Paris with Kids: A Delightful Family Adventure
Prepare for a magical trip to Paris with your little ones! This vibrant city offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and delicious food, making it an excellent destination for family adventures. I’ve been lucky enough to explore Paris several times, but our recent trip with my elementary-aged daughters was truly special. In this guide, I’ll reveal my top tips for making your family trip unforgettable.
Where to Stay
Finding the Perfect Parisian Abode
When travelling with kids, comfort and space are crucial. I highly recommend choosing an apartment over a hotel for more room to relax and spread out. We found a charming two-bedroom apartment from Plum Guides in the 2nd arrondissement, conveniently located near Rue Montorgueil. This charming street is lined with food vendors, making it a delightful spot for a morning stroll in search of delectable pastries.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a glorious pastry from Stohrer! The almond croissant is simply divine. Join the locals in line and enjoy this local treasure.
Eiffel Tower: A Parisian Icon
No trip to Paris with kids is complete without experiencing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Although once considered an eyesore by Parisians, this magnificent structure is now a must-see for every visitor. Remember that lines can be quite long, even during the off-season. To avoid the queues, purchase timed tickets in advance, saving you precious time. As your children step out of the elevator, their eyes will widen in awe as they take in the breathtaking view of the Seine River and the city sprawling beneath them.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, visit the Eiffel Tower at twilight. The magical transformation as the tower shimmers every hour on the hour is truly unforgettable. We chose to descend the tower using the stairs, a manageable option, but I wouldn’t recommend taking the stairs up unless you’re looking for a workout.
After-Tower Treats
After your tower adventure, treat yourselves to a delightful stop at Carette, a charming patisserie nearby. The decadent hot chocolate will warm you up, and your kids’ eyes will pop out of their heads when they see the mouthwatering array of desserts. The cozy ambiance and sweet treats will recharge your family for the next adventure.
Fewer Skulls and More Palaces
Alternative Activities for Little Explorers
Looking for a non-museum activity? Our trip included a visit to the eerie Paris Catacombs, an underground network where the bones of the city’s dead are artfully arranged. While it might be a bit too intense for very young children, my elementary-aged kids enjoyed the initial shock of seeing these bone-filled tunnels. However, it lost its appeal after the initial excitement faded.
Pro Tip: Next time, I’d recommend visiting the majestic Palace of Versailles instead. The grandeur of this palace, particularly in warm weather when the gardens are open, is sure to impress even the pickiest little ones.
When in Paris with Kids, Shop Like a Local
A Foodie’s Paradise
Paris is a food lover’s dream, and you don’t have to compromise your enjoyment just because you have children in tow. Join a food tour like the one we enjoyed from Devour Tours. We wandered through the winding streets of Marais, indulging in delectable treats like croissants, French onion soup, and macarons.
Pro Tip: Even the pickiest kids will enjoy a food tour. If they don’t finish something, well, more for you! Food tours are the perfect way to sample the best local eats quickly and thoroughly. We’ve had excellent experiences with food tours in both Marais and the Latin Quarter.
Build a Picnic to Enjoy in Paris with Kids
A Parisian Picnic Experience
Instead of dining at restaurants, why not shop like locals do? Visit the charming boulangeries (bread bakeries), patisseries (pastry shops), and fromageries (cheese shops), and assemble the perfect picnic spread. Then, enjoy your delicious creation on a park bench in one of Paris’s beautiful gardens – perhaps Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. This is a truly memorable experience combining food, nature, and quality family time.
Pro Tip: For a truly authentic Parisian experience, head to Boulevard Saint-Germain. You’ll find everything you need within a single block: Fromagerie Laurent Dubois for cheese, La Maison de Isabelle for baguettes or croissants, and Charcuterie St Germain for meats. This shopping adventure was one of the most memorable meals of our trip!
Turn Art into an Adventure at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
Making Art Fun for Kids
The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are like treasure chests filled with artistic gems. But let’s face it – sometimes kids and centuries-old paintings don’t mix. Fear not! Book a kid-friendly guide who can turn art appreciation into an exciting adventure.
Pro Tip: The right tour guide can make all the difference. A knowledgeable guide will not only help you skip the lines but also engage your children with interactive activities. Our guide, Cecilia, transformed our day at the Louvre into a competition between parents and kids, making art come alive.
Musée d’Orsay
Regrettably, we missed out on visiting the Musée d’Orsay due to last-minute ticket sales. To avoid our fate, book your tickets in advance, even during the off-season. Although not as famous as the Louvre, its collection features artists you’re likely familiar with, like Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet.
Green Havens in the City of Lights
Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens
Escape the bustling city by stepping into Paris’s serene green havens. Jardin des Tuileries invites you to play tag among statues and fountains. And Luxembourg Gardens? It’s a fairytale come true – sail tiny boats on the pond, marvel at the puppet shows, and let your kids run wild. Pack a picnic as I suggested above or simply take a leisurely stroll. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Pro Tip: Before heading to Tuileries, grab a delicious jambon-beurre baguette or another tempting option from the blackboard at the excellent Le Petit Vendôme, located near Tuilleries.
Montmartre: A Storybook Escape
Montmartre, with its cobblestone streets and bohemian vibe, feels like stepping into a storybook. Climb the winding stairs to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched atop the hill. The view of Paris from here is breathtaking – rooftops, chimneys, and the Seine River snaking through the city.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss snapping photos on the lovely Rue de l’Abreuvoir, often called one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.
Navigating Parisian Dining with Kids
Bouillons: A Family-Friendly Option
Navigating Parisian dining with kids can feel overwhelming. While there are countless excellent restaurants, I wanted to ensure my kids wouldn’t turn their noses up at the food or disrupt other diners.
Pro Tip: Bouillons come to the rescue. These traditional Parisian eateries offer excellent food with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families.
Bouillon Pigalle
Originating as working-class restaurants, Bouillons are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, attracting locals and tourists alike. These eateries offer hearty, traditional French cuisine at affordable prices, served in a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of old-world Paris.
Bouillon Pigalle is a standout spot. Savor mouthwatering steak frites or a classic plate of escargot while enjoying the lively ambiance. Plus, its earlier opening hours make it a great option for a family meal, avoiding the late-night rush common in many Parisian restaurants.
Bouillon Julien
While Bouillon Julien boasts a stunning dining room, our experience found the food lacking compared to Bouillon Pigalle.
A Final Farewell
Paris is one of those rare cities that I’m always eager to return to. There are simply too many beautiful things to see, do, and eat, so another trip is always in order. À la prochaine!
Looking for other family adventures?
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- How to Enjoy the Ultimate Adventure in Rome with Kids
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