Paris delights families with grand monuments, stories at every corner, and pastries warm from the oven. From Gothic cathedrals to glittering boulevards, the city layers 2,000 years of history with modern parks, playful carousels, and riverboats that keep kids enthralled.

Beyond the postcard views, you’ll find hands-on fun: a hop-on hop-off bus to rest little legs, an easy river cruise, and a day of pure magic at Disneyland Paris. Shopping is part of the experience, too—iconic grands magasins in the city center and designer deals at La Vallée Village outlet right by the Disney resort.

This 3-day Paris itinerary balances must-see sights with kid-friendly pacing and a mid-range budget. Expect short activities, easy transport, and lots of tasty breaks—from crepes in Le Marais to a classic, affordable Bouillon for dinner.

Paris

France’s capital is both a living museum and a playground. Climb to sweeping views from the Eiffel Tower, boat beneath storybook bridges on the Seine, and hear the bells of Notre-Dame across the Île de la Cité. In the east, Marne-la-Vallée is home to Disneyland Paris and, steps away, La Vallée Village for outlet shopping.

Family-friendly highlights include carousels in the Tuileries Garden, rooftop views at Galeries Lafayette, and traffic-free exploration on hop-on hop-off buses. Food is easy: creperies, rotisseries, and beloved “Bouillons” serve classic French dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Getting to Paris: If you’re flying within Europe, compare routes to CDG/ORY on Omio (flights). From outside Europe, search fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Arriving by train? Check timetables and fares on Omio (trains in Europe) or buses on Omio (buses).

Where to stay (family-friendly, mid-range to value):

• Search Paris hotels on Hotels.com or browse family apartments on VRBO.
• Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse — reliable family rooms, great transport, on-site restaurant.
• Hôtel des Arts Montmartre — village vibe near Sacré-Cœur, connecting rooms available, good value.
• Hotel du College de France — quiet Latin Quarter base, walkable to the Seine and Notre-Dame.
• Generator Paris — modern, budget-friendly private family rooms, lively common spaces.

Day 1: Arrive, Hop-On Hop-Off Highlights, and a Seine River Cruise

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, ease in with a playground stop at Jardin du Luxembourg (sail toy boats on the pond) and a croissant at nearby Boulangerie Poilâne. Coffee lovers: try Café Verlet near the Louvre for house-roasted beans and butter-rich pastries.

Afternoon: Get oriented the easy way with the Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Sit up top for panoramic views and hop off where energy allows—Arc de Triomphe, Trocadéro (best family photos of the Eiffel Tower), the Louvre/Tuileries for a carousel spin.

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Viator)

Snack ideas en route: a buckwheat galette from Breizh Café (Le Marais) or a Nutella-banana crepe from a stand near the Tuileries.

Evening: Glide past illuminated bridges and landmarks on a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise. Time it for sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour.

Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary (Viator)

Dinner nearby: - Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards for fast, classic French at great prices (steak-frites, roast chicken, île flottante). - For picky eaters, try Pizzeria Popolare (generous pies, lively atmosphere). - Sweet finish: Berthillon ice cream on Île Saint-Louis.

Day 2: Disneyland Paris Magic + Outlet Shopping at La Vallée Village

Morning: Take RER A east to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy (about 40 minutes from Châtelet-Les Halles; roughly €5–€7 per adult one-way, discounts for kids). Be at the gates at opening to ride family favorites with shorter waits: Peter Pan’s Flight, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Big Thunder Mountain (height permitting), and Ratatouille at Walt Disney Studios Park.

Disneyland® Paris Parks Admission Tickets (Viator)

Budget-friendly tips: bring a refillable water bottle, mobile snacks, and plan a midday parade break in the shade. Consider single-rider lanes for quicker turns on select attractions.

Afternoon: Shopping time is steps away: La Vallée Village (5–10 minutes walk from the parks via the outlet pathway). Expect 30–60% off past-season collections at brands like Longchamp, Sandro, Lacoste, and more. There are playground-style benches, restrooms, and cafes for breaks. If everyone’s still buzzing with Disney energy, swap this slot for more rides and save the outlet for Day 3 morning.

Lunch options in Disney Village: Annette’s Diner (50s burgers and milkshakes), Earl of Sandwich (quick, reliable), Vapiano (pasta/pizza you can share).

Evening: Return to Paris on RER A. Casual dinner near your hotel: - Le Relais Gascon in Montmartre (generous salads with crispy potatoes and roast meats). - Bistrot Victoires near Palais Royal (affordable steak, duck confit, chocolate mousse). - If little ones are spent, grab rotisserie chicken, baguette, and fruit from a neighborhood market for a relaxed hotel picnic.

Day 3: Classic Paris, Shopping in the Center, and the Eiffel Tower

Morning: Explore Le Marais. Start with croissants at Au Petit Versailles du Marais, then wander to Place des Vosges for a quick playground stop. Browse small boutiques along Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille-du-Temple; for a simple lunch, L’As du Fallafel (takeaway line moves quickly) or sit down for buckwheat galettes at Breizh Café.

Afternoon: Head to the grands magasins around Opéra. At Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, ride the escalators beneath the stained-glass dome, then pop to the rooftop terrace for a free view of Paris. Printemps’ rooftop is another great lookout. For more deals, consider hopping back to La Vallée Village if you skipped it yesterday (RER A ~40 minutes each way).

Need a museum snack stop? The Tuileries Garden has a carousel and chairs around the fountains—perfect for a macaron break.

Evening: Cap your trip with reserved-access tickets to the “Iron Lady.” The dedicated entry keeps waits manageable for kids; aim for dusk to see Paris transform into a sea of lights.

Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Top or 2nd floor by lift (Viator)

Dinner nearby: - Café Constant or La Fontaine de Mars for classics near the Tower (book early or arrive early). - Rue Cler for a relaxed al fresco meal with crepes, cheese shops, and rotisserie stands. - For a quick bite with a view, pick up savory crepes at a stand on Avenue de la Bourdonnais.

Practical family tips:

• Transport: A Navigo Easy card or carnet of tickets works well for metros/RER within zones you need. RER A to Disneyland runs frequently; strollers are fine on board.
• Timing: The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of the hour after dark—plan your cruise or tower slot accordingly.
• Rain plan: Swap in the Louvre for a short, targeted visit (Egyptian antiquities and the medieval moat are kid-pleasers). If you want a guide and timed entry, consider: Louvre Museum Access Guided Tour with Mona Lisa (Viator)

  

Alternate lunches and treats:

• Du Pain et des Idées: legendary escargot pastries (pistachio-chocolate is a hit).
• Breizh Café: buckwheat galettes for savory, butter-sugar crepes for dessert.
• Bouillon Pigalle or Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse: speedy, affordable French classics.

Want to squeeze in one last river view with a meal? Consider a daytime cruise with music: Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise (Viator)

That’s a wrap: three days mixing Disney magic, essential Paris sights, river views, and smart shopping. With kid-friendly pacing and savory stops, you’ll fly home with full hearts, full cameras, and a few outlet treasures in the suitcase.