Paris with Family: A Summer to Remember

Paris, the city of light and love, welcomed our family with its enchanting beauty and rich history during the summer of 2023. Despite the intense heat, our stay in a traditional Parisian Airbnb apartment added a layer of charm to our adventure. The apartment, spacious and centrally located, did come with its share of stairs, which made the first day with luggage a bit challenging. However, the character of the building and the comfort of the apartment made it all worthwhile.

Discovering Jardin des Tuileries

Our first full day in Paris started with a leisurely 15-minute walk to the Jardin des Tuileries. This historic garden was alive with a summer carnival, complete with rides and food stalls. The kids were ecstatic, and we spent hours enjoying the festivities. The carnival, a seasonal event, added a delightful touch to our visit and set the tone for our Parisian adventure.

A VIP Experience at the Louvre

The next day was dedicated to the Louvre, one of the world's largest and most renowned museums. Upon arrival, we were daunted by the incredibly long line, especially in the sweltering heat. However, fortune smiled upon us as we were accompanied by family members with a baby in a stroller. A kind security personnel noticed our group and ushered us to the VIP line, allowing us to bypass the hours-long wait. Inside, we equipped ourselves with headsets, immersing ourselves in the museum’s vast collection of paintings and sculptures. Though we only managed to explore half of the Louvre, the experience was awe-inspiring and left us thoroughly exhausted yet fulfilled.

Tranquil Moments on the Seine

On a whim, we decided to take a Seine River cruise, a decision that turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The serene journey along the river provided a refreshing perspective of the city, away from the bustling streets. Our tour guide’s deep knowledge of Parisian history and landmarks enriched the experience, making it both educational and relaxing.

Scaling the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Despite the long lines and crowded viewing platforms, the breathtaking views from the top made the experience unforgettable. While it may not be something we’d rush to do again, it was a must-see and we were glad to have ticked it off our list.

Exploring the Splendor of Versailles

One of our most anticipated day trips was to the Palace of Versailles, a 45-minute Uber ride from Paris. The journey was smooth, but the kids grew increasingly eager to explore the famed palace. Arriving on the hottest day of our trip, we were struck by the lack of air conditioning within the palace. Despite this, the opulent rooms and halls were captivating. However, it was the meticulously maintained grounds that truly stole our hearts. The sprawling gardens, with their stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, provided a cool respite and became our favorite part of Versailles.

Reflecting on Our Parisian Adventure

Overall, our time in Paris was filled with memorable moments and family bonding. While it may not rank as our all-time favorite family destination, we were grateful for the opportunity to experience its unique charm and historic grandeur. One area that left us wanting more was the food, which we found to be more commercialized than expected. Nonetheless, Paris offered us an enriching and unforgettable summer vacation.