Paris…the city of light, la ville de l’amour, the city of over 2 million people and I would estimate 7 public washrooms. And that’s being generous!
We just spent a week in Paris and found that exploring the city with kids is a different experience than as adults. First, there is so much to see and do that there is no way to fit it all into one week. There’s a reason that Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. There is literally an unending list of things to do. And everything costs money…and the Euro is expensive for us Canadians!
When I say everything costs money that is not an exaggeration. Back to my washroom thoughts….you’ll even pay to use the facilities in places you are visiting! Restaurants…museums… some places it was 50 cents others it was a Euro and fifty. And a reasonable person would assume that, given this, the facilities must be extremely clean and lovely. A reasonable person would be wrong.
There is a ton of walking! That endless list of places to visit and things to see are spread out over a wide area so I would definitely recommend using the Metro to save your feet and your ears… from the whining of kids who don’t want to walk anymore. The Metro is awesome – it’s easy to use (just make sure you get on the train heading the direction you want to go…otherwise cue the whining), it’s fast, some stops (i.e. the Louvre) drop you right at the entrance, and it’s relatively inexpensive. A definite A+!
The traffic is bonkers and pedestrians generally seem to have last priority when comes to right of way. Also, scooters/motorcycles apparently bow to know one and ignore every known traffic law. So, keep kids close, especially happy-go-lucky ones that have a habit of skipping, dancing, twirling and not looking before stepping into a street! She’s cute…and somehow still in one piece!
The museums, churches and ancient sites while culturally significant and educational all start to blend together for kids. So, beware of learning overload! I’m always amazed by how much kids absorb even when you don’t think they’re paying attention but you will still want to be conscious of the time spent on these activities. And have snacks. And treats. On your person at all times! And a GoPro and cellphone camera, seriously, nothing piques a kids interest like finding cool things to capture.
Never underestimate the value of a well timed food break. Paris could also be called the city of treats. Everywhere you turn there are kid-appealing treats to buy. Just avoid the hornet-filled slushy machines! Check out the video in our next blog post to see what I mean!
Finally, I will close the way I started…with the washroom situation. There really is a shockingly low number of accessible washrooms when touring the city. And if you have a kid like mine they will suddenly need a washroom…now! So, unless you want to take a frenetic walk on the search for a washroom from the Arc de Triomphe, under the tunnel below the insane Arc traffic circle, back out the other side, across more crazy lanes of traffic with walk lights that last 2.9 seconds, back down into the subway system, through the underground to the exit where the subway employee informed you there was a public toilet on the street corner, which isn’t there only to never be so happy to find a Burger King in your life and expect to pay $6 Cdn for a small pop just to get a code to use their washroom… then force your kids to go whenever you are somewhere with a washroom. Even when they say they don’t need to! Yes…I’m that parent!
Paris is an awesome city, definitely visit it with your kids! Coming from a small place like Prince Edward Island they will have sensory overload but they won’t ever forget it!
Cheers,
Julie