Families in France: taking the kids to Paris

Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world. I fell in love with it in my early 20’s and I’ve returned many times since. Every visit I discover something new but I never tire of great Parisian food, beautiful buildings, rich history and the amazing museums. For Expedia’s Kiwi  travellers, it’s a must-visit on a European adventure and we’re heading there in droves. It can get busy in peak summer months, so most people try and book 3 months in advance.

Yes this is the city of love, and yes Paris is sophisticated and charming, but it still has a lot to offer for kids.

Getting Around

I love exploring Paris on foot. Detour down cobblestone laneways into pockets of Paris not listed in your guidebook. Don’t be afraid to get out of the tourist hotspots. You’ll find plenty of character in the 5^th arrondissement, it’s home to the Latin Quarter and a slew of 3 star hotels that are gaining popularity with Australians. Expedia’s Paris Holidays are great for first timers.

If you’re travelling with tired little legs, almost every building in Paris is within 500m of a Metro. The Metro Map looks like tangled coloured spaghetti but it’s very simple once you get the hang of it and makes getting to attractions really easy.

A trip on a Bateau Mouche is a great way to get orientated with the city and its major landmarks. These boats take you on a tour of the River Seine with great commentary on sites and their historical significance. The tours generally last about an hour. Children under four are free.

Eating Out with Kids

Cafes: if you see a kids menu, expect kid-sized portions of adult meals (e.g. escargot not chicken nuggets!). There’s plenty that children will enjoy, even if all they eat is a Croque-Monsieur (toasted ham and cheese sandwich).

Picnics: with an abundance of beautiful parks and small supermarkets, Paris is perfect for picnics. Buy fresh baguettes, ham and cheese, sit on the grass and let the kids play while you eat.

Crêperies: you’ll find streetside crêperies all over Paris, selling sweet and savoury options such as Nutella or ham, cheese and egg. What child would say no to “pancakes” for lunch?

Pâtisseries: perfect for a treat (or bribe) for the whole family. No one will say no to a fresh Pain au Chocolat or Éclair. Take your little ones into Ladurée on the Élysées, where the brightly coloured macarons look too good to eat. Get takeaway and munch while you tackle this long avenue.