“Mama, is this really Paris?” my toddler asks through tired, jetlagged eyes. “Yes baby, this is Paris.” 

What happens when you fly to Paris with a two-year-old toddler in tow? An unforgettable family adventure worth every tantrum experienced at the airport. 

Paris with a toddler – is still a good idea. From toddler-friendly baking workshops to carousel rides by the sparkling Eiffel Tower, Paris offers plenty of kid-friendly experiences that are authentically Parisian (ahem, slide over Disneyland, not on this trip), without sacrificing the European cultural experience parents are craving for themselves (you know, that feeling of being in Paris pre-kid). I’m here to tell you, you can still have that feeling travelling to Paris with a toddler.

Here’s how:

BAKING WORKSHOP WITH A LOCAL

Paris and patisseries go together like a toddler and tantrums. Best way to engage your curious toddler? Promise of baked treats they can help make, while meeting Parisian locals and getting messy in the kitchen!

There is a plethora of food tours and baking workshops for tourists in Paris. However, most cater to children 6 years+. What to do if you have a 2 or 3 year old? Do your research and message ahead before booking.

We booked with Succulent-Paris, a food tour and workshop business owned by two moms who can tailor the workshop to toddlers. The baking workshop takes place in their apartment in the 9^th arrondissement. We created yummy pear tarts and madeleine cookies upon their suggestion, where our toddler helped mix the flour and eggs. A different and unique cultural experience.

CAROUSEL RIDES BY THE SPARKLING EIFFEL TOWER

One of the best things in Paris, one that works the best for families, is there plenty of carousels around the city – a signature public amenity in Paris. For a memorable experience – visit the carousel right beside the Eiffel Tower in the early evening around 8:00pm: ride the merry-go-round with your toddler while watching the illuminated Eiffel Tower sparkle at night (for 5 minutes, every hour on the hour). Simply magical! R

RUNNING FREELY AROUND THE LOUVRE

I love architecture and have always loved the triangular-shaped Louvre. For parents, there’s nothing that makes you feel you’re miles away from home, then being by the Louvre, taking in the architecture, people-watching and enjoying the atmosphere of being in Paris. It’s perfect for toddlers as they can run freely around the plaza without parents worrying. Our toddler was running around, laughing, eating snacks and generally loved being around the Louvre. Parents can take photos and can even talk about shapes (bonus educational opportunity!). Our toddler loves to re-create the Louvre with her fingers shaped like a triangle!

SITTING ON THE STEPS OF THE SACRE COUER

Vacation is about family time. One of our toddler’s favourite moments (and for us too as parents) was sitting on the steps of the Sacre Coueur church, munching on our snacks and chilling out as a family. Our toddler wanted to sit on the steps – and she enjoyed it just as much as us.

VISITING THE NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

Our toddler loved visiting the inside of the Notre Dame Cathedral to view the paintings, but even if your kids are not into visiting churches, the Notre Dame Cathedral is surrounded by a large plaza where toddlers can have fun chasing around pigeons.

EATING OUTDOORS

One of our favourite things to do in Paris, which we don’t typically get to do much of back home in Vancouver, is enjoying eating meals outdoors on patios. You will notice a cultural shift in Europe where no matter what the weather, locals are eating outdoors on café patios. Our toddler loved this so much and constantly talks about it months after being back home. Go on, eat outdoors as much as possible during your trip, your toddler will love people watching just as much as you!

EATING FRENCH MACRONS FROM A TOP PATISSERIE

It’s the small moments that matter. One of my favourite memories is picking up delicious macrons in Paris and watching our toddler have her first bite of authentic French macrons while we sipped on our café au laits!

USE THE METRO FOR EASY ENTERTAINMENT

Paris traffic is atrocious so using the metro to get around is a win-win. Parents feel less hassled at slow moving traffic and toddlers love riding the train!

SEINE RIVER CRUISE

For a different transportation experience, book a Seine River cruise. Boat rides are always fun for toddlers and if you’ve been to Paris before like us, the Seine River cruise gives parents a different perspective of Paris from the water’s edge, something we hadn’t experienced on our trip before.

BOOK A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

Nothing completes an epic family trip to Paris than booking a family photoshoot with a professional to capture the memories. We have used Shoot My Travel four times to find a photographer across cities around the globe: Barcelona, Bangkok, Marrakech and now Paris. Our photographer met us at Square du Trocadero which has a large plaza with a view of the Eiffel Tower. You won’t regret booking a family photoshoot in Paris – guaranteed!

TIPS FOR A KID-FRIENDLY STAY IN PARIS

• It can take about an hour drive from the airport to central Paris by driving – plan accordingly. It worked for us as our toddler hadn’t slept on the plane so instead she got some much needed zzzz’s on the drive over to the hotel.
• Find a neighbourhood playground to get some energy out
• It can take about 4 days to acclimatize to a new time zone – stock up your fridge for 4am wake ups when your child is hungry and can’t sleep
• Don’t book accommodation last minute, and definitely not at the end of September when bookings are busy, it can be difficult to find accommodation last minute.

WHERE TO STAY

Tourists love staying in the Marais, but if you can’t find accommodation in the Marais or other popular tourist areas, I recommend staying in:

• the 9^th arrondissement, a local neighbourhood with plenty of choice for accommodation (hotels or apartments), cafes, restaurants, and close to metro, Montmartre and the Opera. We stayed at Hotel Lorette, an Astotel brand. The room was small, but the location was great – right across from a playground and plenty of cafes and a grocery store within walking distance.
• Another great local neighborhood is the SoPi district (South Pigalle).