Paris in 3 Days with Kids: The Ultimate Family City Break
- Rebecca Rangeley
- Aug 22, 2024
- 5 min read
City breaks are fantastic for quick getaways, but they also present the challenge of fitting in as much as possible, especially when visiting a large city like Paris with children in tow. While it’s impossible to see everything in just 3 days, this guide will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you and your kids experience the best of Paris!
There are so many districts and places to go, we stayed in city but of course there are many more further afield such as Monmatre and Moulin Rouge, next time for us!
How to Do Paris in 3 Days?
To make the most of your visit, it’s important to prioritise key attractions and know when to simply enjoy the sights from the outside. For instance, Les Invalides is impressive to walk by, given its immense scale, but we decided to skip the interior due to time constraints and the fact that our kids wouldn’t be up for a few hours in a war museum. However, it’s worth noting that inside, you’ll find the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Getting Around Paris
Paris is divided into two main areas: the Right Bank (Rive Droite) and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche). To avoid unnecessary travel and exhaustion, try to organise your days around one area at a time. I found it helpful to divide the city into triangular sections, focusing each day on one of these areas. Start your day with a metro ride from your accommodation to the first destination, and then wander back on foot, discovering hidden gems along the way.
Walking is often the best way to explore Paris, especially if you’re staying centrally. You’ll find that most of the main attractions are within walking distance, allowing you to stumble upon Parisian cafés, admire the beautiful doors, side streets and find hidden bistros.
However, if you need to cover longer distances, the Paris Metro is efficient and easy to navigate. I highly recommend downloading the Citymapper app, which not only guides you through the metro system but also suggests the best train cars for the most convenient exits and transfers. Plus, the app works in many cities worldwide, so you’ll likely use it again on future trips!
Another option is the hop on and off bus tour, but even better there is a hop on and hop off Siene Boat tour!
Top Tip to Guarantee You See the Highlights of Paris in 3 Days
When we visited it was one week before the Olympics and Bastille Day, we were lucky enough to see the Olympic torch and the fireworks from our apartment. Booking was essential. Regardless, even if you’re visiting in peak tourist season (June, July, August), be sure to book your tickets for major attractions well in advance, as they can sell out quickly.We missed out on taking the lift to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, but the second floor still offered stunning views, and to be honest, our kids might not have managed the additional climb. Don’t worry if the Eiffel Tower is fully booked—there are plenty of alternative viewpoints like the Arc de Triomphe, which also provides a breathtaking panorama of the city. The Montparnasse Tower is another option for those seeking a bird’s-eye view of Paris.
Be aware of booking windows: for instance, you can book Eiffel Tower tickets only 14 days before your visit, while the Catacombs only open reservations 7 days in advance.
Art Galleries in Paris
When travelling with children, especially younger ones, it’s best to choose just one art gallery to visit. The Musée d’Orsay a fantastic option, not only because it’s smaller and more manageable, but also because it’s housed in a stunning former railway station, which you’ll spot during a Seine River boat cruise.
Louvre Highlights: Of course, the Mona Lisa is a must-see, but don’t miss other masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Michelangelo’s sculptures, and David’s The Coronation of Napoleon. We sent the kids with the map of the Louvre and turned it into a hunt to find these highlights!
Musée d’Orsay Best For: Van Gogh’s Starry Night and its beautiful architecture as an old station.
Musée de l’Orangerie Best For: Impressionist works, including eight of Monet’s Water Lilies paintings.
A must see with Kids in Paris, The
Luxembourg Gardens: This park is a paradise for children, featuring a delightful playground (small entrance fee), pony rides, fair rides, and a pond where kids can sail small boats. Parents can relax with a coffee while watching the kids play or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere from one of the many chairs scattered throughout the park.
To Eat
Crêpes: You’ll find crêperies all over Paris, but if you’re near the 2nd arrondissement, two standouts are Crêperie Alo (so good we visited twice!) and Crêperie Elo, conveniently located near Notre-Dame.
French Cuisine: Bouillon Chartier has several locations across Paris, including near the Montparnasse Tower. Another great option is La Nouvelle Garde, which has a few restaurants throughout the city, offering traditional French dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Brasseries Dubillot and Bouillon des Prés are also fantastic choices.
With this itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful, family-friendly trip to Paris, making memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
3-Day Itinerary for Paris
Day 1:
Morning: Start with the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River boat tour. There are loads to choose from, we didn’t take any packages, just basic 1 hr tour, we did spot the hop on and off tour and that looked like a great idea, particularly for today’s itinerary! Next time!
Midday: Walk by Les Invalides.
Afternoon: Explore the Tuileries Garden and visit the Louvre.
Dinner: Dine at Brasseries Dubillot. They have several locations in various arrondissements, offering excellent French cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
Day 2:
Morning: Combine a visit to the Catacombs with a trip up the Montparnasse Tower.
Lunch: Enjoy classic French bistro food at Bouillon Chartier, a great spot with family-friendly prices.
Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Day 3:
Morning: Discover the Centre Pompidou.
Midday: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Lunch: Stop by a crêperie for a delicious crêpe lunch.
Afternoon: Explore the Panthéon.
Top Things to Visit
The Eiffel Tower
The Louvre
Musée d’Orsay
The Catacombs
Arc de Triomphe
Top Things to Do
Boat trip down the Seine
Walk through the Luxembourg Gardens
Stroll the Tuileries Garden
Cross one of Paris’s 37 bridges: Highlights include Pont Neuf (near Notre-Dame) and Pont de l’Alma (closer to the Eiffel Tower).
Walk down the Champs-Élysées
Sit in a café and watch the world go by
Eat crêpes!
Dine in a traditional French brasserie, like Bouillon Chartier
To See
Les Invalides
Notre-Dame
The Palais Royal (you’ll see on boat tour!)
Montmartre
We topped our 3 days in Paris off with 2 nights at Eurodisney - come back to read about that soon!
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