Exploring Paris in Three Days with a Child's Food Allergy
TRAVEL
5/31/20244 min read
Day 1: Arrival, Accommodation & Skulls
After months of planning, we finally made it to Paris, France! Our journey began with a comfortable flight, and upon arrival, we headed straight to our accommodation. We wanted a hassle-free arrival in Paris and didn't want to worry about transportation. We were glad that we booked a car service through Viator, even though we had read that public transportation was easy to manage. Walking out of the airport, we were overwhelmed by the number of people with signs or offering rides. To stay within our budget, we chose to stay at Chouette Hotel Paris in the 15th arrondissement. The hotel staff was friendly and accommodating, allowing us to check-in early. We were initially nervous about the language barrier, but to our surprise, everyone we spoke to spoke very good English. As a result, our anxiety about traveling to a foreign country slowly faded away.
After a refreshing nap, we were excited to begin our exploration. We decided to make a quick stop at a café for some espresso and dessert. We had come prepared with a "chef card" that listed my son's allergies (nuts, fish, and shellfish) translated into French, and the waiter even spoke excellent English. To our relief, my son and I ordered the same dessert, but before he took a bite, I decided to try it first. Unfortunately, the brownie was filled with nuts, causing us to feel shaken by the experience. However, we refused to let it ruin the rest of our evening. We had arranged to meet up with another teammate to visit the catacombs, and what an incredible experience it was! The historical significance coupled with the extraordinary sights made it an absolute must-see. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the busy seasons, to ensure a smooth visit to the catacombs in Paris.
We had an amazing meal to end the evening! La Vie d'Ange was absolutely perfect! We stumbled upon this hidden gem near the catacombs in Paris. It's less than a 10-minute walk away and offers a delightful culinary journey. We indulged in foie gras, escargots, traditional French cuisine like coq à vin, and a delicious lamb shank. It was sheer perfection!
Run by a lovely couple, this cozy restaurant may have a limited menu, but that shouldn't discourage you. Our experience exceeded all expectations. The attention to detail and the owner's attentiveness to my son's allergy made us feel incredibly comfortable. It was truly an outstanding experience. You won't be disappointed with the overall experience and the food!
Day 2: Sightseeing, Sightseeing and more Sightseeing
Our second day in Paris was filled with exploration of the city's iconic attractions. We began the day by visiting a local bakery, where we encountered a slight challenge in explaining my son's allergy. However, a kind and helpful customer assisted us with translation. The sheer joy on my child's face as they took a bite of a freshly baked croissant was absolutely priceless. Following this delightful experience, we embarked on a thrilling adventure with Badass Tours, exploring the enchanting streets of Paris on electric scooters. I can wholeheartedly recommend this unique way of discovering the city! The tour was not only informative, but it also provided a rich insight into the history of Paris, all delivered with a touch of humor. Along the way, we made another stop at a bakery and indulged in a delicious ham and cheese croissant. If you're planning a trip to Paris, booking a tour with Badass Tours is an absolute must!
Later that evening, we met up with some of my son's teammates for pictures and a boat cruise on the Seine River. I had a great time with the company, but unfortunately, I once again discovered that I am prone to motion sickness on the water. It's quite funny, really! If you get easily queasy, I would suggest skipping this attraction. Nevertheless, the tour was lovely, although I made the mistake of going down to the first floor to escape the chilly wind, only to rush back up to the top. After that, we completed our list of attractions with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. We had evening reservations and were treated to a breathtaking sunset as we ascended to the top in the elevator. We took some stunning pictures of the Paris lights and when we returned to the ground, we marveled at the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. It truly was an unforgettable experience.
Day 3: Step into Royalty: Exploring Palace of Versailles
Another dream come true! Seeing all the opulence and grandeur of the palace in Versailles was truly incredible. Not only were the gardens absolutely beautiful, but we also had the opportunity to learn more about the history behind this magnificent place. We spent a good three hours exploring the gardens, and even with the help of a golf cart, we couldn't possibly see everything. The section where Marie Antoinette sought refuge from court caught our attention the most, and it was easy to understand why she chose this serene spot. After an active afternoon at the palace, we decided to treat ourselves to an early dinner in the charming town of Versailles. It was there that we finally got to try a traditional beef bourguignon dish, which was absolutely delicious, and topped it off with a mouthwatering brioche dessert. The restaurant was also incredibly accommodating to my son's food allergy, making it the perfect end to a truly amazing day. Our next adventure awaits as we head to Bordeaux for a figure skating competition, the Nations' Cup!
Traveling with a child who has a food allergy can be challenging, but our time in Paris proved that with a little planning and research, it is possible to have a safe and memorable trip. We left Paris with hearts full of joy and memories that will last a lifetime.
Quick Links:
Car service booking from CDG to hotel: Private Car Service
Chef Card: Template for food allergies
