Category Archives: travel

paris with children

berthillon-paris

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about Paris lately (nothing new)…but traveling there with children especially. After much research and debate, we have decided to wait until Henry + Marie are older (4+ ?) to introduce them to it. As someone who is very familiar with the city (I know it better than Philly or NYC), I will be more focused on their experience. I want them to have developed a basic understanding of the globe and travel in general, and hopefully their francophilia will have started to develop (they are MY children after all). I know this may be wishful thinking, but their book of choice currently happens to be “Everybody Bonjours“…just saying. When we do finally arrive with “les jumeaux”, we will surely be lingering around Berthillon if we find ourselves there in warmer temps! Best. Ice cream. Ever.

While there are many kid-friendly places, Paris is intimidating to travelers with young children. There are countless pros and cons to be weighed when contemplating such a challenging adventure, and obviously what works for some may not for others. For instance, with twins, we live and die by our schedule. Add jet lag and an unfamiliar environment and it could spell disaster for us. On the other hand, as my friend Anne recently mentioned, the constraints of Paris could possibly work in our favor. My friends with one child do not seem as concerned with keeping a tight schedule (which I often envy), and they (and their children) might have a much easier time adapting when traveling. My personal opinion is that traveling there with a toddler (ages 0-3) is very ambitious. However, in the event you are considering traveling to Paris with children, I wanted to share what I’ve read, as it has played a major role in our decision making process. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject, and any tips or advice you may have. Bon weekend à tous!

 

paris travelogue…hither + thither

kid friendly paris…haven in paris

city terrible for ‘les enfants’ article

paris with kids…classic play

what to do (and not) in paris with children

“paris with children” book + interview

travel guide: paris for kids via ny times

missing paris

tuilerieschairs

I am missing Paris something fierce. France in general, actually…it is calling me. I want to be lounging in those green chairs, fresh baguette in hand, people watching in the Tuileries…right now. I try to get there at least every three years, to see my brother and family, and to get my francophile fix. The good news is that a trip next spring is in the works…YES! The bad news? Well, that seems like a very long time from now at the moment (although I am so grateful for the opportunity, whenever it happens). In the meantime, I am busy planning Marie + Henry’s birthday bash, which happens to fall on…Bastille Day! Oh yes-what used to be my annual event has turned into our babies birthday-how perfect is that?! To be clear, they were born on July 13th, but after 6 PM…it was Bastille Day in France! More on that soon…but if you’re in need of a “fix” like I am, find a quiet moment and visit my archives, and link through to my favorite francophiles here.

sending love to boston

philly-hearts-boston

With the babies in good care, mr. fleurishing and I decided to have time to ourselves for our anniversary and play tourists in our own city! It’s actually fairly embarrassing that we’ve lived in philly for three years and had never been to the art museum, so we had to remedy that. The impressionist wing is where it’s at-there is always a gravitational pull in that direction for me personally, but this one is notable. Afterwards we walked a few blocks to the rodin musuem…having only recently learned it’s the largest collection outside of Paris! It’s an intimate space but the key pieces are worth a visit (more photos to come). Flags were appropriately at half staff throughout the city…a sobering reminder during our day to clutch each other even tighter. Philadelphia sends it’s love Boston.