The Paris We Loved: Gardens, Pastries & Literary Treasures

Our family spent four days in Paris and based ourselves at the Renaissance Paris Vendôme Hotel. For families, I cannot overstate the value of a central location. From the hotel, we could easily walk to the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre, and several Metro stations. One of our favorite daily rituals was strolling through the Tuileries, watching the fountains and stopping for ice cream. Because we were traveling with children, being able to return to the hotel for an afternoon break before heading back out for dinner or sightseeing made the trip significantly more enjoyable.

Paris rewards travelers who balance iconic attractions with local experiences. We booked our Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance, which is absolutely essential during busy seasons. Seeing the tower together as a family was every bit as magical as we'd hoped. At the same time, some of our favorite memories came from experiences that immersed us more deeply in Parisian life. We booked a behind-the-scenes bakery experience where we learned to make baguettes, financiers, and croissants. Watching the process and working alongside professional bakers gave us a new appreciation for French pastry culture, and it was a hit with both adults and kids.

One of the highlights of our trip was exploring Montmartre through a chocolate and pastry tour. It was the perfect way to experience the neighborhood's winding streets and artistic history while sampling some incredible treats. The frequent stops kept everyone engaged, and, remarkably, nobody complained about the walking. Paris has a wonderful way of making exploration feel effortless when there's excellent food involved.

Gazing out at the Seine

As a bibliophile, one of my personal favorite moments was crossing the Seine and visiting the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore. It felt like stepping into a piece of literary history. Nearby, we spent time in the Luxembourg Gardens, where the children rented traditional sailboats and guided them across the pond—one of those simple travel experiences that becomes an unexpectedly cherished memory. Later, we visited the Paris Catacombs, which offered just the right amount of spooky intrigue without being overwhelming for the kids.

Shakespeare and Co: A must-stop for any book lover!

Of course, no Paris trip would be complete without indulging in the city's famous hot chocolate. We sampled chocolat chaud throughout the city, but Angelina was the clear standout. Rich, decadent, and dessert-like, it became one of those memorable Paris experiences that we'll talk about for years to come.

An eclair and chocolat chaud at Angelina

Paris is ideal for families, food lovers, first-time visitors to Europe, and travelers who appreciate combining culture with everyday discoveries. While the major sights are certainly worth visiting, I found that the moments we remember most are the ones in between: wandering through gardens, discovering a favorite pastry shop, lingering in a bookstore, or watching children play beside a fountain on a sunny afternoon.

• Reserve Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance.

• A centrally located hotel can dramatically improve the experience for families by allowing easy midday breaks.

• Consider adding at least one hands-on experience, such as a bakery class, cooking workshop, or food tour.

• Don't miss the Luxembourg Gardens, especially if traveling with children.

• Shakespeare and Company is a must-visit for book lovers.

• The Paris Catacombs are fascinating for older children and teens, but advance reservations are recommended.

• Leave room in your itinerary for cafés, gardens, and spontaneous discoveries—they often become the highlights of the trip.

• Save time for Angelina's famous hot chocolate, particularly on cooler days.

• Four days provided an excellent introduction to Paris, though the city easily rewards longer stays.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Paris page.