Paris Itinerary Kids Day 6: Montmartre + Parc de La Villette

Your Paris Day 6 itinerary starts with a morning visit to the famous hilltop village of Montmartre, followed by an afternoon in Parc de la Villette, one of Paris’s largest and most family-friendly parks.

As with other Paris Itineraries With Kids, pick what works for you and skip what doesn’t. Bookmark this Paris Day 6 itinerary, 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: Explore Montmartre

The hilltop village of Montmartre was once home to artistic legends such as Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani. This quaint neighbourhood captivates with its narrow cobble lanes, historic cafés, and fabulous views. Exploring the neighbourhood on foot is a must, so wear comfortable shoes on your walk. Montmartre is a popular area to visit at any time of day and year, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, go there as early as possible in the morning.

Montmartre Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

How to get here

Several different metro stations would take you to the area of Montmartre, including Abbesses, Chateau Rouge, Lamarck-Caulaincourt, Pigalle, Anvers and Barbès-Rochéchouart. How you get to Montmartre will depend on whether you want to start your walk at the bottom or the top of the hill.

I’d recommend starting your Paris Day 6 itinerary at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ of Montmartre (La Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre) at the top of the hill and slowly working your way down the hill. If you start at the bottom of the hill and want to get up without taking the steps, there is a funicular that can take you to the top for the price of a Metro ticket. It’s quick, fun and cheap.

Just outside the cathedral at the top of the hill, you will find a stop for the Little Train of Montmartre. You and your kids can hop aboard if you feel too tired to walk around the neighbourhood. It costs €10 for adults and €5 for kids. There is a guided audio available in English and French.

Montmartre Train Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets
Montmartre Metro Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

What to see and do

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica, sitting atop Montmartre in Paris, has been a symbol of hope and history since its construction started in 1875 and finished in 1914. It was built after France faced tough times, like the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune rebellion, aiming to heal and bring the country together. The basilica stands out because of its bright white colour, which comes from a special stone called travertine, found in Château-Landon. This stone releases a mineral that whitens with rain, keeping the basilica shining over Paris.

The basilica is well worth a visit with its Byzantine-style mosaic and stained-glass windows. It’s open every day of the year, from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. Admission is free, but you may need to queue outside. Once inside, there is also the option of climbing a narrow 28-step staircase leading up to the dome, where you can get a 360° panoramic view of Paris. The dome is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm. Unfortunately, there is no elevator access.

Just a few steps from the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, you’ll find Place du Tertre. This lively square is a hive of artistic activity and a relic of Montmartre’s bohemian past. Historically, Montmartre has been a haven for artists, attracting iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who were drawn to the area’s vibrant art scene. Today, Place du Tertre retains much of that artistic spirit. It is filled with artists setting up their easels daily to paint, draw, and sell their work to the public. The square is mainly known for its portrait sketchers and caricaturists who can capture a likeness in mere minutes. Each artist here must undergo a selective process to get their license to sell artwork to the public. The competition for space is fierce, and the waiting list for applications is long.

Place du Tertre Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets
Place du Tertre 2 Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

Allow the kids to observe artists at work as they create beautiful portraits and caricatures. They can even have their portraits drawn or opt for a quick sketch to take home as a souvenir.

Next Stops: Rue Norvins and Rue de l’Abreuvoir

Continue following Rue Norvins, one of Montmartre’s most picturesque streets, with charming cafes and boutiques. Turn right at Rue des Saules, and you’ll see the famous café Le Consulat, which hosted artists like Van Gogh and Monet. This spot offers a glimpse into the vibrant social life of Montmartre’s artistic past.

Walk further to the quaint and narrow Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of the prettiest in Paris. One of the highlights on this street is La Maison Rose, a picturesque restaurant painted a vibrant pink. The restaurant became famous in the early 20th century under the ownership of Germaine Pichot, a model and muse to many artists, including Pablo Picasso. Pichot’s husband, Ramón Pichot, was also an artist, and their home became a gathering spot for the bohemian artists and intellectuals of the era. In the summer, enjoy their pretty terrace while enjoying a lunch of seasonal food or a coffee.

Musée de Montmartre

Just a stone’s throw away on Rue Cortot is the Musée de Montmartre, housed in the oldest building in the district. The address attracted many artists, such as Auguste Renoir, who had his studio there. If you have time, visit this museum which is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The tickets cost €15 per adult, €8 for children over the age of 10 and free for under 10. Stop at Café Renoir for coffee, a light lunch or a snack. You get great views over the Montmartre Vineyards from the gardens of the museum.

A stroll down Rue de l’Abreuvoir will take you to a little square where you can discover the bronze bust of the celebrated singer Dalida, who lived in Montmartre and rose to fame in the 1960s. A few minutes walk from the statue is Square Suzanne-Buisoon, which has a nice playground for children.

Next Stops: “The Man in the Wall” and “I Love You Wall”

There is no shortage of street art in Paris, and Montmartre is the same. A short walk to Place Marcel Aymé leads you to the whimsical sculpture of a man coming through a wall. This artwork was inspired by Marcel Aymé’s short story “Le Passe-muraille“. It depicts a man trying to pass through a wall but getting stuck halfway. Let the kids interact with the sculpture, pretending to push or pull it and take memorable photos.

Man in the Wall Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

Check out the I Love You Wall (“Le mur des je t’aime“) in Montmartre’s Jehan Rictus garden square. It’s a unique mural displaying the phrase “I love you” 311 times in 250 languages. Created by Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito in 2000, this wall is a tribute to universal love and unity. Here you will see inscriptions set against a backdrop of blue lava tiles and red script symbolizing a healing heart. You find the wall in a little park next to the Metro Station Abbesses.

I Love You Wall Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

Walk down Rue Yvonne le Tac towards Carrousel de Saint-Pierre, where the kids can ride with the backdrop of Sacré-Cœur. There are two great food stops on the way. The first one is Breizh Café, which serves delicious savoury and sweet crepes, perfect for refuelling at lunch. Finish off with ice cream for dessert at Glace Bachir. There are fun stores on this street, like Paris Duck Store and Pylones, where you can get unique Paris souvenirs.

If you’re visiting Montmartre in October, check the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre dates. This annual harvest festival is celebrated every second weekend in October, and there are several free events, including the Grand Parade through the streets of Montmartre.

How long to spend here:

I would spend 2 – 3 hours walking through Montmartre with kids and then stay in the area for lunch. That way, the kids would not be overly tired from walking and would have the energy for the fun afternoon at Park de la Villette.

Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at Parc de la Villette

Located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, Parc de la Villette is one of the city’s largest and most family-friendly parks.

How to get here

To reach Parc de la Villette via the Paris Metro, take Line 5 to Porte de Pantin or Line 7 to Porte de la Villette metro stations. When coming from Montmartre, the metro ride between Anvers and Porte de la Villette is about 20 minutes.

What to see and do

Adjacent to the Paris Science Museum, known as La cité des sciences et de l’industrie, this park is a favourite day out for many French families. I recommend to visit this amazing science museum which offers two permanent exhibitions specifically designed for children. One caters to ages 2 – 7, and the other to children aged 5 – 12. Each exhibition is run as a 90mins session that you need to prebook ahead. During each session your child can experiment and experience science in the most interactive way possible. The younger children can discover the properties of water through play, and the older children can measure how fast they run. Each ticket costs €13, and you can prebook them by clicking here.

If your kids speak French, consider checking out the program of activities organised at Little Villette. Little Villette is a huge space dedicated entirely to families, and hosts numerous events and workshops throughout the year for children. There is even a baby gym, a LEGO room, a reading room, and cinema.

There are even two fantastic playgrounds for kids of all ages – one in Jardin du Dragon (“Dragon Garden”) and the other in Jardin des Vents et des Dunes (“Garden of Wind and Dunes”).

Parc de la Villette Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

Jardin du Dragon

The centrepiece of the Dragon Garden is an impressive, colourful dragon structure overlooking the park. Designed to resemble a real dragon, it offers a play area for all children up to 13 years old. Kids can climb the large steel and rope structure, slide inside the dragon, and exit through its mouth (a tunnel) before whizzing down a 25-metre-long slide to the ground below. Keep in mind, though, that the Dragon Slide is reserved for children aged 8-14. Near the dragon, there’s a play area equipped with climbing nets, swings, seesaws and climbing structures for younger kids.

Jardin des Vents et des Dune

You’ll find another terrific playground just across the canal. This space is ideally suited for toddlers (0-2 years) and older children (up to 13 years). Modelled after the Breton seaside, it offers a variety of activities, such as pedal-powered turbines, climbing tunnels, trampolines and swings.

Opening hours:

  • The Parc de la Villette gardens are open and accessible daily from 6am until 1am.
  • The Dragon Garden is open daily from 8am until 7pm
  • The Wind and Dune Garden Playground is open daily from 10am to 8pm between 1 April and 31 October. Between 1 November and 31 March, it’s open on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

How to get here:

  • Metro: Porte de la Villette (line 7), Porte de Pantin (Line 5)

How long to spend here

If your child has a 90-minute session booked at the Science Museum, plan for a 2.5-hour visit. Allow an extra hour or two to explore the playgrounds.

Restaurants Paris Itinerary Kids - The Knowledge Nuggets

Address: 93 Rue des Martyrs, 75018, Paris

Distance from Abbesses Metro : 1 minute

Opening hours: 11.30 am to 10 pm daily

What it’s like: Known for its high-quality Breton-style buckwheat galettes and crêpes, the café now has several outlets across the city. More unusual flavour combinations like truffle galettes and yuzu suzette crêpes are perfect with a glass of cider from Britanny or Normandy. Kids will love the more traditional combinations like ham and cheese for the main course and the sweet crêpes for dessert with chocolate, salted caramel, jam or ice cream.

Address: 7 Rue Tardieu, 75018, Paris

Distance from Abbesses Metro : 3 minutes

Opening hours: 12.30 am to 10.30 pm daily (closes at 10 pm on Sundays)

What it’s like: This Lebanese shop is a fantastic place to visit for delicious ice cream.

Address: 9 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018, Paris

Distance from Abbesses Metro : 6 minutes

Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesday – Friday, 10.15 am to 6.30 pm on Saturdays, closed on Mondays and Sundays

What it’s like: Come here to experience delightful breakfasts and brunches at this charming small café. It’s the perfect cosy spot for a drink paired with a delicious pastry or cake.

Address: 57 Rue du Mont Cenis, 75018, Paris

Distance from Abbesses Metro : 14 minutes

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 6 pm on Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays, closed on Mondays

What it’s like: This little coffee shop/tea room is another excellent spot for a drink paired with a slice of cake.

More Paris suggestions

I hope this suggested Paris itinerary for Day 6 has been helpful to plan your trip to Paris. Click here to read more suggested Paris Itineraries with kids.

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