Paris Best area to stay in Paris for about 10 days?

[HarlemSong]

Hi, we plan on staying in Paris for about 10 days in mid July.
We will be doing all the touristy things in the city + other touristy day trips (ie, Giverny, Versaille, etc) since it's our first family trip with our 8 year old.

Could you recommend the best area to stay?
Best websites to book a place if VRBO and Airbnb is not as suitable for Paris for some reason?
If you can recommend some must do day trips/activities, I would welcome any suggestions regarding Paris.

Thank you!

 

[chachalaca]

Hello! I'd say regardless of advice, book something now! Something refundable, but this is kind of late to book, actually.

We don't have children, so I'm not sure where the best place to stay with kids might be. Near a park for sure, and close to the Metro also. Be sure not to over-plan your days, so that you can allow for real life to direct your sight-seeing and tours. You'll all be tired/jet-lagged if going from US, your 8 year old will feel pent-up after being on a plane for so long. You might find yourselves wishing you had "free time" built in to just play in the Jardins du Luxembourg or linger over hot chocolate at Angelina's.

You are going to get great suggestions here, I'm sure. They will include places to stay, certainly, but in the mean time get some lodging and meal reservations made.

Tell us what your 8 year old enjoys, what the rest of the family enjoys and your adventure level with food. Food restrictions? Are you art-lovers, shoppers, monument seekers? Are you an indoor or an outdoor family? Give us some background information to work with and maybe a budget "level" -you don't have to list dollar amount, but "budget conscious" or "once in a lifetime splurge trip" or "moderate rates" would be helpful. And then, remember it's Paris - in Summer. Even budget conscious is pricey.

Laura

 

[TomandKathy]

HI there, My daughter and I have visited Paris with our grand-daughter twice (soooo wonderful). the first time she was 7 and the second time 9... so it sort of fits. My first comment is that we found people very helpful and friendly and I think it was because we had a child with us. Waiters gave her free desserts and one of the artists in the street at Mont Martre drew her

for free...

Her favourite thing was Disneyland! That's not surprising, but my daughter and I loved it too... of course it will be hotter when you go and possibly busier, so plan for heat and crowds. Get a map of the site and plan your day well. There are websites that give you the latest advice about how to enjoy your day.
The first day we were there is was 34degs and our host directed us to Aquaboulevard and huge water park we just loved.
We stayed near the Seine not far from Les Halles. The little one loved walking along the river feeding the ducks and we loved the cafes...
Another great day out was to le Jardin d'Acclimatation out on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne. It was pretty quiet when we were there but I guess in July it will be busier - which is not a bad thing. We rode on rides completely alone and some rides were closed. The virtual zoo was amazing! After all the fun we wandered through to the amazing Fondation Louis Vuitton but didn't go in, just enjoyed the glorious architecture and the water gardens.
Of course we loved the Mont Martre Hill and our grand-daughter rode every one of the wonderful Paris roundabouts she could find... she said the best one was outside the metro station at l'Abbesse.
Oh and the boat ride down the Seine was lovely - we waited for the next boat so we were at the front of the queue and sat up front on top (make sure you take a hat).

I hope that helps - and that you have a wonderful time - as we did!

 

[TomandKathy]

PS - I agree, make sure you are near a metro station - nothing like a tired 8 year old at the end of a day. But then again you can use uber in Paris and it is quite reasonable for three people. My husband an I used it quite a lot last time we were there.

 

[TomandKathy]

pps - Giverney is gorgeous and worth the trip, but Versailles - for me not so wonderful... such a lot of walking for a little one too... If you want to see glorious decor much more easily go to the Opera Garnier.
The markets in Paris are great fun too.