Aerial view of a garden in Paris

Paris

Things to do in Paris with kids at Le Meurice

A major cultural capital, Paris offers myriad opportunities for family-friendly holidays. The museums are full of children’s exhibitions, historic parks are modernised with activities for youngsters, and iconic attractions are designed to appeal to the whole family. Follow this two-day itinerary to make the most out of your trip to Paris and discover the City of Light through the starry eyes of your children.

Day one

Begin the day with a visit to the Jardin des Tuileries, just over the road from Le Meurice.
Jardin des Tuileries CREDIT iStock Consuelo Almazan Carrete
T: +33 1 40 20 53 17 | 75001 Paris

Jardin des Tuileries

Open to the people of Paris since the days of the French Revolution, Jardin des Tuileries is one of the oldest public parks in the city. Nestled between the impressive Louvre museum and Place de la Concorde, the riverside garden is a slice of tranquillity in the bustling city, with plenty of space for children to run around.

Stroll through Jardin des Tuileries to the Louvre on the other side.

T: + 33 1 40 20 53 17 | 75058 Paris

Scavenger Hunt at the Musée du Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most famous and distinctive museums in Paris. Instantly recognisable by the pyramid that stands in the courtyard, the complex is an essential stop for art enthusiasts of all ages. For children, there’s a special treasure hunt activity called THATLou (the original offering from the Treasure Hunt at the Museum team), which takes them on a journey through the Louvre, solving clues to uncover artistic treasures.

Then, walk back to the hotel for a cooking class arranged for you by the concierge.

Musee du Louvre CREDIT iStock nikonaft
London 45 Park Lane francis mallman cooking
T: + 33 1 47 70 85 05 | 10 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris

Cooking class

The cuisine of France is an indelible part of the country’s identity. Learning to cook a few delicious dishes is the perfect way for children to truly get to know the country and appreciate it in a whole new, delicious way. The concierge will be happy to organise a class for you during your visit.

From the hotel, the Parc Zoologique de Paris is 30 minutes away by taxi.

T: +33 (0)8 11 22 41 22 | Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris

Parc Zoologique de Paris

Spread over 14 hectares, the Parc Zoologique de Paris, found in the boisterously verdant Bois de Vincennes (the city’s second largest park), has 2,000 animals in its care, including lions, giraffes, wolverines, jaguars, zebras, ostriches and more. If you haven’t filled up too much after your class, there are plenty of picnic places at the zoo to stop and enjoy a family meal.

For the final stop, take a 30-minute drive back to the hotel.

Parc Zoologique de Paris CREDIT iStock FamVeld
River Seine Bateaux Mouches CREDIT iStock Ladiras

River cruise

At the end of the day, head out onto the River Seine for a sunset river cruise, organised by the concierge at Le Meurice. Relax and unwind together after a busy day exploring the city, as you gently glide past some of Paris’ greatest landmarks, learning a little about them along the way.

At the end of the cruise, take a taxi back to Le Meurice.

Day two

Start the final day of the itinerary with a 10-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute walk through the Tuilerie Gardens and across the river to Deyrolle.
T: +33 (0)1 42 22 30 07 | 46 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

Deyrolle

Ideal for those who are curious about the natural world or avidly passionate, Deyrolle is a Parisian institution dedicated to the fields of taxidermy, entomology, and natural science. It’s a veritable cabinet of curiosities, an eccentric Noah’s Ark with regards to the scope of animals, butterflies, birds and more on display. Showing the beauty of nature in all its guises, the collection here is vast and awe-inspiring.

From Deyrolle, the Eiffel Tower is a 10-minute journey away by taxi.

Deyrolle.jpg
Eiffel Tower CREDIT iStock AndreaAstes
T: +33 8 92 70 12 39 | Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Eiffel Tower

In a city full of impressive architecture and historic sites, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most beloved structures in Paris. At 324 metres (1,063ft) tall, the wrought iron monument pierces the Parisian skyline. Visit during the day to climb up to the dizzyingly high viewing platform for incredible views of the capital, or at night for the impressive light show.

Next, walk down to the harbour, to the port immediately to the right of the Pont d’léna.

T: +33 1 76 64 14 45 | Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris

River Seine

While Paris is beautiful from above, it’s also attractive from the water. Families can enjoy an hour of relaxation and sightseeing during a cruise on the River Seine. A number of companies offer tours that sail past iconic sites such as Notre Dame, the Louvre and Grand Palais. Bateaux Parisiens offers hour-long cruises that depart from the port at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, with individual audio guides and special commentary for youngsters.

The next destination is a 20-minute drive away.

Wide view on Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, from a bridge on the Seine
Animal display at grande galerie secondaire
T: +33 (0)1 40 79 54 79 | 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris

Grande Galerie de l'Évolution

If your family is interested in nature, science or animals, take a trip to the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution at the French Natural History Museum. A testament to biodiversity, this gallery is indeed grand, with 7,000 specimens on display in the huge hall, from buffalos and birds, to giant squid and emperor penguins.

Continue with a 35-minute drive out of the city to Disneyland Paris.

T: 08448 008 898 | 77777 Marne-la-Vallée

Disneyland Paris

Get swept up in the magic of Disney at Disneyland Paris. Nostalgic for parents and a fairy tale come to life for children, the park has five themed lands filled with shows, parades and rides. The adjacent Walt Disney Studios Park gives visitors a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of how Disney movies are made.

The itinerary ends with a 45-minute drive back to the hotel.

Picture of a roller coasters at Disneyland Paris

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.

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