Ringing in the New Year in France: Paris, Aveyron & Family Travel
Why We Decided to Visit
My husband’s best friend had recently married a lovely French woman and they welcomed their first child not long after. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of life events, we hadn’t yet had the chance to visit them or meet their baby. So, for New Year’s, we finally crossed the Atlantic.
While I had been to Paris about six times before, I had never ventured beyond the City of Lights. I speak French (thanks to a French immersion school upbringing and a Francophone stepfather from Côte d’Ivoire) so I felt ready to take on the countryside. For Eric and the kids, though, this was their first time in France. I was so excited to experience one of my favorite cultures with them.
Getting There: Flights & First Impressions
We flew United Premium Plus from SFO to CDG—a solid 11-hour flight. I’m a longtime United flier and their long-haul premium cabins usually meet the mark, this trip included. That said, I do dream of trying Air France next time. Sometimes national carriers go the extra mile for travelers headed home. I’m interested to see how their premium cabin experience compares.
My daughter was completely enchanted with the flight: the polished flight attendants, the endless carousel of kids’ shows, the seemingly free snacks, the novelty of it all! She barely slept, despite my repeated encouragement. My son, on the other hand, was young enough to sleep most of the way—overstimulation wasn’t even on the menu for him.
Two Days in Paris: Beauty Meets Jet Lag
We spent our first two nights in Paris in a cozy Airbnb in the 6th arrondissement, just a short stroll from Jardin du Luxembourg and Montparnasse. The neighborhood was charming and walkable, and the Nuna TRVL stroller really came through for us. Compact enough for city travel, but sturdy enough to take on cobblestones.
We tried to balance everyone’s preferences: I was excited for tea shops like Mariage Frères and (ideally) a quick pop into Chanel—though I forgot to book an appointment and jet lag made any serious shopping laughable. Eric was in explorer mode, happy to walk and take in the scenery. The kids… were just tired.
Jet lag hit hard. Traveling from California to Europe, essentially forward in time, is tough on adults, but even harder on little ones. On our first morning, the kids were up at 4am. By 6am we were out walking, desperately searching for a café that was open. The French are not early risers. We eventually found one, had coffee and pastries, and watched our daughter fall asleep at the table. By our second night, we still couldn’t sleep, so we wandered the Montparnasse streets and grabbed late-night crepes at 11:00pm.
Needless to say, sightseeing in Paris wasn’t as breezy as I’d hoped, but we made the most of it.
Southbound: Off to Sainte-Croix in Aveyron
After our whirlwind in Paris, we boarded the TGV from Montparnasse to Montauban Ville Bourbon. From there, our friend picked us up for the 1.5-hour drive to Sainte-Croix, a charming commune in the Aveyron region of southern France. The total trip clocked in at around six hours—so when we finally arrived, duck confit and a glass of wine never tasted better.
We stayed in a beautifully renovated Airbnb next door to our friends’ home. The space was a converted barn, full of charm and original stonework. The hosts were incredibly kind and responsive, which made our stay feel especially warm. Being able to walk next door to visit our friends (and their baby!) made the entire experience even more special.
Countryside Rhythm: Food, Friends & French Air
Walking through the southern French countryside quickly became one of my favorite things to do. Maybe it was the scenery, or maybe it was just the joy of spending slow time with people we love.
One of the highlights? The food. Our friend is a former chef, so every meal felt like a gift. We ate incredibly well: country-style pâté, homemade foie gras, locally harvested oysters. I even tried aligot for the first time—imagine the most decadent, stretchy potato and cheese dish you’ve ever had.
We also made a day trip to Laguiole, a town famed for its handcrafted knives. We toured the original factory, Forge de Laguiole, learned about their legacy, and browsed their collaborations (including one with Hermès!). Naturally, we picked up a few knives as souvenirs. Functional and beautiful!
Family Travel Reality: Balancing Kids & Grown-Up Goals
One constant challenge when traveling with kids? Balancing their needs with your own. Eric and I love to wander aimlessly, soaking in the sights and ambiance. But kids need breaks, places to play, and activities that match their energy.
I’ve found that the best way to keep the peace is to alternate between “adult-focused” and “kid-centered” activities, either splitting the day or alternating days. One day we might explore a museum, the next we’ll find a zoo or playground. It’s not a perfect system, but it works well enough to keep everyone happy.
The Return: One Last Night in Paris
After hugging our friends goodbye, we boarded the TGV back to Paris. Somewhere along the planning process, I’d misaligned our return travel dates, so we needed to spend one more night in a hotel before our flight. I won’t name the place, let’s just say I probably wouldn’t book it again.
We had an early flight the next morning, and as we made our way through Charles de Gaulle, I watched my daughter navigate the airport with growing confidence. She didn’t need much help, she had found her rhythm. And in that moment, I realized just how much she had grown on this trip, not just as a little girl, but as a world traveler.
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