4 days, 5 nights in Paris - MUST see?

[Anonymous]

I'm going to France with my preschooler and my aunt to spend a few weeks. My aunt is from another country and has never traveled abroad (64), her "dream" is to visit the U.S., but unfortunately she had her visa denied twice in the past. So, I'm taking her to France with us (no visas needed) and we will stay mostly in Provence. While there, I will take her to visit Paris for 4 nights/ 5 days (going by train) as a surprise.

I have been to Paris before but we stayed longer and had the opportunity to visit lots of places (my husband knows the city well), including lots of museums, Versailles, etc.

This time around my husband won't be with us and the time is short to do everything without feeling overwhelmed.

Also, my aunt is not the type of person who likes museums and historic outings. So, some of the sights I have been thinking of taking her are:

Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées, Galerie Lafayette, Sacre Coeur (for the view) and mostly walk a lot to get a feel of the city. Go to some of the parks and such.

Anything else I should consider?

[Anonymous]

With a small child, you might enjoy the Rodin museum which has lovely gardens for your child to walk through and enjoy and seeing the Thinker is great. Seeing the Versaille palace and gardens would be good too. marie Antoinette's little play village is fun for kids. Plus there's the train ride out there which kids enjoy. Paris has a zoo as well.

[Anonymous]

Just got back YESTERDAY from Provence/Paris!
The Cultural Museum, as well as other tips from the PP.

[Anonymous]

I recommend the Jardin de Luxembourg. Pretty grounds and a terrific playground for your preschooler.

[Anonymous]

Definitely recommend the parks, especially Luxembourg and Tuileries.

[Anonymous]

PP 11:58 here. I just wanted to add that I mentioned the Zoo and what I really mean is the small one right in the city at the botanic gardens. the big zoo is a distance away and I believe closed for renovation.

I think small children will be impressed with the architecture of things. so visiting Notre Dame and sacre coeur will probably be fascinating. And riding the Paris subway is a great trip too. lots of musical acts to entertain, murals in the stations, some even have wooden escalators. restaurants are also very family friendly and you can jump in a little shop buy bread, cheese and ham and picnic just about anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I would just plan to walk around, eat/rest in outdoor cafes, visit the occasional church and every possible park, and do a lot of people watching.

Bridges! Don't forget all the bridges!

[Anonymous]

And the bateau bus, while slow maybe a little pricey is a nice way to get around as well.

[Anonymous]

I know you said she's not into museums, but if the weather changes your circumstances, the Monet Museum is wonderful.

[Anonymous]

Pere lachaise is so beautiful - lovely views of the city too.

[Anonymous]

Place des Vosges is gorgeous, and is very close to the Marais, which offers some affordable dining and terrific people watching.

[Anonymous]

Just went there with my elementary school age child.

Second the Rodin museum - beautiful and a manageable size for your child and your mother. Orangerie is also beautiful and smaller. Orsay is bigger but a beautiful space, so worth visiting, and could also be done in a shorter time than say, the Louvre or Versailles.

Rent a boat in the Luxembourg gardens, and check out the kids' play area. Then stop at the special Marc Chagall exhibit - beautiful and can be seen in an hour or less.

My child really enjoyed Notre Dame and Notre Dame Towers, Sacre Couer and the dome walk.

If you're going in the summer, there is a temporary amusement park in the Tuileries near the Louvre. My child went on a few rides, and really loved the ferris wheel with the view of Paris.

Walk everywhere, stop for lots of gelato and crepes, take the metro, explore. It is an incredible city for all ages!

[Anonymous]

Also consider the Catacombs (if they won't scare your child), the Arche de Triumph (spelling), and Versailles for the gardens, if no other reason. Your aunt may not love museums, but it is hard to imagine a first visit to Paris without the Louvre. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

You might consider a couple of "house museums" - furnished homes you can Tour. Try the Jacquemart Andre and the Nissim de Camondo. Also, the Conciegerie where Marie Antoinette spent her final days might be of interest to all.

[Anonymous]

Catacombs were great- you may also enjoy spending an evening on a Bateaux aux Mouches (spelling?) basically night boat tour of Paris. Enjoyable way to spend perhaps your last evening.