Family Trip to Paris - A Four Day Itinerary

When I think about Paris, it makes me tingle. It’s my dream destination. You just can’t help but get swept up by the romance of the City of Light. I convinced my family to tag along on this trip. We arrived at the train station and our hotel in the pouring rain, but we weren’t about to let that get in the way. The grey skies couldn’t take away from the joy we felt to be in this magical city. Paris is enchanting, no matter the weather. The city caters to all styles of traveler. Are you here to relax? To explore? To learn? To eat? Whatever perks your interest, Paris is ready and waiting to meet you.

We arrived at Gare de Lyon from Le Puy-en-Velay and hopped on the metro to reach our hotel. Navigating Paris is relatively easy—though we did end up on the wrong train at one point! Don’t worry; you'll quickly get the hang of it. If you plan to explore the city extensively, I recommend getting a pass for a few days. Paris also has cabs and Uber running around the clock, so you’ll always have a convenient option to get where you need to go.

Paris offers a fortune of transportation options. Public transport is a budget-friendly choice, but keep an eye out for pickpockets. The city is quite big, so while strolling through certain neighborhoods is entertaining, walking everywhere isn't practical if you want to explore all the corners of Paris.

Luxury:

For a touch of luxury and impeccable detail, Four Seasons George V is an exquisite choice. Its location is unbeatable. The elegance and service were top-notch. I highly recommend it!

Mid-Range:

For a comfortable yet affordable stay, Hilton Paris Clichy is a fantastic option. Its convenient location and modern amenities provide an excellent mix of value and comfort. During our four-day trip to Paris, this was our home away from home. Plus, they offer a complimentary buffet breakfast from 6 AM to 10 AM, which is a great bonus!

Budget:

For those on a tighter budget, hostels are a smart choice. I never felt unsafe, and finding a well-

reviewed hostel can offer fantastic value. Just make sure to check the reviews and book a place that suits your needs and preferences!

We checked into our hotel later that afternoon. In between, we had freshened up and changed into what I like to call ‘Parisian spring-ready’ attire. Then we jumped in a cab and were on our way to enjoy good French food. If you are looking for your first, best-ever taste of Paris, order Steak Frites at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. This restaurant serves only Steak fries and is one of those places that does not take reservations for dinner. We waited in line and it was faster than I thought it would be. The server asked us how we wanted our steak cooked and what we wanted to drink - the server was right back with our salad starter and drinks. I had saved room for dessert because the waiter came later and hovered over us holding an entirely new plate of steak and fries round 2. Make sure you order the creme brulee. They are amazing and it is worth trying at least once. We went to the Eiffel Tower after dinner. We did a walking tour around the city just sightseeing. It almost feels like you are in a dream! At the Eiffel Tower, you can pay and go up and enjoy a 360-degree view of Paris. The view OMG what an experience!! So many landmarks and sites you see all at once! So amazing with a beautiful river and spectacular views of Paris. –

• Ticket prices: By Elevator: 1st and 2nd levels €22; Top level €35

• By Stairs: 1st and 2nd levels only, €14
  

Today was an absolute blast—literally! We kicked off our second day with a trip to Disneyland Paris, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical. Before you head out, remember to buy your tickets in advance to avoid those long, snaking lines. A BIG thank you and shout out to all sponsors who gave us tickets – you know who you are – thank you so much!!!!!! When we got there the kids were excited like crazy. We went on the Teacups, the Carousel, the famous spinning Teacups, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Indiana Jones one, It’s a Small World, and more. We also ran around the different areas and tried all the rides. We couldn’t do everything in one day. By the end when we left, our feet felt like they were made of lead from all the walking we did, but the kids wanted to keep on going. They must get their energy from the Disneyland pixie dust. Each ride has a line but the wait is worth it. The parades were also great: they had two parades of floats with amazing characters, all with their best costumes and Disney décor, it was amazing. The highlight of the day was definitely the fireworks show. Another Disneyland ticked on our bucket list guys and it was everything we hoped for and more till our next Disney adventure around the world.

Today was definitely my favorite day of the trip—shopping day, of course! We just had to hit up the iconic Champs-Élysées. I mean, who can resist shopping on one of Paris’s most famous avenues? Plus, everyone knows purses are cheaper in Paris, right? No judgment here!

After pampering in some retail therapy, we headed straight to the most beautiful museum in the world. We were eager to see it all, but, unfortunately, our timing wasn’t the best. Since it was Tuesday, the museum was closed. Such a bummer not to see the Mona Lisa this time around! Maybe next time?

But here’s the silver lining: getting lost in the city turned out to be a highlight. Every corner you turn in Paris seems to reveal something awe-inspiring. From charming streets to stunning architecture, the city is full of surprises. We grasped the chance to explore the area around the museum and were mesmerized by the beautiful infrastructure and lively atmosphere.

Sometimes, getting lost can lead to the most fun discoveries. Even though we didn’t get to visit the museum today, the city itself offered us plenty to admire and enjoy.