Your Paris Itinerary with Kids Day 1 begins with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, continues through Champs de Mars, a walk down Rue Cler and past Hôtel des Invalides, concluding with a sightseeing Seine River Cruise.
As with other Paris Itineraries With Kids, pick what works for you and skip what doesn’t. Bookmark this Paris Itinerary with Kids Day 1, share it with friends and family planning their Parisian escape, and get ready to explore Paris in a way that delights everyone. Welcome to a family vacation in Paris that you’ll never forget!
Morning: Start at Trocadero
How to get here
Kick off your Paris itinerary on Day 1 at the Esplanade du Trocadéro, known for offering one of Paris’ most spectacular views. Take the metro to Trocadero station and follow the signs leading to the Eiffel Tower to find the correct exit. You’ll arrive at Esplanade du Trocadéro and have the Eiffel Tower just before you. This spacious plaza stretches out in front of the Palais de Chaillot, providing a stunning foreground to the iconic Eiffel Tower just across the river.
What to see and do
The site was originally named after the Battle of Trocadéro, a conflict in which the French helped restore the Spanish king to the throne in 1823. The initial Palais du Trocadéro, constructed for the 1878 World’s Fair, was replaced by what we now know as the Palais de Chaillot for the 1937 Exposition Internationale. This pair of curved buildings arc around the broad esplanade and houses three museums:
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- Musée National de la Marine (National Navy Museum), which celebrates France’s maritime history
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- Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Mankind), exploring anthropology and human history
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- Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, a museum dedicated to French architecture.
During the day, it’s a popular place to enjoy unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower at full height along with the sprawling cityscape. As evening falls, the area becomes especially magical, with the setting sun casting a golden hue over the tower. Once darkness envelops the sky, you can admire the Eiffel Tower sparkle — a truly unforgettable sight.
How long to spend here
Spend about 30 minutes taking family photos at this popular spot to view the Eiffel Tower.
Next stop: The Eiffel Tower
Take the steps down towards the Jardins du Trocadero. Cross the Pont d’Iena bridge to approach the Eiffel Tower – about a 10-15 minute walk from the Esplanade du Trocadéro.
What to see and do
If this your first trip to Paris, then definitely visit its most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower. It does get crowded, but when you’re in Paris, you must experience it. The children will love it too, and you will see the beauty of Paris above.
A French engineer, Gustave Eiffel, and his team designed the Eiffel Tower for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Some of Paris’s leading artists and intellectuals initially deemed the tower an eyesore and even criticised its construction. Despite this, construction went ahead, and the Eiffel Tower was erected as a temporary exhibit on the Champ de Mars near the Seine River. It took two years, two months, and five days to complete from 1887 to 1889. Standing at 300 meters (about 984 feet) tall, it held the title of the world’s tallest man-made structure until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930.
The Eiffel tower sparkles every evening from dusk until 11.45 pm, for 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour. As the lights are switched off at 11.45 pm, they will sparkle for the last time at 11 pm. This spectacle is a must-see when you’re in Paris!
Book tickets in advance
If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower, book your ticket online directly on the Eiffel Tower website here or through a third-party tour company. Be sure to reserve well ahead, and dates open up to two months in advance. You can try your luck by just showing up on the day, but there is no guarantee tickets will be available.
The tower has three observation levels, all connected by elevators and stairs. However, no direct elevator takes you straight to the summit. You’ll first take an elevator (or climb 775 steps) to the second level to get there. Once on the second level, you will take another elevator to the top level. The panorama from the 2nd floor is fantastic, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get tickets to the top
Next stop: Champ de Mars
How to get here
Just a few minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, you will see a lovely park called the Champs de Mars that’s perfect for some downtime.
What to see and do
The Champ de Mars in Paris has evolved significantly since its origins in the late 16th century, transitioning from agricultural land to a military training site by the 17th century. It was pivotal during the French Revolution, notably during the 1790 Fête de la Fédération and the 1791 Champ de Mars Massacre. The 19th century saw it transform into a global exhibition space, hosting numerous World Fairs and unveiling the Eiffel Tower in 1889.
No Paris itinerary for travel with kids is complete without the mention of playgrounds! Champ de Mars is a great place to spend with kids and let them unwind after the trip to the Eiffel Tower.
There are three playgrounds in Champs de Mars. You’ll find two of these spaces at the intersection of Avenue Charles Risler and Avenue Pierre Loti. The first playground, adjacent to a carousel, is suited for younger children and features a sandpit, climbing frame, and slides. Just opposite lies the second playground, which has a fun train, climbing structures, and a more challenging climbing frame. Here, you will also find a café that serves crepes, drinks, and ice cream if kids need an energy boost. The third playground in Champs de Mars is closer to the Eiffel Tower and is a bit harder to spot. It’s perfect for toddlers and has a small slide and climbing frame.
Time for lunch
You’ll find several restaurants just a short walk from Champs de Mars. One great option is La Fontaine de Mars at 129 Rue Saint-Dominique. This restaurant has served traditional French cuisine since 1908. Everything is typically French, from the red-chequered napkins to the memorabilia on the walls. The service is decent, the waiters speak English, and it’s excellent value. It’s the perfect spot to refuel and savour some culinary delights before you proceed with this Paris Day 1 itinerary. During their visit to France in 2009 to commemorate the D-Day anniversary, U.S. President Obama and his family made a notable stop to dine at La Fontaine de Mars.
Alternatively, make your way to your next destination on Paris Day 1 itinerary – Rue Cler. This is a lively street where you can pick up supplies for a picnic lunch on Champs de Mars or dine at one of the many restaurants
Next stop: Rue Cler
How to get here
Rue Cler is about a 10-minute walk from Champs de Mars, down Rue de Grenelle.
What to see and do
Take a leisurely stroll down Rue Cler, a charming traffic-free street known for its vibrant atmosphere. The stalls spill out on the streets selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and meat, and this is the place where locals come to shop. Like in other parts of the city, you’ll find most shops closed on Monday, so be aware if you plan on visiting on this day.
French President Emmanuel Macron called this street home until 2017, before his move to the Elysée Palace.
There are some interesting shops to point out on this street. Armor-Lux is your go-to for high-quality Breton striped shirts and nautical-themed apparel, embodying French fashion at its finest. At À la Mère de Famille, indulge in traditional sweets and chocolates, where you can handpick your favourites to assemble a personalized box of delights. Chocolate lovers will find bliss at Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse with its exquisite selection of chocolate creations. Mariage Frères, a French tea brand, is perfect for tea-lovers looking to explore unique blends.
How long to spend here
You can easily spend up to an hour strolling and experiencing the Parisian way of life on Rue Cler.
Next stop: Rodin Museum
How to get here
Just a 15-minute walk from Rue Cler is the Rodin Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
What to see and do
The museum opened to the public in 1919, following Rodin’s donation of his entire collection to the French state on the condition that they turn the hotel into a museum dedicated to his works. The collection includes some of Rodin’s most famous sculptures, such as “The Thinker,” “The Kiss,” and “The Gates of Hell,” which showcases panels of intricate figures derived from Dante’s Inferno.
The Rodin Museum is ideal for children, especially since admission is free for those under 18. After visiting the museum, head outside to the stunning gardens, where more of Rodin’s sculptures are on display and you’ll likely spend the most time with the kids. There is a lovely café where you can stop for refreshments, with outdoor seating available during the warmer months.
If your children speak French, you can sign them up for Sunday family tours or sculpture workshops organized during the school holidays for children aged 6 to 10.
How long to spend here
The museum is compact and perfect for a leisurely 1- to 2-hour visit.
Address: 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Closed on 1 May, 1 January and 25 December
Prices: €15 for adults, free for children under 18
Tickets: Purchase your tickets in advance on the official website or via a third-party provider like Tiqets, who usually have same-day tickets, or book a private guided tour.
Next stop: Sightseeing Seine River Cruise
Cap off your Paris Day 1 itinerary with a sightseeing Seine River cruise, with or without dinner on board. These river cruises last approximately 1 hour and allow you to see key sights —the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral—as you drift along the Seine River.
Departure points
There are several river cruise operators with different departure points. If you’re visiting the Rodin Museum, the nearest departure point to you would be with an operator called Bateaux Mouches. They have been operating for decades, providing both day and night cruises, including dining options. You can choose a one-hour long cruise or book a cruise with dinner on board (there is even a 6pm “early bird” service). The cruise’s departure point is at Pont de l’Alma, about a 20-25mins walk from the Rodin Museum. You can also check out Vedettes de Paris, which offers guided one-hour excursions specifically for families with children aged 6 to 13 and depart from Port de Suffren near the Eiffel Tower.
Depending on when you visit, the Eiffel Tower may sparkle either during or after your cruise. It flashes for 5 minutes at the start of each hour, beginning at dusk. Stay and enjoy this dazzling display if you can.
Bateaux Mouches river cruise info
Prices
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- Boat tour: €15 for adults, €6 for children under 13, free for children under 4
- Lunchtime cruise: €80 per person (€39 for a child aged 4 – 12)
- Dinner cruise: prices start at €85 per person (€39 for a child aged 4 – 12) and vary depending on the menu chosen.
Tickets
Book your tickets here.
Times and duration
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- Boat tour: Monday to Thursday departure every 45 minutes from 10.15 am to 3.30 pm then every 30 minutes until 10.30 pm. Friday to Sunday: departure every 30 minutes from 10 am to 10.30 pm. The cruise lasts 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Lunchtime cruise: Boarding at 12 am, departing at 12.30 am and returning to harbour at 2.15 pm. The cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Dinner cruise: Boarding at 5.30 pm, departing at 5.50 pm and returning to harbour at 7.15 pm. The cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.
Les Vedettes de Paris river cruise info
Prices
- Paris with Kids boat tour: €20 for those over 12, €9 for children aged 4-11, free for children under 3
- Sightseeing boat tour: €20 for those over 12, €9 for children aged 4-11, free for children under 3
Times and duration
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- Paris with Kids boat tour: 1-hour cruise; one to three departures a day (depending on the season). Usually the times are 11 am, 3.30 pm and 5 pm.
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- Sightseeing boat tour: 1-hour cruise; departures every 30 minutes, from 11 am to 6 pm
Kid-friendly restaurants and cafes along the way
1. Creperie & Kiosk
Address: Champs de Mars (next to the children’s playgrounds, on the corner of Avenue Pierre Loti and Avenue Charles Risler).
Distance from the Eiffel Tower: 9 minutes
What it’s like: This outdoor café will not win any culinary prizes, but it’s the best place on Champs de Mars to stop with kids for a snack. It’s less than a minute’s walk from two children’s playgrounds and has everything a kid would want for a quick snack, including freshly made crepes with all sorts of toppings.
2. Terres de Café
Address: 67 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
Distance from the Eiffel Tower: 8 minutes
Opening hours: 9.30 am – 7 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm Saturday to Sunday
What it’s like: This small and cosy café has excellent coffee for grown-ups, snacks for kids (think cookies, brownies), and lunch menus that include sandwiches and quiches. They are also coffee specialists, so you can even buy some coffee beans here as a souvenir from Paris.
3. Zia
Address: 22 Avenue de Tourville, 75007 Paris
Distance from the Eiffel Tower: 17 minutes from the Eiffel Tower
Opening hours: 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm Saturday to Sunday
What it’s like: Another great spot for quality coffee for grown-ups that also serves breakfast, light lunch and baked goods made from organic local produce.
4. La Fontaine de Mars
Address: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
Distance from the Eiffel Tower: 9 minutes
Opening hours: The restaurant is open for lunch between 12 pm and 3 pm Monday through Friday and 12.30 am and 3.30 pm Saturday and Sunday. It is also open for dinner between 7 pm and 11 pm every day of the week.
What it’s like: Enjoy a quintessentially Parisian dining experience at this typically French bistro-brasserie with red and white tablecloths. Great for lunch or dinner, this restaurant serves traditional French cuisine. The service is decent, the waiters speak English, and the food is delicious.
5. FRAME Brasserie
Address: Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower, 28 Rue Jean Rey, 75015
Distance from the Eiffel Tower: 4 minutes
What it’s like: While this restaurant inside the Pullman hotel is open for lunch and dinner every day, what’s really special about this place is the Sunday brunch it offers, which is perfect for families. It’s not cheap at €65 for an adult and €29 for a child, but this buffet-style brunch is absolutely delicious. The childcare included in the brunch cost tops off the experience perfectly. After your kids have eaten, a nanny can take them to a separate kids’ room where they can play while grown-ups have their brunch in peace. The kids’ room has different sections divided by age e.g. there is a table where kids can do arts & crafts, and all kinds of toys for younger children.
More Paris suggestions
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