Last weekend in August -DH wants to go to Paris with DS's. Is he mad?

[Sandgroper]

Hi

Title says it all. DH keen for us to go to Paris for 3 day (Fri, Sat and Sun) weekend at the end of August. Wants to surprise the kids (6 and 8)...

As it is the end of the summer hols do you think it will be heaving?

Can anyone recommend a good hotel in the centre where we can walk to places, parks, restaurants, attractions or near the Metro? I have been looking at the Novotel near Eiffel Tower.

Or for something a bit easier I have been looking at apartments on airb&b. Can anyone recommend a place they have stayed (needs to be for 4 people)?

Not sure which is the best option!

We have been to Paris a few times but without the kids.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

We went a few years ago - Paris itself was fine , DLP a nightmare.

Thanks for replying... Good to hear!

No intentions of going to DLP , been twice in last 3 years at half term hols, summer hols would be my idea of hell!

Parisians tend to go on holiday in August so Paris is actually relatively quiet as only the tourists are left :-)
One thing to beware of is that some restaurants close for the month or part of it - plenty are still open, just check if there is a particular place you had your heart set on.
I don't have any accommodation tips, but would say that Eiffel tower is a bit out of the centre - would take a while to walk anywhere else from there. May be worth looking for an apartment in, eg, Bastille area/Marais?

I tend to stay just outside in Masion Lafitte at the Ibis there as can drive to it really easily.
Masion Lafitte is a bit 'Fulhamish' nice shops and places to eat and on the RER A which takes right to centre of Paris Charles de Gaulle and Les Halles. It has a lovely park round the chateau for running and playing.

I've just been with dd. We stayed in the South West. Easy to get in and out on the metro but near parks and forests. Also the river.

I think it will be a nightmare if it's hot, dcs will be miserable walking about sightseeing. It will be endless ice cream and 'are we there yet?'s. For that reason I would stay somewhere near a big park, Ile St Germain has a great one with a cafe. Deffo use Airbnb, wysiwyg, and trustworthy. Choose one with kitchen access as eating out is madly expensive and the local food shops are amazing. Another reason to go suburban, the boulangeries are pure heaven.

Bear in mind you can use your metro ticket as much as you like within 90 mins. Metro passes are not worth it, so get loads of carnets. Suburban railways are civilised and very fast.

And don't get one of those Paris visit passes, most museums are free for children and not a huge price for adults either.

Thanks everyone for your replies and helpful tips.. I have a bit more research to do!

Also must remember to pack clothing with elasticated waists for all those ice creams and multiple trips to the boulangeries!! :0

Fortunately all the food shops close for about 2 hours every day so it gives you a break from the endless foodie heaven.