Planning a household journey to Paris? I do know, it could actually really feel a bit overwhelming. Between balancing the wants of youthful kids, teenagers with their very own agendas, and any particular issues your children might need, it’s straightforward to get caught.
Let’s be actual—a six-hour trek by the Louvre may sound like a dream for artwork lovers however for little ones? Not a lot.
As a Parisian mother of two who’s raised children right here within the Metropolis of Mild, I’ve received the within scoop on how one can preserve everybody joyful. And after our household’s round-the-world journey just a few years again, planning family-friendly holidays has grow to be my factor.
From navigating the metro with strollers to discovering eating places the place children are literally welcome, I’m right here to share my sensible suggestions with you.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning skilled and parisienne since 2006 🩷
Paris with children doesn’t must be disturbing—actually, it may be the journey of a lifetime. Let me enable you to be certain that it’s crammed with enjoyable, laughter, and recollections that’ll final eternally.
#1 Household Pleasant Accomodation in Paris
➲ Learn the complete put up on Prime Household-Pleasant Inns in Paris
In relation to household journeys, discovering the correct lodging is about extra than simply selecting a very good resort. The space you keep in could make or break your expertise, particularly in a giant metropolis like Paris.
Not solely would you like a cushty place with sufficient beds for the entire household, however you additionally have to ensure you’re staying in a neighborhood that’s protected, handy, and presents issues to maintain the children entertained.
Now, right here’s the difficult half—discovering motels in Paris that accommodate households of three, 4, and even 5 can actually slender your choices.
The smaller boutique motels all of us love? Typically, they’re designed for {couples} or solo vacationers. However don’t fear, there are nonetheless nice family-friendly motels if you understand the place to look.
Finest Areas for Households to Keep in Paris
➲ Learn the complete put up on The place to Keep in Paris: A Native’s Finest Picks
Many guests dream of staying close to the Eiffel Tower, imagining it’s the right central location. However in actuality, it’s not. Particularly not for households.
The world across the tower is kind of removed from the precise metropolis middle, and whereas the views is likely to be iconic, the neighborhood itself could be very touristy, upscale, and, as you possibly can think about, fairly costly.
When you’re in search of extra genuine Parisian attraction and simpler entry to town’s most important sights, you’re higher off selecting one other space.
Areas I like to recommend for households are:
- The first and 2nd arrondissement: Centrally positioned and crammed with charming cafes, retailers, and easy accessibility to many main sights. It’s excellent for households who need to discover on foot.
- ➲ Resort Lumen Paris Louvre: Household suite within the coronary heart of Paris
- ➲ WS Louvre as a budget-friendly flat: self catered 2 bed room appartment
Additional reads on Paris Neighbourhoods and Resort Suggestions:
What about Airbnb?
I really like utilizing Airbnb and used it numerous occasions for our household journeys. However this being mentioned, Airbnb is a bit sophisticated in Paris, as a result of town has strict laws on short-term leases.
I fairly ceaselessly examine last-minute cancellations, which may throw your loved ones journey into utter chaos.
I’m not saying to avoid it however all the time learn the evaluations rigorously. Hosts with dependable data may have no cancellations of their historical past. And good for us customers, we see each cancellation of their evaluate part, making it simpler to seek out reliable choices.
#2 Methods to Put together for a Household Journey to Paris
A profitable household journey to Paris France begins with how nicely your children are ready. The extra they find out about Paris, the extra excited and engaged they’ll be throughout the journey.
Particularly if you’re touring internationally with youthful children, Paris is for many just a few summary thriller place. So why not construct some pleasure earlier than you go? Just a little Paris hype could make all of the distinction.
Paris Themed Exercise Books & Printables
➲ Purchase it on Etsy for an instantaneous obtain
After we did our household round-the-world journey just a few years in the past, I rapidly realized how a lot our expertise relied on how nicely our youngsters knew about every vacation spot. The extra they understood, the extra excited and engaged they had been.
That’s why I created the Paris Exercise Guide—to assist your children get to know town earlier than you even arrive. It’s additionally excellent for retaining them entertained whereas ready to board or throughout the flight.
Full of enjoyable info, video games, and interactive actions, it’s designed to spark their curiosity and make exploring Paris much more thrilling!
Paris-Themed Film Evening
➲ Right here’s a listing of 23 Films about Paris to Watch Earlier than Your Journey
One thing that all the time works to prepare for a Paris household journey is a themed film evening. There are tons of movies on the market with Paris as a backdrop.
When you’re touring to Paris with youngsters, listed here are some nice choices:
- Lupin (Netflix) – A implausible present, filled with thriller and Parisian landmarks. My children beloved it.
- Untouchables – A heartwarming story that additionally highlights Paris. (on Amazon Prime)
- Emily in Paris (Netflix) – A enjoyable, gentle sequence that’s excellent for Paris-lovers.
- Below Paris (2024, Netflix) – Although it’s a bit controversial (even my teenager discovered it slightly trashy), it nonetheless made for a enjoyable film evening.
For youthful children, attempt these movies to introduce them to the magic of Paris:
- A Monster in Paris – An enthralling animated film with a novel Parisian twist. (on Amazon Prime)
- Ratatouille – The story of a rat with goals of changing into a chef in Paris. (on Amazon Prime)
- The Hunchback of Notre-Dame – A Disney traditional set in considered one of Paris’s most well-known landmarks. (on Amazon Prime)
- Girl Bug – A enjoyable, superhero present set in Paris that youngsters love. (on Amazon Prime)
Books and Journey Guides for Youngsters
Child-friendly journey guides are one other nice solution to put together your kids for the journey. Interactive books filled with enjoyable info and video games may also help them get enthusiastic about what they’ll see in Paris.
These are the very best ones:
#3 Getting Round in Paris
➲ Learn the complete put up on How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024
For me, determining how one can get round a brand new metropolis is all the time the largest fear—how one can get from the Airport into city, how lengthy it’ll take, which ticket we want, security considerations, and naturally, comfort.
However right here’s the excellent news: Paris is surprisingly straightforward to navigate.
The Paris Metro covers the whole metropolis, and regardless that Paris is a serious capital, it’s smaller than you may assume. Even when you’re staying on the outskirts of city, it normally takes not more than 20 minutes by Metro to succeed in town middle.
With frequent trains and well-marked stations, getting round is easy as soon as you understand the fundamentals. Let’s begin by moving into Paris.
Airport Transfers to Paris
➲ Learn the complete put up on 5 Methods to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris
Whether or not you arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport within the north or Orly Airport within the south, moving into Paris is pretty easy. Each airports are linked to town by direct practice providers.
From Charles de Gaulle, you possibly can take the RER B, and from Orly, the Metro 14—each heading solely in a single route: Paris.
Shopping for tickets is simple, both at merchandising machines or ticket counters. Simply remember that children below 4 journey at no cost, kids aged 4-9 get a reduced fare, and from 10 years outdated, they’ll want a full-price ticket.
My Tip: Take into account a Personal Switch
➲ Get a free Quote in your switch right here
Right here’s one thing I discovered the exhausting manner: when you’re arriving in Paris with children, particularly after an extended or in a single day flight, contemplate reserving a non-public switch.
It’s extra inexpensive than I anticipated and simply so handy. An actual game-changer. Particularly after a red-eye flight with drained excited children and exhausted mother and father with restricted head area.
You prepare your pick-up forward of time, e-book automotive seats if wanted after which your driver is ready for you on the gate.
- English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid price
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Buyer assist + free cancellation
Utilizing the Metro in Paris & Ticketing
➲ Learn the complete put up on How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024/2025
The Paris metro system covers the whole metropolis, making it the simplest solution to get round. I usually get questions on security and from my year-long expertise, I by no means had any points, neither throughout daytime nor at evening.
The metro isn’t a dodgy place. It would odor a bit, and also you do must handle your belongings, however that’s about it.
Essential when you journey with a stroller: the Metro isn’t barrier-free and most stations don’t have elevators. Therefore, you will want to hold your stroller fairly a bit. When coming into the station, you additionally might want to contact an agent in order that they open the gate for you, however don’t neglect to validate your ticket.
Which Metro Ticket is the Finest?
➲ Discover all Ticket Choices right here: How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024/2025
There are totally different ticketing choices obtainable, however for many vacationers, a bundle of 10 tickets (often known as a “carnet”) is the very best worth.
Youngsters below 10 get pleasure from a diminished fare, and kids below 4 journey at no cost. You possibly can both load the IDF Mobilities App in your telephone to purchase tickets or choose up a Navigo Simple Carte on the station. Every traveler should have their very own journey card, whether or not bodily or digital.
For journeys exterior town, like Versailles or Disneyland, you’ll have to buy a separate ticket on the merchandising machine.
Beginning in January 2025, ticketing will grow to be less complicated, with one common ticket legitimate for each Paris and the encircling area.
#4 Finest Actions in your Paris Household Journey
Paris is filled with actions that cater to each kids and youths, so irrespective of the age of your children, there’s loads to maintain them entertained. For a full overview of the very best issues to do, check out these posts:
However earlier than I current you with the 5 actions that my children and I feel are the good in Paris for households, let’s not neglect concerning the prime sights.
And right here’s a key tip: I strongly suggest reserving your tickets upfront for these well-liked sights. They will promote out rapidly, or worse, you may find yourself ready in lengthy strains—one thing no child enjoys.
Plus, are you able to think about the frustration when you received to the Eiffel Tower solely to seek out out it’s offered out? To avoid wasting your loved ones the effort (and potential meltdowns), right here’s a listing of probably the most well-liked sights in Paris that are inclined to promote out, and that I urge you to pre-book:
Costs might fluctuate and it’s all the time greatest to match. In case you are reserving lengthy upfront, you is likely to be fortunate and get tickets from the official websites, in any other case, GetYourGuide or Viator are very dependable options.
1. Take a Cruise on the Canal St.Martin
➲ Learn my full Evaluation: Canal Saint-Martin Cruise: Discover Paris In another way!
A Canal Saint-Martin cruise is such a refreshing different to the same old Seine cruise and presents a totally totally different aspect of Paris. It is without doubt one of the greatest household sights in Paris.
You begin on the Seine, however quickly sail into the quieter Canal Saint-Martin, passing by 7 locks and even going by an underground vault beneath the Bastille—how cool is that?
My youthful son, who was 9 on the time, completely beloved it. The entire expertise felt like an journey, particularly with the locks and tunnels. The cruise ends within the La Villette space, away from the same old crowds, and it’s a novel solution to see Paris with children.
When you’re in search of one thing a bit totally different, a Cruise on the Canal Saint Martin definitely is. You can also simply mix it with a go to to the Science Museum or the Park de la Villette.
2. Jardin d’Acclimatation
➲ You possibly can prebook the limitless go right here or by a easy entrance ticket on website
The Jardin d’Acclimatation is a implausible, extra inexpensive different to Disneyland and is ideal for households with youthful kids, particularly these below 10.
It’s filled with playgrounds, slightly zoo, a pond the place you possibly can hire boats, and even has a department of Angelina (sure, you possibly can get pleasure from their well-known sizzling chocolate whereas the children play!).
There are additionally merry-go-rounds and some mild and not-so-gentle rides, which my children beloved once they had been youthful.
We spent loads of time there, and considered one of my favourite issues was the playground space—it’s surrounded by free deck chairs, so you possibly can fully calm down whereas your children have the time of their lives. It’s a gem for household enjoyable in Paris!
3. Disneyland Paris
➲ Guide your tickets to Disneyland right here upfront
For a lot of a household journey to Disneyland Paris is a no brainer when on the town—and truthfully, it’s a brilliant enjoyable day journey out of town.
Disneyland is very easy to succeed in from Paris, with one direct practice taking you straight into the magical world of Disney.
Additionally learn: Methods to Get from Paris to Disneyland
When you’re a hardcore Disney fan, I’d undoubtedly suggest spending no less than one evening there.
With two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park—it’s powerful to see the whole lot in simply someday.
However when you’re simply in search of a enjoyable, magical time out, it’s an ideal and straightforward day journey from Paris. Both manner, it’s an awesome thought so as to add a little bit of Disney magic to your Paris journey.
4. Searching House Invaders
➲ Be taught concerning the story behind the House Invaders in Paris
Attempting to find House Invaders in Paris is such a enjoyable and interesting exercise for the entire household. These little mosaic aliens, impressed by the 70’s arcade recreation, are hidden everywhere in the metropolis.
It’s a implausible solution to encourage children to go searching and up as they discover Paris, all the time looking out for a brand new House Invader.
With over 1,400 unfold throughout town, recognizing one is like discovering a secret piece of road artwork. You possibly can even monitor your finds utilizing the FlashInvaders app so as to add a little bit of pleasant competitors to your journey.
In case you are planning a household journey on a finances, you’re keen on to listen to that that is an fully free exercise.
It’s an ideal solution to combine sightseeing with a little bit of enjoyable, and to distract them, when a stroll seems longer than anticipated. Talking from expertise.
5. Paris-Themed Escape Sport
Certain, escape video games aren’t distinctive to Paris, however they’re such a blast—particularly if you do them with your loved ones. It’s the right solution to bond and share some laughs.
We love them, and our favourite firm is The Sport in Paris. What makes them stand out is that they provide just a few settings which are uniquely Parisian.
For instance, they’ve one set within the Paris Metro and one other within the Catacombs—each of which we’ve achieved as a household and completely beloved.
And don’t fear concerning the language barrier; all of the video games can be found in both French or English, so you possibly can play comfortably in whichever language you like.
#5 Child-Pleasant Eating places in Paris
➲ right here’s my checklist of Enjoyable Eating places in Paris
There’s a rumor that French children are exceptionally well-behaved and eat the whole lot, however let’s be actual—it’s not true.
Whereas they could have a broader palate, possibly having fun with runny cheese, salads, or fish, they’re nonetheless simply children. If there’s a burger on the menu, that’s what they are going to select.
As for his or her famously good habits in eating places, nicely, when you’re heading to an upscale spot, don’t count on to see any kids, as a result of French mother and father don’t sometimes deliver their children to these kinds of locations.
However this being mentioned, children do behave in eating places, no screaming, no working.
Total, households are inclined to go to brasseries, pizza joints, sushi spots, or steakhouses. Informal eating places, the place everybody finds one thing they like. And for teenagers, that’s principally something that comes with fries.
The place to Eat with Youngsters in Paris
➲ right here’s my checklist of Enjoyable Eating places in Paris
Child-friendly eating places with playgrounds, recreation areas, or drawing units are fairly uncommon in Paris—it’s simply not a part of the eating tradition right here. Whereas informal spots usually have a children’ menu, that’s normally the extent of it.
In most locations, children are anticipated to dine alongside their mother and father with out further leisure or particular remedy.
However don’t fear, it’s nonetheless doable to seek out eating places the place households really feel welcome—simply don’t count on the play areas you may discover elsewhere. As an alternative, concentrate on discovering good meals that the entire household can get pleasure from collectively.
1. Bouillon Eating places
Bouillon eating places are informal, easy-going spots providing conventional French meals at a number of the most cost-effective costs in Paris. The service is all the time fast, making it excellent for households.
Whereas mother and father can get pleasure from classics like escargot or onion soup, children can dig into favorites like rooster with fries or mashed potatoes. There are a number of bouillons throughout town, and I not too long ago ate at Bouillon Pigalle—the meals was nice, and it’s one of many few the place you possibly can reserve a desk.
2. Steak Eating places & Chains
This is likely to be a sizzling take, and I’m certain some fellow Parisians will increase their eyebrows, however I’ve all the time discovered that heading to an informal steak restaurant is a simple resolution once I’m simply too worn out to make massive selections.
My go-to? Hippopotamus. It’s a French steakhouse serving up classics like Steak Tartare, Boeuf Bourguignon, and Andouillette, but additionally burgers, a child’s menu, and naturally, steak. You possibly can customise each dish, they’re open all day, and sure—they provide out pencils and an exercise e-book for the children.
It’s not haute delicacies, however generally, all you want is a straightforward meal and a little bit of peace, proper?
3. Household Pleasant Pizza Joints
I do know you’re visiting Paris and never Italy, however belief me, there are some completely implausible pizza locations right here. My favorites are those from the Huge Mamma Group, like Felicità.
It’s extra of an Italian meals court docket with funky interiors and a brilliant informal vibe—my son even introduced his little scooter with him as soon as.
One other spot I really like is Mama Shelter, with its beautiful rooftop. It’s grow to be our go-to pizzeria for a relaxed household meal with nice roof prime views and scrumptious pizza.
To wrap up my suggestions for consuming out in Paris with children, there are additionally some distinctive, non-alcoholic drinks in France that your little ones may love making an attempt.
When you’re trying to introduce your baby to some new and thrilling flavors, right here’s a listing of the hottest non-alcoholic drinks in France.
Wrapping Up: Household Journey to Paris
Paris is an unbelievable metropolis for households, providing a mixture of world-famous sights and distinctive actions that can preserve children and youths entertained.
From exploring the highest sights just like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to having fun with family-friendly experiences like Canal Saint-Martin cruises, escape video games, and the charming Jardin d’Acclimatation, there’s one thing for everybody.
With a little bit of preparation—and possibly an exercise e-book or two—your loved ones’s Paris journey can be crammed with unforgettable recollections!
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Skilled in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be a part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Inns in Europe I principally e-book by Reserving.com (examine evaluations rigorously)
- Trip Leases by Airbnb or VRBO
Excursions & Points of interest:
- I e-book excursions & actions by Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets will be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re usually offered out.
- I really like the GoCity Journey Passes for straightforward planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You doubtless want a journey adapter to plug your units.
- Journey Insurance coverage – when you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an effective choice.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
