My family just spent the best part of 2 weeks in Paris. This is my attempt to recount what we did so we can all remember it later on. You can find the first post and second post here if you want to catch up.
Recap
Day 2 was all about Disneyland Paris. We had fast trains, roller coasters, and a serious lack of Dole Whip. We had a blast, but it took a toll on my daughter’s knee.
Day 3 - Art, Fortresses, and Slowing Down
Our daughter slightly injured her knee just before we left for our trip. The trip to Disney on Day 2 really made it flare up. Her leg was bothering her more, so we tried to take it easy in the middle of the day.
Breakfast and Lunch Close to Home
Breakfast was a quick trip to the bakery across the street, Aki Paris. Our kid was quickly addicted to their donuts. She asked for one every morning.
Instead of venturing far for lunch, we had lunch at On the Bab, a solid bibimbap and bun shop next door to our apartment building. It was the perfect spot to rest her knee.
Musée du quai Branly
In the morning, we took a car to see the African Fashion Exhibition at Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. It was AMAZING.
The museum building itself is incredible. We had a blast walking around and looking through their collection until the kiddo’s knee started hurting.
Heading to the Louvre
After a rest at our apartment, we headed to The Louvre for a guided tour. On the way, we walked through an amazing covered alley off the Rue de Petits Champs called Galerie Vivienne. It was beautiful and quiet.
Magic at the Louvre
Our time at the Louvre was amazing. We scheduled a guided tour with Paris Muse. Our guide, Caroline, made our kid’s time in the world’s largest museum feel like legitimate magic.
Here are my personal highlights from The Louvre:
- The archaeology under the Louvre: The old fortress walls were incredible. I could have spent an entire day there easily.
- The Assyrian Exhibit: I’m torn about a country ripping something that amazing out of another country and stealing it, and having the opportunity to see something that powerful in person. Actually, I’m not torn. It’s a horrible, shitty thing that countries shouldn’t do. But I’m so glad I got to see it.
Walking around the Louvre is surreal. Turn a corner and boom: there is the David (the painter, Jacques-Louis David, not the sculpture). Top of the stairs? Winged Liberty. You just keep walking and running into masterpiece after masterpiece. It’s insane. The Mona Lisa? She’s just down the hall.
Dinner and Rest
After the Louvre, we walked down Rue du Saint-Honoré to a little bistro and had an amazing dinner. A quick swing through FranPrix capped a long day. We built in some good rest for that sore knee.
Day 3 Ratings
- Bakery (Aki Paris) - 9.5/10 - The bakery across the street didn’t have my favorite apple tart. Sacrilege.
- Activities - 10/10 - The Louvre and the African Fashion exhibit were both amazing.
- Walking/Steps - 6/10 - The kiddo’s knee was bugging her, and we took a cab to African Fashion Exhibit. But we did get out and about later in the day.
Lessons Learned
- Pacing is everything with kids: A sore knee can derail a trip if you don’t slow down and pivot.
- Guided tours are worth it: A great guide like Caroline keeps a 9-year-old engaged when they would otherwise tap out.
- Keep it local when needed: Having a great bakery and restaurant right next door to our apartment was a lifesaver.
Next Up: Day 4 - Custom tours, the Opera, and girls’ day out!