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No matter what interests your teen may have, they can be met in Paris. In a city that is bursting with culture, there is absolutely no end to the number of activities that Paris has to offer for you and your family on your vacation to Paris.

Fashion

If your child is interested in fashion or loves to shop, they are in for a wonderful surprise. With fashion museums across the city and hundreds of shops ranging from small vintage thrift shops to cute little boutique to ginormous, luxury department stores, there are many places to quench the thirst of a teen interested in fashion. Check out the Louis Vuitton Foundation to view hundreds of designs and timeless fashion pieces or take a walk though Galeries Lafayette to drool over $1,000 dresses that will make you want to sell all your belongings just to purchase one.

Art

Paris is known as the art capital of the world. The Louvre holds one of the world’s largest collections of art and can be found in the center of Paris; however, the city is also home to hundreds of more collections in famous art museums such as Musée D’Orsay, Musée L’Orangerie, Musée Rodin, and many more. No matter how much time you spend in Paris, you will never find yourself running out of art museums to see. Your teen may also be interested not only in seeing the art of Paris but partaking in it. There are many art classes throughout the city, including art classes that allow you to work with brilliant instructors within the museums.

History

The city of Paris has been developing for a long, long, LONG time! The time marks of the city will be interesting to a child who enjoys learning about any period of history. Personally, I find the French Revolutions incredibly interesting. Visit the Place de la Concorde to see where the French executed hundreds of people including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette by the guillotine, and make sure you go to the Concierge to see where the Queen was held prisoner by the revolutionaries before her execution. Paris’ bloody history is gruesome but very interesting and is sure to fascinate your teenagers.

Literature

As someone who loves all things books, one of my absolute favorite places to go in Paris is Shakespeare and Company. This English bookstore opened in 1951 by an American named George Whitman as “Le Mistral.” He changed the name in 1964 to recognize Sylvia Beach who had opened the original Shakespeare and Company in 1919 as a place where famous writers of the roaring 20s came together to discuss literature and philosophy including Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Eliot, Pound and many more. Since then, the bookstore has served as a home to traveling authors in honor of Whitman’s life philosophy: “Be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise.” The store holds generations of captivating stories that will stay with us for eternity. Furthermore, literary classics such as The Phantom of the Opera and Hunchback of Notre Dame have inspired millions to visit monuments such as the Opera House or the famous cathedral that bring to life the reader’s captive imaginations. You can even spend time in the house of famous author Victor Hugo.

Culinary Arts

French cuisine is famous around the world. French food has many influences from its surrounding cultures. It is also regarded as the basis for many foods that have allowed other cultures to add their own touches to the traditional meals that make them their own. The French strive to be the best in the culinary arts which lends a focus on flavor, color, smell, and creativity. By taking a French cooking class in Paris, your aspiring chefs will be able to learn about techniques that the French have mastered to ensure the most flavor no matter the meal. After your cooking class, be sure to check out some of the best restaurants in Paris to put your new found knowledge to the test by critiquing the chefs technique like a renowned food critic.

Paris is a hub for creativity. There are so many different museums and exhibitions to attend and while most of them are kid-friendly, there are plenty of places to bring your young children to ensure that they have the most memorable time in Paris.

Science and Industry Museum

The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Paris is both fun and educational! This museum is especially good for children as it has two sections of the museum strictly intended for children. One part of the museum is for young kids between the ages of 2 and 7. This space allows them to learn and play through different activities which encourage them to play with the other children. The other section targets an older age group, 8 through 12 with more advanced activities to engage the children and help them on their journey to loving science.

Chocolate Museum

The Musée Gormand du Chocolat is the perfect place to go with children. Not only does the museum teach about the history of chocolate from ancient cultures to the role chocolate plays in the lives of modern people. The museum has informational videos that explain the process of making chocolate from harvesting the cocoa to the final transformation into your favorite desert. You can even see chocolate creations get made right in front of your eyes including chocolate cakes or pralines. There is even a section of the museum where you can try chocolate from around the world. Your kids will love being able to taste all these different treats while also seeing Parisian monuments crafted by chocolate as well as chocolate dresses created by actual fashion designers and worn by real models.

Wax Museum

Musée Grévin is another popular museum especially for children. This wax museum is home to over 450 wax figures and new ones are added each year. Bring your cameras to get selfies with all your favorite celebrities and historical figures. Your kids will be getting to fist bump Leonardo DaVinci and shaking hands with celebrities like Brad Pitt.  There is also a Hall of Mirrors and a light and sound show that is sure to be a fun experience for your little ones. For a tour of the museum, you can even get led around by an actor in costume pretending to be a famous person who can tell you the history and secrets of Musée Grévin.

Modern Art Museum

Centre Pompidou is a famous art museum in the center of Paris that holds a great collection of artists including both modern visionaries and contemporary geniuses. While parts of the museum may not be entirely kid-friendly, the museum has an entire level dedicated to presenting art to younger kids through interactive programs. The mezzanine level of the museum has hours’ worth of activities for ages 2 and up to create things and have fun with one another. There are also many collections throughout the museum that your children will probably find especially interesting for their attractive colors and intricate designs.

Christmas is a beautiful time in Paris, France. The city is bright with festive lights making it the perfect place to spend a memorable holiday vacation. There are many activities that are fun for the whole family to enjoy during the winter season. Here are a few ideas to make your holiday season special.

Special Holiday Dinner

Sit down to enjoy a delicious dinner that only Paris can offer you. Throughout the city, you will be able to find cute little restaurants with quaint holiday decorations, or extravagant, luxurious meals at 5-star restaurants. No matter what you are looking for, Christmas in Paris, France is unbeatable. Try a famously French hot dish like Raclette, French Onion Soup, or Beef Bourguignon to combat the brisk cold outside.

Window Shopping in Paris

No matter what time of year it is, shopping in Paris is a must. This experience is only enhanced in the winter season. Walking by the various department stores is the perfect way to find a present for that someone special (yourself) while in Paris. Around the holidays, everything is more magical. One of the best Parisian holiday traditions includes walking by store-fronts and getting to admire the creative and beautiful window displays that captivate the city. So now, you can both look at delightful displays and get into the holiday spirit while shopping till you drop.

Champs-Élysées

One of the most famous streets in Paris is the Champs-Élysées. Another great place to find presents, the Champs-Élysées is lined with stores and restaurants. However, during the winter season, this boulevard is regarded as the center of Paris’ holiday magic. The street is lined with trees wrapped in lights. It is definitely a must see on your Christmas trip to Paris.

Christmas Markets

Although Germany is famous for their spectacular Christmas Markets, Paris’ are nothing to scoff at. Throughout the city, you will be able to find beautifully lit Christmas markets that make you feel nice and cozy in the chilling weather. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and hot ciders will surround you in a warm embrace as the candlelight welcomes you into the season.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a worldwide holiday favorite. Whether you’re amazing and can show off to all of your friends or you need to hold on to your loved ones before ultimately bringing them down with you (oops), ice skating is a great tradition to stay active in the cold months. There are plenty of sites to ice skate in Paris which will be fun for the whole family, but for an especially romantic holiday experience, you can ice skate on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower and look over the beautiful city of lights from above.

Notre Dame

No matter your religious beliefs, Notre Dame is the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve. You don’t need to be a practicing Catholic to appreciate the overwhelming beauty of this amazing cathedral during the holiday season. Attend a Christmas Eve mass to hear the enchanting Gregorian chants for a magical holiday experience. Be sure to get to the Cathedral as early as possible as it is one of the most crowded times of the year to visit.

If you are tired of doing the same old thing when you are in Paris, here is a list for you. We have compiled a list of 10 things to do in Paris that are not the everyday google responses!

1. Parks

Buttes-Chaumont is one of the most beautiful and largest parks in Paris. With a lake and waterfalls, it is a wonderful place to explore and to escape the city. The park is located on a high hill which will be fun for the adventurer in you to walk and hike and find the hidden treasures of the park. Sit by the little lake and watch as the ducklings swim to the waterfall for the first time. Another park that is often overlooked is the Bois Boulogne, also a beautiful park located in Paris with open land and a beautiful lake. Take a picnic to relax and spend the afternoon rowing a boat through the park to witness the natural beauty that is preserved in the large city. Walk or ride the trails of the forest to become one with nature.

2. Tour Montparnasse

Most tourists coming to Paris are dead set on climbing the Eiffel Tower to get an amazing view of Paris. But what is an amazing view of Paris if you cannot see the Eiffel Tower in it? That is why I recommend going to the Tour Montparnasse. This skyscraper is the tallest building in Paris. The viewing deck is easier to get tickets to than the Eiffel Tower, and you get to see the beauty of the city with the Eiffel Tower still in the scenery which makes it all the better. Tour Montparnasse also has a restaurant similarly to the Eiffel Tower that also has an amazing panoramic view and amazing food.

3. Rent a private boat for dinner

A Seine dinner cruise is always a great option for a romantic evening in Paris; however, renting a private boat for dinner gives you more privacy and freedom. This boat ride will be able to bring you through the city as you marvel at the beauty of the buildings and monuments as the sun begins to set. I can’t think of a better atmosphere to eat dinner in Paris. However, this option is definitely targeted to those who are not afraid to spend a pretty penny on a luxurious activity.

4. Le Marais

Le Marais is a very fashionable district in Paris and not as commonly known as the Latin Quarter by tourists. The streets are full of restaurants, bars, and cute boutiques. This lively neighborhood cannot be missed when you are visiting Paris. Go in the afternoon and join the Parisians as they sit down for their after-work drink. You will love the atmosphere and never want to leave.

5. Literature Tour

Walk off the beaten path with your guided tour about the literary landmarks that fill the city. You will stroll along the streets that were once walked by philosophers and see through the eyes of history’s literary geniuses the Paris that once was their inspiration. Let your guide bring you back in time to revisit the frequented cafes of Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald or stumble upon the breeding grounds of Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin’s greatest philosophies. This tour is especially special for all book-lovers but is enjoyable for people of all interests and a great way to see Paris.

6. Ateliers des Lumières

Ateliers des Lumières is one of our favorite art museum of all time. It is not a traditional art museum as the exhibition projects different paintings over the walls throughout a large room. The art work is paired with music that compliments the feeling of the painting. It is a really enjoyable experience and the exhibition changes often so it is never the same visit twice. We would definitely recommend going here!

7. Fontainebleau or Giverny

When most people come to Paris, they immediately think of going to Versailles for a day trip. Versailles is absolutely beautiful, so we do not blame them whatsoever; however, if you have already been there or you rather do something a little different, Giverny or Fontainebleau are two great options for you. Personally, Giverny is one of our favorite places. The gardens of Monet are absolutely beautiful and the small village around his house is charming for a nice afternoon stroll. Fontainebleau is also a great option, especially if you were looking forward to seeing a luxurious palace, way less crowded than Versailles!

8. See a movie in French

Seeing a movie in French is a great option for you to immerse yourself further into French and Parisian culture and it is not generally an activity people think about doing during their vacations. Several theaters in the area have special events where you can see a popular French film with English subtitles. There are sometimes even discussions before or after the movie where you may have the chance to meet someone new to learn more about their culture. This could be a great learning experience and a fun way to learn more about the city.

9. Perfume Creation

Perfume is a luxury item that has been associated with high class society and fashion for ages. Here in Paris you can discover your personal fragrance by creating your own perfume. Learn about the creating process by completing it yourself. With your expert teacher, you will learn how to design a signature scent by using a variety of ingredients and subtle techniques to compose your own tailored fragrance. Not many know about this kind of workshop, but it is always a fun time for all who take part in it.

10. Louis Vuitton Foundation

When tourists are coming to Paris, they mainly look to visit the history and art museums. But in the fashion capital of the world, a lot of the fashion museums are overlooked by most people coming to Paris. That being said, so you don’t miss out on such an amazing experience of admiring Parisian couture, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is the perfect place to go if you have an interest in fashion. The collection is a combination of works both by Louis Vuitton himself as well as Bernard Arnaut. Not only does the foundation showcase the amazing design that have made the Louis Vuitton brand throughout the years, but the museum is also home to many modern pieces of art that make this a wonderful activity for your Parisian vacation.

Finding things to do in Paris is easy since it is filled with culture and history. However, since the city is so large, it may feel like you have to travel thirty minutes to get from one place to another. That is why it is important to know which monuments and buildings are near each other, so you can be as efficient as possible while making your vacation itinerary. Here is a list of things to do near the Eiffel Tower for your day in the South-West part of Paris.

Les Invalides

Just a few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower is Les Invalides. This complex array of buildings houses the museum of France’s Army, a Cathedral, the museum of the military’s history, and much more. Les Invalides has served many purposes throughout the years. In its earlier years, it served as a hospital and a home for veterans. Today, it mainly serves as the museum of war. Learn about Frances complicated past not only with outside countries but with its own people. You can even see the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte here. You can decide if he was really as short as history has deemed him to be.

Musée Rodin

Not far from Les Invalides is the museum that holds famous artwork of Auguste Rodin. Here you can explore the home of famous Parisian artist and wander through his beautiful garden. He is known for being one of the most brilliant sculptors and as you roam through the maintained grounds as you will be able to look upon his well-known sculptures including “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”. Not only will you be amazed by the detailed works of art, your time walking though the garden is also a worthy sight of its own.

Catacombs

The Paris Catacombs is a site where more than six million remains are held underground in a massive cemetery. After a major plague that affected the city, bodies were moved to these catacombs which are a connected to the Roman catacombs. The catacombs is a maze of different passages that weave in and out of one another underneath the feet of the bustling Parisian life.  Upon seeing the rows and rows of hand placed skeletons, you will begin to imagine the history and personalities of all the remains that you encounter.

Modern Art Museum

Palais de Tokyo is also just a short distance from the Eiffel Tower. At most, a ten-minute walk. Palais de Tokyo is one of Parisians many art museums. This beautifully built building is home to a large collection of modern and contemporary art. The exhibitions are truly fascinating and at nighttime the bar located in the museum is very lively and fun. This is both an remarkable place to check out during the day-time for the intellectual contribution to society as well as at nighttime when the mood shifts to a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.