Paris is a remarkable choice for a family vacation. It’s a beautiful city full of culture, culinary delights, and world-famous landmarks. Find out how to plan a trip to this awesome city. From the Eiffel Tower’s awe-inspiring views to quaint cobblestone alleys, this Paris two day itinerary will guide you through an amazing family trip to the City of Lights.
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DAY ONE
Eiffel Tower
Exploring one of the world’s most iconic landmarks is a must when in Paris. Start your journey by visiting this remarkable site, easily accessible by taking the metro to Trocadero station and exiting near the Trocadero. After a brief walk, the Eiffel Tower will come into full view.
This location provides one of the best viewpoints to appreciate the Eiffel Tower. Although you’ll be on the opposite side of the river, the approach is fantastic. On the other bank lies the Champ de Mars, offering a distinct perspective.
For families, the nearby carousel adds an extra element of enjoyment near the tower.
The tower is stunning enough that viewing it is often enough, but if you want to go inside and up the tower, you can purchase your tickets here.
There are several other Eiffel Tower tour options that you can choose from here.
Arc de Triomphe
This monument stands proudly in the middle of Paris. It’s not only a marvel to look at and view up close, but you can also climb its 284 steps to reach the top and its viewing platform.
From there you can enjoy a panoramic view of Paris including an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees below. Also, look for the awesome birds eye view of one of the most chaotic roundabouts you’ll ever see in person.
Besides the viewing platform and all of the steps, there are small displays and even a gift shop inside.
It’s well worth it to purchase your tickets ahead of time here.
Champs Elysees
As you complete your tour of the Arc de Triomphe you can easily continue your journey through Paris down the Champs Elysees which begins at the Arc.
Whether you want to do some serious shopping or just window shopping, this broad boulevard is one of the most picturesque in the city.
Even though the Champs Elysees has a luxury reputation and rightfully so, there are reasonable retail stores here as well, so pick something up just so that you can say that you bought something on the Champs Elysees!
Louvre
Here is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the wonderful arts and culture that Paris offers. Spectacular works such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and my personal favorite The Coronation of Napoleon are here.
It’s best to download a map of The Louvre and have a plan in place because there is so much to see.
In addition to its awe-inspiring art collection, the Louvre stands as an architectural marvel, having served as a former royal residence and featuring its iconic pyramid.
There are often long lines to enter, but try lesser-known entrances such as the Carrousel du Louvre entrance beneath the glass pyramid. Surprisingly it’s often less crowded at the main entrance.
Purchasing your entry tickets to the Louvre ahead of time is always a good idea.
If you want a more detailed experience or guided tour, you can purchase your tickets here.
As a tip for families with children, although you can often avoid crowds by visiting the Louvre in the afternoon, saving the Louvre for the end of the day can backfire.
When we visited in the afternoon our kids were already tired from the day and had little patience for a museum so perhaps flip the order of activities around if you think that will work best for your family.
Jardins des Tuileries
Nestled within the vibrant city, this charming park stands as a captivating oasis, offering a respite from the urban hustle. Adorned with a carousel, a tranquil duck pond, and a thoughtfully designed playground, it provides a delightful escape for children and adults.
The park’s allure lies in its meticulously maintained rows of trees and shrubbery, creating a picturesque backdrop. Ample seating invites visitors to unwind, soak in the serene surroundings, and appreciate the beauty of nature amidst city life.
With a dedicated space for children to play, the park beautifully blends relaxation with recreation. Our family loved this park so much that we visited twice during our trip to Paris, it’s the perfect spot for families with kids and located right in the heart of Paris.
DAY TWO
Versailles
Just outside of Paris is one of the most exquisite palaces in the world. Versailles is a monument to the excess and riches of King Louis XIV. The palace is constructed in a French Baroque style and is an architectural masterpiece.
As you tour the palace, you’ll get to see the magnificent hall of mirrors, the Royal Chapel as well as the King and Queen’s bedroom among various other lavishly decorated rooms.
There are also the extensive Palace Gardens which is a vast gardens complex just outside the palace.
If you just want an entrance ticket to the palace and the gardens, you can buy that here.
For the several other interesting tour options, you can check them out and buy the ticket that you want here.
Since the palace is outside the city limits, it will take about 45 minutes from the city to get there.
The best way is to take the RER C train to the Versailles Rive Gauche station. From the train station, it’s a nice 10-15 minute walk to the palace. This train system is separate from the regular Paris metro so make sure you know where to catch the train.
You can download a map of the RER C train stops here.
Luxembourg Gardens
Paris, renowned for its charm, holds a delightful secret – an array of beautiful parks. Among the finest is Luxembourg Gardens, loved for its unique features. Families, in particular, will enjoy sailing toy boats on its pond, adding a playful touch to their park visit.
This park stands as an exemplary showcase of classical French garden design, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Palais du Luxembourg. Strolling through, visitors can appreciate the elegance of fountains and statues, creating a serene ambiance.
With its inviting atmosphere, Luxembourg Gardens proves to be an idyllic setting for a leisurely picnic.
Latin Quarter
From the Luxembourg Gardens, you’ll be able to explore the charming Latin Quarter neighborhood on foot. So much of the greatness of the Latin Quarter is being able to wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with bookshops, cafes, and boutiques.
This area is also frequently noted as one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris. So if you’re looking for accommodations this is a great place to start.
Take in the ambiance, stop in an art gallery, or grab a snack in one of the cafes. On your way through the neighborhood, you might want to stop by the Pantheon, Sorbonne University, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, or the Saint Sulpice Church.
Notre Dame
Despite undergoing significant fire damage and its current closure, a visit to the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral remains worthwhile. A captivating example of French Gothic architecture, Notre Dame holds historical significance as a venue for coronations, showcasing its enduring role in French history.
Despite its temporary limitations, the cathedral still stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural heritage, inviting admiration for its enduring beauty and rich past.
Seine River Cruise
One of the best ways to see the beautiful city of Paris is by river. Most river cruises will take you between the Eiffel Tower and down past Notre Dame through the heart of the city.
Any time is a great time, but starting your cruise just as the sun starts to go down will guarantee that you get to see the city during the daylight and as all of the lights begin to come on. Our family found the cruise to be an amazing experience and a great way to see a lot of the city.
You can book your Seine River Cruise here.
ENJOY YOUR TWO DAYS IN PARIS
Even though two days isn’t a long time to see all of Paris, it’s enough to get a taste of this amazing city. You’ll get to experience some of the highlights that make Paris such a popular tourist destination. As you plan your trip to Paris be sure to check out our essential guide for Paris and find out what you need to know for your trip to be prepared for your vacation. Also check out our best tips for booking flights to Paris for your family and you’ll be all set for your Paris adventure!
