Paris with Family: Our Summer 2023 Trip + Complete Planning Guide
- Jun 10, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Paris with Family: At a Glance
When We Visited: Summer 2023
Best For: Families with kids ages 6+
Our Trip Length: 5 days
What Worked:
✅ VIP line at Louvre (stroller helped us skip hours-long wait)
✅ Seine River cruise (relaxing, educational, great views)
✅ Versailles gardens (more enjoyable than the palace)
What We'd Change:
⚠️ Book skip-line tickets in advance (summer lines are brutal)
⚠️ Choose accommodation with A/C (essential in July/August)
⚠️ Set realistic food expectations (touristy areas are commercialized)
Overview
Paris, the city of light and love, welcomed our family with its enchanting beauty and rich history during the summer of 2023. Despite the intense heat, our stay in a traditional Parisian Airbnb apartment added a layer of charm to our adventure. The apartment, spacious and centrally located, did come with its share of stairs, which made the first day with luggage a bit challenging. However, the character of the building and the comfort of the apartment made it all worthwhile, but I would imagine any stay in the right neighborhood would be spectacular. Here are a few neighborhoods I would recommend Saint-Germain / Luxembourg - it is a bit more upscale, Latin Quarter - more historic, lively and central or Le Marais - trendy but surprisingly family friendly.
Discovering Jardin des Tuileries
Our first full day in Paris started with a leisurely 15-minute walk to the Jardin des Tuileries. This historic garden was alive with a summer carnival, complete with rides and food stalls. The kids were ecstatic, and we spent hours enjoying the festivities. The carnival, a seasonal event, added a delightful touch to our visit and set the tone for our Parisian adventure.
A VIP Experience at the Louvre
The next day was dedicated to the Louvre, one of the world's largest and most renowned museums. Upon arrival, we were daunted by the incredibly long line, especially in the sweltering heat. However, fortune smiled upon us as we were accompanied by family members with a baby in a stroller. A kind security personnel noticed our group and ushered us to the VIP line, allowing us to bypass the hours-long wait. Inside, we equipped ourselves with headsets, immersing ourselves in the museum’s vast collection of paintings and sculptures. Though we only managed to explore half of the Louvre, the experience was awe-inspiring and left us thoroughly exhausted yet fulfilled.
Tranquil Moments on the Seine
On a whim, we decided to take a Seine River cruise, a decision that turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The serene journey along the river provided a refreshing perspective of the city, away from the bustling streets. Our tour guide’s deep knowledge of Parisian history and landmarks enriched the experience, making it both educational and relaxing.
Scaling the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Despite the long lines and crowded viewing platforms, the breathtaking views from the top made the experience unforgettable. While it may not be something we’d rush to do again, it was a must-see and we were glad to have ticked it off our list.
Exploring the Splendor of Versailles
One of our most anticipated day trips was to the Palace of Versailles, a 45-minute Uber ride from Paris. The journey was smooth, but the kids grew increasingly eager to explore the famed palace. Arriving on the hottest day of our trip, we were struck by the lack of air conditioning within the palace. Despite this, the opulent rooms and halls were captivating. However, it was the meticulously maintained grounds that truly stole our hearts. The sprawling gardens, with their stunning landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, provided a cool respite and became our favorite part of Versailles.
Reflecting on Our Parisian Adventure
Overall, our time in Paris was filled with memorable moments and family bonding. We were grateful for the opportunity to experience its unique charm and historic grandeur. One area that left us wanting more was the food, which we found to be more commercialized than expected. Nonetheless, Paris offered us an enriching and unforgettable summer vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris With Kids
Is Paris good for families with young kids? Best for ages 6 and up. Paris involves lots of walking (we averaged 4-5 miles daily), museums require patience, and many attractions have stairs. Younger kids can enjoy Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, and Seine cruises, but extensive museum days are challenging. If you have toddlers, focus on parks and outdoor spaces.
What's the best area to stay in Paris with family? Saint-Germain-des-Prés is ideal - safe, walkable, near Luxembourg Gardens. Latin Quarter offers similar centrality with more budget options. Le Marais has charming pedestrian streets and great food. All three neighborhoods put you within walking distance of major attractions. Book family rooms 3-6 months ahead - they sell out fast.
How do you avoid lines at Paris museums and attractions? Book timed-entry tickets online weeks in advance. The Paris Museum Pass offers skip-the-line access to 60+ museums and is worth it if visiting 3+ attractions. From our experience: families with strollers sometimes get directed to shorter accessibility lines (ask security). Going at opening (9am) or late afternoon (after 3pm) also helps avoid peak crowds.
When's the best time to visit Paris with kids? Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal temperatures and fewer crowds. We visited in summer - hot (85-95°F) and very crowded, but summer festivals and long days were great for kids. Winter is least crowded and cheapest, but cold and rainy. For first-timers, aim for May or September.
How much should I budget for Paris with a family? Paris is expensive. Budget €200-300/day for a family of 4 (mid-range hotels, restaurants, attractions). Save money by: choosing apartment hotels with kitchens, picnic lunches from bakeries, free activities in parks, visiting free museums on first Sundays. Skip-the-line tickets cost extra but save hours of waiting in heat with cranky kids - worth it.
Do you need to speak French in Paris? No. Tourist areas have English speakers. A few phrases help ("bonjour," "merci") and show respect, but we managed fine with minimal French and Google Translate. Museum staff and major restaurants all spoke English
Need a custom Paris itinerary? Use our AI Family Travel Planner to build a personalized trip based on your kids' ages.
