French charity offers Eiffel Tower fun to impoverished kids from disaster-hit areas in Philippines, Nepal

PARIS — A French charity has brought children from around France and other countries to meet the prime minister and play in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, part of a larger effort to provide summer fun to those who can't afford to take vacation.

Secours Populaire says it and partner organizations have brought children from dozens of countries, including those from areas hit by natural disasters in Nepal and the Philippines.

A group of children met Wednesday morning with Prime Minister Manuel Valls. Others then fanned out around Paris on a treasure hunt, while others played on the lawns beneath the Eiffel Tower.

The event is organized at the height of the French holiday season and foreign tourist season to support the needy.