Planning a 3-day trip to Paris in winter and not sure what things to do? I’ve been to Paris three times now and I must say, I have finally figured it out. Unlike most people, I wasn’t charmed the first time. The second visit, Disneyland Paris, nearly had me convinced to never return. But the third visit to Paris with kids exceeded my expectations.
Even in the midst of protests, chaos, and one of the busiest holidays of the year, you can still find the charm and fall in love with the city of lights. Here are 8 things to do in Paris with kids for an amazing visit the first time.
8 Things To Do In Paris With Kids
Celebrate the New Year On Avenue Des Champs-Elysées With Kids
1 – Climb The Arc De Triomphe
It sounds a bit cliche but the truth is climbing the Arc is a highlight of the trip. I would even consider it a great way to kick off your Paris trip.
The Arc is so massive that I thought seeing it from the ground was more than enough to consider it a check on my bucket list. Apparently, my husband thought so too because neither of us had ever climbed it.
The thing is, The Arc offers the most amazing views of all of Paris. In fact, it’s the best Instagram spot for a photo of the Eiffel Tower. The climb is fun for kids, there is an amazing gift shop inside, and from the rooftop you can refer to all the maps that point out every single important building in Paris.
Climb the Arc De Triomphe
So on top of it offering the best view of the Eiffel Tower, it also teaches about everything else. The trick to getting to the top is buying tickets in advance. Kids go free.
2 – Walk Avenue des Champs-Élysées
It might seem silly to consider allocating a full half-day or longer to Avenue des Champs-Élysées but trust me, it’ll happen. If shopping isn’t on the list of things to do in Paris, then add it right now. Even my 6 and 9-year-old kids wanted to explore. Most stores have fascinating displays or even free games. Try Renault.
And a visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the 4-story Louis Vuitton flagship store. Try on a few designer bags for fun and sip on champagne while you consider a purchase. The staff is patient and willing to show you everything – whether your intent is to purchase or not.
Visit the flagship Louis Vuitton store
Plan on visiting Louis Vuitton in the morning before the lines are wrapped around and down the side street. We arrived between 10 and 11 on a Monday morning without waiting.
Then continue the walk to Place de la Concorde. It’s a hefty walk (30 minutes) so if it’s too much for the littles, hop on the Metro. Buy the Carnet option, which gives you 10 Metro tickets to use during your visit.
3 – Tour Notre Dame Cathedral
Although touring cathedrals aren’t my children’s top choice of things to do wherever we go, this particular tour made it one of their favorites. And at Christmas time, I was blown away by its beauty and grandeur.
Take the kids to Notre Dame Cathedral
Watch Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame with the kids before you go to Paris so that the storyline is fresh. It made the tour more interesting and relevant for not only the kids, but my husband and me, too.
Be sure to explore the entire cathedral. Though the nativity scene, Christmas trees, and decor are only set up over the holidays, the Cathedral is home to Jesus’ Crown of Thorns. Make sure to walk to the very back of the Cathedral where it’s kept.
Although there is no skip-the-line tour for Notre Dame Cathedral, the wait is worth it. Despite how long the line is, it’ll go by fast if you have a good tour guide. Book Notre Dame in advance and ask to be paired with Hugo.
Then cross the bridge, Pont au Double, for a break in one of the cute cafes all themed after Shakespeare.
Update: Sadly, the Notre Dame Cathedral burned in April 2019. A restoration project is underway for at least a return to service worship in 2024 (in time for the Paris Olympics).
4 – Visit the Louvre Pyramid At Night
If seeing the Mona Lisa and other famous artists’ work is a passion, then visiting the Louvre Museum is a must. But if you don’t have a whole day to spend in a museum and you’re certain your kids won’t remember or appreciate it for the expense a ticket will cost you, then just visit the Louvre Pyramid at night.
The Louvre Pyramid is far more impressionable at night than during the day. It glows from every direction and the energy in the square is infectious.
Visit the Louvre at night with the kids
5 – Stroll La Magie de Noel or The Grand Palais
The big Christmas market in Paris, La Magie de Noel, is at Tuileries Garden by the Louvre. It has evolved locations over the last two years so be sure to check before you go if you’re planning a Christmas or New Year’s trip to Paris for 2020.
After experiencing Christmas markets in Zurich, I must say that La Magie de Noel is quite good. It’s bigger than Zurich Christmas markets, offers a wide range of children rides, games and exotic foods to try beyond cheese and glühwein. In Paris, the Christmas market offers oysters, escargot, crepes, and champagne stalls. Even the Paris Christmas market gives a vibe of haute couture!
Enjoy Paris Christmas Markets
La Magie de Noel has ice skating but is fairly small, overcrowded, and not groomed. If ice skating is what you’re after, go to Grand Palais instead. Grand Palais is home to the largest indoor skating rink in the world.
Whether visiting over the holidays or not, a walk through Tuileries Garden by the Louvre and Grand Palais are must things to do in Paris in winter.
6 – #Glasswalk and Terrace At Galeries Lafayette
Similar to Harrod’s in London for its status as an iconic department store, Galeries Lafayette offers amazing free things to do in Paris at Christmas. The glasswalk alone is thrilling. Suspended 52 feet high in mid-air, you get to walk the 30 foot runway for a photo over their famously decorated Christmas tree. No pictures are allowed. Don’t worry, though, they take one of you for free.
Take the kids to Galeries Lafayette at Christmas
Then, if the #glasswalk isn’t enough, go to the Terrace floor for views of Paris. And if you plan far enough in advance, you can enjoy lunch in one of their domes at the Ice Cube Bar.
7 – Summit The Eiffel Tower At Night
Though beautiful at any time of day, summit the Eiffel Tower at night. The lights go on in the early evening and twinkle for 5 minutes every hour on the hour.
Although we booked a tour with City Wonders, it canceled upon arrival. We stood in line to climb the stairs to the 2nd floor and then via elevator to the top on our own. The total time it took before starting the ascent was 2.5 hours. Once from the top of the Eiffel Tower, it took less than 20 minutes to get to the ground floor.
It’s scary yet breathtaking all at once. An immense feeling of pride and euphoria fill you once you arrive at the top – for everyone in your party. As tempting as it might feel while waiting in the line and cold with kids, don’t throw in the towel and abandon the experience. Fill up on hot chocolate and chatter while you wait.
Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower
Just beware to not post pictures of the Eiffel Tower lit up at night on social media. Hard to believe, right?
8 – Explore Montmartre Village
This is where you fall in love with Paris. Despite all the iconic things to do in Paris, visiting Montmartre is where you truly feel like you’re in Paris. Sacre-Coeur is beautiful, but it’s the single cobble-stone streets with accordion music filling the air, leading to Montmartre Village that captivate you.
Plan on spending a half day to get the most out of Montmartre. Enjoy the cafes and people watching for hours. Have your portrait sketched or buy a keepsake from one of the many artists that fill Place du Tertre.
Explore Montmartre in Paris in winter with kids
Take in French architecture by foot or hop on the train to give walking a rest. There is so much to do in Montmartre. 🚂
Final Tips For Things To Do In Paris In Winter With Kids
If Paris is on your bucket list over the holidays, these 8 things to do will not disappoint. Even with all the protests going on in Paris that questioned whether to go or cancel, the city’s unmistakable charm make it clear why people return over and over. Pack comfortable shoes and buy your red beret there.
To the amazing city of love and lights, we will be back. ❤️
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Looking for more France travel ideas? Try these.
- UK To Normandy Road Trip: D-Day, Mont Saint-Michel & Bayeux
- La Clusaz Family Ski Trip
- Moving to the UK? Download my MOVING CHECKLIST!
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2 comments
Sounds fascinating! Great pictures and a great read! Thanks for sharing.
Let me know if you need any tips for when you take the grandkids. 🙂