How to Prepare for a Family Trip to Paris
A trip to Paris always seems to be on everyone’s bucket list, but it isn’t hard to see why.
There’s just something magical about the city, but the stress that comes with preparing for your trip may make it wear off rather quickly. Don’t let it get you down or ruin your once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
How to Plan a Stress-Free Family Trip to Paris
The secret to family travel is keeping the excitement alive for you and your children. If you can prepare well before your trip, you can ensure your family adventure goes off without a hitch.
1. Know Where to Stay in Paris
While you could pick out a hotel and call it a day, it’s more fun to live like a Parisian. Find a spot that’s close to the city center and rent out a centrally-located apartment. The Appartement Échelle, Drouot Luxe, and the budget-friendly Marais are perfect options for traveling families.
2. Get Your Family Excited
France can feel like a whole new world to your children, and that can make them afraid. It’s a good idea to replace anxiety with excitement by reading books and watching movies about France. If you want to go above and beyond, hold a French party with authentic French food.
3. Learn How to Get Around
Paris is a safe country, but that doesn’t mean you won’t run into a few scams. You may run into your first one after passing through customs. Don’t take a taxi unless it’s parked by a taxi stand, or you’ll pay ridiculous fees. Paris Metro and Uber are also available and are usually on time.
4. Learn Some French in Advance
Make sure you learn a few words in French taught by native-level tutors before you leave the country. Why native-level tutors? Not only do they have a better command of French than non-native speakers, but they can also give you more information about Paris and France.
5. Find Kid-Friendly Activities
Paris isn’t known for being a kid-friendly city, but there are plenty of things your children will enjoy. The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and Notre Dame are must-sees, no matter who you are, and there are plenty of parks, like the Jardin Luxembourg, that have playgrounds and courts.
6. Purchase Tickets in Advance
The Eiffel Tower is busy all year. If you want to see it before you leave, be sure to buy tickets in advance. Keep in mind that you must have a collapsible stroller to get in the elevator and that young children can go all the way to the top. However, very young children may get scared.
7. Buy a Paris Museum Pass
If your family wants to see everything and move quickly, a Paris Museum Pass is a great idea. It can save you a lot of time in line and money on individual tickets. At the same time, you could be wasting money if you don’t see them all. Get organized if you want to use a Museum Pass.
8. Scan Through the Restaurants
Eating is one of the true joys of visiting Paris because they take mealtime very seriously. There are plenty of options to choose from. We recommend grabbing a croissant at a local grocery store for breakfast, getting a baguette sandwich for lunch, and eating a savory crepe for dinner.
9. Take a Day Trip Out of Paris
Some of France’s most impressive attractions are just outside of the main city. These include the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris. While Disneyland isn’t a unique experience, it’ll definitely be a hit with the kids, while Versailles will be a standout moment for the adults.
