to be scared of going to Paris?

[LPWimsey]

We have a holiday to Paris booked for half-term - dh, me & 6 yr old dd. We're travelling on the Eurostar and are staying for three days in an apartment in the Marais. I really love Paris and have been numerous times ~ most recently November 2014. This time, though, I can't stop thinking that I'm potentially endangering dd's life by going and can't decide whether I should just cancel it or not. Some of my family live there and are just getting on with living, but especially after Nice, I can't help feeling so vulnerable. It would be ok if it was just me and dh, but dd too? I know statistically the chances are tiny and just as likely to happen in London or Birmingham, but what would you do?

[HeCantBeSerious]

You're being utterly unreasonable.

Why are you letting terrorists dictate how you live your life? Get a grip, get your arse to Paris and have a fabulous time.

[Amy214]

I'm on my way to paris now and i am really looking forward to it. And i am also planning on taking dd to disneyland. I know i am going to be extra cautious but i'm not letting that or them, stop me.

[JellyPlum]

I live in London, none of the attacks have made me afraid. I think maybe it helps to actually live here because there's little I can do about it other than carry on as normal. There's a minimal risk wherever you are, you're more than likely perfectly safe. Enjoy the trip!

[WatchingFromTheWings]

My daughter (14yo) recently went. I had no issue letting her go. Security is pretty tight there right now so I bet it's the safest it's ever been. I'd go. And enjoy it'

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

I thought the theory was now that capital cities are too hard a target and 2nd, 3rd cities are softer.

[Topseyt]

My DD1 is a languages student and has just finished spending her year abroad there.

I joined her three times, once last November the same weekend as the terrorist attacks, once again in February with DH and our two younger DDs. Then again in May just DH and I to help her bring all her stuff back.

Apart from the November weekend, no problems at all. Do not let the terrorists win. It is as safe as anywhere else in reality.

The UK is perpetually on a very high state of security alert too and has been for many years now.

[BeALert]

You should be ok. You're going by train rather than by car, so you've eliminated the major risk.

[Bogeyface]

The best time to go anywhere is just after a major incident. Harsh but true.

I was going to France with school just after the Zeebrugge ferry disaster, and my mother was beside herself about it. My father pointed out that we were safer going then than we would have been 3 months earlier. He was right.

Security is massive in France right now so the chances of anything happening to you is very very slim. Have a good time :)

[greenfolder]

Well. We cancelled our week in Paris in August and went to the Isle of Wight instead! We are the least likely people to do this. But after nice we just looked at each other and said let's do something else. At the end of the day it's rare leisure time for us and we just decided not this time.

[ButterfliesRfree]

We've been there recently by train and it was fine. Lots of police and security checks all over Europe. We felt very safe.

[londonrach]

Its not unreasonable to worry. Tbh i think you be safe in paris at the present time. However like you and a lot of other people i am at the present time avoiding big cities and i certainly wouldnt visit paris or brussels at the moment. The main reason is i wouldnt enjoy a visit there as id be on hightened worry and couldnt relax, however irrational this is. What do you feel op. Will you be able to relax sight seeing in paris.

[uggmum]

I stayed in Paris in August. I go every summer for a short break.
This time security was really high. Heavily armed soldiers everywhere.
All major tourist attractions are effectively fortified.
You are searched before you enter every shop.
I'm not sure if it makes you feel any safer to be honest. But it's business as usual for Parisians.
I still had a really great time.

[ForalltheSaints]

I went in June. If you go to a museum or art gallery your bag will be searched, you will see a few more police about, otherwise it is exactly the same as before.

Don't let Daesh win by not going. You have family there and it is still OK for them.

[pinotnoirismyjam]

Just returned from Paris as well. Also saw armed guards about, and bags were checked before the Louvre, Notre Dame etc. We had a wonderful time!

[OrianaBanana]

I would still go though I understand your concern. To be honest I'd be more concerned about delays/cancellation of the Eurostar.

[pinotnoirismyjam]

Also went via Eurostar btw, and security was equivalent to the airport.

[Hulababy]

It's not unreasonable to feel anxiety. Infact it's perfectly normal.

It's just how you deal with the anxiety or worry.

Do you let it take over and ha he the way you want to live your life and things you do, or do you get on with things and enjoy them, whilst maybe being a little more alert at times?

You need to aim for the latter. Sometimes, especially when our children are with is, that can feel easier to say then do. But it is important that we try.

[JudyCoolibar]

We cancelled our week in Paris in August and went to the Isle of Wight instead! We are the least likely people to do this. But after nice we just looked at each other and said let's do something else

And yet nothing happened in Paris and you lost what would probably have been a lovely holiday.