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Now that I’ve got flights to Paris booked for next summer, I’ve been thinking more about what we will do when we get there. This is my favorite part of travel planning!
Since my husband and I went to France for our honeymoon and he had been there twice even before that, we’re going to keep our time in Paris short. I’d rather spend more of our 2-week European trip in Switzerland exploring new territory.
This trip will obviously be a lot different from our honeymoon. Even though my kids will be 11, 14 and 18, I know they will have their limits on certain activities. With that in mind, here is what I’m thinking:
Day One
We land at 8:15 a.m. and I hope to keep us awake most of the day in order to get in the correct time zone. I know that we may be dragging and not up for anything huge.
After dropping our luggage off at our rental, we will head to Arc de Triomphe and climb the stairs to the top. Last time I was here, I loved watching the cars in the huge traffic circle around the arc. I can’t believe there aren’t more accidents there.
Then, we can walk along Champ-Elysees for shopping (mostly window shopping). If we make it this far, I’ll be satisfied.
Day Two
Hopefully we will be more energetic for day two. We can pre-book a tour of the Catacombs. We did not do this on our honeymoon, so it will be new for all of us. Honestly, I may back out of this and instead book a macaroon baking class for just my daughter and me while the boys do the Catacombs.. Since I’m slightly claustrophobic, I haven’t figured out if I could handle the tight spaces.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Eiffel Tower. Maybe we will have a picnic dinner on the grass nearby.
Day Three
On day three, we will get up early and catch the RER train to Disneyland Paris. You didn’t think I would skip Disney, did you? We will get park-hopper passes and plan to hit the highlights of both parks in one day.
Day Four
In the morning, we will head to Montmartre and visit Sacre-Coeur. This basilica was one of our very favorite places on our honeymoon. The architecture is amazing, and it has so many areas to explore. The whole area is lovely.
On our final afternoon in Paris, we can briefly hit a few places: The Louvre, Notre Dame (will likely still be under construction) and the Baccarat museum that my son wants to see.
That evening, I’d love to go on a dinner cruise with my husband. My kids would likely rather stay in our condo and have McDonalds. Seriously.
What We’re Skipping
I realize that this is more of a Paris-lite itinerary. There is so much to see in and around Paris. We are skipping many things including:
Versailles: We went here on our honeymoon and thought it was very crowded and overrated.
Museums: We probably won’t spend our time in too many museums. There are some great ones in Paris, for sure.
Loire Valley: My husband and I spent a few days in the Loire Valley on our honeymoon. I really wish we could go on this trip. But as a day trip, it’s a very long day with a lot of time spent on a train.
Mont-Saint-Michel: This is on my bucket list, but it’s just too far to squeeze in this trip.
Have you been to Paris with kids or teens? How did you spend your time there?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
@Chris Thanks for your advice! I’d love some restaurant recommendations.
Le Petit Chatelet on the border of the 5th/ 6th is my favorite. Sit outside or at one of the 2 tiny window tables on the second floor for a Notre Dame view.
Au Bon Accueil in the 7th has great food and a well-priced prix-fixe menu. Sit outside for an absolutely sublime view of the tower as you dine.
Les Bacchantes in the 9th had great food when we last visited in 2019.
@Chris Thank you for the recommendations! I’m excited for the food in Paris because last time we enjoyed the food so much.
Please for the love of good food do NOT take a dinner cruise in Paris. By all means take the boat TOUR but please do not waste a dinner slot on overpriced mediocrity in one of the best food cities in the world. I’ve been 4 times. If you need restaurant suggestions, I’ve got ’em.
I’m thinking of a segway tour, bus tour, or bike tour for our trip. Right now, I’m thinking we will skip DLP this time.
@Margaret Skipping DLP?!?!?! 🙂
We booked Hotel Migny Opera Montmartre for our family of 5 with free breakfast using AA miles. The tiny elevator still cracked us up, about 2’x6’. The kids enjoyed Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Versailles, night time view of Eiffel. Sadly not enough time at Sacre Coeur, just the outside, ended up having coffee and tiramisu on one of the little cafe. We exhausted the 9, 12 and 16 yo on 2 full days plus 1/2 day at the beginning and at the end. Looking forward to see your Switzerland leg.
@Agnes Sounds like a wonderful time in Paris! I remember the teeny tiny elevator at our hotel in Paris. My husband and I both couldn’t fit if we had our suitcase with us.
I just hate trying to find accommodations for four.
@Nathan In Europe it’s hard to even find rooms for 3 people. We are going to rent an apartment from airbnb or similar.