A Weekend in Paris: Family Adventures in the City of Light

A weekend in Paris—just the thought of it brings to mind images of iconic landmarks, charming streets, and endless possibilities. With just a few days to enjoy the City of Light, I knew it would be all about finding that balance between sightseeing and keeping the little ones entertained. From morning croissants at a cozy café to picnics in the park and a sprinkle of Parisian magic along the way, this whirlwind trip was about making memories as a family. Paris might be known for its romance, but it's also a place where even the smallest travelers can find joy and wonder.

Read on for my full travel guide to Paris!

We stayed at Hôtel Les Jardins du Luxembourg - see my full review here. Our stay at Hôtel Les Jardins du Luxembourg felt like the perfect home base for getting to know the Left Bank. Situated near the Luxembourg Gardens, we took our time exploring this vibrant area, strolling the gardens in the morning, wandering through nearby bookstores, and soaking in the bohemian spirit of the Latin Quarter.

Tip!

The Galeries Lafayettes rooftop has an amazing view over Paris, and is free to visit.

We also climbed up the many, many steps to Montmatre. It was a real workout carrying a toddler!

Montmartre is a neighbourhood with layers of history. You could easily spend an entire day wandering its cobblestone streets, stopping at tucked-away art galleries or sipping coffee at a café while watching the artists work their magic at Place du Tertre.

For dinner, we went to Brasserie des Prés in the lovely neighbourhood Saint-Germain-Des-Prés. Dining at Brasserie des Prés felt like stepping into the quintessential Parisian experience. The brasserie had an effortlessly chic vibe, with its art deco interiors, warm lighting, and classic French ambiance. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant buzzed with the sounds of soft conversation, clinking glasses, creating an inviting, lively atmosphere.

The menu was a tribute to traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. I opted for the steak tartare which was tender and flavourful.

What made Brasserie des Prés stand out was the attention to detail—each dish was not only a treat for the palate but presented beautifully. My husband ordered the steak-frites, perfectly cooked to a tender medium-rare and served with golden, crispy fries. We couldn’t resist ending the meal with a decadent crème brûlée, its caramelised top cracking under the spoon to reveal the creamy vanilla custard beneath.

We also had dinner at a great little neighbourhood bistro called Restaurant Georgette. We loved our dinner here - it was a small, intimate please, off the tourist track, with delicious food and a great atmosphere. Again, I went for the steak tartare (I can't help myself!), and it was served with beautifully crispy and golden chunky fries.

As we bid farewell to Paris, we left a city rich in history, culture, and undeniable charm. From grand architecture to everyday moments in local cafés, Paris has something for every traveller. Whether drawn to its art, food, or simply the rhythm of life, the city leaves a lasting impression. Until next time, Paris.

Ready to plan your own Parisian adventure? Tell me about your must-see spots in the comments.