"Everyone's like, 'I can't believe you're not taking a nanny to
Paris,'?" Chris says later over a glass of wine. "Well, first of
all, we don't have a nanny. We have this really crazy concept of
raising our own kids. Second of all, it's been challenging, but
it's been amazing." Neither Chris nor Gwen traveled much as kids.
But their children have already seen more than Chris had in his
first three decades - not the least of which is living in
Paris.
"To watch them running around the Trocadéro playing tag in front of
the
Eiffel Tower …" Chris says, shaking his head. "It may not make
a difference to them, but, as a dad, it makes a big difference to
me. Who knows what they'll remember of this? But I'll always
remember eating a chocolate crepe on the steps of the Eiffel Tower
with my son and daughter."
LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS
Passionate about
Paris just like Chris Harrison? On your next
visit, consider renting a furnished apartment to stretch your
travel dollars while enjoying more space and privacy. Hotels in
central Paris average 200 euros a night (about $235), with extra
fees tacked on for taxes, phone calls, and Internet connections,
according to Glenn Cooper, owner of Rentals in Paris, an
apartment-rental company. Besides, he says, "Rooms are often so
small, you can barely walk around the bed."
For a stay of a week or more, furnished flats often cost less and
come with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and televisions. Many
also include DVD players, local phone service, and high-speed
Internet connections.
Google "apartment rentals Paris" and you'll
find hundreds of choices, ranging from tiny fifth-floor walk-ups
for less than $100 a night to lavish antique-filled apartments in
chic neighborhoods for $880 a night. Discounts are often available
for longer stays and those during the off season.