“Bonjour, mes amis!” If you’re planning a family trip to Paris with kids, get ready for a delightful blend of history, culture, and croissants. I’ve been to Paris many times, but our recent trip with my elementary-aged daughters was our first time in Paris with kids. I’ll spill the beans on kid-friendly activities, secret gardens, and where to find the best pain au chocolat. So, grab your berets, and let’s dive into the City of Light with your little explorers!
Where to stay in Paris with kids
I always prefer a suite or apartment where the kids can sleep separately. That isn’t easy to find in a hotel in Paris, so an apartment is your best bet. We chose a charming two-bedroom apartment from Plum Guides in the 2nd arrondissement We especially enjoyed being near Rue Montorgueil. Food vendors lined the street. So, it was a treat to stroll in the morning searching for pastries.
Pro tip: Get in line behind the locals and buy one of the glorious pastries from Stohrer. The almond croissant was particularly noteworthy!
1. Iconic Must-Sees in Paris with Kids
The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris with kids is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. The locals once considered this icon an eyesore but is now a must-see for every tourist. Lines can get long, even in the off-season, so get advanced timed tickets to skip some of the wait and save precious time. Imagine your kids’ eyes widening as they step out of the elevator, spotting the Seine River and the sites of Paris spreading out below. We took the stairs down, which was doable, but I would not recommend taking them up unless you seek a workout.
When the sun sets, get to the Champ-de-Mars, Trocadéro, or Pont de Bir-Hakeim for the ultimate sparkling view. Each night, the Eiffel Tower transforms into a shimmering wonder for 5 minutes on the hour.
Pro tip: visit at twilight to witness this magical transformation.
Carette: Where Chocolate Dreams Come True
After your tower adventure, stroll to Carette, a charming patisserie nearby. Their hot chocolate is decadent, and your kids’ eyes will just about pop out of their heads when they see the dessert case. The cozy ambiance and sweet treats will recharge your family for the next adventure.
Fewer Skulls and More Palaces When in Paris with Kids
Looking for a non-museum activity? We went underground to the creepy catacombs where the bones of the city’s dead are artfully arranged. While unsuitable for younger kids, it was okay for my elementary-aged kids. That said, it was a bit dull once the initial shock wore off. Next time, I’d head to the majestic Palace of Versailles instead. Versailles offers a grandeur to impress even picky little ones, particularly if you’re there in warm weather and can enjoy the gardens.
2. When in Paris with Kids, Shop Like a Local
A Foodie Extravaganza
Paris is a food lover’s paradise, and there’s no need to sacrifice your enjoyment because you have kids in tow. Join a food tour like the one we enjoyed from Devour Tours that took us through the winding streets Marais with stops for varied delights, including croissants, French onion soup, and macarons.
Even the pickiest kids will love it, and hey, if they don’t finish something, it’s more for you! Food tours are my favorite way to quickly and thoroughly sample the best local eats. We’ve done food tours in both Marais and the Latin Quarter, which were both heavenly.
Build a Picnic to Enjoy in Paris with Kids
Instead of dining at restaurants, why not shop like locals do? Visit boulangeries (bread bakeries), patisseries (pastry shops), and fromageries (cheese shops) and select the perfect picnic spread. Then, eat on a park bench in one of Paris’s beautiful gardens – perhaps Jardin des Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. This core memory experience combines food, nature, and family time. My daughter even discovered her passion for French butter and still talks about it to this day.
Want to recreate our epic Parisian picnic shopping spree? Head to Boulevard Saint-Germain, and a single block has everything you’ll need: Fromagerie Laurent Dubois for cheese, La Maison de Isabelle for a baguette or croissants, and Charcuterie St Germain for meats. It felt impossibly European doing our shopping this way and was one of the most memorable meals of our trip.
Pro tip: It’s not the same, but Wegman’s is the only store I’ve found in my area that sells French butter. Get yourself some, stat, if you’ve never tried it.
3. Turn Art into an Adventure at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
Kid-Friendly Guides: Unleash the Art Detectives
The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are like treasure chests filled with art gems. But let’s face it – kids and centuries-old paintings don’t always mix. Fear not! Book a kid-friendly guide who can turn art appreciation into an adventure. The right tour guide makes all the difference. First, a guide will help you skip the line and save your limited time.
Our guide, Cecilia, turned a day at the Louvre into a competition between parents and kids. She had our girls posing like the Venus de Milo and drawing their own works of art on her tablet. The kids were so busy they forgot to complain about hours spent walking around a museum. My daughters even later claimed it was one of their favorite parts of Paris.
Regrettably, tickets to the Musée d’Orsay were sold out when we tried to buy them last minute. To avoid our fate, plan in advance, even if it’s low season. Although not as famous as the Louvre, its collection houses more artists you’re likely familiar with, like Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet.
4. Gardens Galore: Picnics and Strolls
Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens
Escape the hustle and bustle by stepping into Paris’s 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 suggest above or just take a stroll. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Pro tip: Before hitting Tuileries, grab a jambon-beurre baguette or one of the other options from the blackboard at the excellent Le Petit Vendôme near Tuilleries.
5. Montmartre: A Whimsical Village on a Hill
Epic views and sideways buildings
Montmartre, with its cobbled streets and bohemian vibe, is 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 like a postcard – rooftops, chimneys, and the Seine River snaking through the city.
Long ago, you might have found Degas or Toulouse-Lautrec painting in Montmartre but today, you’re more likely to see caricature artists and vendors selling souvenirs. That doesn’t make the area any less lovely, though. Wow the kids by snapping a shot of the famous sinking house. Montmartre is a must-see when visiting Paris with kids!
Hungry? Grab a sandwich on a crusty baguette and some pastries (because, Paris) at Pain Pain. Then take the easy way down and use the funicular to get back down the mountain.
Pro tip: Don’t miss snapping some photos on the lovely Rue de l’Abreuvoir, often called one of the most beautiful streets in Paris.
6. Dining Delights: Family-Friendly Eateries in Paris
Family-Friendly Eateries in Paris
Navigating Parisian dining with kids can feel overwhelming. There are so many excellent restaurants, but I didn’t want my kids to turn their noses up at the food or to disturb other diners with their boisterous behavior. But bouillons come to the rescue—a dining concept that offers excellent food with a relaxed vibe perfect for families. But what exactly is a Bouillon?
Originating as working-class restaurants in Paris, Bouillons have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, attracting both locals and tourists alike. These eateries offer hearty, traditional French cuisine at affordable prices, served in a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of old-world Paris.
One standout spot is Bouillon Pigalle, where you can savor mouthwatering steak frites or a classic plate of escargot while soaking in the lively ambiance. Plus, with its earlier opening hours, you can enjoy a delicious meal at a more kid-friendly time, avoiding the late-night rush typical of many Parisian restaurants.
While Bouillon Julien boasts a stunning dining room, our experience found the food lacking compared to Bouillon Pigalle.
Parting Words: Savor Every Croissant Crumb
Paris is one of those rare cities that I’m always hoping 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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