Three Days in Paris: Exploring the City with Kids

Embarking on a family-friendly trip to Paris is like stepping into a storybook, where the charm of the City of Light meets the magic of shared adventures with your loved ones. Paris has always been on my daughter’s “must visit” list, so being able to take her was a dream come true. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to charming cobblestone streets in Montmartre, there is a treasure trove of experiences that cater to visitors of all ages.

Raleigh-Durham Airport has direct flights to Paris, making this European trip much more feasible for families in the area. Ensuring that our Parisian adventure would be cherished by both children and adults, we discovered the perfect balance between culture, history, fun, and entertainment. I will never forget my girl’s reactions the first time they laid eyes on the Eiffel Tower – the excitement alone was well worth the trip!

I have compiled a list of the three A’s: Accommodations, Adventures, and Appetite!  If you have any questions about Paris or our trip please send me an email!

Accommodations

Our family stayed at Aparthotel Tour Eiffel, a delightful and convenient experience in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Eiffel Tower, this accommodation offers the perfect blend of comfort and location. The well-appointed apartments are designed to provide a home away from home, with spacious living areas and fully equipped kitchens, making it an ideal choice for families. We had a one bedroom apartment with a king size bed and pull-out couch. The pull out couch was two twin beds – making this very convenient when traveling with two children. The entire place was impeccably clean and this felt like home away from home for us.

We had a captivating view of the Eiffel Tower from our window, constantly reminding us that we were in this beautiful city – a true “pinch me” moment. We were able to watch the Eiffel Tower light up each night and sparkle on the hour, this was extra special for our family and created core memories. With its prime location, modern amenities, and a friendly staff, the Aparthotel Tour Eiffel ensures that your Parisian experience is not only memorable but also effortlessly enjoyable. This hotel was the perfect base for exploring Paris.

Aparthotel offered a delicious breakfast buffet with some of the best pastries we have ever had, and they even had chocolate cake which delighted my kiddos. Fresh squeezed orange juice, eggs, bacon, crescents, and so much more fueled us at the beginning of each day.

Adventures

Louvre Museum – I am going to give you the best tip for visiting the Louvre: go on Friday during the extended hours. It felt like we had the entire museum to ourselves and was one of the most incredible experiences! We booked the family friendly Paris Muse Clues, a private tour with Paris Muse. Not only do you skip the line, you are then lead on a scavenger hunt through the Egyptian, Ancient Near East, Greek and Roman, Renaissance Italian, and French galleries.

Our guide, Julien, was incredibly captivating and super knowledgeable on every possible question my kids could throw at him. Visiting the museum and having a “game” with clues to decode not only held the interest of my children, but truly peaked their interest in art. They were able to absorb the facts and information, and on top of that – at the end they discovered an educational prize hidden somewhere under the Louvre’s glass pyramid. I Highly recommend Paris Muse for a guided tour of the Louvre, the personalized approach ensures that the tour caters to your interests and preferences, making it an unforgettable and educational experience that allows you to truly appreciate the Louvre’s vast and magnificent collection.

Palace of Versailles – My husband and I went to Paris in 2010, and he regretted not visiting Versailles. On this trip we made sure to include it on our itinerary. I knew Versailles is rich in history, so I wanted to take a guided tour. Visiting Versailles with Liv Tours is an unparalleled experience that transforms exploration of this palace and its stunning gardens into an unforgettable journey through history and art. With our tour, we were able to skip the line (it was LONG) and begin our journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Believe what you read, the crowds here are massive – at any time of day, any day of the week. Having a guide was super helpful in navigating the palace without getting caught up in the crowds. With Liv Tours, Versailles becomes more than just a destination; it transformed into a living, breathing testament to the French monarchy, leaving our family with lasting memories of this magnificent palace and its rich history. After our tour concluded, we visited the gardens and rented a golf cart to explore the vast grounds. It was rainy and very windy/cold – so this was our best option to cover ground with our kiddos.

Cooking Class – One of the highlights of our trip to Paris was a family cooking class with Cook n’ with Class – a truly delightful and educational adventure that brings generations together over the art of French cuisine. My girls LOVE cooking, so I knew this would be something they would enjoy – and I was right! Our head chef, Christian, was so patient and encouraging to little chefs, something that a amplified our experience. We took the family patisserie class which focused on French desserts, cakes, and tarts. Over the course of 2.5 hours we made crème brulée, chocolate cake, Eiffel Tower cookies, and pear tarts. Our children were given tasks from using the torch for the tops of the crème brulée (they were so excited) to mixing, rolling, cutting, and so much more. This gave them so much confidence in the kitchen that was incredible to watch.

The class encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork as families work together to prepare and savor the fruits of their labor. It’s a sensory journey that engages not only the taste buds but also the hearts and minds of every family member, creating lasting memories of Paris through the joys of cooking and sharing a meal together. The best part – eating everything at the end! We were unable to finish it all, so thankfully they give to-go boxed to be enjoyed later. Highly recommend!

Eiffel Tower – We were unsure if we would climb the Eiffel Tower on our visit, but my kids made it clear they were up for the challenge. Tickets to the tower sell out FAST, at least the ones using the elevators. We bought tickets to climb the stairs to the second level (674 steps!), and I was unsure how that would go… but my kids surprised me and made it with ease. We had great views of the city, and were able to take the elevator back down (my legs were very thankful for that!). After our visit, we went to a local grocery store to grab a baguette, wine, and deli meat. We had a picnic lunch and it was such a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Paris Photoshoot – You all know I LOVE photos, especially professional photoshoots while traveling. They are the kind of priceless memories that become souvenirs to me. I had daydreamed of a photoshoot in Paris, and Flytographer made that a reality! Flytographer’s talented photographers are not just experts in their craft, but also locals who intimately know the best angles, lighting, and hidden gems that Paris has to offer. We were able to communicate about desired photos and date/times that worked for us – and they set up the rest! And you guys… look at how these photos turned out. Be still my heart!

Flytographer’s innovative service offers travelers the opportunity to have their vacation memories professionally photographed in a candid and natural style. Each image becomes a cherished keepsake that tells your unique story – I will be having many of these printed and hung around the house!

Luxembourg Gardens – A visit to Luxembourg Gardens in Paris with kids is a charming and family-friendly adventure that brings a touch of whimsy to the heart of the city. The expansive green lawns, serene fountains, and meticulously manicured flowerbeds create a delightful playground for both children and adults. The highlight for children is the sailboat pond, where they can rent tiny sailboats and watch them glide across the water, making it a magical experience. Before our visit I had no idea how this pond with sailboats could be so captivating to kiddos, and now I totally get it. It will be the best six euros you spend on your entire trip. That six euros will give your child thirty minutes of fun – and my favorite part was that each boat had the flag of a country. This tiny detail helped my children learn many countries flags in such a short time, they loved to run from side to side pushing off their boats.

Appetite

Café de l’Empire – Café de l’Empire is a charming and quintessential Parisian café located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, offering a delightful dining experience. The service is warm and welcoming, and the staff is attentive to the needs of their guests. The overall experience is a perfect blend of Parisian charm, delicious cuisine, and stunning views, making it a memorable stop on your Parisian journey. I would highly recommend the duck, and be sure to get some wine!

Joya – A short walk from our hotel, Joya was one of the most adorable and beautiful restaurants we have ever dined in. With flowers dripping from the ceiling and a modern neon pink sign in French, this was such beautiful and warm atmosphere. This restaurant blends traditional Italian cuisine with fresh products, mostly imported from Italy. The taste was unreal, this was some of my favorite food in Paris (and yes, it was Italian food haha). I would highly recommend the Parisian take on Carbonara, it was so good my daughter insisted we switch dishes.

L’Abreuvoir – L’Abreuvoir is a charming restaurant located in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris, offering a delightful dining experience in one of the city’s most iconic and artistic districts. The staff is kind and welcoming, so much so that we felt like old friends coming back to visit. The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with its intimate interior and sidewalk seating providing a romantic and intimate ambiance. The menu offers a genuine taste of French culinary excellence, I would highly recommend the fish dish – it was exceptional. L’Abreuvoir also has an excellent selection of French wines, which perfectly complement the menu.

Until next time…