The second stop on our European odyssey was Paris. While we’ve been here many times before, this was the first time we returned with kids. 
After our stay in London, we headed to St. Pancras Station where we boarded the Eurostar high-speed train (aka Chunnel, but Europeans don’t like to call it that) to Paris’ Gare du Nord.
The Eurostar was very comfortable and took barely more than 2 hours to make it to Paris.
Be sure to wait in the official taxi line for a taxi that charges according to the meter. We were offered many rides by very persistent drivers ranging from 80 to 115 Euros. A 10-minute wait in the legitimate taxi line netted us a taxi ride costing less than 20 Euros with tip included. Scammers are plentiful, so beware.
It was very sweet to return to Paris with the kids in tow this time and show our oldest daughter the cathedral she was named after.
While many areas of Paris are beautiful, we like to stay in the 8th arrondissement Madeleine area. Good shopping, a short walk to the Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde and Louvre. We stayed at what is called an ApartHotel. Finding a hotel that sleeps more than two is challenging all through Europe and Paris was no exception. The ApartHotel filled the bill and had a laundry facility and full kitchen too, although we didn’t use it a ton.
Not to mention it’s easy to get to the river banks for a scenic run along the Seine.
For visiting museums and monuments, do not buy your tickets at the Louvre unless you want to wait in a long line. Similar to London, the Museum Pass is the way to go. Order ahead online before you leave or get it at the airport or other spots around Paris. It’s good for museums and monuments and there’s a special express entry for pass holders. Because the kids had zero interest in the contents of the Louvre, we skipped it entirely this time around.
Our kids were all about going to the top of the Eiffel Tower and L’arc de Triomph. FYI lines for ascending the tower can be 3-4 hours long. To circumvent this we took a tour that started at Trocadero for the best view.
Then jumped the line with our tour so we could go right up. Worth it I think!
Other fun things to do:
Sample french pastries and macarons
Visit the Pont des Arts Bridge
Indulge in a Nutella crepe
Dine in a streetside cafe
See Notre Dame.
One more beware: Paris has pickpockets and gypsies (the locals word, not mine). We were approached near the Louvre by a woman who claimed to be deaf and mute that wanted us to sign some sort of paper, which I refused. Apparently once you sign it, they demand money. As soon as I refused, she joined her friend and went off talking and laughing, apparently no longer deaf or mute. In addition to those, there women who flat out beg for money with a cup. Often they are quite persistent.
Although our stay was brief, overall we adored Paris. It’s a city I will never tire of.
Have you been to Paris? Favorite site or experience? Any tips?
I’m linking up with the August Wanderlust Linkup over at The Climbing Tree
These are great tips, especially using a tour to beat the long lines. How about the Pere Lachaise cemetery – that’s an interesting place to roam.
Great idea to join the tour in order to beat some of the lines! Looks like you all had a great time in Paris!
I”ve never been to Paris, but I’d sure love to! I think your plan of the Eiffel Tower Tour was a good one! Was it scary at the top?
I lived in Morocco and would go to Paris once every couple of months as a teenager. I LOVED it! But it was my rebel years and I remember walking down the Champs Elysee listening to Billy Idol on my bright yellow walkman and horrifying my parents ….. oh well. Paris is one of my favorite cities EVER. Glad you enjoyed your trip.
Ahhh, Paris! Such a beautiful, timeless city. Your pictures are stunning!
Those are really great tips and tricks. I love the idea of an ApartHotel. I’ve never heard of it before but it sounds PERFECT for you and your family. Also love the tip on how to bypass the lines at the major attractions. That can eat up SO much time.
I am appalled by the woman who pretended to be deaf and mute. Reminds me of that scene in Office Space where the guy pretends to be a former drug addict to sell magazines, LOL.
I went to Paris once and loved it! I was only there for 3 days, though, so there is still a lot I need to see! We took a day trip to Versaille, which I LOVED, and the catacombs were pretty amazing.
Thank you for sharing these tips! I hope to visit one day. Looks like a great trip for the entire family. Love macarons!
I had no idea that they made macroons in so many colors! What wonderful photos =)
This is all such good, timely information. My son and his girlfriend are heading over there in a month so I’m going to be linking them this post.
So amazing, I cannot wait to go overseas! Coolest parents ever!!!
I’ve never been to Paris but it’s one my list! These are great tips! Pinned for when I actually do get there someday. I was just telling my daughter I want to take her!
This looks lovely! I’ve been to the North of France (for work) and the South of France (for vacation) but have only been through Paris in the airport. Glad your kids are getting this opportunity to travel with you.
Everything looks like so much fun….now if I could just get my butt to Paris I’d be in business 😉
The macroons looked so yummy.
The same problems here: gypsies, illegal drivers and …. but the list is very long.
However beautiful photos and yes, I went to Paris many times. The city is beautiful and full of history.
ahhhhh super helpful as I only have ONE and Ive been afraid to return!!!
Love it. I have never been… but these photos make me want to go (like yesterday!)
Gorgeous pics. We were supposed to go to Scotland (we put it off until next year). But, since we can either fly through London or Paris, I’m going to convince my husband we should stay at either place for a few days. Might as well, right? I’m going to refer back to your blog when making my travel plans!
these tips are helpful for anyone – even those without kids. i love all your travel posts!
Paris is on my bucket list, and looking at your pics makes me want to go even more! Those macaroons look amazing!
Wow, those macarons! Great tips for enjoying wonderful Paris. Thanks for linking up! #wanerlustteam
I’ve never been but would love to go some day! Love your pics! Thanks for the tips!
We actually only stood in line for about 20 minutes at the Eiffel Tower. Ohhh, those nutella crepes were amazing! And I remember those girls in front of Notre Dame trying to get us to sign something….unique technique I must say!