We travelled to Paris with our 13-month-old Kidsetter. We are always very excited coming to Paris as it is one of our most favourite European cities. As this was our first time with our Kidsetter it was extra special. We hired a 1-bedroom apartment at Saint Martin in Paris, which makes the practicality of washing and cooking easier when travelling with Kidsetters. Although we travel plenty, we are still not the lightest travellers and taking our luggage up 5 flights of stairs was an effort !
The apartment owner was welcoming and apologised for not having a cot for us, although this had been promised in the advert. He had arranged a double bed mattress on the floor of the bedroom for our Kidsetter to sleep on. I was annoyed, but nothing I could do about it. At least our Kidsetter wasn’t a tiny baby anymore and thought if I barricaded the surrounding areas of the mattress that he would still be ok if he rolled. Whoops !
3am we woke to our Kidsetter turning a light on and off which was a shock in the middle of the night then heard an almighty thud ! Immediately assuming the worst, I panicked, jumped up so fast and smashed my head into a sharp corner wall. Our Kidsetter was actually fine, although I was not. I cut my forehead open 2cm and needed 8 stitches. You can imagine how annoyed I was at the apartment owner for not having that cot !
With a severe headache we managed to still make the best of our time in Paris, showing our Kidsetter some of the famous sites.
Meandering around the delightful city we made our first stop at the stunning Notre-Dame de Paris.
It is the most famous of the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages and is distinguished for its size, antiquity, and architectural interest.
Square Jean XXIII is the park on the southern and eastern ‘rear’ sides of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
It’s a wonderful tranquil area with swings for Kidsetters, park benches for the adults and flowers for all. With great views of not only Notre Dame, but also the Seine, it’s the perfect place to relax.
Next stop was a hot chocolate at our favourite French café – Glaces & Sorbet de la Maison Berthillon.
Feeling energised, we ventured on to explore the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg. Created in 1612, covering 23 hectares of beautifully manicured lawns, flowerbeds, tree-lined promenades, model sailboats on its circular basin, and a picturesque fountain.
The garden is famed for its calm atmosphere. In the southwest corner, there is an orchard of apple and pear trees and a puppet theatre. The gardens include a large fenced-in playground for Kidsetters and a vintage carousel. Our Kidsetter had to stop a local girl to ask where the best ice-cream was.
We happened to be in Paris on ‘inauguration day’. The new President Francois Hollande visited the Town Hall of Paris as part of a republican tradition, where he met the mayor and signed the parchment of the city.
Roaming the Latin Quarter streets in Paris we visited the Panthéon. It was originally built as a church however now currently holds the remains of distinguished French citizens such as Emperor Napoleon I. The Pantheon is a stunning example of early neo-classicism.
The following day we caught a train to the Palace of Versailles. A world heritage site and considered one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art.
The Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 m2. The principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI.
Especially notable for the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, and the vast Gardens of Versailles with fountains, canals, and geometric flower beds and groves. Our Kidsetter enjoyed all the sparkling adornments looking like he would easily swing from a chandelier or two.
Paris is an incredible city to explore with Kidsetters of all ages, finding a city abounding in wonder and spectacle at every turn.
