Most families visiting Paris for the first time go straight to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame. And yes, these are absolutely worth seeing. But if you want your kids to actually remember this trip, and if you want to experience Paris the way Parisians live it, you need to go beyond the tourist trail.
I’m Alexis, a Parisian travel agent born and raised in this city. I’ve been designing tailor-made itineraries for foreign families for years, and in this guide, I’m sharing the hidden spots I personally recommend & places that rarely appear in travel blogs, but that make for unforgettable memories.
Why Families Often Miss the Best of Paris
Paris is one of the most visited cities on earth and that’s exactly the problem. Most travel content online points you to the same 10 attractions. The result? Long lines, crowds, overpriced restaurants, and exhausted kids.
The good news: just a few minutes walk from the main tourist spots, Paris has quieter, cheaper, and far more charming alternatives. Here’s where to find them.
1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont — The Park Locals Actually Go To
Forget the Tuileries Garden (overcrowded) and the Champ de Mars (tourist magnet). The real gem for families is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement.
- A stunning lake with an island you can reach by bridge
- A real cave (grotte) kids can explore
- Puppet shows (guignol) on weekends — a beloved French tradition
- Wide open lawns where Parisians actually picnic
🇫🇷 Local tip : Stop by a nearby boulangerie before you arrive and pack a picnic. Parisians do this every weekend — baguette, cheese, charcuterie. Your kids will love it and it costs a fraction of any café.
2. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature — The Museum Kids Will Actually Love
Here’s a secret: most Paris museums are beautiful but exhausting for kids. The Louvre is 3 km of corridors. The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is different beacause it’s small, quirky, and genuinely captivating for children.
Stuffed animals behind glass, interactive displays, hunting trophies, and strange artworks all mixed together. It feels like exploring a cabinet of curiosities. Kids walk out having seen something they’ve never seen before.
🎟️ Practical info: Small museum, rarely crowded, manageable in 1.5 hours. Perfect for younger children (5-12 years old).
3. Rue Crémieux — The Most Colorful Street in Paris
Instagram has made this street more popular recently, but it’s still far less visited than major sites. Rue Crémieux in the 12th arrondissement is a short pedestrian street lined with brightly painted houses pink, yellow, blue, green.
It’s a 10-minute photo stop that your whole family will remember. Go before 10am if you want it quieter.
However, there isn’t much else around, so go there if you have time or if you’re passing through Gare de Lyon train station.
📸 Family photo tip: This is the perfect spot for a family photo. The colors are striking and kids love walking between the tiny houses.
4. The Covered Passages (Passages Couverts) — Victorian Paris Untouched
In the 19th century, Paris was full of covered shopping galleries like indoor streets lined with boutiques and cafés. Today, only a handful survive, and they feel like stepping back in time.
- Galerie Vivienne — the most beautiful, with stunning mosaic floors
- Passage des Panoramas — the oldest, full of stamp shops and old cafés
- Galerie Véro-Dodat — dark and mysterious, like a movie set
These passages are free to walk through and completely unknown to most tourists. On a rainy Paris day, they’re absolute magic.
5. Canal Saint-Martin — The Neighborhood Parisians Call Home
Forget Saint-Germain-des-Prés (beautiful but pricey and touristy). If you want to feel like a real Parisian for an afternoon, head to Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement.
Walk along the canal, watch the old iron bridges and locks, grab a coffee at a local café, let the kids throw pebbles in the water. It’s simple, authentic, and exactly what Paris looks like when you peel off the tourist layer.
🍽️ Where to eat nearby: Look for any small restaurant without an English menu posted outside that’s usually a sign locals eat there.
6. Sainte-Chapelle — More Breathtaking Than Notre-Dame (and No Line)
Notre-Dame is iconic. But Sainte-Chapelle, just steps away on the Île de la Cité, is arguably more spectacular and far fewer people go there.
The upper chapel is entirely made of stained glass. 15 floor-to-ceiling windows covering 600 square meters of biblical scenes. When the sun comes through, the effect is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere in the world. Kids stand speechless. Adults too.
⏰ Timing tip: Buy your tickets online in advance. Go on a sunny morning for the best light it completely transforms the experience.
7. Marché d’Aligre — The Real Paris Market Experience
Forget the touristy market on Rue Mouffetard. The Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement is where Parisians actually shop. It’s loud, chaotic, joyful, and completely authentic.
Open Tuesday to Sunday mornings, it has a covered indoor market (Beauvau) and an outdoor section with produce vendors, antique dealers, and second-hand stalls. Let your kids pick out fresh fruit, taste some cheese from a vendor, and experience Paris as it really is.
How a Local Paris Travel Planner Can Help Your Family
Finding these spots is one thing. Building a realistic, enjoyable itinerary around them with the right timing, restaurant choices, and logistics for kids is another.
As a local Parisian travel agent, I specialize in designing tailor-made itineraries for foreing families. I know which neighborhoods are exhausting with a stroller, which restaurants genuinely welcome children, and how to pace a day so that everyone including tired parents comes home happy.
- I create a detailed PDF itinerary with maps, photos, tips, and day-by-day planning
- I don’t take commissions / every recommendation is 100% based on quality
- I’m available on WhatsApp throughout your trip for any question or emergency
- I speak fluent English and can plan your entire France trip, not just Paris
Ready to plan your family trip to Paris? Contact me at alexis-travel-agent-paris.com and I’ll take care of everything. 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris a good destination for families with young children?
Absolutely. Paris has excellent public transportation (though strollers can be tricky in the Metro opt for the RER or bus when possible), large parks, many child-friendly museums, and a culture that genuinely welcomes families in restaurants and cafés.
How many days do families need in Paris?
I recommend a minimum of 5 full days to see the main sights and experience some hidden gems without feeling rushed. 7-8 days is ideal if you want to add a day trip (Versailles, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel).
What’s the best time of year for a family trip to Paris?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal mild weather, fewer crowds than summer, and Paris at its most beautiful. July-August can be hot but sunny. Some people will tell you that summer is the wrong time to visit because there are lots of tourists, which is true, but the locals are on vacation. So I find Paris very quiet and relaxing, especially in August.
How much does a Paris travel planner cost?
My rates are transparent and listed on my website. You pay once for a complete, custom itinerary, no hidden fees, no commissions on activities. Most families tell me it saves them far more than it costs, both in time and in avoiding expensive tourist traps.
About me
Nice to meet you ! I am Alexis, a Parisian travel agent born and raised in Paris. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, I design tailor-made itineraries for foreigners travelers visiting France. From Paris city breaks to road trips through Normandy, the Loire Valley, and the French Riviera.