Photo Credit: Panoramas via Compfight cc

When I was 18 I went on a short break to Paris with my mum, dad and sister. It was amazing. We went to art galleries, ate in lovely cafes and I discovered the best bookshop in the world – Shakespeare and Company.

Since that short trip I’ve been dreaming of going back. I’ve never been to the French capital with my husband, but I know that if we were to go, we would have the best time. Living in the countryside means we love the odd break to a city (we honeymooned in Havana) and Paris is a city and a half. We also love a nice hotel, and a quick look on Hotel Direct shows there’s no shortage of those in Paris.

Last year the NLM’s cousin moved to Paris for work. Ever since then a mini break there has been even more real, as it might finally give us the kick up the backside to organise ourselves.

There are a few things that make Paris the ideal place for a short break for frazzled parents. Read on for some insider tips to Paris from other parent bloggers too…

It’s easy to get to:

You can get to Paris in a matter of hours via the Channel Tunnel, meaning lengthy plane journeys don’t cut into your short time away.

It’s cheaper than going to New York:

The lack of flight means a mini break to Paris is kinder on the pocket than a mini break to, say, New York. It also means you don’t have the additional cost of airport parking or overnight stays in hotels the night before your flight. I call that a win.

There’s SO much to do:

From art galleries (the Picasso gallery was my favourite) to tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral in Notre Dame, to parks and tiny bookshops, posh restaurants and cosy cafes, there is so much to do in Paris a short break won’t feel like enough. When you’re used to being busy it’s nice to just sit back and relax on a short break, but the thing I love about Paris is that the option’s there to do other things should you feel more energetic.

TIP: “Try not to plan too much, as half the joy of Paris is wandering around, stopping for a coffee when you feel like it and soaking it all in.” – Cat from Yellow Days.

TIP: “If the weather is good avoid being cooped up in galleries and spend time taking in sculpture outdoors. Rodin’s garden is incredible, see The Thinker amongst beautiful roses.” – Penny from A Residence.

There’s SO much to eat:

It’s no secret that Paris is a bit of a foodie paradise. As a huge lover of bread (even though it doesn’t love me back) I don’t think you can go far wrong with a big hunk of baguette accompanied with some delicious camembert or brie. Then again, I’m also partial to the works of art you can buy in the specialist patisseries – the caramelised fruit on top of a buttery, crumbly pastry filled with custard… Mmmmm. And then there’s Moule Mariniere, crème brule, crepes, not to mention the incredible chocolate. Just remember to pack a pair of trousers with an elasticated waistband.

TIP: “Go to Procope Café. Nobody has heard of it but the history of the place is astonishing.” – Tanya from Mummy Barrow.

 

Have you been to Paris? What would your number one tip be? 

 

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