#26 France

Paris is the city of love, except when you are there with your parents. Then it feels like I am more of a tour guide and making sure everything gets to each destination on time. Traveling with both my parents as an adult was a special experience. Some of the most memorable travel moments happen by chance. Unplanned wandering can lead to unexpectedly beautiful moments! Together we ventured from England to Ireland to France! With a few spots in between that, we weren’t together for.

Paris is home to some of the world's best museums and cultural institutions, such as the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles. Luckily for my parents, I planned two entire days for these beauties. The Louvre is the largest museum on Earth. It features hundreds of thousands of pieces, including the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. It is worth seeing if you don’t mind the crowd. The Louvre is itself a historic building, having served as a palace for French monarchs before being converted into a museum.

Even though the Nore Dome isn’t fully rebuilt, it was still worth seeing lit up at night. This iconic cathedral is one of Paris’ most distinctive landmarks. While it may not currently have a hunchback, it is a fantastic example of French Gothic architecture that has been at the heart of religious life in the country ever since it was completed in 1345.

Every Paris trip is complete with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. The first time I saw it light up and twinkle at night, it made my heart happy. Built for the 1889 World Fair, this iron tower stands 324 meters tall, and the views back over the city from this landmark are truly impressive. It offers stunning views of Paris from all angles. We took the elevator up to reach the top of the tower, where we saw the city's famous landmarks.

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most grandiose palaces in the entire world, and it is an essential piece of French history. It was the royal residence of the French monarchy from the 17th to the 18th century, and it played a significant role in shaping French culture, politics, and society. The palace was also the site of many important events in French history, including the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

It was designed by some of the most talented architects and artists of the time, and it features exquisite details, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens. The Palace of Versailles is not just a palace but a symbol of French culture and civilization. It houses a vast collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects, that reflect France's artistic and cultural achievements. It also has a rich library and archives that contain valuable historical and cultural documents. It is also known for its extensive gardens and landscape. The gardens cover over 800 hectares and feature fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns. The gardens are an essential part of the palace's design, and they were created to reflect the grandeur and power of the French monarchy. WOW!

We explored the Montmartre district on our final night together and went to a Moulin Rouge show. I do not recommend going to a Moulin Rouge with your parents. I didn’t realize most of the show was topless, and I prefer not to have those experiences with my mom or dad. Next time, I’ll pick a G-rated show. :)

To blend a weird night into a great final day. We hiked to the top of the hill that houses the famous cathedral, Sacré-Cœur. My parents added their love lock there, and I hope it’s still there the next time I visit.

Have you traveled with your parents before? I would love ideas on where to go next!

Until next time…

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#27 Netherlands

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#25 Austria