- Last Updated: November 30, 2024
- Lande
Magical 3 Nights with the Family in Paris
Our adventure continued with a Eurostar train ride from London to Paris. It was a comfortable and quick journey, taking only 2 and a half hours. In this blog, I’m excited to share the magic of our three unforgettable nights of our family in Paris.
Where to stay
We stayed at the 4-star Boutique Hotel Mareuil Paris, booked through Chase Reserved Preferred points. This charming boutique hotel, located in the Haut Marais district, was both cute and impeccably clean, exuding Parisian charm. Our rooms featured two separate bedrooms, which the kids really enjoyed. It was situated in a convenient neighborhood with many trendy restaurants. The hotel had a small fitness area equipped with two treadmills, some light weights, and a yoga mat. This proved to be sufficient for our trip’s duration. The hotel is very close to Oberkampf, Place de la République, and Canal Saint-Martin metro stations. They also offer a hammam, although regrettably, we didn’t have the chance to make use of it.
What to do
Day 1:
Eiffel Tower Picnic – Our cousins joined us in Paris for three days of fun. After a quick stop at our hotel to grab some champagne and light snacks, we gathered at the Eiffel Tower for a lovely picnic. The weather was perfect. We also got to enjoy the enchanting Parisian night views and Eiffel Tower light show. While we couldn’t secure online tickets to go up the tower this time, we highly recommend it.
Day 2:
Louvre Museum – We tried to book a family tour, but it wasn’t available during our visit. If you can, book it in advance. Even with tickets, there is a long line to get in. I recommend you get there 30 minutes to 1 hour before your schedule time. While waiting, capture memorable photos. If you have time, return in the evening to see the museum beautifully lit. There’s also a line to see the Mona Lisa, which the kids didn’t mind because they were excited to see it after learning about it in school.
Tuileries Garden – Located next to the museum, Tuileries Garden is a peaceful place for a post-museum stroll. It has well-kept lawns, fountains, and sculptures, creating a serene Parisian escape.
Seine River – Continue your walk along the Seine River for a peaceful break. Enjoy iconic views, visit cozy riverside cafés, or take a scenic cruise. The Seine’s charm enchants day and night, making it a must-visit part of Paris.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – Our Paris trip wouldn’t be complete without shopping. This department store is perfect for tax refunds and well-organized. The kids had a blast shopping with their dads and enjoying snacks inside the store.
Musée d’Orsay – Among the museums, this one’s my personal favorite, offering a calming art experience of timeless impressionist masterpieces. Buy tickets in advance, as same-week tickets are hard to find, and lines can be long to get in as well.
Day 3:
Montmartre – Surprisingly, Montmartre was a highlight of our trip. This charming town offers many dining and shopping options. It’s touristy but definitely worth it. We enjoyed sweet and savory crepes and mulled wine while taking in a panoramic view of the city from the top. Don’t forget to bring a lock to place on the fences near Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Arc de Triomphe – We took the metro to reach the Arc de Triomphe, which is even more impressive in person. If your kids are up for it, consider walking up, although it’s narrow and more suitable for older children.
Champs-Élysées – After visiting the Arc, we walked down this famous street, explored shops, and took a leisurely stroll.
What to eat
Dong Phat– You can’t be in Paris without enjoying a Vietnamese meal. This restaurant is located near the Eiffel Tower, and I truly savored their pho and meat dishes. Plus, I love how affordable wine is all over Paris.
Brasserie Au Metro- This place offered a simple breakfast with cafe au lait, eggs and croissants near our hotel. We tried other spots, but they had the best croissants.
Saigon Sandwich- I made sure we had a banh mi in Paris. The Parisian baguette is incomparable to all the banh mis we’ve had in New York. It was quite a walk to get here, but it was worth it.
Udon Jubey– Near the museum, we stumbled upon a street with Japanese restaurants. Since they couldn’t accommodate all of us, we split up by family. This place was an excellent choice and satisfied my kids’ noodle cravings.
Ladurée- We visited the one within the Louvre. Last time we were in Paris, I preferred Pierre Hermé, but this time Ladurée was the winner, especially for their Earl Grey flavor macaron.
Pierre Hermé– We went to the one in Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. I have to admit it was drier than Ladurée when we did the blind taste test. However, I do love rose-flavored macarons.
Le Carreau- This was a charming Parisian bistro near our hotel. Their menu changes based on the season, and the service was excellent.
Constantia Martyrs- We always try to visit a pizzeria when in Europe because you can’t get Napoletana style this tasty in New York. I really enjoyed this spot, especially the chewy crust.
La Poule au Pot- This, by far, was my favorite meal of the entire trip. I was thrilled to have it on the last night to make it memorable. My kids tried escargot for the first time and loved it. They also served amazing bread, and we had to resist filling up on it. The French onion soup was delicious, and the shepherd’s pie was a chef’s kiss.
Helpful Tips- Magical 3 Nights with the Family in Paris
During spring break, it was challenging to secure tickets for the major sites, so be sure to purchase them as soon as they become available for your desired visit dates. Even with scheduled times, you may need to wait in line, so I recommend arriving 30 minutes to 1 hour early.
The metro and bus systems are very user-friendly; we used them for all our transportation needs and rarely took taxis.
Keep in mind that there’s quite a bit of walking in Paris, so taking mid-day breaks proved helpful.
In London, you can book most reservations online, while in Paris, it’s primarily done by phone. It can be challenging to secure same-day reservations in London, but I didn’t find it as difficult in Paris. I would definitely recommend it for La Poule au Pot.
We tried to find chewable Motrin and allergy medications but had no luck at local pharmacies in Paris as well. I suggest checking my recommended list of things to pack for international trips with kids.
If you have another day, I recommend visiting Palace of Versailles. It will take at least 3/4 of your day but a lovely day trip from Paris.
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