PARIS FOR FAMILIES 07/18/15 — 07/22/15
Schedule
Saturday 07/18 Paris
Notes: Take it easy while you conquer jet lag, seeing the city from the Seine and from above at the Eiffel Tower. The Rodin museum is nearby if you want a little culture.
MORNING Batobus Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France http://www.batobus.com/
A great way to get your bearings after arriving on a red-eye. This boat makes regular stops along the river, so you can hop on or hop off.
Bateaux-Mouches Port de la Conférence, Pont de l’Alma, 75008 Paris, France http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/ Cruising the Seine, a round-trip cruise from the Pont de l'Alma versus the hop-on/hop-off Batobus.
AFTERNOON L'Avenue 41 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France http://www.avenue-restaurant.com/
Chic brasserie with great people watching and a nice outdoor terrace.
Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower, Avenue Anatole France, Paris, France
Paris' iconic tower is a busy landmark, so buy tickets ahead of time to skip the line or make a reservation at one of the restaurants within the tower (58 Tour Eiffel or Les Buffets is the best bet with kids). There's also a skating rink in the winter.
Musée Rodin Musée Rodin, Rue de Varenne, Paris, France
Great grounds and famous sculptures including The Thinker and The Kiss.
EVENING Les Cocottes 135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France http://www.maisonconstant.com/
Casual and cool, perfect for a family meal to pair with an Eiffel Tower visit, but they don't take reservations so expect a wait at prime time.
Sunday 07/19 Paris
Notes: Spend the morning on a scavenger hunt of the Louvre with our favorite guide, then get your sillies out with sweets, park time and shopping. Stroll across to the d'Orsay for a late afternoon culture kick before dinner. MORNING Louvre Museum Louvre Museum, Paris, France
The world's most visited museum is also the world's most overwhelming place with kids minus a great guide. We love Paris Muse and Context Travel for families.
AFTERNOON Le Café Marly 93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France http://www.beaumarly.com/cafe-marly/accueil
Famous eatery overlooking I.M. Pei's pyramids at the Louvre, but it's somewhat formal for young children (better for school age and older).
Le Fumoir 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris, France http://www.lefumoir.com/
Bistro food the kids will eat and a cool clubby vibe parents will like (it was formerly a speakeasy).
Angelina 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France http://www.angelina-paris.fr/
Famous for their hot chocolates and pastries, but expect a queue.
Tuileries Garden Tuileries Garden, Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France
Prime play time for kids, with toy boats to sail, space to run and carnival rides during the summer.
Rue Saint-Honoré Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France
Not for the weak of heart, the high-fashion labels along Rue Saint-Honoré include home-grown French designers as well as international brands. Colette Colette, Paris, France
If you hit one shop, this is it: a cult-favorite concept store with fashion, accessories, books and more.
Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Paris, France
Even young kids will recognize some of the famous works here, including Van Gogh's Starry Night, Degas' ballerinas and Giverny's Giverney gardens; prepurchase tix online to skip the queue.
EVENING L'Ami Jean Restaurant L'Ami Jean, Rue Malar, Paris, France
Belly busting bistro eating gone upscale.
Monday 07/20 Paris
Notes: Today is devoted to our favorite 'hood, the Marais. Check out the museums, eat at the cafes and pop into some trendy shops and playgrounds full of gorgeous French families.
MORNING Centre Pompidou Pompidou Center, Paris, France
Contemporary art, kids' programming and a great restaurant on the roof.
Picasso Museum Musée Picasso, Rue de Thorigny, Paris, France
Reopened following a massive renovation, smaller and easier to navigate with kids.
AFTERNOON 105 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris, France http://www.pinkflamingopizza.com/
Tiny pizza shop where you can eat in a retrofitted VW bus or they'll deliver to local parks.
La Favorite La Favorite, Rue de Rivoli, 4th arrondissement, France
Classic café in the Marais, great brunch or casual dinner after an afternoon of museums and exploring.
Place des Vosges Place des Vosges, Paris, France
This gorgeous square in the Marais is the city’s oldest, has a great playground and is surrounded by hip cafes and shops.
Marais Shopping Rue de
Hit Rue Vieille du Temple and the surrounding lanes for the hip Marais fashion and home boutiques.
EVENING Le Soufflé Le Soufflé, Rue du Mont Thabor, Paris, France
Old school spot for classic souffle. Be sure to make a reservation since it's small and books up.
Tuesday 07/21 Paris
Notes: Kids love the gory history of the Conciergerie, so spend your morning on the Île de la Cité then fire up on ice cream and head to the Left Bank.
MORNING Conciergerie Conciergerie, Boulevard du Palais, Paris, France Former palace that served as a prison during the French Revolution, famous prisoners include Marie-Antoinette. The artifacts are a little camp but kids will enjoy, and there are free tours in English.
Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle, Boulevard du Palais, Paris, France
Gorgeous gothic chapel next to the Conciergerie.
Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral, Parvis Notre-Dame - place Jean-Paul- II, Paris, France
As crowded as it is famous, Notre Dame is best visited early; note that the crypt has a separate entrance, and there's a playground on the side for entertaining kids while waiting in line.
Berthillon Berthillion, Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, Paris, France
Ice cream treat after touring the Île de la Cité.
AFTERNOON Ralph's 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France http://ralphlaurenstgermain.com/en/#/lerestaurant
Hot spot restaurant with a great garden in the Ralph Lauren store.
Deyrolle 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France http://www.deyrolle.fr/
Famous taxidermy shop full of oddities.
Jardin des Plantes Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France
Paris’ botanical garden is next to the Natural History Museum, and there’s also a small zoo to visit. Don’t miss the Labyrinth, a garden maze created in the 18th-century that’s still a hit with kids.
Luxembourg Gardens Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France
Popular and picturesque park with winding paths, perfect gardens and historic fountains to explore.
EVENING Relais de l'Entrecôte Saint Germain 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France http://www.relaisentrecote.fr/
Old school steakhouse for family-pleasing steak frites.
Wednesday 07/22 Paris
Notes: Today is for exploring beyond Paris. Choose one of our favorite half-day excursions then spend the rest of your day exploring Montmarte.
MORNING Palace of Versailles Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France http://www.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Only 20 minutes by train from Paris, this gilded palace and its equally ornate gardens are a must-do daytrip, even better with a guide.
Château de Chantilly Château de Chantilly, Chantilly, France
If your child is a horse lover, add this to the list: the castle has Europe's largest stables, an equine museum and dressage exhibitions.
Giverny Fondation Claude Monet, Rue Claude Monet, Giverny, France
Visit Monet's home and the gardens that inspired his famous work; can be combined with Versailles if you want to spend a full day out before heading back to the city.
AFTERNOON Hotel Amour 8 Rue Navarin, 75009 Paris, France http://www.hotelamourparis.fr/
Cute terrace seating at this hotel's restaurant, good for lunch while checking out Montemarte.
Montemarte Sacré-Cœur, Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris, France
Wander this artsy neighborhood and explore Sacre Coeur (there's a funicular to the top for tiny climbers who tire easily).
Little Train Tour Place Blanche, Paris, France
A little kitsch but fun with kids, this small train takes families on a recorded tour of the hilly streets and landmarks in Montemarte.
EVENING Brasserie Thoumieux 79 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France
All-day eatery with pizzas, burgers and the cool Costes vibe.
All Activities
Food & Drink Septime 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France http://www.septime-charonne.fr/ More Information » Upscale fare from a hot young chef, great for a date night.
Spring 6 Rue Bailleul, 75001 Paris, France http://www.springparis.fr/ More Information »
An American chef who's created one of the hottest reservations in town, prix-fixe dinner for a parents' night out.
Frenchie 5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France http://www.frenchie-restaurant.com More Information »
The restaurant is cozy and cool, the wine bar more hopping, and it's okay to take well-behaved children but go early.
Verjus 52 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France http://www.verjusparis.com/ More Information »
Hot spot with a tasting menu, but hit the downstairs wine bar for reasonably priced small plates.
La Régalade Saint-Honoré 123 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris, France More Information »
Traditional French cuisine in a charming setting.
Le Verre Volé 67 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris, France http://www.leverrevole.fr/ More Information »
Cozy wine cave with friendly service and classic French dishes, one of the hip string of eateries along Canal Saint- Martin. 111 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris, France http://breizhcafe.com/ More Information »
Best crepes in the Marais.
Cafe Charlot 38 Rue de Bretagne, Paris, France More Information »
Cool spot to grab lunch while shopping in the Marais.
Terroir Parisien 20 Rue Saint-Victor, 75005 Paris, France http://www.bistrot-terroirparisien.fr/ More Information »
Sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine for a date night or a lunch en famile after visiting the Natural History Museum.
Beef Club 58 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris, France http://www.eccbeefclub.com/ More Information »
Steakhouse by the guys from the guys behind Ibiza's Experimental Beach Club; book a sitter for a night here.
Les Enfants Rouges 9 Rue de Beauce, 75003 Paris, France More Information »
One of our favorite food markets in Paris, hit the stands for brunch or lunch.
Hotel Amour 8 Rue Navarin, 75009 Paris, France http://www.hotelamourparis.fr/ More Information »
Cute terrace seating at this hotel's restaurant, good for lunch while checking out Montemarte. L'Avenue 41 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France http://www.avenue-restaurant.com/ More Information »
Chic brasserie with great people watching and a nice outdoor terrace.
Le Café Marly 93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France http://www.beaumarly.com/cafe-marly/accueil More Information »
Famous eatery overlooking I.M. Pei's pyramids at the Louvre, but it's somewhat formal for young children (better for school age and older).
Le Fumoir 6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris, France http://www.lefumoir.com/ More Information »
Bistro food the kids will eat and a cool clubby vibe parents will like (it was formerly a speakeasy).
Angelina 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France http://www.angelina-paris.fr/ More Information »
Famous for their hot chocolates and pastries, but expect a queue.
Les Cocottes 135 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France http://www.maisonconstant.com/ More Information »
Casual and cool, perfect for a family meal to pair with an Eiffel Tower visit, but they don't take reservations so expect a wait at prime time. Pink Flamingo 105 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris, France http://www.pinkflamingopizza.com/ More Information »
Tiny pizza shop where you can eat in a retrofitted VW bus or they'll deliver to local parks.
Berthillon Berthillion, Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, Paris, France More Information »
Ice cream treat after touring the Île de la Cité.
Ralph's 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France http://ralphlaurenstgermain.com/en/#/lerestaurant More Information »
Hot spot restaurant with a great garden in the Ralph Lauren store.
Le Récamier 4 Rue Récamier, 75007 Paris, France More Information »
The ultimate soufflé in Paris? Many would say yes.
Le Soufflé Le Soufflé, Rue du Mont Thabor, Paris, France More Information »
Old school spot for classic souffle. Be sure to make a reservation since it's small and books up.
Relais de l'Entrecôte Saint Germain 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France http://www.relaisentrecote.fr/ More Information »
Old school steakhouse for family-pleasing steak frites. Chez Julien Chez Julien, Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, Paris, France More Information »
Sweet brasserie on the Seine, outdoor seating facing the Île Saint-Louis.
Café de Flore 172 boulevard saint germain, 75006 Paris, France http://www.cafedeflore.fr/ More Information »
This famous cafe is a favorite stop for coffee and a croissant or lunch on the Left Bank.
Monsieur Bleu Monsieur Bleu, Avenue de New York, Paris, France More Information »
Hot spot located in the Palais Tokyo with outdoor seating; full of chic Parisian families for Sunday brunch.
Brasserie Thoumieux 79 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France More Information »
All-day eatery with pizzas, burgers and the cool Costes vibe.
L'Ami Jean Restaurant L'Ami Jean, Rue Malar, Paris, France More Information »
Belly busting bistro eating gone upscale.
Paul Bert 18 Rue Paul Bert, Paris, France More Information »
Charming flea-market decor and contemporary bistro menu scrawled on chalkboards...an unpretentious, modern classic. La Pâtisserie des Rêves La Pâtisserie des Rêves, Rue du Bac, Paris, France More Information »
Fantastic baked goods.
Angelina - Luxembourg Gardens Angelina, Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France More Information »
Luxembourg outpost of the popular cafe.
La Favorite La Favorite, Rue de Rivoli, 4th arrondissement, France More Information »
Classic café in the Marais, great brunch or casual dinner after an afternoon of museums and exploring.
Experiences Batobus Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France http://www.batobus.com/ More Information »
A great way to get your bearings after arriving on a red-eye. This boat makes regular stops along the river, so you can hop on or hop off.
Bateaux-Mouches Port de la Conférence, Pont de l’Alma, 75008 Paris, France http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/ More Information »
Cruising the Seine, a round-trip cruise from the Pont de l'Alma versus the hop-on/hop-off Batobus.
Tuileries Garden Tuileries Garden, Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France More Information »
Prime play time for kids, with toy boats to sail, space to run and carnival rides during the summer.
Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower, Avenue Anatole France, Paris, France More Information »
Paris' iconic tower is a busy landmark, so buy tickets ahead of time to skip the line or make a reservation at one of the restaurants within the tower (58 Tour Eiffel or Les Buffets is the best bet with kids). There's also a skating rink in the winter.
Conciergerie Conciergerie, Boulevard du Palais, Paris, France More Information »
Former palace that served as a prison during the French Revolution, famous prisoners include Marie-Antoinette. The artifacts are a little camp but kids will enjoy, and there are free tours in English.
Sainte-Chapelle Sainte-Chapelle, Boulevard du Palais, Paris, France More Information »
Gorgeous gothic chapel next to the Conciergerie.
Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral, Parvis Notre-Dame - place Jean-Paul- II, Paris, France
As crowded as it is famous, Notre Dame is best visited early; note that the crypt has a separate entrance, and there's a playground on the side for entertaining kids while waiting in line.
Luxembourg Gardens Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France More Information »
Popular and picturesque park with winding paths, perfect gardens and historic fountains to explore.
Palace of Versailles Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France http://www.chateauversailles.fr/homepage More Information »
Only 20 minutes by train from Paris, this gilded palace and its equally ornate gardens are a must-do daytrip, even better with a guide.
Château de Chantilly Château de Chantilly, Chantilly, France More Information »
If your child is a horse lover, add this to the list: the castle has Europe's largest stables, an equine museum and dressage exhibitions.
Giverny Fondation Claude Monet, Rue Claude Monet, Giverny, France More Information »
Visit Monet's home and the gardens that inspired his famous work; can be combined with Versailles if you want to spend a full day out before heading back to the city.
Fat Tire Tours - Paris 24 rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris, France http://paris.fattirebiketours.com/ More Information »
Day tours, night tours, also tours in Versailles and Giverny plus baby seats, toddler trailers, tandem bikes and children's sizing...we love this place.
Montemarte Sacré-Cœur, Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, Paris, France More Information »
Wander this artsy neighborhood and explore Sacre Coeur (there's a funicular to the top for tiny climbers who tire easily).
Little Train Tour Place Blanche, Paris, France More Information »
A little kitsch but fun with kids, this small train takes families on a recorded tour of the hilly streets and landmarks in Montemarte.
Square Leopold Square Léopold-Achille, Rue du Parc Royal, Paris, France More Information »
Charming park and playground.
Roue de Paris Grande Roue, Paris, France More Information »
Paris' version of the London Eye, a super-sized ferris wheel with views across the city.
Jardin des Plantes Jardin des Plantes, Paris, France More Information »
Paris’ botanical garden is next to the Natural History Museum, and there’s also a small zoo to visit. Don’t miss the Labyrinth, a garden maze created in the 18th-century that’s still a hit with kids.
Place des Vosges Place des Vosges, Paris, France More Information »
This gorgeous square in the Marais is the city’s oldest, has a great playground and is surrounded by hip cafes and shops. Buttes Chaumont Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Rue Botzaris, Paris, France More Information »
It's a schlep but beautiful, quiet and has amazing views of Paris plus a cute restaurant for lunch, Pavillion du Lac.
Arts & Culture Centre Pompidou Pompidou Center, Paris, France More Information »
Contemporary art, kids' programming and a great restaurant on the roof.
Picasso Museum Musée Picasso, Rue de Thorigny, Paris, France More Information »
Reopened following a massive renovation, smaller and easier to navigate with kids.
Louvre Museum Louvre Museum, Paris, France More Information »
The world's most visited museum is also the world's most overwhelming place with kids minus a great guide. We love Paris Muse and Context Travel for families.
Musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Paris, France More Information »
Even young kids will recognize some of the famous works here, including Van Gogh's Starry Night, Degas' ballerinas and Giverny's Giverney gardens; prepurchase tix online to skip the queue. Musée Rodin Musée Rodin, Rue de Varenne, Paris, France More Information »
Great grounds and famous sculptures including The Thinker and The Kiss.
Grand Palais Grand Palais, Avenue du Général Eisenhower, Paris, France More Information »
This hall houses interesting art exhibits and a ice skating rink in the winter.
Petite Palais Petit Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris, France More Information »
Museum and cafe (which can be visited without doing the art).
Fondation Louis Vuitton Fondation Louis Vuitton, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Paris, France More Information »
New cultural center with contemporary art, launched by LVMH.
Shopping Deyrolle 46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France http://www.deyrolle.fr/ More Information »
Famous taxidermy shop full of oddities.
Le Bon Marche Le Bon Marché, Rue de Sèvres, Paris, France More Information »
This famous department store also has an excellent kids' section and bookstore.
Marais Shopping Rue de
Hit Rue Vieille du Temple and the surrounding lanes for the hip Marais fashion and home boutiques.
Rue Saint-Honoré Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France
Not for the weak of heart, the high-fashion labels along Rue Saint-Honoré include home-grown French designers as well as international brands.
Colette Colette, Paris, France More Information »
If you hit one shop, this is it: a cult-favorite concept store with fashion, accessories, books and more.
Avenue Montaigne Avenue Montaigne, Paris, France More Information »
Like New York's Fifth Avenue, but more expensive: home to the haute couture of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine and the like.