Home Trip PlanningFamily Travel 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris with Family in 2024

7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris with Family in 2024

by Kayla D. Martinez
4 mins read
Best neighborhoods to stay in paris with family

Paris has so much to offer when it comes to visiting with your family and kids. And if youโ€™re thinking of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris, there are multiple options, including location convenience and a wide range of activities for the kids.

From Montmartreโ€™s winding pathways leading to the iconic Sacrรฉ-Cล“ur to the 7th arrondissementโ€™s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and serene parks, each of them is ideal for a family stay.

Each neighborhood offers family-friendly attractions, from playgrounds and museums to delicious dining options that cater to all tastes.

So, whether youโ€™re looking for the lush gardens of the Marais, or the playgrounds of Saint-Germain, this blog has got you covered.

Continue reading to find out.

Exploring the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris with Family

Well, Paris offers special things for family tours, from a diverse range of attractions to outdoor activities. But when it comes to staying in a specific neighborhood in Paris with your kids, you can follow the special list weโ€™ve made for kids –

Paris NeighborhoodsBest For
1st Arrondissement – LouvreCentral Location | Convenience | Safety
3rd & 4th Arrondissement – Le MaraisMagical Old-World Feel | Safety
6th Arrondissement – Saint Germain Des PresConvenient Location | Dining | Safety 
7th Arrondissement – Eiffel TowerAccommodations | Kid-Friendly Eateries 
8th Arrondissement – Champs-ร‰lysรฉesHigh-End Hotels | Macaron Shops | Safety
12th ArrondissementDisneyland Access | Green Spaces | Safety
18th Arrondissement – MontmartreAffordable Accommodations | City View

You can easily choose one of the above neighborhoods to stay with your family in Paris. But before deciding on that, letโ€™s get to know a bit more about the neighborhoods.

Key Attractions for Kids in Paris
Key Attractions for Kids in Paris

1. The 1st Arrondissementโ€”Louvre

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Louvre Museum | Tuileries Garden | Jardin du Palais Royal | Sainte-Chapelle | Conciergerie | Pont Neuf Bridge

โ€œIt is one of the world’s largest museums and the most visited art museum in the world.โ€

Source: Wikipedia

When you come to Paris, do you know which arrondissement will let you make the best use of your time with the family? The simple answer is the Louvre, the best district in Paris and, close to everything special about the capital.

So, make sure to take your kids and family on a family tour to the Louvre, provided by the museum authority. Apart from that, the Tuileries Garden features playgrounds, carousel rides, and fountains meant for your kids.

1st Arrondissement - Louvre
Photo by Qijin Xu on Unsplash

Then move on to the nearby attractions like Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, and the Pont Neuf Bridge, which provide a fascinating history that will inspire the kids.

Centrally located, itโ€™s convenient for walking or short metro rides to major sights, allowing easy returns to hotels for breaks. Dining options include casual, kid-friendly crรชperie and cafรฉs, as well as family-friendly restaurants with menus for all ages, perfect for spontaneous meals.

Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly apartโ€™hotels to luxury hotels, often with amenities like kitchenettes and interconnecting rooms.

2. The 3rd and 4th Arrondissementsโ€”Le Marais

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Place des Vosges | Playgrounds | River Seine Cruises | Atelier des Lumiรจres | Picasso Museum | Carnavalet Museum

The Marais district, spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, is a living and breathing piece of Parisian magic, perfect for families. In fact, itโ€™s the best neighborhood in Paris for families that flock here to dine, socialize, and enjoy shopping.

โ€œIn North Marais, you’ll find beautiful private mansions and museums, while South Marais is closer to City Hall and the River Seine.โ€ 

You can take your kids and family to the Place des Vosges for picnicking or to charming playgrounds like Square Leopold Achille, Square du Temple, Square Charles-Victor Langlois, and the Anne Frank Garden. And a River Seine cruise is sure to amaze the kids with unique city views and iconic landmarks.

3rd and 4th Arrondissements - Le Marais
Photo by EVERYDAY PaRIS on Unsplash

The Atelier des Lumiรจres, a digital art museum in a converted 19th-century iron foundry, offers illuminating art experiences that your kids will simply love. Also, donโ€™t miss the Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum to inspire the kids with world-famous artworks and the history of Paris.

For fine dining with your family and kids, there are numerous boulangeries, supermarkets for picnic supplies, and casual restaurants. Accommodations range from family-friendly hotels to spacious apartments with kitchen facilities.

3. Discover the 5th and 6th Arrondissementโ€”Saint Germain Des Pres

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prรฉs | Luxembourg Gardens | Tuileries Gardens | Rodin Museum

The 6th Arrondissement, also known as Saint Germain des Pres, has been a pure hub of trendiness for ages, with a great number of artists, writers, and philosophers.ย 

From the hidden alleys and vibrant streets to ancient buildings, you should opt for venturing beyond the typical tourist paths with your family.

5th and 6th Arrondissement - Saint Germain Des Pres
Photo by Chahriar Hariri on Unsplash

Begin your family outing at Jardin du Luxembourg, where kids can enjoy the playgrounds, puppet theater, and sailing vintage toy boats in the duck pond. The beautiful gardens and 17th-century palace provide an ideal picnic spot.

โ€œEnsure a visit to the Saint Germain des Pres Church, located opposite Les Deux Magots – a highlight of your travel itinerary with family.โ€

Visit the Musรฉe Rodin, where kids will love posing like the famous sculptures in the extensive outdoor gardens. The Centre Pompidou in the 3rd arrondissement also offers interactive exhibits and programs for children, making modern art super fun and easily accessible by a 15-minute drive from the 6th.

Saint-Germain-des-Prรฉs also offers numerous family-friendly dining options, from casual cafรฉs and bistros to local supermarkets and boulangeries for picnic supplies. One thing you shouldnโ€™t miss out on is savoring the hot chocolate at Les Deux Magots, which is perfect for kids.

Accommodation options range from charming boutique hotels to spacious, family-friendly apartments with kitchen facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. 

So, whether exploring local attractions or enjoying a meal together, this enchanting area promises an unforgettable family vacation.

4. The 7th Arrondissementโ€”Eiffel Tower

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Eiffel Tower Tour | Champ de Mars | The Army Museum & Napoleonโ€™s Tomb | Jardin Catherine-Labourรฉ | Musee dโ€™Orsay

You are in Paris with your family and want to wake up to views of the Eiffel Tower. Then, choosing accommodation near an iconic location by the Seine River on the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement is ideal, for sure!

7th Arrondissement - Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower

Itโ€™s quite obvious for a family tour of the Eiffel Tower, where interactive exhibits on the 1st and 2nd floors captivate kids while offering breathtaking panoramas from atop.

Nearby, the expansive Champ de Mars park invites children to play amidst ornamental pools and fountains, while Jardin Catherine-Labourรฉ provides scope for hide-and-seek games with the kids.

Also, a relaxing River Seine cruise for a scenic tour of Paris’s landmarks is a great option for a wonderful time with the family.

The Trocadรฉro Gardens, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, offer open spaces for picnics and games. Adding to that, the kids will be fascinated by the armored knights and military artifacts of the Musรฉe de l’Armรฉe and the Tomb of Napoleon with a painted domed roof.

Treats from local chocolates and street food like crepes and ice cream will delight the young ones. Family-friendly cafes and brasseries offer menus for all ages.

5. The 8th Arrondissementโ€”Champs-ร‰lysรฉes

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Petit Palais | Jardin des Champs-ร‰lysรฉes | Parc Monceau | Arc de Triomphe | Palais de la Dรฉcouverte

The 8th Arrondissement of Paris, located in the iconic Champs-ร‰lysรฉes and close to the Eiffel Tower, has everything that you and your family need.

Start your family’s outdoor fun at the Petit Palais, where a stunning winter garden and fine art collection await with free admission.

8th Arrondissement - Champs-ร‰lysรฉes
Photo by canmandawe on Unsplash

Nearby, the Jardin des Champs-ร‰lysรฉes provides ample space for kids to play within beautiful gardens. While Parc Monceau offers playgrounds, ponds, and a carousel for more outdoor fun.

Families can also ascend the Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of Paris or explore interactive exhibits at the Palais de la Dรฉcouverte Science Museum.

Dining options are plentiful too, from Ladurรฉe for iconic macarons to numerous cafes and restaurants along the Champs-ร‰lysรฉes. There are so many high-end accommodations too that cater to families with luxury and comfort.

6. The 12th arrondissement

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Bercy Village | Porte Dorรฉe tropical aquarium | Musรฉe des Arts Forains

For families seeking a peaceful stay away from the central city bustle, the 12th arrondissement is ideal.

Located on the outer east side of Paris, it offers affordability and tranquility, with nearby Bois de Vincennes providing ample green space, playgrounds, and even the Paris Zoo.

It’s also on a direct RER line to Disneyland Paris, making it convenient for families planning a magical excursion.

The Bercy Village, with its modern shopping and the Promenade Plantรฉe walkway, provides a pleasant outing for your teenage kids. The Porte Dorรฉe tropical aquarium boasts over 5,000 animals, including crocodiles and alligators, that your kids wonโ€™t get over.

This neighborhood features charming cafes, restaurants, and a range of affordable apartments and luxury hotels too, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable Parisian experience for families.

If your plan focuses especially on Disneyland visits for your kids, there are several hotels nearby with free shuttle buses. So, enjoy the rides thereโ€”a world full of fun for adults and children.ย 

7. The 18th Arrondissement – Montmartre

Kid-Friendly Attractions – Basilica of the Sacrรฉ-Cล“ur | Place du Tertre | streets of Montmartre | Moulin Rouge | Montmartre Funicular

Montmartre is perfect for families seeking an artistic and village-like atmosphere in Paris. Annexed in 1860, it retains its countryside charm with cobblestone streets, windmills, and hidden squares.

18th Arrondissement - Montmartre
Photo by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash

And as you explore Montmartre, don’t miss the magnificent Basilica of the Sacrรฉ-Cล“ur and the lively Place du Tertre, where today’s artists showcase their talents amidst a historic backdrop.

Families with older children can opt for the funicular to ascend the hill and enjoy the sights without tackling the steep stairs.

Montmartre is not just about sightsโ€”it’s an adventure waiting to be discovered. Hence, engage in scavenger hunts with your kids through the labyrinthine streets, and enjoy outdoor escape games perfect for all ages.

For a taste of local flavor, you can savor French pastries and crepes at cozy cafes, or indulge in a classic dinner theatre at the historic Moulin Rouge.

Accommodations here cater to families, offering a range of comfortable hotels and vacation rentals conveniently located near Montmartre’s attractions. All of these make Montmartre one of the most unique and best places to stay in Paris.

Other Paris Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Have you already begun to pick out the standout neighborhood from the options mentioned for your first visit to Paris?

Hold on, mate! Numerous other areas stand ready to intrigue you.

They are as follows:

  • The 2nd arrondissement– Galerie Colbert, Opรฉra-Comique, Passage des Panoramas, Bibliothรจque nationale de France historical building, etc.
  • The 10th arrondissement– Bohemian cafรฉs, Waterside restaurants, bars like El Nopal and Chez Prune, Bizzโ€™art, etc.
  • The 11th arrondissement– Fashionable cafรฉs, hip boutiques and galleries, bistros, etc.
  • The 14th arrondissement– Cafรฉ de la Rotonde, Le Select, Montparnasse Cemetery, Musรฉe Bourdelle, Tombs of Serge Gainsbourg, etc.
  • The 16 arrondissement– Bois de Boulogne (one of the biggest parks in Paris), Palais de Tokyo, boating lakes, Foundation Louis Vuitton, Musee de Iโ€™Homme, etc.
  • The 19th arrondissement– The Citรฉ des sciences et de l’industrie, the Argonaute Submarine, Centquatre Paris, artsy stores, etc.
Which Neighborhood in Paris Offers the Best Family Experience?
Photo by Marie Evano on Unsplash

Some Additional Tips for Vacation Rentals:

  • Check the details carefully.
  • Opt for properties with a minimum of 15 reviews and plenty of photos.
  • Choose fully refundable bookings in case of last-minute hassles.

Before You Go!

With that, we are wrapping up our discussion on the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris with family, leaving behind a trail of insights and suggestions.

From the historic lanes of the Marais to the lush gardens of Luxembourg in St-Germain, each neighborhood tells a different story. By now, the reasons why Paris’s neighborhoods are ideal vacation destinations have become clear to you.

And itโ€™s worth mentioning that every accommodation offers a welcoming atmosphere and the guarantee of an exceptional family vacation. Now, it’s all up to you.

Safe travels, mate!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which area of Paris is best for staying with kids?

The 3rd and 4th arrondissements are the best places to stay in Paris with kids. The area encompasses numerous parks, rivers, museums like the Centre Pompidou, and engaging workshops for kids.

Which area of Paris is best for tourists to stay in?

The 7th arrondissement is one of the best areas to stay in Paris for tourists due to its iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum, and the Musee dโ€™Orsay. Apart from these sights, itโ€™s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Paris.

Where not to stay in Paris as a tourist?

As a tourist in Paris, the best thing to do is avoid staying in the 10th, 18th, and 19th arrondissements.

Where is the best place to stay in Paris for walking?

The 6th arrondissement is the best area to stay in Paris with family for walking. The walkable areas here include the Luxembourg Garden, the historic and vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and the streets around the Odeon Theatre.

What is the most expensive area of Paris to stay in?

The 7th arrondissement is the most expensive area of Paris to stay in. Located between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, this neighborhood features some of the most elegant residences in the city.

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