We wanted our short two day Paris trip with a tween to balance sightseeing, fun, and family-friendly experiences and I think we nailed it!
Day 1 in Paris for iconic sights, culture, sweet treats and fun.
Day 2 at Disneyland Paris to enjoy the new World of Frozen land, enjoy the rides and soak up the magic. Click here to read our Disneyland Paris with Kids: A Perfect 1 Day Plan (+ Time Saving Tips For World of Frozen)
This family-friendly Paris itinerary is practical, realistic, and designed specifically for families visiting Paris with kids or tweens.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Résidence Ecla Noisy-le-Grand, which made everything so easy:
20 minutes from central Paris by RER
20 minutes to Disneyland Paris by RER/Uber
Easy RER access, a 10 minute walk away
It cost us £300 for 3 nights for an apartment with double bedroom, sofa bed in living area, little kitchen diner and bathroom. This included a basic breakfast.
One thing to note is that this is a slightly ‘alternative’ option which would only work during school holidays I imagine, given that it’s actually an apartment in a university halls complex!
For a Paris + Disneyland combo trip, staying in this area (Noisy Le Grand) saves travel time and stress, perfect for families. There was a Novotel around the corner practically opposite the station.
Travel Tip
Tip: Before heading out, we downloaded the IDF Mobilités app and bought day passes (€12 each). Worth noting: children need their own pass too (our daughter had hers on her phone). It made getting around incredibly easy all day. I’m not sure what you do with much smaller children.
Paris Itinerary with a Tween
Morning: Relaxed Breakfast
We started our day with a little detour to Madame Madame, a stylish spot on the way into central Paris famous for its Eiffel Tower shaped croissants (they look like waffles).
We opted for cheese filled, plus chocolate and gold glitter, and weren’t disappointed!
Getting there:
– Walk 8 min → Noisy-le-Grand – Mont d’Est RER
– Take RER A toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye → get off at Châtelet – Les Halles (~35 min)
– Walk 10 min to Madame Madame
Morning Sightseeing: Eiffel Tower + Trocadéro
Get off the Metro at Trocedero for the wow Eiffel Tower moment from a distance. Get those amazing photos on the terrace and classic steps before walking through Trocadéro gardens to the tower.
We chose not to go up the tower (we’d have lost 2-3 hours) but walked underneath it and laid out on the grass enjoying the view.
On the river right by the tower we took the Batobus hop-on hop-off boat to Notre Dame. There are 9 stops on a round trip, making it great for sightseeing without the expense of a guided river Seine ‘tour’. Perfect for Paris with kids.
Lunch & Fun
Lunch by the Seine opposite Notre Dame was so idyllic! Pizzas, moules frites and crepes were all available.
Next we took a little walk to go bracelet making at La Perlerie 22 Paris. Pick a chain, choose your charms and they’ll make it for you. Our chain was 6.5euros, each charm was 4euros and there was no additional cost for them to make it.
Just around the corner we did a bit of vintage shopping on the same street as the KiloShop, where you pay by weight and coloured tags.
Afternoon: Galeries Lafayette & Sweet Treats
We visited the Jellycat section inside FAO Schwarz, 5th floor of Galeries Lafayette. We’re actually really glad we didn’t book the Jellycat Patisserie Experience as we found it really underwhelming compared to the Fish & Chips version in Selfridges, London. Not somewhere we’d go back to.
However, the iconic glass dome roof and glass walkway was spectacular.
Next, we walked 10 minutes to Long & Tee Cafe for their famous chocolate creations. Think cute, Instagram-worthy edible bears and puppies that are just as fun as they are delicious. A guaranteed hit with kids in Paris!
Late Afternoon: Palais Royal Gardens & Louvre
Walking through the Louvre courtyards is enjoyable even without going inside. We listened to a violinist play under the arch and took the iconic Louvre pyramid photos.
Evening: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur & Golden Hour
We went straight up to Sacré-Cœur (we’d already done 20,000 steps so took the funicular which was included in our travel pass.)
At the top you’ll find:
- The iconic Sacré-Cœur
- Panoramic views across Paris
- Vendors selling padlocks etc
However, it was really busy.
We preferred the atmosphere walking down the steps through the middle. Street musicians brought feel good vibes and it felt effortlessly magical as we sat there listening to them.
Emmie enjoyed a carousel ride against the perfect backdrop of the Sacre Coeur sunset behind her.
We chose a restaurant opposite the carousel for dinner. Relaxed, a great selection of crepes, food for kids to enjoy and the chance to try frogs legs!
We had originally booked Le Refuge des Fondus, but ended up cancelling as our timings shifted and they only have two fixed sittings at 7.15pm and 9.15pm. The fondue looks delicious and they serve all drinks in baby bottles… one to experience in future!
Quick Tips for Families
1. Use the IDF Mobilités app for Paris transport
2. Plan one day in Paris + one day at Disneyland
Printable Quick Itinerary (Summary)
Day 1: Paris
– Breakfast: Madame Madame
– Eiffel Tower + Trocadéro
– Batobus to Notre Dame
– Lunch by the Seine
– Bracelet making / vintage shopping
– Galeries Lafayette & chocolate drinks
– Palais Royal gardens & Louvre walk
– Montmartre sunset + dinner
Day 2: Disneyland Paris
– Arrive 40 mins early
– Disneyland Park rides (Pirates, Indiana Jones)
– Lunch: Mickey pizza
– Switch to Studios Park
– 3:50pm Frozen lake show
– Princess ice cream & Minnie parade
– Afternoon rides
– Frozen ride at dusk
– Hot dogs + night show (top walkway spot)
Save this guide to plan your Paris with kids itinerary in 2026!
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