A Family-Friendly Guide to Paris in Winter

Here are my personal recommendations for a family trip to Paris during the colder months:

Outdoor Activities:

• Batobus: A boat ride along the Seine offers a unique perspective of Paris' landmarks in a heated, covered boat ride along the Seine river to your destination of choice, or stay the entire loop which takes about two hours.

• Christmas Markets: Explore the festive atmosphere of Parisian Christmas markets, and browse through the stalls selling handmade crafts, sweets and seasonal treats. I recommend the markets at Hotel de Ville (best for foodies), Notre Dame (charming but small and busy) or the Louvre (busiest).

• Ice Skating: During winter, several outdoor ice skating rinks pop up across the city, including the iconic rink at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the one at the Eiffel Tower. It's a fun way to experience Parisian winter charm.

• Jardin d'Acclimatation: This amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne offers a variety of attractions in a winter wonderland with festive decorations and activities.

• Visit a picturesque park or outdoor garden: the Tuileries, Bois de Boulogne, Domaine-National-du-Palais-Royal, Place des Vosges or Parc Floral de Paris.

Indoor Activities:

• Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (City of Science and Industry): This sprawling science museum in the La Villette Park features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and interactive workshops.

• Musée en Herbe: An art museum designed specifically for children, Musée en Herbe offers engaging exhibitions and workshops tailored to different age groups. It's a great way to introduce kids to art in a fun and interactive way.

• Musee de l’Orangerie: My personal favorite art museum in Paris. While not targeted towards kids, they will find it welcoming and engaging.

• Musée de la Illusions: A small bijoux of a museum dedicated to the power of illusions, this is a great and interactive museum for older kids – and adults. This museum offers a fascinating collection of magic artifacts and interactive exhibits.

• Indoor Play Centers: I recommend La Petite Académie, where kids can unleash their creativity through supervised art classes.

• Indoor Markets or covered galleries (passages couverts): Stroll through indoor markets like Centre Pompidou, Galiere Vivienne or Galeries Lafayette (the view from the rooftop is lovely) to admire the festive decorations, shop for souvenirs and sample gourmet treats from around the world.

Day trips

• Giverny: An Impressionist's haven one hour by train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare. Visit the Fondation Claude Monet, Musée des Impressionnismes or the charming town of Vernon.

• Versailles: An easy 40 minutes by train from Paris with RER C, step into the opulent world of French royalty at the Palace of Versailles Palace.

• Lille: One hour by train from Paris Gare du Nord, Discover the historic charm of Lille at Grande Place, Palais des Beaux Arts, Parc de la Citadelle, and dine at the Grand Scene Food Hall.

Paris and the French in general are very tolerant and welcoming of children, however they rarely, if ever, have special menus for kids' picky palates. Here are some family-friendly restaurant recommendations in the Paris 1st arrondissement. Bon appétit!

• Café Kitsuné Palais Royal: Located near the beautiful Palais Royal gardens, this café serves delicious coffee and light meals in a stylish setting. Kids will enjoy the casual ambiance, and parents can relax while sipping on quality beverages.

• Pizzeria Popolare: Pizzeria Popolare serves delicious and affordable pizzas in a lively setting. The large dining space and casual vibe make it suitable for families with children.

• Le Fumoir: Housed in a former smoking room of the Musée du Louvre, Le Fumoir offers a chic yet family-friendly dining experience. The menu features French classics with a modern twist, and the elegant setting is perfect for a special family meal.

• Poulette: Poulette specializes in rotisserie chicken and other comforting dishes inspired by French cuisine. The relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly menu options make it a great choice for families looking for a hearty meal.