When Matt and I visited Paris in 2019, we hit all the major sights. So this time around, we wanted to focus on creating an experience our girls would love—mixing culture, food, fun, and a little bit of magic. I had dreams of a relaxed Parisian escape with my daughters, but in reality, we walked 29 miles over two full days. The surprising part? It didn’t feel rushed. It felt like wandering, which is my favorite way to experience any European city.
Here’s how we made the most of a short trip to Paris—with kids in tow—and some tips that helped make it a smooth and memorable adventure.
Day 1: Art, Palaces & Eiffel Tower Sparkles 
Musée d’Orsay at OpeningWe kicked things off at Musée d’Orsay right when it opened. Pro tip: go early to get a great shot in the iconic clock face—our girls got a perfect photo with no one else in the frame. Inside, we wandered through works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and more.
Lunch at L’Atelier Artisan CrêperieAfter we left the museum, we found a gem of a spot for lunch. Everyone ordered a savory galette and a sweet crêpe—which was way too much food but absolutely delicious. My personal favorite: the Caramel Beurre Salé crêpe (caramel with salted butter). You have to try it.
Versailles in the AfternoonWe took an Uber to Versailles instead of the RER—it was about the same cost for four people and way easier. Our 2:00 PM “skip the line” tickets still involved a 45-minute wait (don’t be fooled by the name), but the palace was worth it. It’s more grand than you can imagine. Had we arrived earlier, we definitely would’ve rented a golf cart to explore the gardens or even a small boat for the Grand Canal. Next time!
Evening Fun & Eiffel Tower SparkleAfter returning to Paris, we visited the Colonnes de Buren for some fun and photo ops. Then, we ended the night sitting between the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Pure magic.
Day 2: Cathedrals, Culture, Macarons & Butter
Morning at Notre DameNotre Dame was high on our list, especially since it was closed during our last visit. We arrived at opening (7:50 am)—perfect timing. The cathedral was quiet and peaceful, with just a few people enjoying the early service. Entry is free, but if you plan to visit later in the day, pre-book free timed-entry tickets to avoid long queues.
Brunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés & Shopping at Galeries LafayetteWe crossed the Seine for brunch in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, then made our way to Galeries Lafayette. It’s not just a luxury department store—it’s a must-see. Between the stained glass dome, rooftop views, and great souvenirs, it’s worth the stop.
Picnic in the Tuileries GardensWe grabbed lunch to-go from our favorite boulangerie (Eric Kayser—always a win) and picnicked in the Tuileries near the playground. The girls ran around while we relaxed in the sunshine. Perfect reset.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Monet’s Water LiliesJust a short walk from the playground is one of my favorite museums in Paris: Musée de l’Orangerie. Seeing Monet’s Water Lilies in person is breathtaking. When we walked into the first room, our oldest let out an audible “WHOA.” That’s the kind of moment you never forget.
Walk to the Eiffel Tower (with Macarons!) 
Feeling adventurous, we walked 30 minutes to the Eiffel Tower, stopping for Pierre Hermé macarons along the way. We ate them at the base of the tower, soaking it all in.
Le Bon Marché: Butter & Viral ReelsThanks to viral butter reels (yes, that’s a thing), we had to visit Le Bon Marché’s Grand Epicerie. Not only can you buy incredible French butter, but they’ll vacuum seal it so you can bring it home. We froze ours in the hotel room overnight to make sure it survived the flight.
Souvenirs & Farewell DinnerAfter one last stroll to grab Paris hoodies for the girls, we ended our trip with a cozy Italian dinner near our hotel—ravioli, bolognese, and local wine. It was the perfect close to our whirlwind Paris adventure.
Tips for Traveling to Europe with Kids
- Plan around your kids' interests. Museums and playgrounds matter.
- Keep it flexible. Don’t overschedule—leave space to explore.
- Pick your restaurants in advance. This helped us so much.
- Prepare them for walking. A lot of it. Sure, taxis and the metro are options, but Paris is best explored on foot.
Would we walk 29 miles again in 2 days with our kids in Paris?
In a heartbeat.Want to experience Paris for yourself? Fill out my registration form or send me an email and we will get started!
-Ashley
💌 : ashley.tweedy@vincentvacations.com
I was NOT Bored - I am a Europe Traveler. Like hit the ground running, 20k+ steps per day, see ALL the things kind of traveler. I was so worried I would be bored “stuck” on a cruise. Nope. Not on Virgin Voyages. You can be as busy (or not busy) as you want. Trivia, summer camp crafts, puzzle contests, yoga, HIIT workout classes and entertaining shows are just a few of the activities we took part in. These don’t sound like your jam? Don’t worry, there were many more options. They even have a casino and tattoo parlor on board. Want to relax? There is a spa on each ship and the hammock on the Sea Terrace was wonderful with the breeze and a book!
The Food - Honestly, I was dreading the food. I get disappointed with bad food, so I was happily surprised by how good the food was at each of the restaurants. The best part no traditional buffets. They have a food court area with different stations that could be considered a buffet, but definitely didn’t have that feel. Also, you didn’t serve yourself, so that was a plus.
