musée D’Orsay and the Picasso Museum. The Pompidou is great for modern art lovers, and of course, there’s the Louvre. For fashionistas, there are several fashion museums, including one that includes a huge jewelry exhibit: The Gallery des Bijoux. Get a little art, architecture and light lunch or tea at the Jacquement-André Museum; the property was once a mansion owned by collectors who willed it back to the city.

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When you’re ready for some movement, take an architectural walking tour, or bike the city’s landmarks with a downloaded audio guide. For something really different, rollerblade through the city as part of the weekly meet up (Sunday afternoon for beginners, Friday night for advanced).

Get outside the city with a day trip to Giverny and Auvers, the chateus of the Loire Valley, Versailles or even Normandy. If the mood strikes, stay the night.

Staying as adults in Paris, there are so many charming and romantic properties to choose; with longer legs, you can stay a little further off the beaten path without worry. Pick a place you might not go with kids, something that feels grown up.

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If you like to stay with or gather points, try the classic Westin Place Vendôme, located in the heart of everything and offering some rooms with spectacular Eiffel Tower or Vendôme Columns views. For something more boutiquey, both Prince de Galles and Hotel de Berri are part of the Bonvoy Luxury Collection and are perfectly located on either side of the Champs Elysée. We loved the latter, a newer Italianate boutique property with moody emerald green rooms, relaxing breakfast and bar area, and spectacular service. Keep us blogging by booking here: Booking.com

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If your kids are with you, hire a sitter for a naptime lunch away or night on the town. There are tons of Paris bistros to select, or dress up and go somewhere fancy. Try Paris’ hidden dining or supper club scene (accessible with Google search or meetup.com). We thoroughly enjoyed chatting (sometimes in French) with new friends at Jim Haynes’ Sunday night supper club, Sundays since 1978.

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Local events are also a great way to enjoy the city. Take in a concert, football match (fun for teens too) or burlesque show at Crazy Horse (not for teens).

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If childcare abroad isn’t something you’re willing to try, think about sneaking moments together. It may make kids squirm, but seeing you walk hand-in-hand in the city of light is good for them, and you!