3-Day Paris Adventure: Fall Fun for Families

When flying to Paris from the US, you typically arrive in the early morning at Charles De Gaulle (CDG) Airport. For families traveling with kids, a smooth start to the day is essential. Take a taxi from the airport — with a flat fare of 50 EUR to the city — directly to your hotel to settle in right away.

After settling in, stop by a local boulangerie or grocery store for a fresh baguette, cheese and snacks. Head to the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a delightful picnic on the Champ de Mars, capturing memorable photos with the iconic tower in the background.

Next, just beyond the Ecole Militaire, treat yourself to an exquisite lunch at Abstinence, known for its refined French dishes. Dining tip: Most French restaurants have specific dining hours; aim to be seated between 12-1:30 pm for lunch.

Post-lunch, take Metro 8 from La Motte-Picquet Grenelle (towards Creteil-Pointe du Lac) for three stops to Invalides. From there, head north to the Seine and stroll east along the riverfront. Meander across the bridges and soak in the sunset from Pont Neuf.

Explore the charming Saint-Germain neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement. For dinner, consider dining at Semilla or the iconic Café de Flore, which is perfect for fans of Emily in Paris. Dining Tip: Dinner seating is typically between 7-9 pm, in line with traditional French eating times.

Begin your day in the enchanting Le Marais neighborhood, easily reachable by Metro 1 (Saint-Paul or Hôtel de Ville), Metro 8 (Chemin Vert) or Metro 11 (Hôtel de Ville or Rambuteau). Start with a visit to the Centre Pompidou museum, where you can immerse yourself in captivating modern art exhibits and enjoy panoramic views from the fourth-floor balcony

When you’re ready for lunch, head to Rue des Rosiers to discover the vibrant Jewish Quarter in the heart of Le Marais. Indulge in delicious falafel at either L'As du Fallafel or MI-VA-MI — the former is a crowd favorite, while the latter is my preferred for its crispy falafel.

Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to admire traditional Parisian architecture. If you’re a Taylor Swift fan like me, stop by Sezane’s Marais location for trendy women’s fashion and their signature heart socks. Make your way to Place des Vosges for a serene park experience where your children can play, or explore charming shops and stop by Carette for a luxurious hot chocolate.

For dinner, enjoy a delightful meal at one of these fantastic local restaurants: Chez Janou, Glou or Little Café. End your day with a satisfying meal and return home for a restful night's sleep.

Head to the vibrant Montmartre district in the 18th arrondissement, easily accessible by Metro 12 (Abbesses), Metro 2 (Anvers) or Metro 4 (Château Rouge). For breakfast in the area, stop by The Hardware Société or Carette.

Make your way up to the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offers breathtaking views of Paris from its hilltop location. Entry to the church is free, allowing you to explore its magnificent interiors at your own pace. As Montmartre is a popular tourist spot, be mindful of scams and pickpockets in the area. For a more relaxed ascent to the basilica, take the Funiculaire, a fun experience for the kids. Alternatively, you can take an Uber to the top of the Funiculaire location and walk the remaining distance.

For lunch, savor a meal at one of Montmartre’s delightful eateries: Le Coq & Fils or Le Refuge des Fondus. After lunch, indulge in a Lebanese dessert at Bachir.

As you wander through Montmartre and walk off your dessert, don’t miss taking a photo by these Montmartre highlights:

• The Wall of Love, a mural showcasing “I love you” in various languages.

• Fotoautomat for a nostalgic photo booth experience with the family.

• Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret, for a quick walk by its iconic building.

Conclude your final night in Paris in the 9th arrondissement with dinner at L’Office, a cozy spot offering a beef Wellington that will put Gordon Ramsay to shame. Enjoy your last moments in the city, soaking in its charm and culinary delights.

Here are some suggestions to entertain the whole family indoors:

• 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.