Heading to Paris with my Mom, daughter and nephew this summer. Mom doesn't care what we do; she's doing this trip for the grandkids. Sammi's pretty vocal (e.g., see fashion show thread) about what she wants to see/do but my nephew just wants to go yet hasn't really expressed why (and please, trust me, no research will come from this lad).
So, any recommendations? I'm pretty sure we'll do a catacombs trip (any links for tours?) but what else would you suggest for a teen boy (gore is probably good)? Oh, and he also is into cooking/baking (go figure) - so any ideas?
My 14-year-old enjoyed the sewer museum, Musee des Egouts de Paris, La Conciergerie, climbing to the top of Notre Dame, a segway tour, going to the big markets, the Gerard Melot behind-the-scenes pastry shop visit, riding the Batobus, the thematic walk through the Louvre debunking many "facts" in the DaVinci Code, and eating chocolate at every opportunity.
Kim, a couple of years ago we spent several days in Paris with another family that included a teenage boy.
One of the places he really enjoyed was the Crypte Archéologique, the ruins of Roman Paris down below the plaza at Notre Dame. You can find some info here. Actually we all enjoyed this, but this young man had a special interest in history.
I think teenagers would also like Le Forum des Halles. There seemed to be a lot of teenagers there when Kelly and I passed through a year or so ago, and Kelly was very interested in the shops.
My boys last year (9 and 12) liked the musée des égouts but would have spent the whole day at la cité des Sciences in La Villette. We visited a submarine, enjoyed funny and informative exhibitions, a nice aquarium and watched a 3D movie.Perfect for rainy days. http://www.cite-sciences.fr/
Hi Kim, Our family will be in Paris this June for 3 days before heading to Bonnieux for 2 weeks. My 13 year old son has been taking an intensive French class this year. This is his list of things to do in Paris. Most of it is his research, with a few suggestions from me.
The Louvre. When we were last in Paris as a family, my oldest son was 7, and we did not visit any museums. Though I know it will be crowded, we've decided that the Louvre is a must see on this trip. We will arrive early, and have already purchased our tickets online http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=17072 . We will limit our visit to parts of the Denon wing, and the section on Egyptian antiquities.
Great suggestions. I'll add two things the kids really enjoyed on our trip last month: a visit to the classic taxidermy shop, Deyrolle (Deyrolle), and wandering through the animalleries (pet stores) on the Quai de la Megisserie.
An added plus: the pet stores were nice and warm escapes from the freezing cold!
Posts: 102 | Location: SF East Bay | Registered: 07 November 2005
Definitely climbing the towers of Notre Dame. Also, how about one of those walking tours with Meeting the French. My sister and I did a 3 hour gastronomy tour, but they also do ones that specialize in baking and chocolate shops.
My son was 13 last Spring Break when we visited Paris for a week. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting Paris and when I asked him for his suggestions.....this was what he said.
The highlight was going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, going on the night River Seine Cruise, The Louvre and the Arche de Triomphe. We contacted Paris Greeters and rode bikes at night. Bike Link You need a special credit card with a chip to use the bikes so Nicolas who was our Paris Greeter allowed us to use his. The night we went on our bike ride, my son summed it up best by saying "When I am an old man, I will never forget tonight".
Does your nephew like motor racing or cars? The car showrooms on Champs Elysee were great fun - I liked Peugot, my husband (a big kid) enjoyed Renault, and kids of all ages seemed to enjoy the interactive displays at Toyota.
Enjoy!
Posts: 553 | Location: Adelaide, South Australia | Registered: 08 May 2005
