Castles and Kings June 2026 - any trip reports or suggestions for pre and post days?
My daughter and 2 granddaughters (12 & 14) and I are coming a day early in London and staying a day later in Paris. Surprisingly I haven't found any trip reports from this journey that give much detail. I'd love to hear from someone who has gone recently. Also, I'd love recommendations on what to do the 1-1/2 days before in London and a day after in Paris. In London I'm thinking of finding a place for high tea or go to Harrods or Selfridges, Westminster Abbey. In Paris I'm thinking of a Seine river cruise, Montmartre, Musee du Parfum, Galeries Lafayette. Thanks for any advice.
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I would definitely recommend formal tea in London. We had ours at The Savoy and it was such a wonderful experience, especially with the pianist nearby. Covent Garden is a great place to explore. There are museums galore to explore. Finally, the children will probably enjoy The Eye.
I never pass up the Marais and Montmartre areas when in Paris. It might be fun to have the children choose which museums to visit.
In general the Bridges tours don't have as much commentary. I'd recommend getting the kids involved In researching things to see. Both London and Paris have loads of choices for museums and shopping. I love touring the food halls in the major department stores even if you don't buy anything. Galleries Lafayette is worth visiting for its beauty inside, the higher quality souvenirs and the free view terrace on the top floor. We enjoyed the Big Eye and the concierge helped us get tickets. Both city's have boat rides. We took one from the Tower of London back to our hotel. The tower is also fun if for no other reason than the Beefeaters spiel.
We are traveling with a tour director right now who usually conducts that tour, Jilly
If this is her, say, Hi to Jilly! (Gillian S.)
Crumbs, I can’t recall what she said her last name is, she’s learning the ropes to lead the tour we are on. I can’t decide if it is her, I’ll have to check with her tomorrow, she is English. Oh I think she said she had worked for Tauck for five years..
Thank you all! I am definitely considering the Savoy, Claridges, Browns or St Ermins for afternoon tea (I realized it wasn't high tea that I wanted). British, I'd love any recommendations from your TD for extra London and Paris adventures for young teen girls.
She’s not my TD, She’s observing the tour I’m on and I’m not going to spend my time talking about a tour I would never take my grandkids on. It really is so easy to just go to London, you don’t need a tour. I suggest googling the hundreds of things to do in London and ask your teenagers which things interest them. That tour barely shows you anything and is too short. My granddaughter will be a teen next year, and that is what I would do with her.
I suggest realizing each place you go will likely take longer to do properly so don’t be over ambitious. Many things might require advance ticket purchases. Example, you could spend hours just at the Tower of London. You definitely need advance tickets for Buckingham palace if it is open when you are there.
There are many places to get Afternoon tea in London which are just as special as going to places like the Savoy without the big prices. My daughter took her family to London when my grandson was quite young and sussed out everything out on the budget they had. The same when they went to Paris for a week.
If your granddaughters are into clothes, you might go to the Dior Museum in Paris. You need to make reservations. My husband wasn't that interested but the girls should like it. There is a ten part series on Apple TV, called The New Look, which is about Dior (and a side story of Chanel) during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The Galeries Lafayette is a great idea. Be sure to go up on the roof and go across the street to where the gourmet food section is and get a few macarons or chocolates.