Paris Je T'Aime Family Fun Itinerary 3, 4, 5 days and more

Paris View from Arc de Triomphe

Bonjour, fellow adventure seekers! Strap on your berets because we're taking The City of Light by storm, family-style. Here, baguettes are not just breakfast; they're the swords of young musketeers, transforming every park into a duel. Forget the traditional love affair with Paris; we're here for the giggles under the Eiffel Tower, echos through the Versaille Gardens, scavenger hunts in the Louvre, and the epic sibling negotiations over who gets the last crêpe.  Allons-y, let's make our family's Parisian tale one for the history books!

Day 1: Intro to Paris

• Morning: Start with a free walking tour. Or create your own Île de la Cité and Le Marais tour. Start with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, open as of December 2024. Cross the Seine River, and perhaps stop at the Shakespeare and Co bookstore. Continue your walk to Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, and Hôtel de Ville, iconic structures of Paris.

Notre Dame de Paris

• Afternoon: Visit Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, famous for its white domes and Romano-Byzantine architecture. It sits at the top of Montmartre, offering panoramic views of Paris. The climb up or the funicular ride is well worth the view. Explore Montmartre, walking through the cobbled streets. Visit Place du Tertre historic square buzzing with artists and performers. See the Wall of Love, which features the phrase "I love you" written in 250 languages, and the nearby Moulin Rouge, famous home of the can-can dance.

  
  

  

  
  

• Evening: Return to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the hour after dark at night and to grab dinner nearby.

  
  

  

  
  

  Day 2: Art & Culture

  
  

• Morning: Spend half a day at the Louvre Museum. Focus on highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and many other masterpieces. Consider an audio guide or a scavenger hunt app. Don't miss the history of the Louvre exhibit.

  

  Louvre

• Afternoon: Pack a picnic for an authentic French lunch at Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Visit the Eiffel Tower. Opt for stairs or elevator tickets (book 60 days in advance). Even if not going to the top, the experience of being there is essential to Paris.  

• Evening: Stroll through Le Marais with its historic mansions and vibrant Jewish quarter.  This area has acool  essential Paris vibe with numerous delicious eateries. See Centre Pompidou and its unique architecture. It has a great view on top.

  
  

  Day 3: Grand Paris

  
  

• Morning: Start the trip with a climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for 360 views.

  Stroll down or shop Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world with high-end shopping and eateries. There are great lunch options on side streets. See the artistic displays at designer flagship stores and don't miss Ladurée flagship restaurant for macarons and more.

  

  Laduree

• Afternoon: Stroll through Jardin des Champs-Élysées snapping pictures of Grand Palais and the beautiful fountains. End up at this and check out The Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt as well as the fountains. Continue past Bassin Octogonal through Tuileries Garden. Check out Angelina nearby for the famous Parisian hot chocolate.

• Evening: Enjoy a Seine River Cruise, a fun way to see Paris from the water, with commentary on history and architecture.

  

Day 4: Versailles Day Trip

• Full Day:  Versailles is just 20 km from Paris and is world-renowned for its opulent palace and gardens, a symbol of the absolute monarchy. Originally, a hunting lodge it was transformed by Louis XIV (the Sun King), who moved the court and government of France here in 1682 to consolidate his power.

• Take an early train to Versailles and arrive there by 9. Prebook your tickets to Versailles. Explore the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and King's and Queen's Chambers (around 2 hours). After the palace, head to the Gardens of Versailles via a golf cart rental to cover more ground. If your visit coincides with Musical Fountains Shows or Garden Shows (on weekends and select days). Check the Versailles calendar for these events where you might need an additional ticket.

  
  
  
  

  

  Versailles

Day 5: Fun & Modern Paris

• Morning: Spend some time in the Luxembourg Gardens where you can rent a toy sailboat and enjoy the grandeur. Or visit Trocadero Gardens near the Eiffel Tower.

  

  
  

• Afternoon: Hit up Galeries Lafayette for high-end shopping or Citadium for Paris fashion. Alternatively, visit Musée d'Orsay, for impressionist art, and the building itself is impressive.

• Evening: Visit The Latin Quarter, one of Paris's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods, known for its intellectual and student life, historic landmarks, charming eataries, and cultural richness.

  
  

• Intro:

  • Background: Paris, the luminescent capital of France, has a storied past that spans millennia. Originally settled by the Parisii Gauls around the 3rd century BC, it was later transformed by the Romans into Lutetia. The city has since been a crucible of history, from the medieval era's Notre Dame to the grandeur of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV. It survived the chaos of the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and two world wars, emerging as a beacon of culture, art, and enlightenment. Today, Paris is celebrated for its architectural marvels like the Eiffel Tower, cultural treasures in the Louvre, the Seine's picturesque banks, and the art of gastronomy, all encapsulating a city where every cobblestone tells a tale of resilience, beauty, and La Vie en Rose.

  • Transport: Navigate with the Paris Métro or consider day passes like the Paris Visite pass.

  • Accommodation: Choose areas like 6th or 7th ARR close to the center for family convenience.

  • Food: Look for kid-friendly dining spots, and remember to make reservations where necessary.

  • Weather: Pack for changeable conditions, and always have an indoor activity backup plan.