We went to the Jardin du Luxeumbourg on a scorching hot July day, and it was still a pleasure to…read morevisit, a beautiful park full of wonders, especially for the children. It reminded me of Rome's Villa Borghese and does in fact have Italian roots. The garden was built by a Medici, back in the 1600s. We were there for a little over an hour, my family, my brother's family, and my friend who lives in Paris. We'd agreed to meet up in the garden, and I figured out when we got there that we'd have to get more specific. We entered from opposite ends and converged at a spectacular central fountain, where dozens of children were racing toy boats using sticks that they thrust in the water. (My children wanted the sticks, and I declined to rent the boats just so they could thrash each other.) We walked around for a bit and ended up at the Ludo Jardin, a large contained playground with lovely equipment and an idyllic atmosphere. There was a small fee for entry, not ideal for a quick visit, but definitely worthwhile. Our three-year-old walked in and went straight for a sprinkler, where he spent the next half hour getting absolutely soaked. Our six-year-old did a little more exploring, though to be honest, I didn't pay close attention to what he was doing. After a while, both boys noticed ice cream for sale and asked for a treat. We indulged them and watched them slather themselves with chocolate ice cream and rainbow popsicle. When it was time to go, our three-year-old objected vigorously, insisting, "I didn't get to play!" He meant that he'd only splashed around in the sprinklers and had a popsicle, and hadn't explored the depths of the playground. I knew the feeling--I'd experienced it myself leaving the d'Orsay earlier that day, all those paintings and whole exhibit halls I'd missed. I do hope we get to come back to the Luxembourg Garden.

One of the reasons we chose the hotel for our April visit to Paris was the proximity to Le Jardin…read moredu Luxembourg -- the Luxembourg Garden. This is one of my favorite places in Paris. Besides the layout and beauty of the Garden itself, it is a wonderful way to experience the softer side of Paris. Despite April overcast and rainy weather, walking through the Park was uplifting as always. Tulips greeted us when we entered through the Gay-Lussac entrance. Once in the Park, we found more flowers and trees in bloom. Beyond Les Voiliers du Luxembourg -- an octagonal fountain for sail boats at the focal center if the Gaeden -- we walked through a canopy formed by rows of chestnut trees. It was great staying within a few blocks of Le Jardin du Luxembourg and visiting daily.

Is it strange that I'm reviewing a park? Nevermind. Jardin…read moreAnne Frank is hidden away - you have to go in a cul-de-sac to find it. Need a clue? Follow the signs to the doll museum ("Musée de la poupée"). I have never been there mind you, dolls are way too scary. Lots of benches, a lovely alleyway under am arbour (is that the right word? some kind of metal or wooden structure that covers the alley and has lovely flowers/plants on it), and a little vegetable patch in the back. You can barely hear the noises from the very busy main street, even though you're literally a stone's throw away form Beaubourg. I think they do tours because I saw a bunch of tourists listening to a guide last time I went there (see how good I am at figuring out clues?). Which might be good if you want to actually know more about this history of this lovely garden, because the only thing I can tell you as that its name comes from its chestnut tree. Apparently, it grew from a graft from the one Anne Frank used to see from her window.

Located underneath the Marché Saint-Germain, you will find Piscine Saint-Germain after walking down…read moresome Stairs on the south side of the Market. In the Entrance Hall you are greeted by an old certificate stating that this was the best swimming pool in all of Paris - in 1997. So while during all the time since then, Prince William had the chance to go from small boy, grow into a man, lose a lot of his hair, become a helicopter pilot, marry and father two children - I recon Piscine Saint-Germain hasn't changed that much in 18 years. Or to spell this out for those not getting it: Signs, plaques etc that say "we were great once" are always a worry - be it at a restaurant, hotel or a swimming-pool. 18 year old Glory is worth nothing today, what counts now is now. Someone should take these signs down and but one up that says "we wanna be the best pool in Paris again - in 2020". But this review is starting to sound more negative than I actually mean it. Piscine Saint-Germain is a decent small basement pool (one 25 Meter Basin). It was clean when I was there, the people working there were very friendly and despite being a pool without any natural light - it isn´t one bit dark or depressing in there. So they are getting the basics right. Negatives: While the Building and basin is in decent shape generally, the toilets are not up to standard and the shower area definitely has seen better days. There are not many individual changing cabins. I am not a big fan of the decor (nor the dolphin-paintings in the changing cabins), but it could be worse. Another thing that has struck me as odd was the disclaimer of liability in case of theft. Piscine Saint-Germain doesn´t have lockers, but a wardrobe check where you deposit your clothes with an employee. Now, how can my belongings be stolen while behind a counter, guarded by a member of the staff? I am not making accusations (again, the staff at Piscine Saint-Germain were very nice) - but if my belongings would be stolen while in personal care like that and those running the pool think that they are not responsible in such a case - I think I would prefer to just have a simple locker with a key.

Decent pool for swimming laps. 3 Euros. Have to give your shoes and belongings to an attendant…read morewho safeguards it while you swim. I would suggest not bringing your valuables. Times inconvenient and there is usually a line waiting for people to get in. Pool closes fifteen minutes before the stated time, why, I have no idea. Please do not wear shoes into the locker room. You WILL be chased down and reprimanded in French. Showers mandatory. Men must wear the Speedo kind of suit, women can wear a two piece. Swim caps mandatory. There is a vending machine that sells swim suits and other necessities if you forget something. The French have no swim etiquette so be prepared. It's more of a cultural endeavor than a workout. It's still worth it if you want to swim some laps but just know it's a thoroughly French experience.

Champ de Mars is a vast green space located between the Eiffle Tower & the École Militaire. If…read moreromanticizing your life is your thing, a picnic on the grass with a glorious view of the Iron Lady should be on your to-do list. Benches dot the perimeter if sitting on grass sounds like a nightmare (it would be if I didn't have my trusty travel blanket with me.) The dirt areas combined with no colorful flowers in bloom make the park feel somewhat drab. Some nuisances to contend with: bees (so many bees) & aggressive peddlers of everything from alcohol to cheap souvenirs. Though there are far prettier parks in Paris, having the iconic structure seemingly within reach is the draw here. Check it out once; it is worth being on your Paris itinerary, especially if it's your first time here.

Champ de Mars is a lovely green space just outside the Eiffel Tower great for taking photos,…read morepicnicking or enjoying the view. Unfortunately becomes very overridden by souvenir salesmen and photographers who won't easily take no for an answer. Additionally a large part of the SE end is under construction as of May 2025, taking away from some of the parks iconic and relaxing feel.

The guy at the reception was the rudest i've ever met in my life. We were 5 teenagers, he asked us…read moreour age then rolled his eyes as we said we were underage. Mind you, this place is open to all ages. Once he let us to the shoe area, he yelled at my best friend for not hearing correctly as she was not even facing him. My friend cried afterward, thanks a lot back alley bowling. He then continued to roll his eyes at us numerous times. I do NOT recommend this bowling spot if you are looking to have a fun evening.

I think it's fair to say that I am no bowling expert. I do, however, know a thing or two about…read morehaving fun which I think gives me enough authority to write an accurate review on Bowling Front de Seine. That said... I made a reservation to go bowling on a Saturday night at BFS two weeks in advance without any problem. This was both wonderful, and disconcerting at the same time. I had already called three bowling places around Paris who told me they were "complet" on Saturday night. So why was BFS so available for my group of 20? I took a walk by on Saturday afternoon to check out the place and saw it overrun by screaming kids and their underwhelmed parents (note: don't go bowling on a Saturday afternoon). The place is a little tricky to find being that it's located in an alley between two big apartment buildings, and the inside was a bit lackluster-- no music, depressing lighting, minimal decor. At this point, however, there was no looking back. Saturday night, nine out of the 20 of us showed up together, and the staff took care of us immediately. They told me that we'd have 3 lanes instead of 4 as originally planned, but that we'd all be next to each other, fair enough. They were running a little behind schedule which was no problem for us since we were still waiting for the other half of the group. Naturally, we headed over to the bar to warm up. Pints and cocktails here are around 6€, not too bad for Paris standards, but not the bowling alley prices I'd expected. Snacks include tartines, sandwichs au jambon et fromage, kind of airport French food. Although clearly overwhelmed with the amount of people turning up, the staff at BFS was helpful, and above all nice, as they ushered us through the process of dividing up the group in to lanes and getting us all shoes. Next thing, we were on the lanes, rolling strikes left and right, spilling beer and having a classic good ol' time bowling. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of atmosphere. There were no disco lights and the music coming from the speakers was actually a radio station. This is not the kind of place where you want to bowl sober with three of your best friends. This is the kind of place you want to come to when you are a group of twenty and you could care less about everything else around you. The prices are awesome, after two and a half hours of bowling (2 rounds) plus shoes, I paid only 14€. Plus beer, you're looking at a Saturday night under 40€, when was the last time that happened to you in Paris? Oh, did I mention this place is open until 4:30am? Eat, drink, bowl and be merry. Boisson: 6/10 Bouffe: -- Ambiance: 5/10

Nice large sized playground in the Luxembourg gardens. There are many different play areas for…read morevarious age groups and the bigger kid areas are adequately separated from those used from the younger kids. This was good planning. The play areas were nice sized and there is also a large perimeter fence around the entire area. there were plenty of slides and car and train mock ups for my son to play on for about an hour or so. There are covered areas and many benches for the parents to sit and watch. There are also restrooms in the back and a small cafe area at the entrance. Why only 3 stars instead of 4? I give the playground 4 stars, however the fact that you must pay seemed a little unusual. I could even maybe understand if you paid by the number of kids, but you must pay for adults too. I think it may have been 2.50 per child and 1.25 for each adult.

Fee is unusual for a playground and really? you have to charge for parents? This was fun for the…read morekids though and that's all that matters.

After writing 60 Yelp reviews about Paris from our recent vacation, I decided to share the most…read moremagical spot in the city. I had seen it in several movies usually when they pull the camera back to show how romantic Paris can be. It's the tip of Île de la Cité on the Seine and provides inviting views of the Louvre, the Left Bank, and the boats on the river. There are benches, but the prime spot to sit is the ledge at the very tip under the weeping willows. Although the park is nothing more than a small patch of greenery shaped like a teardrop, strolling around the perimeter will make you feel like Audrey Hepburn on a fashion shoot. RELATED - Exploring Paris? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/zgkvOwnB6r

It's a nice, quiet green space off the Pont Neuf. But people leave trash and spit on the ground and…read moregrass so beware where you sit! Carry a blanket or towel for a clean spot. It was busy when we visited so the benches were occupied. Don't miss the far end of it, it's a spot for photos of the Seine.

This is such a cute little carrousel near the Eiffel Tower. There are a lot of carousels in Paris…read more This one's really nice. It's popular but not too busy. You feel like you're surrounded by tourists.

Le Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel just happened to catch my attention while walking in Paris. I asked…read moremy daughter to stop so I could get a photo. It's absolutely beautiful and a historic landmark. Because of this photo I like to photograph carousels now. I enjoy the carousels in Manhattan. I treasure this photo and I definitely would make it a point to return the next visit to Paris. In fact I'd like to photograph more of the carousels in Paris. There are around twenty carousels around Paris. Most from the 1900's when it's considered they reached their Golden Age.

I visited Place Stravinsky on a weekday while I was wandering in the area, it's located between the…read moreCentre Pompidou and the Church of Saint-Merri. You won't be able to miss the awesome colourful fountain made of sculptures inspired by Igor Stravinsky's major works located in the center. Perfect place to relax with some friends if you're in the area.