06. 20. 2013

Paris with Kids? Bah Oui!

Most people don’t equate the romantic City of Light with young children. But believe it or not, traveling with kids in Paris is actually a plus. Some say it even grants you a “VIP” pass through the city. Who knew? Actually, I had an inkling… the Frenchies love the littles. I spent my 9th birthday in Paris and am convinced it changed me for life. For better or worse, Paris inflicted me with my lifelong case of wanderlust and I have so many memories of lovely Parisians and that beautiful city circa the mid 80s. Thanks Paris- I’m grateful.

If you don’t mind foregoing the romantic late night dinners and midnight walks along the Seine (unless you have a babysitter or grandparents in tow), it can be a great place to spend time with your kiddos. Yolanda Edwards, executive editor of Martha Stewart Living, co-founder of the parenting blog, momfilter and self-proclaimed wanderluster, has written a great little guide to exploring Paris with kids. She is a seasoned traveller to Paris with her daughter Clara- their adventures can be followed here- and a champion of the notion that travel does not stop when you become a parent. Love her.

Back to the book at hand: Paris en Famille is a handy fold out guide complete with lists, maps and 40 spots that are uber family and kid friendly. Organized by arrondissement, (as you readers know- I not only love a good guide, but one that is also organized by neighborhood i.e.: The Analogue Guide), Paris en Famille makes it easy to navigate the city slowly and thoughtfully with bebes in tow, in turn giving back a more local experience. Love it. It’s also $6.25 so you kind of can’t lose. Plus, it’s so cute I kind of just want it sitting on my shelf so I can glance over at it and dream about that trip to en famille to Paris. Bon Voyage.