Baby On The Way? Here’s Why Paris Is The Best Babymoon Destination

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Baby On The Way? Here’s Why Paris Is The Best Babymoon Destination

‘Are you going on a baby-moon?’ This was one question I was asked over and over again, as soon as I broke my pregnancy news. At first, I did not pay much heed to this, thanks to my morning sickness. Once I got a hold on myself, I began googling- ‘What the hell was a babymoon’? According to the internet, a babymoon is a vacation that couples take just before they welcome the new member.

We were in the UK and my parents were visiting. So, we already had a list of things planned, including a trip to Paris. So, I guess that was our babymoon. Our itinerary started with London, from where we headed to Paris by train. After having heard, read and researched a lot about the world’s most romantic city, I was all excited to explore it. Europe’s biting winter, the food cravings, and of course layers of clothing- despite all this, Paris was good to me. Here’s why I feel Paris is the perfect babymoon destination for to-be-parents.

1. Love Is In The Air

Like it or not, romance is bound to take a back seat once the baby is born. That said, no one needs more romance than an expecting couple. The ‘City of Love’ has it all to let you spend some quality time before life gets crazy busy.

credits – paris discovery facebook

To start with, no Paris trip is complete without a romantic walk through Pont Neuf, one of the oldest bridges built across the Seine River. This was one of my favourite spots. Despite the biting cold, we walked hand-in-hand across the bridge, soaking in the breathtaking view. We also went on a cruise ride along the river. The ride takes you through the city’s iconic attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf and many more.

In case you’re up for a little PDA, steal a kiss on the Pont des Arts- popularly called the Love Lock Bridge.

2. History & Culture

Exploring museums and knowing a new place might never be part of your post-baby itinerary. Paris allows you to soak in some rich history and culture. From the famous Louvre Museum to the Da Vinci Code- home to the world’s famous artworks – the Mona Lisa, galleries, palaces, and other historic sites, Paris screams history and culture in every corner. Some of my personal favourites include the Musée d’Orsay- a railway station turned museum, the Palais de Chaillot, and the Château de Versailles.

Lastly, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower at night. I managed to climb to the top, and the view of the skyline under the twinkling lights was a breathtaking sight.

Our visit to the Louvre was a horrendous one. Firstly, they oversell the tickets, add to it a semi-rainy day- and it’s enough to spoil your mood. The staff was rude, unable to manage the crowd and were herding guests like we were farm animals. We even paid extra for a fast-track ticket, but it was still a mess. The line for Mona Lisa was a big scene as well. Finally, I got to see it with a group of 25- where I spent time watching my bump than looking around.

Top Tip: All of these places can be crowded and you might end up waiting in long queues. So, its best to pre-book your tickets or even better- avoid it.

3. Walk, Walk, Walk

There can’t be a better exercise for us pregnant women! The pretty streets of Paris make it a walkable city, even when the temperature drops to a minimum. However, I couldn’t be thankful enough for the metro and Uber, when my ankles refused to look normal. Swollen ankle and pregnancy go hand-in-hand. On days when my feet wouldn’t budge to move, Uber and the metro were my best friends. And I must admit, I didn’t have anything to complain about!

Top Tip: Rue Beaurepaire and rue de Marseille are key shopping streets. Some of the best brands like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton have their roots here.

4. French Food

Paris
Credits: ravenoustravellers.com

Now, this is something I just cannot forget. I was in my fifth month and my cravings were sky-high. Thankfully, nausea and vomiting had finally found their way out and I was all game to explore the local cuisine. Baguettes and Croissants were my go-to foods. I steered away from raw fruits, and vegetables and also informed waiters in the restaurant I was pregnant. That helped me make informed decisions.

Also, my sweet craving hit a whole new level and thankfully French desserts were delicious enough to satiate my craving. Creme Brulee, macarons, crepes, Meringues- I tasted it all and enjoyed it.

Top Tip: Le Chocolat Alain Ducaisse and La Maison du Chocolat are the best chocolate shops, and Pierre Hermé is the address for sweet macarons.

5. Medical Care

Last but not least, knowing the medical facilities in Paris was one of our priorities. We researched and found out two hospitals- American Hospital of Paris and the Hertford British Hospital, that had English-speaking doctors. Since communication was key in a French country, these hospitals would be a lifesaver, in case of an emergency.

Things To Remember

1. Pack Comfortable Clothes

We traveled in peak winter so winter wear was an absolute must. However, don’t forget to carry a comfortable pair of shoes, maternal jeans or leggings, and some comfortable tees.

2. Use Public Transport

Paris has a lot of walking and if that does not appeal to you, make use of public buses. It’s comfortable, cheap and also lets you do a bit of sightseeing during the commute. Tickets can be bought once you board the bus. Alternatively, you can also buy the Paris Visite pass from any metro station in the city. The pass gives you multiple access to bus, metro or tramway for 1,2,3, or 5 days.

3. Train Travel Is The Best

We took the EuroRail from London to Paris and that was the best decision ever. The two and a half hour train journey was scenic, comfortable and let me relax before all the chaos. Europe trains are known for running like clockwork. This gives you the chance to schedule your trip better. What’s more – most trains come standard with access to high-speed WiFi, meaning you can catch up on work (or Netflix) while you travel. Lastly, European trains are known for making train travel efficient and they’ve been doing it for a while now. So, you’ll end up saving time and money in a big way.

Stay Options

We picked a hotel in central Paris- Hotel Regina Louvre and it was worth the splurge. Firstly, we spent less on commuting within the city, secondly, it allowed me to rest and nap at any time during the day. The location was excellent, the room was spacious and the European breakfast served here is the best we’ve had. We booked our hotel through Hotels.com.

What I Hated

1. Unfortunately, I had to travel in winter. So the weather was a big spoiler. Besides, wearing layers of heavy jackets, scarfs, and mufflers, made me feel bundled up, making it even more difficult to walk around.

2. French food is great- yes! But, nothing beats the comfort of dhal chawal- especially when you’re pregnant. Thankfully, the city had an impressive lineup of Indian restaurants. Gandhi Ji’s, Saravana Bhavan, and Desi Road are the restaurants we tried and I recommend these for a perfect taste of homeland.

3. Pregnant women are ALWAYS hungry! While the city is flooded with restaurants, it is always better to carry some home-made knick-knacks or ready-to-eat foods for those late-night pangs. I did not carry any and had a tough time finding snacks other than crisps or biscuits.

All said and done Paris is a gorgeous city and this is one vacation I will cherish forever. Did you take a babymoon? Where did you go and what did you do? Share your experiences in the comments below.