| Although Paris is perceived as an adult destination, | | | | Picasso, Miro, and Kandinsky, among others. |
| there are many parks, museums, and sites to | | | | Parc Asterix |
| interest families in the City of Light. Some of the | | | | Located about 20 miles north of Paris, Parc Asterix is |
| major attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and a | | | | the quintessential French theme park. Based on the |
| boat ride down the Seine are as enjoyable for | | | | French comic book character, Asterix the Gaul, the |
| children as they are for adults. In addition, there are a | | | | park is known for its many roller coasters and other |
| number of activities throughout the city that cater | | | | Gallic-themed rides, such as a bobsled ride, water |
| especially to families and children. Among them are: | | | | ride, and haunted mansion. Parc Asterix is smaller than |
| Luxembourg Gardens | | | | Disneyland Paris and is easily visited in one day. To |
| Located on Paris' Left Bank just behind the | | | | get to the park, take the RER train to Charles de |
| Luxembourg Palace, this 60-acre green oasis holds a | | | | Gaulle airport. There's a shuttle from there to the |
| plethora of delights for children. Chief among them | | | | Parc Asterix. |
| are the classic "Punch and Judy" puppet shows held | | | | Cite des Sciences et Industries |
| most afternoons in the park. The dialogue is in | | | | The biggest science museum in Europe, this modern |
| French, but the plots are timeless and easy for even | | | | hands-on center, boasts the latest in futuristic |
| the smallest child to understand. Also within the park | | | | equipment as well as an Omni-Max theater and |
| is a traditional, gilded carrousel, complete with painted | | | | planetarium. Part of the Parc de la Villette complex on |
| horses and gold rings. The park's central pond has | | | | Paris' east side, the seven-acre museum has a |
| small sailboats that can be rented for just two euros | | | | full-scale model of the Mirage French jet fighter, a |
| and most days will find a score or more of young | | | | children's Science City, and a series of hydroponic |
| girls and boys goading their craft along with sticks. | | | | greenhouses. Just outside is La Geode, a giant |
| Pompidou Center | | | | entertainment sphere that shows films on nature, |
| Just the look and the shape of this Paris modern art | | | | travel, and space. |
| museum are fun for kids. The ductwork and pipes | | | | Paris Zoo |
| are all exposed on the outside of the structure, | | | | Located in the Bois de Vincennes on the |
| painted in bright colors. The escalator, located also on | | | | southeastern edge of Paris, the Paris Zoo features a |
| the outside of the building, offers sweeping views of | | | | huge variety of animals, housed in natural-like settings |
| the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other Paris | | | | without bars or cages. Large moats and natural |
| landmarks. The Pompidou Center was very | | | | barriers separate the animals from the visitors. There |
| controversial with the conservative Parisians when it | | | | is a veldt for the African animals, an Alp-like peak for |
| opened in 1977. The museum is light and airy, in stark | | | | the mountain goats, and air-conditioned pools for the |
| contrast to the classic Louvre. The Pompidou's | | | | penguins. The park is easy to get to from the city |
| 50,000-piece collection focuses on 20th and 21st | | | | center; it's at the end of the No. 1 Metro line. |
| century art, with a large number of works by | | | | |