Paris Is for Families Too: Six Days of Family Fun with Grandparents, Parents & Little Ones
Curated By
Alicia Minter
Curator’s statement
This was my first time staying in the 16th—we usually stay in a more fast-paced, artsy arrondissement like the 6th or 8th. The 16th was a delightful surprise—so walkable and just five minutes to the Arc de Triomphe, seven minutes to Place du Trocadero with amazing Eiffel Tower views, but also still had a quiet neighborhood feel along with upscale shops and hotels. It was easy to get to major tourist sites from our hotel but didn’t feel touristy, which was a delightful surprise.
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Things to do in Paris
Authentic French baking class perfect for families of all ages.
We took a short walk to the Arc de Triomphe and shopped and walked along the Champs Élysées.
We walked to Place du Trocadero, enjoyed chocolate chaud from Carette, and people-watched.
We took taxis to two Christmas markets (La Défense and near Sacré Coeur) and enjoyed two very different markets, tasted lots of delicious food and bought French-made local artisan gifts.
We took a baking class at a nearby French bakery and made baguettes, croissants, madeleines, and more.
We bought tickets to the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd floor and took in the amazing views of Paris.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
Mint tea and lamb tagine with cous cous at Étoile Longchamp (Moroccan restaurant)
L’étoile Longchamp for an authentic Moroccan meal. We had the lamb tagine and lamb skewers with cous cous, and of course the mint tea. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch date there while Grandma watched our little one.
Le Coq: Right across from the famous Carette (worth the long waits for their incredible chocolat chaud) is Le Coq, a beautifully decorated French restaurant. We stopped in for an early lunch with salads, fruit salad, and of course, hot chocolate. The food was incredible and décor was even more fun.
Lordy’s Paris Club: Amazing daily breakfasts with eggs, croissants, fruit, and yogurt were included in our complimentary breakfast rate.
Roy Chocolatier: Had delicious gourmet chocolates
Castel Café
5 Ave Suffren in the 7th: Delicious French food in a spot that was delightful for people-watching and sitting outside. There was a food market right across the street, so we popped over for some fresh produce and bread. Literally around the corner from the café is the most stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
Need to know
While Paris is not all that walker-friendly, we were delighted that it was very easy to get van ubers/taxis (for four of us plus a large trunk for Grandma’s walker) and the hotel had an accessible side entrance without steps. We found many cafés to be mobility-friendly, but bathrooms are often in the basement (which requires steps), so keep that in mind.
The baking class, Christmas markets, and trip up the Eiffel Tower were our little one’s favorite parts and such a fun way to spend family time together making memories in this beautiful city.
Take cash for the Christmas markets. Many vendors take cards, but we found it to be easier to use cash everywhere.
Go to the Christmas markets around 4–4:30, just before dusk to do a walk-through and access kids’ rides and ice skating before they get very busy.
Travel Advisor
Alicia Minter
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