Book a train to Paris for an unforgettable family weekend

Paris = the Eiffel Tower, bateaux-mouches, the fabulous Marais, and heaps of other awesome things to discover. Hop on board a train to the capital and discover the little schedule we put together for you to enjoy your weekend to the fullest!

• Saturday morning: Warm up with some traditional Parisian sights
• Saturday lunch: Head out to discover the Marais
• Saturday afternoon: A cultural stroll through Beaubourgand Montmartre!
• Saturday evening: A magical Parisian cliché
• Sunday morning: Visit the animals at the Paris Zoological Park
• Sunday lunch: Brunch in a delightful trattoria
• Sunday afternoon An afternoon in nature

Warm up with some traditional Parisian sights

Rise and shine, it’s time to start your weekend! Start with the unmissable, majestic, famous Iron Lady. Yes, indeed, no weekend in Paris is complete without a visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Naturally, with children, it’s not even worth considering taking the stairs; treat yourself to an ascent in the lift. Once you’ve reached the top, you can appreciate the magical panoramic view of the whole city!

Next up is another classic: the Louvre. You simply must walk across its square to appreciate the incredible architecture. If you want to go into the museum, choose only one part to explore. The Louvre is so big, you could easily spend the whole weekend there! We suggest the Sully wing for a look at Egyptian culture. Your children will love the impressive sarcophagi.

Head out to discover the Marais

Leave the hustle and bustle of Rue de Rivoli behind you and wander through the narrow streets of the Marais. When your stomachs begin to growl, head to Rue des Rosiers!  This is where you will find the best falafel in Paris, along with other delicious Lebanese specialities. If the weather is nice, get your food to go and have a seat in one of the neighbourhood’s squares. 

It’s the perfect chance to soak up some sun and rest your feet before heading back out for the afternoon! Meanwhile, your children can run off some energy in the play areas available to the public. Before you leave this neighbourhood, take a quick detour to the famous Place des Vosges!

A cultural stroll through Beaubourg

Once your meal has settled, head off to the Centre Pompidou, or Beaubourg for those who know it well, which will be a hit with children and adults alike — first for its futuristic exterior with big colourful pipes, and then for everything it contains: La Galerie des Enfants, the superb bookshop, the exhibitions, and also the lovely view of Paris from the fifth floor!

Montmartre, here we come!

A few metro stops away, you will find yourself in the 18th arrondissement! A short walk will take you to the foot of the majestic Basilique du Sacré-Coeur: There you can choose between climbing the 222 steps to the top or taking the funicular. We won’t judge, we promise. 

A magical Parisian cliché

Once you’ve eaten dinner and the sun has set, it’s the perfect moment for a cruise on the Seine in one of the famous bateaux-mouches. The city all lit up at night is a magical sight that will put stars in the eyes of children and parents alike. With a bit of luck, you’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower just as the lights start to twinkle.

In the heart of Paris, you can discover wild animals from all over the world at the Paris Zoological Park. Your children can visit 5 different ecosystems at their own pace in the midst of habitats that are designed to feel perfectly natural. Mammals, reptiles, fish — the wealth of the zoo lies in the variety of species that call it home, with a total of more than 2000 animals.

Prepare for a moment of magic with your children as you eat breakfast with the giraffes! Incredible or what? At the Paris Zoological Park, you can enjoy a meal with these tall ladies with their long necks and spotted dresses. Zoo staff will share information with you about the tallest animal on the planet while you eat.

An afternoon in nature

Now it’s time to find an electric scooter! The streets are full of them; you shouldn’t have any trouble finding enough for your whole family. Once you’ve found your trusty steeds, it’s time for a ride along the riverbanks. In twenty minutes or so, you will reach the entrance to the Bois de Vincennes. 

When the children get tired of waiting at the table, they can run off to play in the game rooms. There they will find books, crayons, toys, pinball games and foosball tables. You might have trouble getting them to leave, but at least you will be able to enjoy the buffet in peace.

After your delicious meal, it’s time for a little constitutional on the adorable Ile Saint-Louis, and an indulgent ice cream from Berthillon, if you still have room!

>>For lunch, you could also try one of the capital’s child-friendly restaurants

An afternoon in nature

Now it’s time to find an electric scooter! The streets are full of them; you shouldn’t have any trouble finding enough for your whole family. Once you’ve found your trusty steeds, it’s time for a ride along the riverbanks. In twenty minutes or so, you will reach the entrance to the Bois de Vincennes. 

In this immense park, you can head to Lac Daumesnil to hire a boat. There’s nothing more peaceful then floating around in a boat amidst the trees. Finish your bucolic afternoon with a visit to the Vincennes Zoo. The children will love it!

>> On a tight budget for your next weekend in Paris? Check out this article on free activities