We travelled to Paris with a then, 5 month old baby George, as part of a month long European Road Trip. Paris certainly lives up to its reputation. Surrounded by majestic buildings, awe-inspiring architecture and scenic spots dotted across the City, it’s packed with things to do for families.

As Europe adapts to be at the forefront of eco-living, hundreds of trees and flowers are being planted, serious investment in public transport and more cycle lanes, help to make the City more accessible for tourists and families.

During our trip, Europe was experiencing a heatwave and temperatures for the week we were in France, were expected to reach highs of 40C! We camped on the outskirts of Paris and the campground provided a free bus service for visitors. Large Cities are always stressful with a baby, however if you allow time for a few breaks, it can be really enjoyable.

BOOKING YOUR TRIP

BEST TIME TO VISIT?

March, April and May are very popular with tourists, so it is often considered peak season in the French capital. Expect an increase in flight costs and larger crowds. July is popular as the Tour de France rolls through and Bastille Day celebrations get in full swing.

During August the city can feel a bit empty as locals head to the coast, so if you want to enjoy a bit of French character (as well as lower flight and hotel prices) it’s better to visit during spring or autumn.

Depending on the time of year, prices vary from around £100 – £130 in peak season. I always use Skyscanner, for competitive rates for flights, car hire and accommodation. Before comparing them with Booking.com and AirBnB.

BEST TIME TO BOOK FLIGHTS?

March to May is seen as the time to fly to Paris, with flights starting from £103pp. However, it is possible to get good deals throughout the year. The most expensive month for flights is July, with flights starting off at £133 pp. January is cold and cheap with flights as low as £90pp.

At the moment, Wednesday is the most economical day to take a flight to Paris. Friday is likely to be the most costly. Flights in the afternoon are typically the cheapest time of the day to fly, with flights in the morning tending to be the most expensive.

HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT?

Flights from London to Paris: 53 minutes

CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT (CDG)

Named after the former French president, Charles de Gaulle Airport is France’s largest international airport. Distance to the city centre is 16 miles (23km) north-east of Paris. You can get from CDG to Paris for around €10 in about half an hour dependent on traffic).

The bus and coach provide plentiful alternatives for travel between CDG and the city or, indeed, CDG and Orly airport. Fares start at €2 and go up to €21, depending on your final destination. If you are going to Disneyland Paris, there is a Magical Shuttle that runs from Charles de Gaulle straight to the theme park.

CURRENCY

EUROS (£1.00 = €1.13). Exchange rates vary, so be sure to check prior to your trip.The Bank of England has an extensive list that is updated every day. If you intend on using your credit charge or debit card, you may incur charges for payments and cash withdrawals. We often use the Post Office for our exchange or use ATM’s in our destinations.

VISA

If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter France. If you’re planning a stay of longer than 3 months, see our Living in France guide and contact the French Embassy if you have further questions. The rules on travel will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com

CAR HIRE

All the big companies offer car hire from as little as £16 a day. Personally, we would not attempt to drive around Paris because their traffic is intense. Uber and public transport is excellent and affordable.

When we visited we stayed at a camp ground on the outskirts of Paris and walked into the City. All transport is pram friendly and we had little issues navigating with a baby and a pram. If you wish to hire a car, then check out Eurocar and Travel Supermarket to compare prices.

FERRY

Catch a Ferry from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth and drive your way to Paris. Camp, rent an RV, take a caravan or drive your car and stay in hotels – there are endless options and plenty of campgrounds along the route. We caught the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg. Prices vary so book in advance. Brittany Ferries offer a variety of routes to France.

EUROTUNNEL

The drive to Paris from the Eurotunnel terminal at Calais is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The most direct route is via the A26 and A1, but if you plan to make some stops, or take in some scenery and sights, you should look at the A16 and D934. Book in advance to get your tickets at a lower cost, leaving it to the last minute can be costly we learnt the hard way!)

Visit: Eurotunnel for ticket information.

SHOP OUR RECOMMENDED TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

THINGS TO DO

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Immortalised by Disney, the Gothic masterpiece houses the crown of thorns relic and sits on the Île de la Cité, an island in the center of the Seine. Visited by millions you climb your way to the top via a very small and old spiral stone staircase. Or take in the sights at night via a river cruise.

We visited just after the fire and work was already underway to repair damage to the sacred building. It is free to enter the actual Cathedral they do ask for a donation) but you have to pay to get to the top. We have also visited the Notre Dame in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam built by the French during their occupation!

£40 | Notre Dame Walking Tour

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EIFFEL TOWER

Completed in 1889, this colossal landmark, although initially hated by many Parisians, is now a famous symbol of French civic pride. Arguably one of the most well known monuments ever designed and constructed. It dominates the French skyline and has rightly so been marvelled at by millions of tourists from around the world.

To gain access to the grounds beneath the tower is free and you have to walk through metal detector gates, There is a heavy police presence around the area and if they spot you with a pram, you will be directed to a special gate. Once under you can stroll around, enjoy a picnic and spend the day watching the world go by.

There are toilets and nappy change facilities situated under the tower but they are downstairs. Use the glass elevator to get down and catch the eye of the toilet attend to let you skip the long queue. Be warned that the changing table is open and accessible to everyone. When I was changing George, I had to deal with a group of tourists who were wanting to take pictures of him whilst I was contending with a smelly nappy. Be extra vigilant!

£32 | Eiffel Tower General Admission

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LOURVE MUSEUM

Before you head to the Louvre, you should also know the opening and closing times! Its open every day apart from Tuesdays (Mondays are usually very busy) at 9 am and closes at 6 pm.The museum is free for children under 18 and for young adults from the European Union under 26. Young adults just have to show their ID to the museum staff.

You can literally spend an entire day browsing Roman, Greek and Egyptian sculptures and antiquities. Stock up on snacks as prices are high and wear comfy shoes. You can explore and play in the courtyard and there are literally hundreds of children and other families for your kids to interact with.

£52 | Lourve Guided Tour

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SAINTE-CHAPELLE

The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, and was the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century. The Sainte Chapelle is made of two different chapels: the lower chapel, originally dedicated to the the officers, and the upper chapel, dedicated to the king and his family.

Built by King Saint-Louis to house his collection of religious relics, the building is visited for the beauty of its stained glass windows, said to be amongst the best in the world. Expect long queues to gain access and head there first thing to be able to explore in your own time.

£22 | Entrance & River Cruise

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PALAIS GARNIER

The Palais Garnier is often referred to as a masterpiece, inaugurated in 1875 at the request of Napoleon III. It is without doubt one of the most dazzling monuments in Paris. A world of elegance, not to be missed!

There are daily expert English guided Palais Garnier Tours which departs at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The guided tour takes about 90 minutes and gives you access to all parts of Opera Garnier – the auditorium, gilded balconies, even up close the stage ( the self audio guided tour lacks access to the auditorium ). Certain areas you are not allowed to take prams and will be asked to leave it at a station to collect once you’re done.

£30 | Palais Garnier Admission

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ARC DE TRIOMPHE

The Arc de Triomphe means arch of victory and is located in the middle of the famous roundabout of chaos! Commissioned in 1806 after victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. It is a large arch, but it is not possible to drive underneath it. You can walk there or cross the underground from Champs Elyseés.

It has roughly 300 steps that lead to the top. It has four main sculptures and six reliefs. Just beneath the vault of the arch, there is the tomb of the unknown soldier. The names of French generals and battles are engraved on the wall. It is free to visit and pay your respects.

MONTMARTE

Paris’s Montmartre neighborhood might seem little more than a sad neon strip, lined with peddlers of souvenir windmills. But idle away a few hours in its intricate back streets and you’ll likely find more local colour than you would in the centre of Paris. This area comes alive at night.

Moulin Rouge and a series of seedy and cheesy bars and cafes litter the streets. Easily accessible via the metro, we recommend exploring during the day with children. A walking tour is informative and structured and the guide can help navigate the busy streets if you are visiting during peak season.

£26 | Montmartre Tour

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SEINE RIVER

Following the Seine through Paris is a great way to enjoy over a thousand different escapades on the river. Daytime or night time, Left Bank or Right Bank, you will appreciate the buzz of activity along the quaysides and the lapping of the waves.

There are any number of ways to relax – aboard a boat, cycling, walking briskly, sauntering lazily, or working out, dining, dancing on barges, exploring an area between two exhibitions, taking a post-shopping break, or sunbathing in a swimsuit. You never fail to be filled with wonder at these riverbanks, classed as a world heritage site by Unesco.

£15| Seine River Cruise

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