Paris may be for lovers, but it can just as fun - in a different way! - for kids too.
A favourite of children and families everywhere - ourselves included - is the Jardins (Gardens) du Luxembourg, located near the historic Latin Quarter of Paris. This stunning 25 hectare park is a gorgeous green space in the heart of the city. It is lively with Parisians eating lunch and tourists resting between visits to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sorbonne or the next stop on their tour itinerary. It is a lovely spot to sit and rest, eat a picnic, or enjoy a walk along the pathways admiring the flower beds and fountains in the park.
But don't step on the grass! That's for enjoying only from afar, as the local parks police maintain a watchful eye on anyone attempting to frolic in the gardens.
For the kids, the real draw is the large pond, the grande bassin, found in the middle of the gardens. For only a few Euros, children can rent sailboats to punt along in the pond. This can be an hour or more of pure fun and entertainment if your children are like mine. In fact, our kids enjoyed themselves so much we returned for a second day just to punt a boat, run around the pond, then punt the boat again!
On a hot summer's day, this activity can be followed by a stroll to the nearby puppet theatre or playground [ttm tip: it's pay to play in this park - the playground charges an entry fee], or if your children are older, to the Pantheon, home and burial place of some of France's most famous and notable writers and 'great men' (and one woman), such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Marie Curie.
Finally, your day isn't complete without a visit to Ile St. Louis and the most famous ice cream store in Paris, Berthillon. Yes, there will be a line, and it will be worth the 30 minutes+ wait to taste a delicious ice cream or sorbet in blood orange, black current, dark chocolate or marron glace.
Bon appetit!
[travellingmom tip: Establish the tradition of a special daily treat for your family when on holiday. Our family tradition is a gelato or ice cream a day. Easily done in any city or town, and a great pick-me-up when everyone's getting tired and cranky - adults included!]