A Family Vacation- One Reader’s Trip

What an enchanting French family vacation this sweet couple has shared with me and I, in turn, am delighted to share it with you! Facebook brought us together and I’m delighted to be able to share some highlights from their vacation in France. After messaging me for ideas for a “non-touristy” vacation around Paris, they were able to design the perfectly memorable vacation. In fact, this is what they had to say:

“Dear France Travel Info, While working on my itinerary for an upcoming trip to France, I came across your Facebook page. I didn’t know then that I stumbled on gold! I liked your page and asked a few questions, not expecting any replies. I thought I may just try to reach out and try my luck. What followed was a detailed message with many good tips and advice. You shared with me google maps images of certain spots to explore and even tips about car rentals. I kept on asking and you ever so faithfully replied in great detail to each question I had. Thank you for helping me create a fantastic itinerary and for assisting me in discovering the true beauty of France! R.E, New York”

These heart-felt words really made my day and when R.E. offered to share some of their pictures I couldn’t wait to see what their vacation had been like. Little did I realize that this was a “have baby will travel” family vacation! They clearly managed a nice slow pace which allowed them to enjoy the sights and keep their little one happy. R.E. has some great ideas for traveling with an infant that you can read about.

Let’s not delay the pictures any longer. Here is a brief overview of some of they places they visited.

Family Vacation Memories of Brunoy

Brunoy is a commune in the southeastern suburbs of Paris and it is home to one of the Talmudical Academies. R.E. describes Brunoy as “so French” and just like me, she loved the beautiful lavender she found there. The smell of lavender always transports me back to France and I hope it has the same effect for her.

Lavender near Brunoy

Parc de Sceaux

Next stop, Parc de Sceaux. The grounds here are breathtaking with amazing views. Parc De Sceaux has been on our “bucket list” for several years and we have now moved it to the top of the list of what to see next.

Parc de Sceaux

Don’t you just want to jump in this pool?

What an amazing tree!

Embracing the beautiful scenery as well as their precious baby.

The Château de Sceaux

This beautiful country house of Sceaux is open to the public. R.E.’s impression was that Parc De sceaux is like a secret , only known to the French people , very empty and relaxing. Our favorite was Parc de Sceaux ( great place to picnic and read a book!), it’s huge and even more enchanting then Versailles which is way too busy ( although we did go and enjoyed the musical gardens) All these places are kid friendly and our baby loved the fresh air . 

Château de Fontainebleu

The Château de Fontainebleu is definitely more than a little country house. Isn’t it magnificent? It too has lovely gardens. In fact there are over 130 acres of park land and gardens! The Château is one of the largest of the French royal châteaux.

Château de Fontainebleu grand entrance

Enjoying the loveliness of Fontainebleu

This is such a contemplative photo and I love knowing that their little one was being cradled by his father in this scene. Speaking of cradles and cradling. Look at the nursery at Fontainebleu!

The nursery at Fontainebleu

Opulence at its best

Napolean’s throne room

Château de Versailles

And, of course, if you want true opulence you just have to visit the Château de Versailles.

A sneak peak at the gardens of Versailles

Yes, R.E. and her family toured the inside of the Château but what they found particularly inspiring were the Château gardens:

We got inspired by the musical gardens in  Versailles and we brought along our iPod and relaxed with classical music.

Aquaducts found near the city of Versailles

Urban city of Versailles

Chantilly and Senlis

The distance between Chantilly and Senlis is only a little over 5 miles, short enough to cycle if you want! R.E. found it SO enchanting to see swans and horses in Chantilly. Chantilly has a horse show but it’s booked very early on in advance .

The Château at Chantilly is lovely as are the grounds and the village of Chantilly. Take time to enjoy a wander around the village after you see the Château.

In the village of Chantilly

Senlis

Part of the ramparts that form a circular enclosure around the center of Senlis

Travel Hints from R.E.

• [Wear] great walking shoes because the cobble stones and gravel can really beat up nice shoes ( and expensive stroller wheels!!)
• Near many Château[x] are farms and farmer markets. There are also farm animals and many times there are nice hiking trails which can be two full days of activities….
• Always bring a rain poncho, we had SUCH a hard time finding umbrella’s when we got to stuck in random twenty minute downpours ( should have looked at the weather forecast…)Thanks for reading about R.E.’s family vacation and please share the link with your friends. If you have a great France travel memory you would like to share, please leave me a message in the comments below. A huge shout out and thanks to R.E.for sharing her family vacation with us! [P.S. All her photos were taken with a Nexus 5.]