Europe vacation: Finding family fun in Paris

By Patrick O’Neil

Over Bastille Day in July, my wife and I took our girls — then ages 6 and 8 — on a 10-day Europe vacation to Paris. We chose to stay in the 17th arrondissement because it was comfortable and near the food markets on Rue Cler. We found the kids had many more entertainment and play options than expected. We had great times at Champ du Mars, Tuileries, L’Orangerie, and Luxembourg gardens. Here are some photos of our Europe vacation with the kids.

Bastille Day fireworks near Champ du Mars

Playing with boats in Luxembourg Gardens

Pedal-powered go-carts at Champ du Mars

Marionette shows available in the Champs du Mars

A 100-year-old, hand-cranked carousel

The kids were surprised when they watched a car drive in to the Seine and become a boat! House boats are in the background. One boat has its own car.

Related Orbitz resources:

• Europe vacation
• Paris hotel

Patrick O’Neil and his wife love creating opportunities for their girls, ages 7 and 9, to enjoy and appreciate the adventure of travel — whether driving to Boston and New York, or flying to Miami and Paris.

Tagged: Europe, Photo essay