This is one of those blog posts I can’t believe I’m actually writing. In April, my family and I took our very first trip to Paris, and it still feels surreal! If you missed the beginning of our adventure, where we spent a few magical days at Disneyland Paris, make sure to catch up on that post first here.
The most common question I’ve received is, “Where do you even begin planning a trip to Paris, especially with kids?” Let me tell you: planning was key with our 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in tow.
How We Planned It
I had a general idea of the must-see spots on our list, but I needed help organizing it all. I reached out to friends who had visited Paris with children and relied heavily on two incredible resources: ChatGPT (yes, really!) and a Facebook group called Travel to Paris with Kids | By FunDay
The Facebook group is filled with helpful posts- you can just search for what you need. I only posted one question because everything else had already been answered! ChatGPT also helped me map out our itinerary with restaurant suggestions, train tips, nearby shopping, and more. So today, I’m paying it forward and sharing all the details of our family trip to Paris!
Day 1: Arrival in Paris + Exploring Galeries Lafayette
We took a private shuttle from Disneyland Paris to the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel in the 9th arrondissement. We chose this hotel for the location (just a block from Galeries Lafayette!), the easy access to the Metro, and the perks of being Marriott members.
Our rooms were perfect: two connecting rooms, each with its own spacious bathroom and sitting area. Highly recommend this hotel for families.
Once we arrived, we spent the day getting to know the area and testing out the Metro since it would be our main form of transportation. Galeries Lafayette kept us busy while we waited for our room to be ready, and it truly is the most incredible shopping mall I’ve ever been to. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace- it offers breathtaking views of Paris and our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!
Day 2: Notre Dame + The Louvre
We started early with a Metro ride to Notre Dame and arrived around 8 a.m. There was barely any line, and we were able to attend early Mass. We didn’t take many photos inside—we really wanted to soak in the beauty and spirituality of the cathedral.
The weather was gorgeous, so we strolled the area for a few hours—sipping coffee, enjoying pastries, and stopping for champagne (because… Paris).
We walked along the Seine to the Louvre, stopping to explore the grounds and snap a few photos at the glass pyramid.
We booked the Paris Muse Clues: A Louvre Family Tour, and it was one of the highlights of the trip! Our guide, Ed Klein, led an interactive treasure hunt through several galleries, helping our kids connect with the art in such a fun, engaging way. It was a private tour, no waiting in line, and while it was a bit of a splurge, it was absolutely worth it.
Day 3: Day Trip to Versailles
This was probably one of my favorite days, and to be honest, we weren’t sure if we were going to make the day trip to Versailles, but I’m so glad we did!
We booked the Palace of Versailles & Gardens: Trianon Estate + Guided Tour, which wasn’t specifically for kids, but it was short and digestible. Despite going on a “low crowd” day, it still felt busy—so be prepared.
We skipped a guided tour of the gardens and rented a golf cart instead- best decision ever! The grounds are massive, and the cart even came with audio narration. We spent about three hours exploring, stopping for lunch at Le Terrasses, a garden café where we had delicious sandwiches, macarons, and beignets.
Before heading back to Paris, we wandered through the Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château. I told my husband that next time, I want to spend a few days just exploring Versailles. It’s so charming!
Day 4: Eiffel Tower, Family Photos + Seine River Cruise
We booked our Eiffel Tower summit tickets in advance from the official website (definitely do this- they sell out fast). We took the Metro and walked about 15 minutes to the tower, arriving with enough time to go through security and wait in line.
The views were everything I dreamed of. We grabbed a snack in one of the igloos on the second floor, then headed to our family photo shoot with Gabby in Paris Photography. She was amazing! While I regretted our outfit choices (I had planned for gloomy weather, but it was sunny with cherry blossoms in full bloom!), the photos turned out beautifully and will always be so special to me.
We took a break at the hotel, changed and recharged, before heading back to the Eiffel Tower area for our Seine River Sightseeing Cruise– another highlight! Floating past the city’s iconic buildings at sunset was just magical.
We ended the day with dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower, watching it sparkle as night fell. Then we sat on the Champ de Mars lawn and soaked in our last full night in Paris looking up at the sparkling tower!
Day 5: Departure + Paris Airport Adventures
We used the same shuttle service that we took from Disney to get to the airport. Although our flight was delayed, I didn’t mind one bit- the Paris airport is amazing! Between shopping, food, and lounges, we were well-entertained. We were also able to pick up last minute souvenirs!
And yes, we did it: McDonald’s in Paris (at the airport!). My kids were so excited. The menu was totally different—definitely worth the experience. Eventually, we boarded our flight and said au revoir to Paris.
What We Didn’t Get to Do
Honestly, I could’ve spent weeks in Paris and still wanted more. As much as we packed in, there were a few things I wish we’d had time for:
- Strolling through Tuileries Garden
- Walking the Champs-Élysées and seeing the Arc de Triomphe
- Visiting the stunning Sainte-Chapelle
What I Wore
Packing for Paris in the spring can be tricky. We planned on cold, rain and gloom, and we ended up getting sun, warmer than usual weather and not one drop of rain our entire visit. Layers were essential and comfy walking shoes. While I would have loved to pack my entire closet, it just wasn’t a reality since we had limited space in our suitcases. I kept it simple, comfortable and easy to pack.
Click on the photos to shop my looks
Final Thoughts
This trip was nothing short of magical. From the historical landmarks to the croissants and river views, I’ll never forget the memories we made as a family. If you’re dreaming of Paris, especially with kids, start planning now. It’s everything you imagine… and then some.
