Travel with Kids: Paris

Continuing to follow the Roberts family (mom, dad, two kids) on their European jaunt (see Travel with Kids: England and Travel with Kids: London, reviewed in VL-9/09), this guide for families visiting the City of Lights picks up where London left off, with the family taking the “Chunnel” (the tunnel train under the channel from London to Paris), where check-in security rivals that of an international airport. Instead of staying at a hotel, the Roberts' rent an apartment in Paris District 9 (the art district), from which they set out to explore kid-friendly sights such as the Louvre (home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and other masterpieces). To make the museum visit more compelling, the parents create a scavenger hunt for the kids—giving them cards for each art piece to match up with the real deal. The Roberts' also visit Notre Dame cathedral, underground Paris (including a tour of the city's famous sewer system), Disneyland Paris (which, after a shaky opening, is now said to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in Europe) and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. As with the earlier installments in the series, kid-friendly history lessons are served up alongside the advice for parents. DVD extras include a trip planner, family travel tips, and a bloopers reel. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)