⭐ Guide to traveling to Paris with children: 10 tips + 2 routes + 20 must-sees with map ⭐

Paris, the city of love... and of children! Discover how to conquer it as a family

If you're traveling to Paris with children and looking for a good guide based on another family's experience, you've come to the right place. Keep reading!

_________________________________________________________________________

Hello fellow traveler! If you're planning a trip to Paris with your little adventurers, you've come to the right place. As a mother of two and an avid traveler, I'm going to share all my secrets and tips for making the most of this incredible city with your kids. So get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Paris with children, based on our experiences in Paris—twice without kids and twice with them.

About us

How to get to Paris

To go to Paris, it's best to plan your trip well and consider your best option based on the number of days you'll be there, your budget, and your plans.

By plane, train or bus

You can get to Paris by plane, train, or even bus. We've had several experiences flying to Paris, and I can assure you it's the best option if you only have a few days and want a quick trip to the French capital. We also had one experience traveling by campervan and another by bus (I was very, very young and going to a demonstration—that should tell you everything, haha), and I absolutely advise against it, no matter how cheap it was! What an adventure!

TIP: For your airport transfer to your accommodation, here's a tip we used last time. Take a private car; it's cheaper than a taxi and much more comfortable than other modes of transport with children and luggage. Don't skimp on this; you'll be glad you did. We booked online with a private transfer company that gave us a good price, and they were incredibly attentive and punctual both on the way there and back. They'll be waiting for you with a sign with your name on the door, and then you can just enjoy the ride to your hotel.

By car, motorhome or camper

On the other hand, you can also arrive by road in a van, car, or campervan, as we do on many trips! However, due to environmental restrictions , you won't be able to drive into Paris and you 'll have to stay in the surrounding area if your car doesn't have a French sticker.

Traveling in a motorhome or campervan is a comfortable and fun way to explore Europe with your family, especially when you have more than 10 days of vacation. This way, you can enjoy the scenery, make stops along the way, and have the freedom to explore the world at your own pace. Plus, there are several campsites and options near the city where you can park and enjoy all the amenities.

You can see how we visited Paris from Disneyland in a campervan in this post where we explain our entire experience. And if you're curious, we have a guide on how to travel in a campervan with children that you might find useful.

TIP: If you don't have a motorhome or campervan but want to rent one and try this type of travel, remember that the cheapest option with the best experiences is to rent from private individuals through a platform like Airbnb, but for motorhomes and campers.

Where to stay in Paris with children

When it comes to accommodation in Paris with children , I recommend looking for apartments with kitchens or hotels that are family-friendly, thanks to amenities like shared kitchens . The Montmartre area is an excellent choice, as it's picturesque and full of charm. You could also consider the Le Marais district, which boasts beautiful cobblestone streets and a wide variety of restaurants and shops. And in any case, the historic city center is also a good option, as it's centrally located for most of the main attractions.

Our last family choice for accommodation in Paris was 123 Paris City, which offers ideal apartments for families in a super central location. They were really nice, with a well-equipped kitchen, close to the metro, and right in the heart of the city—we loved them. Whether you're visiting Paris for 4 days, doing a 3-day itinerary, or staying for 2 or 40 days, it's a great place. The only downside is that it didn't have an elevator, but that also makes it a bit more affordable. You can see how cute it was here: https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/123paris-city.en.html?aid=2216794&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&group_children=2

How to move freely in Paris with children: the best 2 options

To get around independently with children and see the best attractions in Paris, there are two best options: the tourist bus, which you can hop on and off as much as you want, or the Paris metro, with its adventures and misadventures, where you can also access the most famous things to see in Paris.

Depending on where you're staying, you'll be able to see many things on foot, but many others will certainly be far away since it's a big city. That's why both the tourist bus and the metro can be very useful.

For the tourist bus you must book it online and then go to one of its nearest stops, they will send you the map with the booking and it's as easy as getting on and off and taking photos from the bus.

TIP: When using the metro , I recommend being a little more patient due to the crowds and stairs, and buying a ticket beforehand that offers the best value. If you plan to use it for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, the Paris Visite Pass is the best option and can be purchased from any machine in any metro or train station.

The best and worst of Paris with children on our trip

Paris is a city full of magic and charm, but it also has its pros and cons when traveling with children. The best thing about Paris with kids is the sheer number of activities and places you can enjoy as a family. From visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower and eating a delicious ice cream on the Champ de Mars , to taking a relaxing cruise on the Seine River , Paris has something for everyone. It's an endless city, so whether you're planning a weekend trip or a week-long getaway, you won't be bored for a second.

However , keep in mind that Paris can be overwhelming in terms of crowds and traffic . It's important to plan your activities well and use public transport or tourist buses to avoid unnecessary stress from walking for long hours with young children. I would also recommend carrying a backpack with snacks and water to keep the kids happy during your adventures and stopping in relaxed areas like parks and gardens from time to time.

Paris in summer is wonderful; it even has river beaches for swimming, and the temperature is usually not extreme. Paris in winter , on the other hand, has some drawbacks if you don't like the cold, although unfortunately, with climate change, it snows less and less and it's not as cold as it used to be.

14 Tips for traveling to Paris with children

Here are some practical tips to make your trip to Paris with children a success.

DNI or passport for minors

Don't forget that the children's ID cards and yours must be valid. Your passport will also work.

Airport transfers with children

For your transfer from the airport to your accommodation, opt for a private car. It will be cheaper than a taxi and much more comfortable than other means of transport with children and luggage. Don't skimp on this; you'll be glad you did. We used a private transfer service that was reasonably priced, and the drivers were incredibly attentive and punctual both on the way there and back.

carts

Use a stroller or buggy for young children, as walking around town can be tiring for them.

Eifeel Tower and tickets to save

Buy your Eiffel Tower ticket in advance to avoid the long queues and guarantee your child's dream trip up the tower. If your kids are young, take the elevator and buy this ticket , but if they're older, buy the standing-room ticket and save a good amount of money. You can save up to €40 by going up on foot! 😛

Free water in Paris

Bring a reusable water bottle and ask restaurants to refill it, or ask for "une carafe d'eau" (a carafe of water). Throughout France, restaurants are legally required to provide free tap water, and it's good, so take advantage and save a little money at restaurants.

mobile internet

Check the roaming charges with your phone company. In theory, your calls and data will cost the same as in Spain since you're within the European Union, but some companies limit your data usage.

Visit Paris without the children getting tired

To prevent children from getting tired while visiting Paris, use the tourist bus and/or take a cruise on the Seine . It will make everything much easier and prevent tears and "I don't want to" moments, hehe.

Map

Bring a map of the city with you and mark the places you want to visit , so you can better organize your days.

Below you have a map , don't worry, you just have to print it or copy our URL and go to it by clicking on "navigate with Google Maps" to the point you want 🙂

Tarjetas de crédito

Regarding money: pay everything by card and that way you don't pay commissions when withdrawing money outside of Spain.

European health card or travel insurance

Protect your family's health . Bring your European Health Insurance Card, and if you're like me and prefer to travel without any worries or co-payments if something happens, get travel insurance . We usually get the IATI Family policy , which is very reasonably priced for the four of us and covers all medical expenses while traveling, plus many other things that are always useful. Here's a 5% discount that they'll apply when you request a quote.

Sunscreen and raincoats

Don't forget to bring sunscreen and hats , especially during the summer months. In winter, a raincoat or umbrella is recommended.

The parks of Paris

Take advantage of the city's parks and gardens so that children can play and run freely.

Views

Plan activities and visits early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours .

Take the opportunity to see Disney in one day, yes or no

Take advantage of your trip to Paris and visit Disneyland for a day . It's only an hour away, and you can get there by bus. One day is more than enough, believe me. You don't need more, or to stay at a Disney hotel. You'll save a lot of money and be less tired. I'm speaking from experience as a Disney addict. Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know about getting to Disneyland comfortably from Paris.

2 routes to visit Paris with children

Now, we are going to talk about the two routes that I propose to visit Paris with your little ones. These routes are designed so that you can enjoy the main attractions of the city in a fun and child-friendly way.

Route 1 lilac: Exploring the glamor of Paris from its Eiffel Tower

This route starts at the Eiffel Tower and ends at the Louvre passing through the most emblematic places of the city.

The ordered route of visits is as follows:

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower and eat an ice cream on the Champs de Mars
2. Take a cruise on the Seine seeing Paris relaxed
3. Take a fun photo at Trocadero
4. Enter the Arc de Triomphe
5. See the luxury of the high standing shops of the Champs Elysées
6. admire the obelisk
7. Rest in the Tuileries Gardens enjoying the parks of Paris
8. Eating a crepe in the pyramid of the Louvre museum, an unbeatable Paris plan

 Map of the two routes through Paris with children

Red Route 2: Exploring the history and essence of Paris

We begin our second route through the essentials of Paris through the highest area of ​​the city, where we will later descend to visit its oldest quarter.

The ordered route of visits is as follows:

1. See the Moulin Rouge windmill
2. Go up to Uncle Alive and the Montmartre Funicular, one of the essential activities in Paris with children
3. Visit the Sacreé Cour and see the views of Paris from here, a must of the places to visit in Paris
4. See the painters of Montmartre and make us a caricature
5. Get on the Paris metro
6. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral
7. Marvel at the Sainte-Chapelle
8. Get lost in the streets of the historic center of Paris

The 20 plans to do in Paris with children and what to see in Paris with children

1. Eat the best of France: its gastronomy. Paris restaurants with children.

You cannot stop trying the delicious French cuisine during your visit to Paris. Find restaurants that are kid-friendly and indulge in dishes like croissants, quiches, crepes, and baguettes. Your little ones will surely love them!

2. Visit the Eiffel Tower and eat an ice cream on the Champs de Mars

The iconic Eiffel Tower is a place you cannot miss. Climb to the top and enjoy the amazing views of the city. Afterwards, head to the Champs de Mars, where you can relax while your children enjoy a delicious ice cream, crepe or picnic.

Buy your Eiffel Tower ticket in advance to avoid the long queues and guarantee your child's dream trip up the tower. If your kids are young, take the elevator and buy this ticket , but if they're older, buy the standing-room ticket and save a good amount of money. You can save up to €40 by going up on foot! 😛

3. Take a cruise on the Seine seeing Paris relaxed

A fun and relaxing way to explore Paris is by taking a cruise on the Seine . Climb aboard a boat and enjoy panoramic views of the city's main monuments, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.

4. Take a fun photo at Trocadero

The Trocadero area is known for offering spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower. Take the opportunity to take a fun photo with your children in this place, it will surely be a very special memory!

5. Enter the Arc de Triomphe

Don't miss the chance to visit the magnificent Arc de Triomphe . Climb to the top and enjoy another unique perspective of Paris. Your children will feel like true explorers as they climb the stairs.

6. See the luxury of high-end shops on the Champs-Élysées

The Champs Elysees is famous for its luxury shops and boutiques. Take a walk down this avenue and marvel at the elegant shops and window displays. Although your children may not be so interested in shopping, they will love the atmosphere and beauty of this area!

7. Admire the obelisk

In the famous Plaza de la Concorde, you will find an imposing obelisk that was brought from Egypt. It is one of the oldest monuments in Paris and your children will surely find it fascinating.

8. Rest in the Tuileries Gardens

The Tuileries Gardens are the perfect place to take a break and relax. Let your children play on the swings and enjoy the outdoors while you relax and admire the beauty of this beautiful garden.

9. Eat a crepe at the Louvre museum pyramid

A visit to Paris wouldn't be complete without a stop at the famous Louvre Museum . Enjoy a delicious crepe in the museum's pyramid and recharge your batteries for more exploring.

10. See the Moulin Rouge windmill

We continue our route through Paris with children and we go to the famous Moulin Rouge. Although the show itself may not be suitable for the little ones, they can marvel at the iconic windmill and its colorful façade. They sure feel like they're in a fairy tale!

11. Climb Uncle and the Montmartre Funicular

In the charming neighborhood of Montmartre, your children will have fun riding Uncle, a classic fairground attraction that will make them laugh and enjoy exciting moments. Also, don't miss the opportunity to ride the Montmartre Funicular, which will take you to the top of the hill where the impressive Sacré-Coeur Basilica is located.

12. Visit the Sacré-Cœur and see the views of Paris

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, known as Sacré-Cœur, is a must stop on your visit to Paris with children. Take in the impressive architecture of the church and climb the dome for panoramic views of the city. Your children will be amazed by the beauty of Paris from above.

13. See the painters of Montmartre and make a caricature

On the streets of Montmartre, you will find numerous street painters who capture the essence of Paris on their canvases. Make a stop and enjoy his talent. Also, why not take the opportunity to make yourself a funny caricature in one of the stalls? It will be a unique and funny souvenir of your visit to Montmartre.

14. Get on the Paris metro

The Paris metro is an experience in itself. Your children will love getting on the trains and exploring the city underground. Plus, it's a quick and convenient way to move between different attractions. But watch out for peak hours, they can be a bit overwhelming!

15. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral

Although Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing restoration due to the fire, its beauty and magnificence remain impressive. Wander around and admire the Gothic architecture of this historic gem.

16. Marvel at the Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is another architectural gem you shouldn't miss. Its stunning stained-glass windows are a true work of art. Your children will love watching the light filter through the glass, creating a spectacular display of colors.

17. Get lost in the streets of the historic center of Paris

One of the best ways to discover Paris with children is simply to get lost in its charming streets. Explore the historic center and be amazed by its old buildings, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Who knows what exciting discoveries you can make!

18. See the modern buildings of Paris and be amazed by their shapes in the most modern neighborhood of Paris

In contrast to the historical beauty of Paris, the La Défense neighborhood will show you its most modern facet. Here you will find imposing skyscrapers and buildings with avant-garde architecture. Let your children marvel at the unique shapes and structures of these impressive buildings.

19. Take a day trip to Disneyland Paris

Fun cannot be missing on a trip to Paris with children! Take the opportunity to go on an exciting excursion to Disneyland Paris, where your little ones will feel like real princes and princesses. Enjoy magical attractions, Disney character encounters and unforgettable shows. Joy will be assured!

The easiest way to go to Disenyland from Paris capital

The best, easiest, and most convenient way is to buy this ticket package with transportation to Disneyland Paris . A bus will pick you up comfortably from Paris and take you there, and vice versa on the way back. Believe me, it's the most convenient way to get there with children.

Disney in 1 day? My opinion

You will wonder if just one day is worth it. Well, I would say yes, enough.

I'm telling you from experience and knowledge, we've had Disney's annual pass for years and seen with perspective, Disney is overrated. It's fine to visit it for 1 day and see its main park (you don't need the Studios) to get to know the "magic" of Disney, but you don't have to spend 5 days queuing, getting hot, cold and spending one kidney and part of the other on anything you buy there or eat.

Oh and for going from a hotel to Disney, believe me, a Disney hotel bed isn't very magical either, hehe In the end it's a hotel, 10-15 minutes from the park on foot, but a hotel.

Take all this as my opinion with perspective, if you're a Disney addict, maybe you should go exclusively to Disney for a week 😛

20. Take a trip to Versailles and be a prince or princess for a day

To complete your trip to Paris with children, you can't miss the majestic Palace of Versailles with this tour that takes you comfortably by bus from Paris to the incredible palace. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and explore the royal palace. Your children will feel like true princes and princesses as they tour the elegant rooms and discover the secrets of French royalty. We've never seen such a large castle or castle complex! It's breathtaking!

And there you have it, friend @ traveler @! A complete guide to enjoy Paris with children. Remember that the most important thing is to create unforgettable memories and enjoy every moment in this beautiful city. Have a good trip and may fun always be present in your adventures in Paris with your little explorers!

Lastly, remember to leave your opinion in comments on whether this article has helped you or your extra tips from your experience in Paris, we will always read and answer you. A hug!