KidTripster Teen: 10 ways for families to experience the history of Paris
Paris is a wonderful place to experience with your family. The history, the art, the food… it’s that “je ne sais quoi.” My top 10 recommendations are designed to expose you and your family to the best of Paris while getting a bit of a French history lesson.
1. Take a private tour of The Louvre
The Louvre is full of so much art that if you were to spend 30 seconds on each piece, you would be there for over three months! My family and I took a private tour for a few hours and learned much more than we ever would have alone. Our guide was able to tell us about the style of paintings and history behind them, as well as show us pieces that we would have otherwise overlooked. Do the private tour!
2. Eat at the Eiffel Tower
Fun fact about the Eiffel Tower: when it was originally built for the World’s Fair in 1889, the French hated it! Today, of course, it’s the symbol of Paris known worldwide. My family and I went up in the tower and had lunch at the restaurant on the first platform, Le 58 Tour Eiffel. It was awesome with great views and great food.
KidTripster Tip: Go see the Eiffel Tower at night. Sit on the lawn and watch the tower light up in front of your eyes. During the summer, the lights come on around 10 p.m.; it the winter, it’s more like 5 p.m. The lights twinkle at the top of each hour for about five minutes.
3. Climb the steps of Montmartre
Montmartre is a large hill with a grand basilica and dozens of souvenir shops. If you’re up to the walk, climb the steps to the top of the basilica for a breathtaking view of the whole city!
KidTripster Tip: Street vendors here will pester you. Politely but firmly tell them “no thanks” and keep moving.
4. Experience the views from the Arc de Triomphe
Built by Napoleon for his wedding, the Arc de Triomphe actually wasn’t finished until 20 years later. The Arc boasts a glorious view of the Champs-Élysées. Look down the famous street toward the statue of King Louis XVI outside of The Louvre. The Arc also holds the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a memorial flame.
5. Explore the hidden catacombs
The catacombs under Paris are extensive. Only a small portion is open to the public, however it’s still amazing. I’d suggest booking with City Wonders to skip the two-hour line and get exclusive access to a closed part of the catacombs. If you aren’t really one for skulls and skeletons, this tour isn’t for you. However, I found the history behind why they’re down there and the hidden architecture to be really fascinating.
6. Hang out with gargoyles at Cathédral Notre Dame de Paris
Editor’s note: Due to the fire at Notre Dame in April 2019, visitor access is currently unclear.
Cathédral Notre Dame de Paris is thought to be one of the oldest examples of French architecture and one of the most well-known churches in the world. Inside, pieces of original stained-glass windows and tombs of ancient kings and priests line the walls. In the middle, mass is held to this day. On the first Friday of every month, you can see the Sacred Crown of Thorns, thought to be worn by Jesus at his death, on display in Notre Dame.
KidTripster Tip: The very best part of visiting Notre Dame is the tower tour. You climb 387 steps to reach the south bell tower that’s guarded by the cathedral’s famous gargoyles. The views here are breathtaking; don’t forget your camera! The entrance for the tower tour is located on the side the cathedral away from the Seine. It’s a separate fee, and there’s always a line. Get there in the morning at least 30 minutes before the 10 a.m. opening.
7. See the story at Sainte-Chappelle
Sainte-Chappelle boasts beautiful, original stained-glass windows. Arranged across 15 windows (each 15 meters high), the panels depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments, recounting the history of the world. Get the audio tour that gives you information about each window pane. There was a sweet couple sitting near the windows and reciting Bible verses that went along with each pane. It was really cool to listen to them and watch the story unfold in the windows.
8. Wander Monet’s home and gardens
We took a bus tour through CityWonders that included Versailles and artist Claude Monet’s home surrounded by beautiful gardens in Giverny. Monet took great pride in all of his flowers. The vibrant colors and the peaceful water running through the garden makes you feel like you’re walking in one of his paintings. Inside the home, you’ll see replicas of some of his famous paintings. The real ones are kept in museums, like Musee de l’Orangerie and Musée d’Orsay, both in Paris. It’s an inspiring place to visit if you enjoy photographing flowers.
9. Skip the line at the Palace of Versailles
Home to King Louis XVI during his reign, the Palace of Versailles, as well as its grand gardens, are quite amazing to see. Versailles is also where the famous treaty ending WWI was signed. Taking a group tour of Versailles allowed us to learn much more than we would have on our own; we also got to skip the long line to get in.
KidTripster Tip: If you have younger children, opt for a bike ride through the grounds instead.
10. Eat traditional French food
Ok, this recommendation has nothing to do with history, but I must encourage you to try new foods while in Paris, like escargot and pâté. I would highly recommend finding a local restaurant (preferably one without an English menu!) and take a risk. I found randomly picking from a menu that I didn’t understand to be both terrifying and incredibly fun.
Want another KidTripster Teen’s take? Click here.
Molly Armstrong is a high school junior, who enjoys traveling with her parents and two brothers during the summer. She loves history, playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends. She also holds a three-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.
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