All About Paris With Kids: Important Information To Know

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A dad and his two children overlooking the Seine in Paris.

If you want to know all about Paris with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Paris, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Paris with kids and the best hotels in Paris for families. Keep reading for all about Paris for families!

At A Glance

A kid at The Louvre infront of a large painting — Photo Courtesy: Amanda Donnelly

Before you visit Paris with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information all about Paris with kids.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Paris local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Paris is the Euro. It is widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. Paris operates 2 hours ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT +2. Click here to see Paris’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

French is the official language of Paris. If you’re planning an extended trip to Paris or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Paris for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In France, there are two associated plug types: type C and E. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and plug type E is the plug that has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Paris climate will be helpful before you depart. Paris experiences mostly mild weather across four distinct seasons. Extreme cold or heat is pretty rare, but rain is not. In Paris, light showers can come and go quickly throughout the day. Please visit Accuweather for the temperature in Paris during your holiday. If you need more help planning your Paris vacation with kids, feel free to check out Paris’s official tourism website for more information.

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Health Information

A mother and her two children posing in Paris during Christmas, surrounded by beautiful decorations. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Paris with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Paris with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Paris with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Some accessible hospitals in Paris include Hôpital Necker, Day Hospital Georges Vacola, Hôtel-Dieu de Paris, and Hospital Saint-Louis Ap-Hp.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Paris soon, you’re probably wondering about Paris’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15th, Paris has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Paris’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Paris with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Emergency Services

A family of six poses together with the Palace of Versailles behind them. — Photo Courtesy: Lexie Lantz

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Paris with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Paris with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Paris, dial 112. Alternatively, if you need police assistance in Paris, you can call 17. You can also call 15 to reach an ambulance in Paris.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Paris safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Paris is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Italy. Paris is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it’s sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people on the street may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s Paris Travel Advisory here.

Paris For Kids

A young boy in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on a Fat Bike Tour.

Visiting Paris with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Paris? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Paris with kids. We suggest International Babysitters. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Paris. Take a look at Baby ‘Tems, Kidelio, Baby Equipment Rental, and plenty of other options in Paris.

Transportation

A kid sitting in front of the Louvre in Paris, France. — Photo Courtesy: Samira Hamidi Jolly

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Paris with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Paris for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car during your Paris vacation with kids, keep reading for important car seat information. According to the Parisian law about passenger safety, any time you sit in a vehicle fitted with seat belts, it’s compulsory to wear them. All children up to the age of 10 must travel in a car seat or restraint. The use of car seats is determined by weight. Under 10kg: Rear-facing seat in the front passenger seat (with passenger airbag deactivated) or back seats. 10 – 13kg: The same conditions as above apply.

Transportation Services

To get around Paris, the best way is by foot, metro, bus, bike, or train. It’s a relatively compact city, so combining your own two feet with low-cost public transportation is the best way. The streets are easy to navigate, but if you want a little guidance, sign up for a walking tour. However, the Métro is the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to get around Paris. There are 16 metro lines and some 300 metro stations; the entrance is indicated by a large yellow letter ‘M’. The frequency at which metros run depends on the time and day: at peak hours, metros run every 2 minutes.

There are six Paris train stations, or gares, taking passengers to destinations throughout France and the rest of Europe — Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, Gare Saint-Lazare. Paris is well connected by rail, not only to other cities in France, but to most other cities in Europe, as well the United Kingdom. The RER train network consists of 5 lines serving Paris and the Paris region (Ile-de-France). Each line has a distinctive color shown on RATP and SNCF signs and maps. Paris also has 4 tramway lines serving the perimeter of the city: T1, T2, T3, T4. Tram tickets are the same as the metro and the RER.

There are numerous bus lines and many buses go through the center of the city, along the banks of the Seine, and through historic districts. 64 bus lines run alongside and complement the metro network. The installation of special bus lanes along main roads has improved journey times. For an idea of your journey time, allow around 5 minutes per stop, sometimes more if the traffic is busy. The Noctilien is a night bus service that operates in Paris and the Paris region. 47 lines crisscross Paris and the Paris region so that everyone can get around by public transport.

Local Airlines

To get into the city, many travelers fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport.

For more information on transportation in Paris, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Paris With Kids

A parent throwing their kid into the air with the Eiffel Tower in the background in Paris, France. — Photo Courtesy: Lindsey James West

Searching for more tips all about Paris with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Paris with kids!

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in Paris can save families a lot of hassle. In Paris, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout Paris is very common, just like in the USA, so be expected to tip when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries. Normally, the rule of 15%-20% of the total bill is applicable. Tipping might not always be expected, but is most certainly appreciated.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Paris, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Paris. Check the Paris National Holidays for more information here.

Things to Do in Paris With Kids

A map of the arrondissements of Paris, highlighting key things to do in each one.

Once you’ve read our Paris important information and all about Paris with kids, look up what to do. Though Paris is a cosmopolitan city famous for its sophistication, history, and vibrant arts scene, families will still find ways to stay entertained. Whether you want to spend a day relaxing in the many green spaces, like The Luxembourg Gardens, visit a kid-friendly museum like The Natural History Museum, or enjoy some famous Paris attractions like the Eiffel Tower, you can do it all in the City of Light! Of course, Paris is a big city, and it might be confusing to plan an itinerary. With our help, choose between the Paris Zoological Park, The Paris Catacombs, and more!

Find out more things to do in Paris with kids on our list of Fantastic Things To Do In Paris With Young Kids!

Where to Stay in Paris With Kids

The luxurious indoor pool and poolside loungers at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris. — Photo Courtesy: Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

Looking for the best places to stay in Paris with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Paris with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. For an elegant hotel near the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, stay in Hôtel d’Aubusson, located in a 17th-century townhome. Families who would prefer to stay near attractions like the Champs-Élysees, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower can book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, an iconic art-deco with an outdoor pool for kids, spa for parents, and a quintessential tea room. The Shangri-La Paris is a ritzy hotel just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower and also a great option for families.

To find more options for your next stay in Paris with kids, check out these Best Paris Hotels For Families!

Book your next stay in Paris using Hotels.com now!

Get a discount on your next Paris family vacation by using Expedia today!

Happy Travels!

A mom and her daughter snap a selfie with the fountains of the Palace of Versailles behind them. — Photo Courtesy: Carrie Fiore Andrews

We hope you liked this article All About Paris With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy Paris with your kids!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.