This post is a continuation of Family Vacation in Paris, Part 1.
The next couple of days, we bounced around different neighborhoods to see the rest of our favorite sights.
Sainte-Chapelle
We started with Sainte-Chapelle, a gothic style royal chapel that was built to house King Louis’ Passion Relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns, now housed at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The collection of stained glass windows there is absolutely breathtaking; words and photos do not do it justice. They depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as the journey of the Passion Relics to Sainte-Chapelle. Sainte-Chapelle is included in the aforementioned Paris Museum Pass, and I recommend going on a sunny day early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun will shine directly through the windows.
Sainte-Chapelle | Photo by Tony Bradley
Sainte-Chapelle | Photo by Tony Bradley
Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle
Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay is another one of our favorite museums in Paris. The building was previously a railway station, and it houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works in the world. If you have kids and are planning a visit there, I recommend reading Babar’s Museum of Art. In the story, the town train station is turned into an art museum to showcase the art that Queen Celeste and King Babar have collected over time. The illustrations are also inspired by Musée d’Orsay and other art museums around the world. It was one of Raleigh’s favorite books when he was younger and led to some of our first conversations about visiting Musée d’Orsay and The Met.
Musée d’Orsay
Montmartre
Montmartre is a large hill in the northern part of Paris. It is home to the Basilique du Sacré Cœur and a place where artists have gathered for ages. We went to the top to Sacré Cœur and then wandered down the hill. It is one of the most interesting places to wander with its small, winding cobblestone streets. There is charm around every corner and a lot of photo ops too. We hope to spend more time here on future trips. Tony even said he would like to spend a couple of months there when he is in retirement!
If you have small kids or are unable to walk, there is a petit train that you can ride around the district. We did not take it, but it comes highly recommended.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Wandering Montmartre
Dinner in Montmartre
La Maison Rose in Montmartre
La Maison Rose in Montmartre
Trocadéro
The Trocadéro provides a great view of the Tour Eiffel. I had originally planned for us to go there after we went to the Tour Eiffel, but Raleigh was really tired that day. I am glad that we decided to go back to it later, because Raleigh said that it was his favorite sight in Paris.
View from the Palais de Chaillot
Jardins du Trocadéro | Photo by Tony Bradley
Arc de Triomphe
For the Arc de Triomphe, we just decided to just do a drive-by to save our feet. It was actually really fun to do, since it is in the center of a huge roundabout. On a previous trip, we climbed to the top, and the views were really great. Hopefully we will make it back next time!
Arc de Triomphe | Photo via Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau
Jardin du Luxembourg
On our last full day in Paris, we did some shopping on the Rue Saint-Honoré, had afternoon tea with friends, and then went to the Jardin du Luxembourg. There is something for everyone in this beautiful, lush garden. You can wander the paths, check out the fountains and statues, rent a remote control sailboat, have a snack, or just sit and watch the passersby. We enjoyed sitting by a fountain and having some quiet time!
Jardin du Luxembourg
Remote Control Boats at Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg
Getting Around Paris
During our trip, we mostly took the Métro and walked, but if you prefer the car route they do have Uber. If you are traveling with kids, I recommend downloading the G7 Taxi app. You can book your taxi rides as well as request larger vehicles, car seats, and booster seats.
To go from Paris to London, we took the Chunnel (Channel tunnel train). I love taking the Chunnel between the two cities, because it’s convenient, quick (2 hours and 20 minutes), and inexpensive if you book in advance.
Map: Day 3
Map: Day 4
Map: Day 5
SHOP THE POST
xx,
