Two days in Paris: discover our itinerary for a family trip
For your next family weekend away, plan a trip to Paris with your children! Hotels, activities, places to visit, and discovering all the city has to offer… we’ve got you covered with our bespoke itinerary of the French capital. Enjoy!
Day 1: Must-see places in Paris to visit as a family
On a trip to the capital with your children, start discovering the most iconic sights in the City of Lights from day one and make the most out of your family holiday.
Option 1: A timeless moment at the top of the Eiffel Tower
When you think of Paris, it’s the first thing that springs to mind. The Eiffel Tower is still the beating heart of the capital and the most emblematic landmark in the whole of France – one you can visit time and time again. Did you know that it has recently increased in height by several metres? A new antenna means it now reaches the dizzy heights of 330 metres tall! The whole family can get stuck in – climb to the first level to discover the glass floor, then to the second to enjoy the 360-degree view. Fancy going up even higher? Ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower, 276 metres high: your little one will have a whale of a time!
Option 2: Step into the history and emotion of Notre-Dame
No family trip to Paris is complete without a stop at Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 12th century, reshaped over time and restored in the 19th century, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture stands at the heart of the Île de la Cité — the historic birthplace of Paris. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it captivates visitors with both its rich history and its striking design, from intricate rose windows to soaring vaults and a finely sculpted façade. Since December 7, 2024, the cathedral has reopened its doors following reconstruction work after the fire.
Admission is free for all, making it an ideal cultural visit with children. Opening hours are as follows: Monday to Friday from 7:50 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (until 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays), and weekends from 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with last entry 30 minutes before closing.
After your visit, extend the experience with a stroll through the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s oldest and liveliest neighborhoods. From Pont Saint-Michel, head up Boulevard Saint-Michel, wander through medieval streets like Rue de la Huchette or Rue Mouffetard, then make your way to the Panthéon via the Sorbonne and the Arènes de Lutèce. A perfect walking route to soak up the city’s historic atmosphere and round off a day of exploring in the heart of Paris.
Option 3: A whirlwind of sensations in the world of the Louvre
Out of all the museums in Paris, this particular museum is without doubt the most emblematic in the capital. The Louvre Museum is ready and waiting to unveil its majestic collections, starting of course with the famous Joconde. But the museum also has lots of fun tours and activities on offer for children, including themed guided tours. There are even games for children in the forum!
After your visit to one of the most beautiful districts in Paris, it is easy to continue exploring the city on foot. Just outside, Place du Carrousel and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel connect the palace to the Tuileries Garden, a vast green space perfect for a family stroll. Heading west, Rue de Rivoli stretches for several kilometres beneath its arcades, lined with shops and typically Parisian cafés. If you continue north-east, you will reach Place Vendôme, renowned for its classical architecture and its iconic column, followed by the Palais Royal and its gardens, home to the Colonnes de Buren, an ideal spot for a photo break before carrying on your discovery of central Paris.
Day 1: How to enjoy the festive spirit of Paris as a family?
As night falls, Paris reveals a different side, more vibrant and festive. The capital is full of things to do in the evening, from shows, clubs and bars to festivals, especially at weekends. But the magic continues during the week, with cinemas, museums and theatres offering quieter outings that are just as captivating.
Option 1: Enjoy a festive family drink together
Paris is home to a wide variety of bars where you can enjoy truly memorable evenings. Among them, the Toit du Bar à Bulles stands out for its unique setting. Located above the Bar à Bulles, this discreet rooftop offers a direct view of the roof of Moulin Rouge and Place Blanche, with its iconic metro entrance. Reserved for those in the know, this timeless spot is nestled in a garden of fruit trees, where you can take in the surroundings in a calm and intimate atmosphere. An ideal place to enjoy a drink in Paris with a truly original view.
Option 2: Embrace the unexpected with an unusual activity in Paris
For a different kind of evening in Paris, nothing beats a live show. Theatre, musicals, concerts or contemporary performances, the capital offers a rich and varied programme, ideal for a family outing. To find the right show for you, the key is to regularly check dedicated platforms. They bring together events and shows in Paris, including dates, times and booking options, making it easy to compare what is on offer.
Day 2: The places children will love
Why not make the most of this second day by enjoying activities with your children in the heart of Paris? Surprise and delight them by discovering the capital from a completely new perspective.
Option 1 : Marvel at the dancers of the Moulin Rouge
At the foot of the Butte Montmartre, a must-visit district during any visit to Paris, the Moulin Rouge puts on a spectacular show for families as well as an incredible evening with a range of menus and children’s menus to choose from! Book an evening at the Moulin Rouge for a dinner and show evening (at 7 pm) or a show evening (at 9 pm) in the company of the dancers of this famous Parisian cabaret. With its feathers, music and rhinestones, the Féérie Revue show will inspire the whole family and is bound be one of the highlights of your trip to Paris!
OPTION 2 : Set sail on the Seine as a family
For an affordable way to have fun and discover another side of Paris, set off on a cruise along the Seine on board a bateau-mouche — a mode of transport that always keeps the children entertained. The most beautiful sights of the capital unfurl along the water’s edge, so that you can discover the Île Saint-Louis, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Grand Palais one by one. An open-air excursion that will prove a big hit with the whole family! You could even plan your boat trip for night-time to enjoy the view of the city beneath the lights.
Option 3: A journey through Paris’s parks and gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens, Parc Monceau, the Tuileries Garden and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont… In Paris’s most beautiful parks and gardens, you can play games and enjoy family activities. How about watching a live puppet show at the Luxembourg Gardens? Or having a leisurely lunch on the lawn at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont? A proper holiday itinerary!
Where is the best place in Paris for families to stay?
You can choose between booking a standard room in a hotel or renting an apartment on Airbnb, in the same way that you might want to mix it up by sometimes travelling by plane and sometimes by train! If you’re visiting with children, it’s better to choose accommodation in a central location such as by the foot of Butte Montmartre, near the Opéra Garnier, close to Place de la Concorde or next to the Luxembourg Gardens. This makes it easier to get around Paris and discover its unmissable sights. The absolute must-have? A room with a view over the rooftops of Paris!
And what if you're planning a longer stay in Paris with children?
Fancy an extended break in Paris as a family? On day 3, take your children for a fun day out to discover the collections at the Centre Pompidou or take part in the many activities on offer at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie. On day 4, plan a visit to the sumptuous Château de Versailles, easily accessible via public transport, and make the most of your trip with a stroll through its gardens. Lastly, on day 5, plan a fun day at Disneyland Paris. Your children will be over the moon! By following this bespoke itinerary, you can experience the joys of a trip to Paris as a family!
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