Paris--Notre Dame and the Louvre

Point 0. This is the center of Paris and France.  It is just outside Notre Dame.

Traveling with kids means that everything takes more time and more patience.  We found we could really only do a couple of things a day and there needed to be some "playtime" in the mix.  Keeping that in mind we were kind of worried about seeing the things we wanted to see and hoping the kids would enjoy the trip.  Preparations had been stressful so we were nervous about how everything would pan out.

Hyrum kept an eye the weather to see when rain would hit and when we would have sun so we could try to be outdoors with the sun and indoors with the rain.  We managed to do that pretty well.  We really only had rain when we arrived on Wednesday.  Thursday we were planning on some rain but as the weather approached Paris, every time the rain bands would split and go around the city.  We were really grateful for that tender mercy.

We saw Notre Dame and the Louvre on Thursday.  We started off at Notre Dame Cathedral.  It was breath taking.  The architecture was just amazing, especially considering the lack of power tools and equipment.   I loved the stained glass windows.  It was fun to walk around and have the kids point out scripture stories they recognized.  Since we don't have crucifixes in our churches, the kids, especially Charlotte and Spencer, have really noticed them.  It has given us a great opportunity to talk about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

      

     

After walking around the cathedral, we climbed the tower stairs to get a closer look at the famous gargoyles.  They were amazing.  The views were pretty good too.  Paris is an enormous city.  The belfry was closed for work so we weren't able to see the big bell.  I was disappointed and I think some of the kids were too but it was a good experience anyway.

Hyrum asked for their best gargoyle faces.

                 

After Notre Dame, we wandered around the Latin Quarter and then up to the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre.  We went to the playground in the gardens first and ate lunch there.  Then we made our way back to the Louvre.  

The Louvre is enormous and of course we knew the kids wouldn't last for the entire thing, Hyrum and I wouldn't last for the entire thing.  Hyrum found a scavenger hunt online for kids to find themed art.  The Kids picked the trail about food.  The great thing is that it keeps the kids busy and takes you by some of the Louvre Highlights.  This trip is also one we were grateful to be on in the Fall.  The crowds were really manageable.  It only felt crowded in the entrance.

We made our way through the exhibits.  We stopped to see the Venus De Milo, Mona Lisa, Wedding at Cana, Winged Victory and then many other things.  Mostly we just glanced, but Hannah and Jonathan were excited about the Mona Lisa and we all enjoyed Winged Victory.  At one point, the kids were ready for a break so we pulled out a sketch pad and colored pictures and had them draw something.  Charlotte was really into it.  They loved making their own art there in the museum.   It was fun to talk about the Wedding at Cana as well.

        

    

After a couple hours, we hurried out since Ben was having a major tantrum.  He was done and didn't calm down until he had eaten two cookies and drunk about 12 ounces of water.  All in all it was a great day.  The kids enjoyed the Louvre and we are all ready to see it again someday.

We were really nervous about the day but we've learned how our kids work and know when to push and when to give in.  We had planned another stop for the day but after Notre Dame it was clear that another church would not be a good idea.  Flexibility is so crucial when traveling with kids.  We adjusted expectations and it paid off.