Paris Museums and Monuments  There is a rich variety of museums and monuments for the culture vultures!  Of course such attractions aren't always suited to children.  Some of these recommendations make a special effort to cater for the family, others are places we think you cannot afford to miss (and a brief visit will make it more palatable!).

The Louvre

Location: Alongside the Seine, facing the Jardin des Tuileries.
General Info: Admission to the museum is free on the first Sunday of each month and on14th July (Bastille Day), except for the exhibitions at Hall Napoléon.  Otherwise it costs 9.  Free admission at all times for under 18s (with ID). You can avoid queuing by buying your tickets in advance (but they have to be sent by post – you cannot collect them on the door).  Website.
Description: Built in 1204 as a fortress and rebuilt in the mid 16th century for use as a royal palace, the Louvre became a public museum in 1793. Today it holds one of the richest art museums in the world.
Our recommendations: Don't try to see this museum all at once, try instead to make repeat visits.  That will also make it more tolerable for the children!
For the children: Not so interesting for the kids but you can make it up by letting them run off some steam in the Jardin des Tuileries afterwards.

Within easy reach of Paris are the splendid châteaux of Versailles and Fontainbleau, as well as Monet's home town of Giverny.
HOT TIP: Many museums are free on the first Sunday in each month!