My Kaboodle

I lived in london for a year - highly recommend:Somerset House, a great little museum packed with famous impressionist art and the Gilbert Collection of jewelery. Very hidden, but the best museum in london.J. Sheekey's, an old school restaurant in Covent Garden owned by the same people who own the Ivy. Still feels cool, and has the best dover sole anywhere. Report Spam

Have you ever been to London or Paris before? this seems like a really packed schedule. The Louvre is huge and is really an all day activity. You can take a whole afternoon til evening just for one wing! Plus next door to the Louvre is a fantastic place that just fully reopened after 10 years of only having one floor available; Musée des Arts Décoratifs, (decorative arts and design). Also from the Champs-Élysées. (which includes a lot of touristy and American shops like Sephora, the Gap, and Disney you can walk west to the Arc De Triomphe and a little further to the Senate, which is open atleast one day a year to the public. Also in the 8e, 8th arrondissement, is a slew of Michelin rated restaurants. Pricey but perfect for a honeymoon meal. Another must see is Centre Georges Pompidou, which holds the Musée National d'Art Moderne. Report Spam

Hi, Thanks so much for your note! Yes - I've been to both cities several times. My husband and I were planning this trip for my stepdaughter as her first trip to Europe (she's 10). We actually took the trip this past July and had an amazing time. Truthfully, I hadn't been looking forward to doing all of the touristy things again (but since it was her first trip there, we felt we should show her what we could... so that perhaps the next trip could be more countryside or just taking in the culture without feeling the need to sightsee), but I actually had a great time seeing everything again b/c I could almost see it "fresh"... through her eyes. Since she's 10, a full day at the Louvre or anywhere else for that matter wasn't in the cards (limited attention span at that age!). Her favorite memory of Paris was the carnival we found our last night there - no matter what country, I think all kids just *love* carnivals! The last time I was there, I was lucky enough to do what you suggested.. spent the entire day at the Louvre... and barely saw half of what I had hoped! I could spend a week there and be very very happy... (sigh)...Next time I go to Paris, I'll have to check out the decorative art museum... it sounds great! Sounds like you know the city well... when my husband and I go back solo (we've contemplated going for NYE), I'd love any other suggestions you have! Report Spam