Written for parents who have done Paris with a pushchair and a tired eight-year-old. Updated 2026.

Where to Stay in Paris with Kids: Museums and Parks

Where to stay in Paris with kids — four neighbourhoods close to museums children actually enjoy, and to the parks for when they have had enough.

Sunset view of the Paris skyline with iconic landmarks
At a Glance
Country France
City Paris
Day / Night 17° / 10°
Local Time 9:48
October — Now Moderate crowds
Best Months Feb · Jun

Paris is full of museums, but a family trip works only if the next park, playground or snack is never far away. This guide picks four neighbourhoods for families: the Opéra with its wax museum and covered passages, Saint-Germain next to the Luxembourg Gardens, modern Bercy with its big park and science museum, and residential Batignolles-Monceau with two playground-filled parks. Each comes with a walkable day plan and hotels that can fit a family.

Find your perfect Paris hotel

Our favourite Paris hotels for families

Best overall
⭐ 8.6
Novotel Paris Centre Bercy

Novotel Paris Centre Bercy

A modern Novotel on Rue de Bercy, a few minutes from Parc de Bercy and the Cinémathèque. It is a chain that is used to families, with more standardised, roomier layouts than most central Paris hotels. Metro line 14 gets you to the centre quickly.

Check latest prices →
Top pick
⭐ 9.0
Hôtel Villa Madame - Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Hôtel Villa Madame - Saint-Germain-des-Prés

A small hotel on Rue Madame, a few minutes on foot from the Jardin du Luxembourg with its playground, puppet theatre and toy sailboats. Saint-Sulpice and the cafés of Saint-Germain are just down the street.

Check latest prices →
Central location
⭐ 8.8
La Perle Saint Germain des Prés

La Perle Saint Germain des Prés

A small hotel on Rue des Canettes, a pedestrian-friendly lane between the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice. You can walk to the Luxembourg Gardens in about ten minutes and to the Musée d’Orsay in fifteen. Parisian rooms are compact, so check the room size for three or four.

Check latest prices →

Which Paris suits your family?

Tell us your children's ages and what they love — we'll show you the neighbourhood.

Best choice: Opera (9th Arrondissement)

Ideal for visitors who prefer a Wax museum & big stores atmosphere.
See family hotels near the Opéra

Best choice: St-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

Ideal for visitors who prefer a Parks & museums on foot atmosphere.
See family hotels in Saint-Germain

Best choice: Bercy (12th Arrondissement)

Ideal for visitors who prefer a Space & a big park atmosphere.
See family hotels in Bercy

Best choice: Batignolles-Monceau (17th Arrondissement)

Ideal for visitors who prefer a Quiet streets & parks atmosphere.
See family hotels in Batignolles

Best hotels in Paris for families

Hotels near parks, museums and the metro — check the room size for three or four before you book.

Novotel Paris Centre Bercy
Best overall
⭐ 8.6 Excellent
3638 reviews

Novotel Paris Centre Bercy

Bercy • Modern chain hotel • Next to Parc de Bercy

A modern Novotel on Rue de Bercy, a few minutes from Parc de Bercy and the Cinémathèque. It is a chain that is used to families, with more standardised, roomier layouts than most central Paris hotels. Metro line 14 gets you to the centre quickly.

  • Short walk to Parc de Bercy
  • Near the Musée Méliès and Bercy Village
  • Fast metro line 14 nearby
Reliable chain rooms a short walk from a big park
Check prices →
Hôtel Villa Madame - Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Top pick
⭐ 9.0 Outstanding
200 reviews

Hôtel Villa Madame - Saint-Germain-des-Prés

St-Germain • Boutique • Next to the Luxembourg Gardens

A small hotel on Rue Madame, a few minutes on foot from the Jardin du Luxembourg with its playground, puppet theatre and toy sailboats. Saint-Sulpice and the cafés of Saint-Germain are just down the street.

  • A few minutes from the Luxembourg Gardens
  • Quiet residential street
  • Walk to Saint-Sulpice
Check prices →
La Perle Saint Germain des Prés
Central location
⭐ 8.8 Excellent
1085 reviews

La Perle Saint Germain des Prés

St-Germain • Small hotel • Between Saint-Germain and Saint-Sulpice

A small hotel on Rue des Canettes, a pedestrian-friendly lane between the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice. You can walk to the Luxembourg Gardens in about ten minutes and to the Musée d’Orsay in fifteen. Parisian rooms are compact, so check the room size for three or four.

  • Central Saint-Germain lane
  • Ten minutes to the Luxembourg Gardens
  • Walk to the Musée d’Orsay
Check prices →
Le Grey Hotel
Smart choice
⭐ 8.7 Excellent
1447 reviews

Le Grey Hotel

Opéra (north 9th) • Modern • Near Place de Clichy

A modern hotel on Rue de Parme in the quieter north of the 9th, around 15 minutes on foot from the Palais Garnier and closer still to the Square des Batignolles. Several metro lines stop at Place de Clichy and Liège.

  • Quiet residential street
  • Walk to the Square des Batignolles
  • Several metro lines nearby
Check prices →
LALA Hôtel
Boutique stay
⭐ 8.9 Excellent
471 reviews

LALA Hôtel

Batignolles • Boutique • Near the Square des Batignolles

A small hotel on Rue Darcet in the Batignolles, about five minutes from the Square des Batignolles and its duck pond. Around it you will find bakeries, a covered market and a neighbourhood where Parisian families actually live.

  • Near the Square des Batignolles
  • Local bakeries and market
  • Metro Place de Clichy nearby
Check prices →
Maison Cassandre
Smart choice
⭐ 8.9 Excellent
817 reviews

Maison Cassandre

Batignolles-Monceau • Small hotel • Residential area

A small hotel in the residential 17th, where the Square des Batignolles, Parc Martin Luther King and Parc Monceau are all within reach. Rooms in small Paris hotels are compact, so confirm the occupancy for your family before booking.

  • Quiet residential district
  • Three parks within reach
  • Local shops and market
Check prices →
Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa
Boutique stay
⭐ 9.5 Outstanding
361 reviews

Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa

North 9th (Pigalle side) • Boutique • Adult-oriented

A highly rated boutique hotel on Rue de Bruxelles near Blanche, decorated in a sensual Belle Époque style. Rooms are small and the area around Pigalle is lively at night, so it suits adults more than families. Most families will be happier in one of the other hotels.

  • Belle Époque interiors
  • Highly rated by guests
  • Near Blanche metro
Check prices →

How we choose

We pick hotels by location first — a park, a supermarket and a metro station within a few minutes — then by guest ratings and whether rooms can realistically sleep a family.

The best areas to stay in Paris with kids

Four neighbourhoods, each with a museum children enjoy, a park to run in and a short walking day that small legs can manage.

Opera (9th Arrondissement)

The 9th is a busy, practical base for families: department stores, the big metro hub at Opéra and the RER A straight to Disneyland Paris are all on the doorstep. Parisians come here to shop and work, so the streets are lively by day and well lit at night.

With children, start with the free views from the roof of Galeries Lafayette, then go inside the Palais Garnier to see the grand staircase and hear the story of the Phantom's lake. After lunch, walk along the Grands Boulevards to the Musée Grévin, a wax museum that most children find more fun than any art gallery, and the covered passages next to it.

The honest downside: there are few green spaces, and the boulevards are crowded and noisy on Saturdays. Choose a hotel on a side street and plan park time elsewhere.

Local picks

For Family
  • 1
    Morning viewGaleries Lafayette roof terraceTake the escalators to the top of the Haussmann store for a free terrace view over the Opéra and the rooftops of Paris. Children also love the huge glass dome in the main hall. The store opens at 9.30 am, 11 am on Sundays.
  • 2
    Must seePalais GarnierThe opera house is open for visits most days when there is no rehearsal. Kids head straight for the golden grand staircase and the box linked to the Phantom of the Opera story. Buy tickets online to skip the queue.
  • 3
    Covered passagePassage JouffroyA 19th-century glass-roofed arcade opposite the Grévin, full of old-fashioned shops including toys and dolls' houses. It is a dry, traffic-free walk on a rainy day.
  • 4
    Kids’ favouriteMusée GrévinHundreds of wax figures, from French kings to footballers and film stars, and a mirrored Palace of Mirages show. Plan about 90 minutes and book online — it is busy on weekends and school holidays.
  • 5
    Lunch or early dinnerBouillon ChartierA huge, noisy dining room from 1896 with waiters in black waistcoats and cheap classic dishes like egg mayonnaise and roast chicken. It is open all day, which makes it easy with children, but expect a queue at peak times.
  • 6
    Sweet treatÀ la Mère de FamilleThe original shop of this chocolate and sweet maker on Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, with old wooden shelves and jars of sweets. Let each child pick one thing.
  • 7
    Let off steamSquare MontholonA short walk north, this small green square is where local families go after school. It is a good place to let children run before heading back to the hotel.
  • Getting aroundOpéra · Auber · Grands BoulevardsMetro lines 3, 7 and 8 stop at Opéra, and the RER A at Auber runs directly to Disneyland Paris. Grands Boulevards (lines 8 and 9) is next to the Grévin. Many stations have stairs, so a light pushchair helps.
  • Where to stayThe 9th has plenty of mid-range and chain hotels, many on busy boulevards. With children, look for a side street and ask for a room away from the street; check that the room really sleeps three or four, as many Paris doubles are small.
See family hotels near the Opéra See this walk on the map Travel tips for Paris

Did you know?

A lake under the Opéra A large water tank was built beneath the Palais Garnier to steady its foundations — it inspired the Phantom’s underground lake.
Chagall's ceiling Marc Chagall painted the colourful ceiling of the auditorium in 1964.
Wax museum since 1882 The Musée Grévin opened in 1882, named after the cartoonist Alfred Grévin who designed its first figures.
Opera (9th Arrondissement)

St-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

Saint-Germain is the classic Left Bank, and it happens to be one of the best neighbourhoods in Paris for families. Local children grow up in the Jardin du Luxembourg, with its playground, puppet theatre and toy sailboats on the big pond, and you will find bakeries on almost every street.

A good day starts early at the Musée d'Orsay, before the crowds: the giant station clocks and the animal sculptures keep younger children interested, and under-18s go in free. Walk back through the old streets to Saint-Sulpice, then spend the afternoon in the Luxembourg while the children play.

The downside is price and space. Hotels are small and rooms are compact, so check the occupancy carefully — a family of four may need two rooms or a suite.

Local picks

For Family
  • 1
    MorningMusée d'OrsayAbout 15 minutes' walk from Saint-Germain along the river. Go at 9.30 am opening, look through the huge station clock on the top floor and find Pompon's white polar bear. Free for under-18s; closed on Mondays.
  • 2
    Old ParisChurch of Saint-Germain-des-PrésThe oldest church in the neighbourhood, with a thousand-year-old bell tower. Pop in for five minutes to see the blue-and-gold painted ceiling.
  • 3
    Hot chocolate stopLes Deux MagotsThe famous café on the church square. It is not cheap, but a hot chocolate on the terrace while you watch the street is a treat children remember.
  • 4
    A puzzle for kidsÉglise Saint-SulpiceAsk the children to find the brass line running across the floor — it is an old sun meridian. Delacroix's wall paintings are in the first chapel on the right.
  • 5
    Pigeon watchingSaint-Sulpice FountainThe big fountain in front of the church, with four stone bishops and lions. A good spot for a snack on a bench before the park.
  • 6
    AfternoonJardin du LuxembourgRent a wooden toy sailboat on the Grand Bassin, then head to the playground on the west side. There are pony rides and a merry-go-round too. The garden closes at dusk.
  • 7
    Puppet showThéâtre du LuxembourgThe puppet theatre inside the gardens puts on Guignol shows mainly on Wednesdays, weekends and during school holidays. The shows are in French, but children understand them anyway — check times on the day.
  • Getting aroundSaint-Germain-des-Prés · Mabillon · LuxembourgMetro line 4 stops at Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice, line 10 at Mabillon and Odéon, and the RER B at Luxembourg — which goes directly to Charles de Gaulle airport. Buses along Boulevard Saint-Germain are easier with a pushchair.
  • Where to staySaint-Germain has many small, characterful hotels but few big rooms. Filter for family rooms or suites, or book two connecting rooms, and prefer streets towards the Luxembourg, which are quieter at night.
See family hotels in Saint-Germain See this walk on the map Travel tips for Paris

Did you know?

Existentialism at the café In the 1940s Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir wrote at the tables of the Café de Flore.
A bell tower from around 1000 The bell tower of Saint-Germain-des-Prés dates from around the year 1000 — one of the oldest in Paris.
A sun line in the church A brass line on the floor of Saint-Sulpice is an 18th-century gnomon: at noon a ray of sunlight falls across it.
St-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

Bercy (12th Arrondissement)

Bercy is a modern part of Paris built on old wine warehouses, and it is one of the most relaxed places in the city to stay with children. Local families use the long Parc de Bercy for bikes, scooters and picnics, and the streets are wide and flat — easy with a pushchair.

Mornings can start at the Musée Méliès inside the Cinémathèque, where children see how the first film tricks were made. After the park, walk to Bercy Village, a street of old warehouses with shops and restaurants, and the hands-on Science Expériences museum. On selected dates, the Musée des Arts Forains lets you ride antique fairground carousels.

The trade-off: it is outside the historic centre and has less charm in the evening. But metro line 14 takes you to Châtelet in a few minutes, and hotel rooms are bigger for the money.

Local picks

For Family
  • 1
    MorningMusée MélièsInside the Cinémathèque française, this museum shows how Georges Méliès invented special effects in the early days of cinema — with magic lanterns, old cameras and clips children enjoy. Check opening days on the Cinémathèque website.
  • 2
    River viewsPasserelle Simone-de-BeauvoirA curving footbridge over the Seine to the National Library. Children like the way it bends in two waves — walk across and back for the view.
  • 3
    Run aroundParc de BercyBig lawns, playgrounds, little vegetable gardens and ponds with ducks. Pack a picnic and let the children run while you sit down for once.
  • 4
    LunchBercy VillageOld wine warehouses on the cobbled Cour Saint-Émilion, now a car-free street of shops and family-friendly chain restaurants. Easy for lunch with fussy eaters.
  • 5
    Hands-on scienceScience ExpériencesAn immersive science museum of 850 m² in Bercy Village, with several themed worlds and staff who explain the experiments. Good for school-age children; book a time slot.
  • 6
    Special visitMusée des Arts ForainsA private museum of antique fairground rides in the Pavillons de Bercy, where you can ride some of the old carousels. Visits are by booking only on set dates, so check the website before you go.
  • Getting aroundCour Saint-Émilion · BercyMetro line 14 stops at Cour Saint-Émilion and Bercy and reaches Châtelet in a few minutes; it is automatic, with lifts at its stations. Line 6 at Bercy goes towards the Eiffel Tower.
  • Where to stayBercy has mostly modern chain hotels, often with larger rooms than central Paris and family rooms you can book directly. Stay between the park and the Cour Saint-Émilion station and you will rarely need a taxi.
See family hotels in Bercy See this walk on the map Travel tips for Paris

Did you know?

The wine warehouses of Bercy Bercy was once a huge wine market; its old stone warehouses now house the shops of Bercy Village.
Arena from 1984 The Bercy arena, now the Accor Arena, opened in 1984 and hosts concerts and sport.
A Frank Gehry building The Cinémathèque française is in a building by Frank Gehry, opened in 1994 as the American Center.
Bercy (12th Arrondissement)

Batignolles-Monceau (17th Arrondissement)

This is residential Paris, where local families live, shop at the market and spend Sunday in the park. There are no big sights, and that is exactly why it works with children: quiet streets, playgrounds everywhere and bakeries with no queue.

Mornings belong to the big Parc Martin Luther King, built on old railway land with play areas and sports courts, and the duck pond of the Square des Batignolles. Buy lunch at the covered market, then walk down to Parc Monceau, with its mini pyramid, merry-go-round and playground. Next door, the Musée Cernuschi has Asian art and a huge bronze Buddha — free for everyone.

The honest downside: you are 20 minutes by metro from the Louvre and the river, and evenings are quiet. For families with young children, most parents see that as a plus.

Local picks

For Family
  • 1
    MorningParc Martin Luther KingA big modern park on former railway land, with several play areas, sports courts and ponds. It opens at 7 am on weekdays, so early risers can burn off energy before breakfast.
  • 2
    Picnic shoppingMarché des BatignollesA covered market on Rue Lemercier with cheese, fruit, bread and ready-made dishes. Buy a picnic here. Closed on Mondays and in the middle of the day on weekdays.
  • 3
    Duck pondSquare des BatignollesAn English-style square with a pond, ducks, a little waterfall and a playground. Local nannies and grandparents meet here — sit down with your picnic.
  • 4
    AfternoonParc MonceauTwenty minutes' walk south, this elegant park has a small pyramid and a Roman-style colonnade by a pond, plus a merry-go-round and a playground. It is open late in summer.
  • 5
    Free museumMusée CernuschiRight by the park gate, a museum of Asian art with a giant bronze Buddha that impresses children. The permanent collection is free; closed on Mondays.
  • Getting aroundRome · Brochant · MonceauLine 14 stops at Pont Cardinet by Parc Martin Luther King, line 13 at Brochant and line 2 at Rome and Monceau. Line 14 is the fastest way to the centre.
  • Where to stayHotels here are mostly small and mid-range, spread around Rue des Batignolles and Place de Clichy. Ask about rooms for three or four and look for family-run places in the quieter streets near the square.
See family hotels in Batignolles See this walk on the map Travel tips for Paris

Did you know?

Painters of the Batignolles In the 1860s Manet and his friends met at a café here, and critics called them the Batignolles group.
A pyramid in the park Parc Monceau was laid out in the 1770s with follies, including a small pyramid and a colonnade.
A village until 1860 Batignolles was a separate village outside Paris until the city annexed it in 1860.
Batignolles-Monceau (17th Arrondissement)

Planning your stay in Paris

For Family
  • With grandparentsChoose Saint-Germain or Bercy: both are flat, with benches and cafés every few minutes. Use buses rather than the metro, which has many stairs, and book museum tickets online so nobody has to queue standing.
  • Paris with kids in 3 daysDay 1: Musée d'Orsay in the morning, the Luxembourg Gardens in the afternoon. Day 2: Palais Garnier and the Musée Grévin, lunch at Bouillon Chartier. Day 3: the Musée Méliès and Parc de Bercy, or Parc Monceau and the Musée Cernuschi.
  • Free and cheaper ticketsNational museums like the Louvre and Orsay are free for under-18s; the permanent collections of City of Paris museums are free for everyone. Private attractions such as the Grévin are cheaper when you book online.
  • Pace the dayOne museum in the morning, a park after lunch, back at the hotel by late afternoon. Most museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays, so check before you plan the day around one.
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Best time to visit Paris (France)

Now (October) avg: 13°C, mostly dry, moderate crowds. Best months to walk: Feb & Jun.

Live Temp …
~Day / Night Temp 17°C / 10°C
Sunrise / Sunset 8:05 / 19:09
Local time 9:48
Best Months Feb & Jun
J Jan F Feb best month M Mar A Apr M May J Jun best month J Jul A Aug S Sep O Oct this month N Nov D Dec
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Rainfall Rainy days to expect each month.
Sunshine Hours of sun per day, by month.
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Best hotels in Paris for families

Hotels near parks, museums and the metro — check the room size for three or four before you book.
Novotel Paris Centre Bercy
Best overall
8.6 Excellent
3638 reviews

Novotel Paris Centre Bercy

A modern Novotel on Rue de Bercy, a few minutes from Parc de Bercy and the Cinémathèque. It is a chain that is used to families, with more standardised, roomier layouts than most central Paris hotels. Metro line 14 gets you to the centre quickly.

Ideal for: Families who want space and a big park next door
Check family rooms in Bercy
Hôtel Villa Madame - Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Top pick
9.0 Outstanding
200 reviews

Hôtel Villa Madame - Saint-Germain-des-Prés

A small hotel on Rue Madame, a few minutes on foot from the Jardin du Luxembourg with its playground, puppet theatre and toy sailboats. Saint-Sulpice and the cafés of Saint-Germain are just down the street.

Ideal for: Families who want the Luxembourg Gardens as their back garden
See rooms near the Luxembourg
La Perle Saint Germain des Prés
Central location
8.8 Excellent
1085 reviews

La Perle Saint Germain des Prés

A small hotel on Rue des Canettes, a pedestrian-friendly lane between the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Sulpice. You can walk to the Luxembourg Gardens in about ten minutes and to the Musée d’Orsay in fifteen. Parisian rooms are compact, so check the room size for three or four.

Ideal for: Families with older children who want to walk everywhere
Check family room sizes
Le Grey Hotel
Smart choice
8.7 Excellent
1447 reviews

Le Grey Hotel

A modern hotel on Rue de Parme in the quieter north of the 9th, around 15 minutes on foot from the Palais Garnier and closer still to the Square des Batignolles. Several metro lines stop at Place de Clichy and Liège.

Ideal for: Families who want a calm street between the Opéra and Batignolles
See rooms near the Opéra
LALA Hôtel
Boutique stay
8.9 Excellent
471 reviews

LALA Hôtel

A small hotel on Rue Darcet in the Batignolles, about five minutes from the Square des Batignolles and its duck pond. Around it you will find bakeries, a covered market and a neighbourhood where Parisian families actually live.

Ideal for: Families who like a local, village-style neighbourhood
Check rooms in Batignolles
Maison Cassandre
Smart choice
8.9 Excellent
817 reviews

Maison Cassandre

A small hotel in the residential 17th, where the Square des Batignolles, Parc Martin Luther King and Parc Monceau are all within reach. Rooms in small Paris hotels are compact, so confirm the occupancy for your family before booking.

Ideal for: Families who prefer a quiet residential base
See availability
Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa
Boutique stay
9.5 Outstanding
361 reviews

Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa

A highly rated boutique hotel on Rue de Bruxelles near Blanche, decorated in a sensual Belle Époque style. Rooms are small and the area around Pigalle is lively at night, so it suits adults more than families. Most families will be happier in one of the other hotels.

Ideal for: Parents travelling without the kids, not families
Check prices

Travelling in the school holidays?

Family rooms and connecting rooms are the first to go in Paris, especially over Easter, summer and the autumn half-term. Book early if you need space for four.

→ Find your perfect Paris hotel

Compare Paris hotels for families

Location, room style and what is nearby for children — side by side.
Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa
Boutique stay
9.5 Outstanding
361 reviews

Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa

North 9th (Pigalle side) • Boutique • Adult-oriented
Adult-oriented — not our pick for children
Type of Stay
Boutique style
Historic Building
Intimate rooms
Central Location
Lively area at night
Check prices →
Le Grey Hotel
Smart choice
8.7 Excellent
1447 reviews

Le Grey Hotel

Opéra (north 9th) • Modern • Near Place de Clichy
A calm base between two neighbourhoods
Breakfast
Good metro access
Public Transport
Quiet street
Boutique Hotel
Modern design
Check prices →
La Perle Saint Germain des Prés
Central location
8.8 Excellent
1085 reviews

La Perle Saint Germain des Prés

St-Germain • Small hotel • Between Saint-Germain and Saint-Sulpice
Everything on the Left Bank within walking distance
Local Vibe
Very central
Restaurants Nearby
Bakeries and cafés around the corner
Quiet Area
Metro Mabillon nearby
Check prices →

Traditional Local Food Paris (France)

Boeuf Bourguignon © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Meat

Boeuf Bourguignon

boh-EUF boor-ghee-NYON

A rich beef stew braised in red wine, flavored with herbs and mushrooms.

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Bouillabaisse © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Fish & Seafood

Bouillabaisse

boo-yah-BESS

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with various kinds of fish and shellfish.

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Cassoulet © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Meat

Cassoulet

ka-SOO-lay

A hearty bean stew with pork, sausages, and duck confit.

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Chocolate Éclair © Wikimedia Commons
Dessert Vegetarian

Chocolate Éclair

Éclair au chocolat
ay-KLAIR oh sho-ko-LAH

A choux pastry filled with chocolate-flavored custard and topped with chocolate glaze.

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Coq au Vin © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Meat

Coq au Vin

kohk oh VAHN

A traditional French chicken stew braised with red wine.

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Croissant © Wikimedia Commons
Bread Vegetarian

Croissant

krwah-sawn

A flaky, buttery crescent-shaped pastry.

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Croque Monsieur © Wikimedia Commons
Snack Meat

Croque Monsieur

crok muhs-yur

A classic French ham and cheese sandwich with béchamel sauce.

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Crêpes Suzette © Wikimedia Commons
Dessert Vegetarian

Crêpes Suzette

krehps soo-ZET

Thin pancakes flambéed with butter, sugar, and orange.

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Macarons © Wikimedia Commons
Dessert Vegetarian

Macarons

mah-kah-ron

Colorful almond meringue cookies with sweet fillings.

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Quiche Lorraine © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Meat

Quiche Lorraine

keesh loh-REHN

A savory open tart filled with a custard of eggs, cream, and lardons.

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Ratatouille © Wikimedia Commons
Main course Vegan

Ratatouille

ra-tah-TOO-ee

A vegetable stew made with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers.

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Tarte Tatin © Wikimedia Commons
Dessert Vegetarian

Tarte Tatin

tart tah-TAN

Upside-down caramelized apple tart

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Activities & Experiences

Things to Do in Paris

Top-rated tours, day trips and local experiences — book in advance to secure your spot.

City & Country Data Paris (France)

Key travel data for Paris — local prices, safety, healthcare, local currency and essentials, curated by Triplandio.

🌍 France
Safety 🔒 52
Health 🏥 96
Lifestyle ⭐ 64
Infra 🏗️ 91
Rank 🎯 #29
Score 📊 61
Tourists ✈️ 117.1M/y
GDP/cap 💵 $49.0k
Life Exp ❤️ 83.0 yrs
Population 👥 68.7M
Currency 💱 EUR €
Language 🗣️ French
Payments 💳 Cards OK
Emergency 🆘 112
💰 Prices in Paris
Coffee ☕ $4.52
Beer 🍺 $7.00
Lunch 🍽️ $15.00
Groceries 🛒 $27.84/w
Taxi/km 🚕 $1.60
Transit 🚇 $2.50
Fuel ⛽ $1.89/l
Internet 📡 $27.84/m
Salary 💵 $3,313/m

Travel tipsParis (France)

Quick tips

  1. Cannabis is illegal in France — Critical

    Possessing, using or smuggling any illegal drug, including cannabis, can mean prison and heavy fines. French airports, ports and Eurostar stations scan luggage closely, even for passengers in transit.

  2. Say no to the friendship bracelet — Caution

    At Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, men tie a “free” string bracelet on your wrist and then demand payment, often in a group. Keep your hands in your pockets and walk on without stopping.

  3. Covering your face in public is illegal — Caution

    France bans hiding your face in public places — balaclavas, full-face veils or masks worn to conceal your identity. The law applies to tourists too, and the fine is up to 150 euros.

  4. Pickpockets work in teams — Caution

    In Paris and other big cities, one thief distracts you while another opens your bag. Carry your bag across your body, zipped, and keep phones off café tables.

  5. Carry your passport or photo ID — Good to know

    Police in France can ask you to prove who you are at any time. Show a passport or photocard driving licence on the spot, or at a police station within 4 hours.

  6. Strikes can cancel trains and flights — Good to know

    Industrial action (grèves) is frequent in France and can stop trains, flights and city transport at short notice. Check your operator's website or app the day before you travel.

  • Do
  • Say “bonjour” when you enter a shop
  • Carry your passport or photo ID
  • Keep your bag zipped and in front
  • Ask for a free carafe of tap water
  • Check for strikes before travel days
  • Don’t
  • Cover your face in public
  • Buy counterfeit designer goods
  • Smoke on beaches or in parks
  • Swim when the red flag is up
  • Drink and drive

Sources: GOV.UK travel advice · U.S. State Dept · Google public holidays

Paris tips for families

Sleep near a big park

With young children, a park within five minutes matters more than being next to the Louvre. The Luxembourg Gardens (Saint-Germain), Parc Monceau (17th) and Parc de Bercy (12th) all have playgrounds and room to run before and after museums.

Tip: A park nearby beats a famous view
→ Find family-friendly hotels in St-Germain-des-Prés

Save a day for La Villette

The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in the Parc de la Villette (19th) is the biggest science museum in Paris, with a hands-on Cité des Enfants for younger children. Book a time slot for the children’s area in the school holidays.

Tip: Hands-on science for kids

Look at apartment-hotels

An aparthotel or a room with a kitchenette lets you do breakfast and an early dinner at your own pace, and saves money with a family of four. Filter by number of bedrooms, not just by "family room".

Tip: Two bedrooms and a kitchenette

Plan B for a rainy day

The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution at the Jardin des Plantes (5th) has a parade of stuffed animals that children love, and the small zoo, the Ménagerie, is in the same garden. It is a short metro ride from Saint-Germain or Bercy.

Tip: Jardin des Plantes when it rains

Paris with kids: FAQ

When is the best time to visit Paris?

The best time to visit Paris is February and June — fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, less rain and more sunshine. Compare every month in the seasonal chart above.

What is the best area to stay in Paris with kids?

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the easiest all-rounder: the Luxembourg Gardens have a playground, a puppet theatre and toy sailboats, and the Musée d’Orsay is within walking distance. For more space and lower prices, Bercy has a big park and a science museum; Batignolles-Monceau is the calmest.
→ Find family hotels in Saint-Germain

Which Paris hotels are good for families?

Chain hotels such as the Novotel in Bercy usually have more standard, roomier layouts than small central hotels. In small boutique hotels, always check the maximum occupancy — many Paris rooms fit two adults and one child at most.
→ Check family rooms in Bercy

Is the Paris metro easy with a pushchair?

Not really: most metro stations have stairs and no lift. Buses are easier — they have low floors and a space for pushchairs — and metro line 14 has lifts. A light, foldable pushchair makes life much simpler.
→ See hotels near the Opéra

Are Paris museums free for children?

National museums such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are free for under-18s, and the permanent collections of the City of Paris museums, such as the Musée Cernuschi, are free for everyone. Private attractions like the Musée Grévin charge full tickets, so book online.
→ See family-friendly hotels in Paris

Where can we eat with kids near the museums?

Bouillon Chartier on the Grands Boulevards serves simple, cheap French dishes in a huge 19th-century dining room — expect a queue at peak times. Otherwise, pick up a picnic at a covered market like the Marché des Batignolles and eat in the park.
→ See family-friendly hotels in Paris

Paris with kids, the easy way

★ For families
Paris is full of museums, but a family trip works only if the next park, playground or snack is never far away. This guide picks four neighbourhoods for families: the Opéra with its wax museum and covered passages, Saint-Germain next to the Luxembourg Gardens, modern Bercy with its big park and science museum, and residential Batignolles-Monceau with two playground-filled parks. Each comes with a walkable day plan and hotels that can fit a family.
  • Handpicked hotels
  • Family-friendly areas
  • Parks and sights for kids
  • Updated 2026
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