Spending a day in Paris with children can be a wonderful experience. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary for your day in the City of Light:
Morning:
- Eiffel Tower: Start your day early by visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower. You can take the lift or climb a bit with the kids for a fantastic view of Paris. Try to arrive when it opens to avoid long queues. If you don’t fancy the heights, just soak in the views from the ground for free! The kids will love to be right by the tower.
Mid-Morning:
- Seine River Cruise: Head to the nearby Seine River and take a short cruise. Kids often love the boat ride, and it’s a great way to see some of Paris’s famous landmarks. We used a company called Bateaux Mouches which we found to be very reasonably priced.
Lunch:
- Picnic at Champ de Mars: Grab some delicious French pastries and sandwiches from a local bakery and have a picnic in the beautiful Champ de Mars park right by the Eiffel Tower. Kids can run around while you enjoy the view. Consider taking your own picnic to keep costs down; food can be pricey in Paris.
Afternoon:
- Jardin des Tuileries: After lunch, walk to Jardin des Tuileries. It’s a fantastic place for kids with lovely gardens, fountains, and even a small carousel.
- Louvre Museum: While the Louvre may seem daunting with kids, you can explore its beautiful courtyard and see the famous glass pyramid. Consider booking a family-friendly tour if you’re interested in some art.
Late Afternoon:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral. At the time of writing this, Notre-Dame is still closed since the fire and is due to re-open in 2024, however it is still a great sight to behold and you can enjoy its exterior facade.
Evening:
- Dinner in Le Marais: Head to the Le Marais district, which has plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Try some classic French dishes and enjoy the charming atmosphere.
- Seine River at Night: End your day with a stroll along the Seine River. In the evening, many of the city’s famous landmarks are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Remember to take it easy, and if your children need a break, Paris has many parks and playgrounds where they can unwind.
If you really want to do some prep, it would be a great idea to talk about some of the attractions you will visit and learn about the history before you take your trip. Your kids will love spotting the iconic sights they have learned about, you could even turn it into a scavenger hunt!
Enjoy your day exploring Paris with your family!
