11 Issues To Do In Paris With Teenagers And Why They’ll Love It

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Are you planning a household journey to Paris with teenagers and questioning how one can preserve your youngsters engaged and excited?

Fear not, as a result of the Metropolis of Love and Lights has one thing for everybody, together with your teenagers. From the fascinating historical past and structure to the mouthwatering delicacies and vibrant road tradition, Paris is a perfect vacation spot for households with youngsters.

The guidelines on this information are additionally relevant to the tween in your loved ones, because it was with ours.

On the time of visiting Paris (2023) our ladies have been 15 (Kalyra) and 11 (Savannah). Our youngest is mature and well-traveled so liked all these Paris points of interest as nicely.

On this information, we’ll discover why teenagers would love the Metropolis of Mild, share some particular suggestions for a easy journey, and checklist the highest issues to do in Paris with youngsters.

Why Teenagers Love Paris?

Teenagers aren’t too completely different from the adults within the household in the case of journey. I’m fairly positive you’re going to like Paris for all these causes too.

However if you happen to’re questioning why teenagers love Paris, these have been the explanations my daughters spoke about essentially the most.

Iconic Landmarks

Paris boasts among the world’s most well-known landmarks, together with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Teenagers will take pleasure in exploring these iconic locations and taking selfies to share on social media.

One reminiscence of our journey to Paris that stands out to me is the ladies squealing at one another once they first glimpsed the Eiffel Tower from Montparnasse Tower.

That enamor with it continued all through our 4 days in Paris when it first appeared on our Seine River Cruise, from atop the Arc De Triomphe, and after we lastly visited.

Savannah had deliberate out her Eiffel Tower outfit for days and was very excited to take a lot of photographs of the enduring Paris landmark. You may guess their selfie photographs have been shared on social media.

Scrumptious Meals and Fairly Cafes

Clearly, any journey to Paris will contain a number of meals experiences. France wins for greatest pastries on this planet undoubtedly. And if you happen to organize them To Go, it’s so low-cost.

Bask in croissants and macarons, and style candy sizzling chocolate at cozy cafés. Your teenagers will admire the candy treats and relaxed environment. We pastry ate our approach across the metropolis. Contemplate a food tour of Paris or a cooking class.

Paris cafes are far too cute for teenagers to disregard. On our first day, we had deliberate to go to a café for lunch, till our teen spied the gorgeous Montparnasse Café subsequent door stuffed with an abundance of pink flowers.

Kalyra begged us to go there because it was simply so fairly and we have been in Paris, and that’s what our journey was for! She would by no means have observed that a couple of years in the past.

Artwork and Tradition

Teenagers all in favour of artwork, historical past, and tradition will discover themselves in paradise. Museums just like the Louvre home masterpieces, whereas the Palace of Versailles presents a glimpse into France’s opulent previous.

Museums abound showcasing inventive treasures from Picasso, Monet, Da Vinci, Van Gogh and extra.

Simply strolling across the metropolis will lead you previous palaces, beautiful structure, grand parks, and vibrancy on the streets.

A Lengthy Fascinating Historical past

France has a protracted, difficult, and interesting historical past, and lots of of its most well-known tales come from inside the boundaries of Paris.

Teenagers usually tend to know among the historical past and its historic figures already thanks to highschool curriculum, motion pictures, TV exhibits and books.

They’re additionally extra in a position to comprehend what their studying and see the way it suits in with their present views on life – or maybe assist form them. Seeing all of the opulence of the French palaces definitely had Kalyra understanding why there was a revolution!

Our ladies already knew fairly a bit concerning the Medieval interval and Maria Antoinette, so that they loved numerous points of interest that related to that. Discover out which historic intervals or tales your teen is all in favour of and e book these points of interest that inform that story extra in-depth.

Paris Vogue & Purchasing

Paris is a trend mecca, with world-famous boutiques and malls like Galeries Lafayette

Paris is understood to be a frontrunner of trend traits, so teenagers will love simply strolling across the streets seeing what Parisians are sporting and maybe displaying off their very own type.

Teenagers can store for distinctive trend objects and souvenirs, not simply within the big-name shops however hip idea shops, classic retailers, flea markets and artwork nouveau malls.

It’s possible you’ll even wish to see if any Paris trend occasions are taking place throughout your go to (or plan round it) Kalyra was devastated that we missed the Paris Vogue Present by two weeks!

Finest Issues To Do in Paris With Youngsters

Here’s what assume are the very best issues to do in Paris with teenagers or tweens. That is based mostly on what our daughters loved essentially the most on our 4 days in Paris.

I’ve included a couple of different strategies I do know teenagers will love, however we didn’t get to do – both due to time or curiosity ranges.

Go together with your teen’s persona and allow them to allow you to plan for the final word Paris journey, incorporating actions and points of interest they wish to do.

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

There is just one strategy to expertise the Eiffel Tower and that’s up. It’s one in all Paris’ most well-known monuments for a motive.

You may take an elevator to the primary, second and third flooring to take pleasure in these breathtaking panoramic views of town, however we extremely suggest climbing the steps to the primary and second stage stairs as a substitute.

It turns a go to to the Eiffel Tower into extra of an journey. Our tween particularly liked climbing up the steps – extra alternatives for selfies.

Teenagers and tweens may also love the ice cream cease on the primary flooring with beautiful views all spherical. Don’t neglect to get your photographs on the backside of the tower as nicely.

2. Go to Montmartre (Together with a Meals Tour)

Go to the inventive neighborhood of Montmartre, the place teenagers can take pleasure in road artwork, go to the gorgeous Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and discover charming cafés. Montmartre is so fairly with its slim cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings, quaint retailers and bistros, and artwork galleries.

We visited on our first day in Paris, stopping first for a chocolate croissant and occasional earlier than meandering via the Artist’s Sq.. Kalyra whipped her telephone out straight to seize its fairy-tale appeal. That continued all the way in which to the steps of the basilica and its Paris views.

Considered one of our favourite issues to do in Paris was a meals tour of Montmartre – native type (check availability here). We realized a lot about Paris tradition on this stylish neighborhood and tried scrumptious meals from baguettes and cheese to omelets and croissants.

We additionally suggest climbing up the dome of the Basilica – one other Paris attraction our older youngsters liked. This can be a little much less touristy and provides a special perspective of the basilica and unimaginable views.

3. Climb Arc de Triomphe

After I requested my ladies their favourite Paris points of interest, I wasn’t shocked that Arc De Triomphe was of their high 5 checklist. 

It landed in mine as nicely and I wasn’t anticipating it. In reality, this was my third go to to Paris, and the primary time I went up it. 

Standing tall on the western finish of the Champs-Élysées, this iconic monument permits guests to not solely be taught concerning the nation’s army historical past, however presents panoramic views from the remark deck, that are merely breathtaking.

Arc De Triomphe and Montparnasse Tower have been my favourite views in Paris. Examine availability and price for rooftop tickets here.

4. Discover the Louvre Museum

Talking concerning the third journey to Paris, I nonetheless haven’t visited the Louvre!! So, we missed this one on our Paris journey, however I do know for positive that teenagers who love artwork will love exploring the world-famous Louvre Museum, house to the Mona Lisa and numerous different masterpieces.

I requested the ladies a number of occasions in the event that they needed to go to the Louvre, however they’d no real interest in all of it. Now we have been to so many museums and artwork galleries world wide, they’re very bored with it. So drained that even the Louvre – arguably the world’s greatest artwork museum and residential of Mona Lisa – couldn’t entice them.

I’d somewhat spend all these hours you want seeing the Louvre sitting in a Parisian café watching the world go by.

We did, nevertheless, take pleasure in seeing the Louvre from the surface. And the ladies liked studying all about Leonardo Da Vinci on the Chateau du Clos Luce within the Loire Valley the place he spent the final three years of his life. That’s how the Mona Lisa got here to be in France (be taught extra on this Loire Valley publish)

Teenagers who love trendy artwork might wish to go to Centre Pompidou, Europe’s largest trendy and up to date artwork museum. It has fairly a cool architectural design.

Teen artists will most likely additionally wish to go to Musee d’Orsay, which has essentially the most in depth assortment of Impressionism paintings. Kalyra truly likes this type of artwork, and had we extra time in our schedule, we might have visited right here.

I did my best possible to make it work, however since we flew over on the pink eye and have been like Zombies, I needed to drop a couple of points of interest in favor for slower, mind-numbing actions.

5. Be Wowed by the Gorgeous Sainte-Chapelle Cathedrale

This can be a Paris attraction that doesn’t require a whole lot of time – which your teen will love much more – but it surely packs a punch with its wow issue. 

The Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral in Conciergerie is known for its lovely stained-glass home windows, which depict scenes from the Bible and canopy nearly everything of the partitions and attain as much as 40 meters in peak.

The sunshine that streams via the home windows casts lovely colours all through the cathedral, making it a really magical place.

It is without doubt one of the most lovely locations in Paris, so don’t ensure you have it in your Paris itinerary! It was one in all our tween’s favorites. 

Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic cathedral situated on the Île de la Cité, which is without doubt one of the two remaining pure islands in Paris.

You may see it in your strategy to the Latin District. Find ticket availability here.

6. Loosen up in Paris Gardens

Teenagers want relaxation in your every day explorations. There isn’t a higher place to try this in Paris than in one in all their many pleasant gardens. You will discover shady spots to relaxation, and odds are there’ll be a palace or two to take a look at.

Our favorites have been the Luxembourg Gardens with views of Luxembourg Palace and the gorgeous and luxurious Tuileries Backyard (Jardin des Tuileries) with views of the Louvre.

Parc de la Villette can be a beautiful backyard to discover and have a picnic in.

7. Discover Fashionable Neighborhoods

Whereas we didn’t make Le Marais on this journey, I’ve heard from quite a few folks that this stylish Paris district is understood for its boutiques, road artwork, homosexual and Jewish communities, medieval structure, and stylish youth tradition. I’ve additionally heard it has an ideal meals and café scene.

Not removed from right here we walked via the Les Passages Couverts, or Coated Passages of Paris, among the finest locations in Paris for Purchasing. This can be a procuring arcade filled with a number of gorgeous passages which can be architecturally lovely.

We discovered them somewhat underwhelming. If in case you have extra time and price range for procuring, I feel the teenager in your loved ones will find it irresistible.

In case your youngsters are into artwork, then they might take pleasure in strolling across the Belleville district which is known for its road artwork murals. You may even take pleasure in a street-art tour of Belleville with a local artists, which is an effective way to introduce your teenagers to the inventive neighborhood in Paris.

Our ladies liked the Latin District – as did I. I actually want we had stayed right here – so take that as an insider’s Paris tip from me. It’s the coed space, so count on a energetic environment amongst its slim streets stuffed with eating places, cafes, museums, and church buildings.

Kalyra particularly liked Shakespeare and Firm, an impartial, English-language bookshop situated on the banks of the Seine within the Latin District. It’s been a gathering place for well-known writers and readers since 1951 and makes the very best bookstores on this planet checklist!

 It’s extremely doubtless there can be a line, but it surely strikes shortly. We misplaced Kalyra there for some time as she explored all of the e book nooks and crannies and purchased one other e book for her pile. Her suitcase for our Europe journey was largely books!!!!

I additionally had Canal St Martin on our checklist to discover. Its quaint canal setting lures artists and college students, so look forward to finding artwork collectives, classic boutiques and quirky cafes.

8. Take a Seine River Cruise

Get pleasure from a calming boat experience alongside the Seine River, Paris’ most lovely Boulevard. It flows via the center of town and is flanked by a few of Pari’s most lovely buildings and iconic constructions.

It’s an effective way to get an outline of town and a extra romantic perspective, particularly if you happen to do a night cruise to see Paris lit up. Why not do each?

We highly recommend one with narration so you possibly can be taught somewhat bit about Paris and France as you float down the Seine River!

In the event you’re touring within the excessive season, ensure you get your tickets forward of time, and ensure your departure level, as a result of every firm’s boats go away from completely different wharves.

9. Freak your self out on the Paris Catacombs

We didn’t get to go to the Paris Catacombs and Kalyra was irritated. The opening occasions have been unusual, and we couldn’t get it to align with our itinerary so added it to our Paris bucket checklist for subsequent go to.

I definitely don’t need your teen to get irritated as exploring The Catacombs is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Paris. Teenagers will find it irresistible because it’s extra of a coronary heart racing exercise (particularly if you happen to’ve seen the horror film, As Above, So Under).

The catacombs are a sequence of underground ossuaries that maintain the stays of greater than six million folks. Every of their graves is positioned within the rock partitions contained in the tunnel community.

The catacombs have been constructed to cope with the overflowing cemetery downside within the late 1700s.

Within the nineteenth century, unusually, the catacombs grew to become a venue for occasions and concert events. In the present day, it serves as a museum.

It’s greatest to take a guided tour or as a minimum an audioguide, so you possibly can be taught all about its creation and makes use of, in addition to to search out your approach round this underground maze! One of the crucial iconic sights contained in the Catacombs is the wall comprised of skulls and bones – creepy!

10. Stroll the Champs-Élysées

Okay. It’s Paris. A high factor to do is stroll down the well-known Champs-Élysées. It’s a fairly tree-lined with eating places cafés, and massive luxurious model title shops.

On Champs Elysee you’ll discover lengthy traces exterior Laduree Bakery and Tearoom for his or her well-known macarons. Except you’re a religious fan, get your macarons elsewhere – you have got a great deal of alternative. WE discovered scrumptious ones at Pierre Hermé in Paris St Germain with no traces.

It is without doubt one of the most well-known streets on this planet, and in case you are visiting the Arc de Triomphe it’s a simple addition to our Paris itinerary. The most effective view of it’s from up there.

However, on the bottom, I discover it underwhelming. Fairly to take a look at however no actual fascinating tales there I didn’t like Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles both. All these costly model title shops are simply not my type.

I’d a lot somewhat the charming cobblestone streets stuffed with French folks strolling, zipping round on bikes and motorbikes, and buzzing bars and cafes in St Germain, Latin Quarter and Montmartre.

However this can be a Paris with teenagers publish? Yep, which is why I put it on our Paris itinerary. I assumed the ladies would LOVE it, but it surely was a ho hum for them.

I feel many different teenagers would take pleasure in strolling on Chams Elysee although. We had an ideal craft espresso simply off Champs Elysee at Azur Cafe simply off the Champs Elysée. That they had different drinks that teenagers are positive to like like smoothies and ice coffees. All the pieces they serve right here (together with meals) could be very fairly and Instagrammable – capturing the center of most teenagers.

11. Day Journey to the Palace of Versailles

Take a day journey to the opulent Palace of Versailles and discover the grandeur of French historical past. Our teen, Kalyra was very desirous to be taught extra about Marie Antoinette on this journey, as she’d seen, and liked the film.

We made positive to spend time taking a look at her house within the Palace of Versailles – Kalyra obtained her selfie in her bed room.

We biked out to the Petit Trianon -her second palace – and the Queen’s Hamlet, which was her farm village she created to flee and neglect she was the Queen.

You may learn our full information on how one can spend a day in Versailles with a great deal of important suggestions. It’s a very massive day so plan nicely!

Particular Suggestions for Teenagers touring to Paris

Earlier than you go, listed here are some suggestions for visiting Paris with youngsters to make the expertise easy and memorable for all of the household…

• Encourage your teenagers to be taught fundamental French phrases. It not solely helps in navigating town but in addition provides an academic factor to the journey. Plus, it’s an effective way to hook up with native Parisians and it’s a whole lot of enjoyable!
• Educate your youngsters how one can use the environment friendly Parisian public transport system. The metro is the quickest strategy to transfer across the metropolis, and youngsters typically take pleasure in mastering it.
• Paris is a metropolis the place know-how will be fairly useful. Make the most of translation apps, navigation instruments, and ride-sharing companies to make the journey smoother.
• Y’all know teenagers like to sleep. So, plan for lots of breaks in between points of interest – Paris parks are perfect for this. We suggest staying nearer to the center of Paris to keep away from commuting exhaustion. Even the glamor of Paris can go unseen with a drained teen.
• Regardless that your youngster is older, in Paris, they’ll nonetheless get free entry to many museums and points of interest. Many give free admission to vacationers below 25!! Examine every attraction and ensure you have ID readily available as they’ll need proof.
• Keep away from Disneyland Paris, until your teen is a die-hard Disney fan. It’s crowded and overrated, there are higher issues to do in Paris than go to the theme parks!
• If in case you have artsy teenagers, take them to The Centre Pompidou artwork gallery, which is free on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm-6pm.

The place to Keep in Paris

We stayed at the Novotel Gare Montparnasse, solely a five-minute stroll to one of many greatest prepare and metro stations. We might simply get round and have been solely a 15-minute prepare experience to Versailles and will stroll to Luxembourg Gardens in 20 minutes and the Eiffel Tower in half-hour.

HOWEVER, Craig and I each agreed we wished we stayed both in St Germain or the Latin Quarter as each neighborhoods have been near the river and essentially the most central a part of Paris. I’ve additionally heard Le Marais is a good place to remain. All three can be good for youngsters.

And in the event that they’re drained at night time and simply wish to crash within the lodge room and message their mates, it’s simpler for folks to simply duck out into the bustling streets of those districts for dinner or a drink.

Remaining Ideas on Visiting Paris with Teenagers

Paris is a metropolis that by no means fails to captivate and encourage, making it a wonderful alternative for a household trip with youngsters.

And as mother and father of teenagers, how good is it to maneuver away from playgrounds to extra adult-type actions you can have mature conversations about together with your youngsters. It’s a beautiful new age of journey we now discover ourselves in.

With the best planning and a mixture of tradition, historical past, and trendy points of interest, your teenagers are positive to have a memorable and gratifying time within the Metropolis of Lights, or also called the Metropolis of Love.

When planning your journey to Paris remember to try all our tips about important issues to know earlier than visiting, the very best issues to do in Paris, and what first-time guests don’t wish to miss.