Paris is a city known for so many things. Most people know it as the city of love; the number one destination for honeymooners and those who want to rekindle their love. But not often do people think of visiting Paris with kids.
Paris is one of those world cities where the main tourist attractions are well known.
There is the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe, just to name a few. And we haven’t even mentioned anything about art!
Paris truly is a hidden gem when it comes to choosing a place to holiday with your kids. So what makes Paris so great to visit, and what did our kids love about it!
Best Time To Visit Paris
The best time to visit Paris is in summer and autumn – June to August; and September to October. While the capital city of France doesn’t seem to run with seasonal opening times, restaurants and holiday parks run at full strength during this time. The downside is that the city is bustling with visitors around this time. One can even say that the number of visitors exceeds the number of Parisians. It is also the most expensive time to visit Paris. If you are on a tight budget, January is the best month to go to Paris.
When it comes to the weather, April to June is the perfect time to visit. The weather is mild with sunshine daily, and it is not too hot to sit outside to eat and drink during the day. The evenings are also pleasant but on the cooler side. Always ensure you bring layers as there may still be a bit of rain about.
Getting Around Paris
Paris has several transport systems, all of which are safe and easy to use with children.
Metro
The metro is the fastest way to get around the city. The system has 16 lines, each interconnected and linked to the RER (Réseau express regional). The RER connects to the heart of the city and airports too. Like Disneyland, Orly airport, and Charles de Gaulle airport. The subway opens from 5:30 am till 1:00 am.
Bus
Paris has 100 bus routes. 60 are day routes, 40 are night routes. The downside is that Paris is a busy city and the traffic is notorious. Rather than get stuck in traffic for hours during rush hour, you can take the train instead. Buses are available from 7 am till 8:30 pm but main routes operate till 12:30 am. The night buses run from 12:30 am till 7 am.
Funicular
Funiculars are mini trains. They connect one end of the summit to another. Usually Butte Montmartre and Place du Tertre. They operate from 6 am till 12:45 am. The cost of fare is usually included in travel cards for those with Paris visite or Passe Navigo. Unless you want to walk up the steps of the summit, Montmartre funicular is your best option.
Taxi
Taxis are always available round the clock in Paris. They take you to your designated address. The fare is starting from €2.90 and the price is per mile. However, if you will be taking a cab you should budget extra time for traffic and waiting hours. If your destination is far, taking the train is ideal.
Our Favourite Paris Attractions
As the largest city in France, there is no reason not to visit Paris with kids as it has something for everyone.
Eiffel Tower
There is no visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. It is the most famous highlight in Paris and the tallest building in the city. We went to the Eiffel Tower just before sunset so we could see the changing sky highlighting the most popular sight in Paris. We had pre-purchased tickets to take the elevator to the top level of the tower at 7 pm. This way we could see Paris at night as well as be surrounded by the twinkling light show that happens on the hour, every hour. For more information and for ticket bookings we used Tour Eiffel.
Arc De Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe (Arc of victory) is a monument authorized by Napoleon following his many victories. Although he was exiled before the arc’s completion, the project continued. The arc has 30 shields on top of it. Each shield has an inscription of the battles Napoleon fought and won. It also has an observatory that gives a view of the Champs-Elysées. While we didn’t head to the lookout this time or walk through the underpass to stand in the centre, we did make sure we drove around it. This is an experience in itself and not for the faint-hearted!
The Louvre
The Louvre is among the largest museums and historical buildings in the world. It is located right in the middle of Paris. It is famous for housing the Mona Lisa; the main reason Tate had this amazing gallery on her bucket list for years. The steel and glass pyramid that illuminates the ground floor is another iconic structure in Paris and is used as the main entrance.
Avenues Des Champs-Elysées
Avenue des Champs-Elysées is an impressive boulevard, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. It is the home to several cinemas, cafés, theaters, and luxury boutiques. There are also aesthetically arranged gardens (Jardins des Champs-Elysées) at the eastern end of the boulevard. Definitely make time to wander this famous stretch of road, preferably with a pain au chocolat in hand!
Disneyland Paris
While not in the heart of the city, Disneyland is certainly a must-see when visiting Paris with kids. Featuring all your favorite Disney characters, young and old can live in magic for the moment. We stayed at a Disneyland hotel which was within walking distance of the two parks. Sequoia Lodge is a gorgeous forest and Bambi-themed hotel and we highly recommend it for a family with children of any age. Both Disneyland and Disney Studios are smaller than other Disney parks around the world so if you only have time to visit for one day, you can still do a lot of rides as well as the parade and light show in the evening.
Montmartre
Known as the artist quarter, Montmartre is full of street art and stories of famous artists living in the region. The 18th arrondissement is also the home of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur; another iconic landmark on the Parisian horizon. There is nothing quite like seeing this building close up so it is worth walking the hilly paths of Montmartre. While in the area, take the kids to Place du Tertre. Also fondly known as the artists square, seeing the artists sketching in mass is spectacular. Sit in the square at one of the many cafes or grab a crepe and wander around.
Jardins du Luxembourg
You may not know this sight by name, but the green park chairs are recognisable. These gardens were opened in the early 1600s and feature landscaped areas of flowers, lush green lawns, and the famous little green chairs, waiting for people to relax and enjoy the sun. There are snack kiosks throughout the park or bring your own food and drink as you people watch.
Final Thoughts
All of these sites are best enjoyed with a french pastry and comfortable walking shoes. After 3 days at Disney and 2 days in Paris, we left feeling like we still had so much to see and do. We recommend planning your days ahead so you don’t spend all of your time heading from one end of the city to the other. You don’t want to waste a second in this amazing city.
6 comments
How did I not know there was a Disney in Paris!! Great information.
It is a lot smaller than California, and I am yet to head to Florida, but still worth a visit.
I would love to visit Paris with our kids, and your visit to Disneyland Paris sounds like just the right balance between fun and familiar – love the Bambi theme! Definitely planning to save this post for planning our family Paris trip.
I can highly recommend the Sequoia Lodge where we stayed. Check out the packages directly with them when you get the chance to go, and reach out if you have any other questions
I was in my early 30’s the first time I went to Paris. I took my daughter there for her 16th birthday (instead of doing the traditional sweet 16 party) and it was an amazing experience. We did Disneyland Paris, and I was so excited that my high school French lessons finally proved to be beneficial. My daughter subsequently took French in college. I couldn’t agree with you more that Paris is a PERFECT place to bring your kids. Loved this so much!
How wonderful! The gift of travel is a much better gift than a party I think.