Where to Stay in Paris with Kids: Best Areas, Hotels & Insider Tips
Paris is a magical city to explore with family—if you know where to stay. As a Paris-based parent, I can assure you the experience is far more enjoyable when you pick the right neighborhood: one that balances charm, convenience, and calm.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, curious tweens, or teens who love a good TikTok backdrop, here’s my curated guide to the best family-friendly areas, hotels, and insider tips for a memorable stay.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris with Kids
1. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
Our personal favorite. This Left Bank neighborhood is elegant, central, and walkable. You’re just steps from the Jardin du Luxembourg—a Parisian gem with playgrounds, puppet shows, and pony rides. The streets are calmer than the Right Bank, making it feel both lively and relaxed.
Perfect for: Families who want to explore on foot, enjoy chic cafés, and relax in the park.
2. Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissement)
Ideal if you’re traveling with older kids or teens. Le Marais is vibrant and full of history, from Place des Vosges to quirky boutiques and falafel stands. Green space is limited, but cultural density keeps everyone entertained.
Perfect for: Families with tweens or teens who love shopping, street food, and museums.
3. 1st Arrondissement (Louvre & Tuileries)
Staying here means central access to Paris’s biggest attractions. The Tuileries Garden is heaven for kids, with a carousel, playground, trampolines, and even pony rides in summer. The Louvre is right next door, though parents may prefer to enjoy it in shifts.
Perfect for: Families who want to be in the very heart of Paris with easy access to kid-friendly green space.
4. 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower & Beyond)
Safe, spacious, and home to the Eiffel Tower. The Champ de Mars park stretches out in front of it, perfect for running around or enjoying a picnic. Streets are wide and calmer at night, with plenty of family-friendly hotels.
Perfect for: First-time visitors who want iconic views and a safe, residential base.
5. Passy & the 16th Arrondissement
A wealthy, residential area with a quieter, local feel. Passy Village has shops and cafés, while the Bois de Boulogneoffers boating lakes, playgrounds, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Perfect for: Families who prefer upscale, less touristy neighborhoods with big outdoor spaces.
6. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
The storybook hilltop village of Paris. Kids will love climbing to Sacré-Cœur, exploring cobbled streets, and spotting artists in Place du Tertre. It can be crowded, so choose a quieter side street for lodging.
Perfect for: Families with older kids who enjoy atmosphere and a sense of adventure.
7. Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
Historic, bustling, and full of curiosity. The Jardin des Plantes (botanical garden) and the Natural History Museum are fantastic for children. It’s busier than Saint-Germain but a great option for curious young minds.
Perfect for: Families who love history, science, and a buzzing atmosphere.
Best Family Hotels in Paris
Luxury Options
- Le Bristol Paris (8th): Offers a kids club and garden. Exceptionally chic.
- Shangri-La Paris (16th): Family suites and unbeatable Eiffel Tower views.
- Hotel Lutetia (6th): An art deco icon in Saint-Germain, stylish yet family-friendly.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Récamier (6th): Small, elegant, steps from the Luxembourg Gardens.
- Hôtel Le Saint (6th): Boutique, walkable to major sights.
- Pavillon de la Reine (3rd): Hidden gem in Le Marais with a garden.
Budget-Friendly & Apartment Hotels
- Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Spacious apart-hotel with kitchenettes—perfect for families.
- Hôtel de la Porte Dorée (12th): Affordable, charming, with family rooms near Bois de Vincennes.
- Novotel Paris Les Halles (1st): Modern hotel known for kid-friendly rooms and central location.
- Adagio Paris Tour Eiffel (15th): Apartment-style stay with space to spread out.
Quick Picks (At a Glance)
- Best with toddlers: Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés (near playgrounds, roomy apartments).
- Best with teens: Le Marais boutique hotels or rentals (shopping + culture).
- Best budget stay: Hôtel de la Porte Dorée (affordable family rooms).
- Best splurge: Le Bristol Paris (kids’ club + chic garden).
Insider Tips for Families Staying in Paris
- Metro proximity: Lines 1, 4, and 6 are the most convenient for sightseeing.
- Elevators: Many older buildings don’t have them—double-check if you’re bringing a stroller.
- Breakfast & kitchens: Most French hotel rooms don’t have kitchen facilities; an apart-hotel makes life much easier.
- Nearby parks: Essential for kids to burn off energy between museum visits.
- Strollers: Compact strollers (like Babyzen Yoyo) are best for cobblestones and Métro stairs.
Our Family’s Favorite: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Personally, we love staying—and basing our outings—around the 6th arrondissement. It’s elegant, central, and calmer than the Right Bank. The Luxembourg Gardens make it unbeatable for kids, and cafés and boutiques here keep adults happy too.
Cultural note: Parisians don’t usually dine out late with children. After 9pm, you’ll mostly see tourists. Locals call babysitters and enjoy dinner à deux—a very Parisian secret!
FAQs: Where to Stay in Paris with Kids
Is Paris kid-friendly?
Yes—if you choose the right neighborhood. Proximity to parks and playgrounds is key.
What is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris with kids?
Saint-Germain (6th) for charm and parks, or the 1st for central attractions like the Louvre and Tuileries.
Are Airbnbs legal in Paris?
Short-term rentals under 30 days are tightly regulated. Platforms like Paris Perfect or Kid & Coe are safer bets for family apartments.
What hotel brands are family-friendly?
Novotel and Citadines are popular for families, with larger rooms and kid-friendly amenities.
Conclusion
Paris can absolutely be a family-friendly destination—as long as you stay in the right neighborhood. Whether you want leafy parks, historic landmarks, or a calm, residential vibe, there’s a perfect quartier waiting for your family.
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