Explore My City with Guest Blogger Virginie from Travel with My Kids
Paris is my hometown, the place where I was born and raised, as my two oldest children were. If I had only 24 hours to spend in Paris with some friends and kids, I’d love to share with them a great stroll from the historic center of Paris through the Left Bank side, among some of our family’s favorite spots, gardens and museum.
Follow me, and let’s go for our perfect Parisian day!
A morning among Gothic gems
Let’s meet in front of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, on the « Parvis » square. Will you find the bronze star set into the cobblestones, right in front of the Cathedral’s main entrance? Bingo, you’ve hit the ‘Point Zero’: the exact center of Paris and the location from which all roads of France are measured.
The kids may also recognize that the Cathedral is The Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney’s movie’s set (and of course Victor Hugo’s novel « Notre-Dame de Paris ») and have a look to the famous gargoyles, Quasimodo’s friends!
From there, a 5-10 minutes walk will lead you to the Sainte Chapelle. The nicest way is to walk along the banks, where stands the « Marché aux fleurs» (Flower market) every day and the Bird’s market on Sundays. (Place Louis Lépine-Quai de Corse) Then we’ll visit the Sainte Chapelle, a real gem!
This splendid Gothic Church masterpiece was the private chapel of king Saint-Louis. Go to the first floor to discover the wonderful stained-glass windows, retracing the most important episodes of the Bible. When the sunlight illuminates the colors, it is really magical: one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Get the children’s booklet guide (from 7 to 8-year-old) that indicates the most interesting parts and explains who the characters on the stained glass are. You can spend there about one hour to enjoy the visit. (4 Boulevard du Palais)
A typical Parisian lunch
I’ll suggest to have lunch in a simple and typical Parisian café. Ask for a baguette sandwich “jambon-beurre” (ham and butter), or a « croque-monsieur » with French fries. To do as French do, try some of our most popular drinks: “Grenadine” for the kids (syrup made from pomegranate seeds), and “panaché” for the grown-ones, that is simply a combination of a light beer and a citrusy soda like Sprite.
If it’s a sunny day, it could also be nice to have a picnic at Square du Vert Galant (at the end of the Ile de la Cité). Any bakery can provide some nice sandwiches and beverage to take away.
Sightseeing with Seine river cruise
Because everybody needs to seat and relax sometimes, all the family will enjoy a ride on a Seine riverboat (that we call “bateaux-mouches”). It’s a great way for the kids to have a glimpse and admire some of the Paris’ highlights, passing by the Palais de Justice, the Louvre, and of course the Eiffel Tower.
Don’t forget to give the kids anything to take pictures and make their own photo story! Cruising lasts approximately one hour. Departure from Pont Neuf (Paris’ oldest bridge), with the “Vedettes du Pont Neuf”.
Look out for cruise specials such as this Christmas cruise for something truly unique!
An afternoon having fun in Luxembourg Gardens
It’s time to play! The Luxembourg Gardens is the largest park in Paris, in the heart of the Quartier Latin. Of course, you can simply stroll in the beautiful gardens “à la française”, or lie down on the lawn, but there are also many fun things to do for children: eat a good waffle, go on a swing, crawl around the playground or ride a pony…
Our very favorites: for the small ones, the puppet theatre, a real institution, for the oldest, miniature sailing ships (for rent) that you push with a stick and watch them gliding on the large central pond… all the charm of old amusements! (Free entrance, 2 rue Auguste Comte 75006 Paris)
If the weather is not great for outdoor activities, you can head to Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden), where there is a great Natural History Museum. Go straight to the “Galerie de l’évolution”, where stands a spectacular parade of stuffed animals: giraffes, elephants, hippopotamuses, tortoises… a procession worthy of Ice Age! (Museum d’Histoire Naturelle: 36, rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire 75005 Paris – closed on Tuesdays).
In the Botanical garden itself, there are plenty of things to do for young people: adventure playground, old and pretty merry-go-round, and a small zoo.
Yummy crepes for dinner
Although you may dream of a French cuisine gastronomic meal, I bet that the kids will love yummy crepes in a casual but cozy eatery. It’s more a Brittany than a Parisian speciality, but anyway you’re sure to treat your kids! Try both savory (« galettes ») and sweet crepes, with a cup of fresh apple cider for the parents. My favorites « Crêperie » in the Latin Quarter are: Crêperie des Canettes, (10 rue des Canettes 75006 Paris) or Little Breizh, (11 rue Grégoire de Tours 75006) (don’t miss their salted caramel crepe, a real delight !).
Tips: This one-day itinerary can be done by foot and bus. It mixes fun and educational activities for kids and sightseeing of beautiful authentic and historic areas of the city. The more convenient would be to stay at an hotel or rental apartment on the Left Bank (Saint-Germain-des-prés or Latin Quarter), not the cheapest area but surely one of the loveliest… worth it!
Read more of Virginie’s tips to prepare for Paris on Travel with my kids!
Resources for Visiting Paris
- Where to stay with kids? The Team at Little City Trips have a hand-picked selection of Parisienne hotels perfect for family-sized groups and to suit all budgets
- Travelling with Teens? We love this review from Phoebe at Lou Messugo on how to keep your older kids entertained
- Got a few days to spend? Shivani from the Wandering Core shares her 3-day Paris itinerary
- Got even longer in Paris? Here are 98 Exciting Hidden Gems in Paris from Salut From Paris
About the Blogger
Virginie is a French native, born in Paris and living in Rome. Mother of 3 and former French teacher, she combines her passion for writing, travelling and discovering the world with kids on her website. You can read her family travel reviews in English on http://travel-with-my-kids.com and French https://avec-mes-enfants.fr/
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We will be spending two weeks in Paris with our 5 year old, 2 year old and 11 month old. What do you think about bringing a double stroller and a baby carrier? We plan to take the bus since it is the most stroller accessible from what we’ve read.
Hi Diana, with these ages I have personally still taken the stroller and just tried to walk as much possible without transport, occasional taxi if need be. We’ve not specifically been to Paris with a double but other cities around the world. It is a little bit of a hassle but travelling with 3 tinies is hard work no matter what, having somewhere to put them all is sooooo helpful!!
We have exactly one day in Paris in April with our kids so this was the perfect article for us. Thanks!
What perfect timing then! Hope it helps you organise and make the most of your limited time.
We’re going to Paris in March! Thanks for the tips on the Notre Dame area. My kids are a bit older (13 and 15) but I’ll let them search for the bronze star!
So glad that Virginie’s pointers can help you! What a fabulous age for the kids to travel to Paris, they will get so much from it I’m sure
Such a rich list of places to visit with kids… and without them too! Every year I promise myself to spend my birthday in Paris, and every year I change destination at the final minute saying to myself “Paris will always be there”… I think it’s time to change my mind 🙂
oh a must! Please do it one time (maybe without the kids for something extra special!!)
Thanks a lot Keri! Really glad to be featured in a great series as “Explore my City” 🙂 Wish you all awesome family trips, and specially in Paris !
Thanks for the top tips too! Its so hard to know when your time is limited and such a big city what are the mustn’t miss highlights. Glad to say we ticked off most of your suggestions when we had 48 hours with a baby many years ago now!
Oh Paris, my favourite! The kids are still asking when we can go back…?
It such an easy going city to get around, despite its size, new things to discover around every corner I bet they loved it!!