A 4 to 6-Day Paris Itinerary For Preteens and Teens

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

A young girl staring at a Ferris wheel in Paris. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

If you are looking for an unforgettable itinerary for preteens and teens, then Paris should definitely be at the top of your bucket list! With its remarkable landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris provides a perfect venue for families seeking both fun-filled entertainment and educational experiences. Plus, the enchanting streets lined with charming cafes present opportunities for French language immersion while indulging in delicious pastries like croissants or macarons. Additionally, more contemporary attractions such as Disneyland Paris offer thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly entertainment that guarantees endless excitement for all ages. Next time you’re planning a family vacation to Paris, check out this 4 to 6-day itinerary for preteens or teens to help plan your trip. We guarantee it’ll inspire an unforgettable adventure through Paris!

Tips For Visiting Paris With Preteens or Teens

A young girl in a blue hat standing in front of a blue cafe in Paris. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Before we cover our 4 to 6-day Paris itinerary for preteens and teens, let’s get into some tips for visiting Paris with preteens or teens. Keep reading to learn more!

Ubers are easy to get around Paris, and they’re very cheap and reliable. If you’re only traveling short distances or are staying in a central location, it might be worth it to Uber to a certain destination and then walk to other places nearby. Remember that some Ubers may say they seat 4 people, but the car might be too small, and the cab driver won’t be able to fit your family of four.

If you want an affordable way to get around beyond Ubers and walking, you could also take the metro, which is easy to navigate. A quick primer is helpful here: kids are not free on the metro; they are half-priced. You cannot buy a single-child ticket in the kiosk. You need to buy a book of 10 (as of October 2022). This is a good value. You then simply insert your ticket in the turnstile and take it to the other side.

One question that comes up among parents visiting Paris with art lovers is: Is the Paris Museum Pass worth the money? This museum pass lets you save on some of the most famous museums and landmarks in Paris, from the Louvre to Musee d’Orsay. However, I personally don’t think it’s worth getting for kids, since most of these attractions are free for kids under 18.

Make sure to try all the delicious food. I didn’t have enough room to mention all the many stops for crêpes, macaroons, and gelato. We really ate and walked our way through Paris! It was a fantastic vacation.

A 4 To 6-Day Paris Itinerary For Preteens and Teens

Now that we’ve covered the best tips for visiting Paris with preteens and teens, check out our 4 to 6-day Paris itinerary for preteens and teens! From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and the Catacombs, there are so many interesting ways to explore the City Of Light!

Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Night Boat Tour

A young girl enjoys a Christmas market in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

A visit to Paris would be incomplete without seeing the Eiffel Tower! However, since it’s such a popular attraction, you should definitely book your tickets ahead of time. We booked ours through the official Eiffel Tower website 1 week before the day we wanted to go, exactly at 1 PM Paris time, as many spots open up then. We took our time with the kids, enjoying the scenery at the top, then went down and took some more pictures. If you can manage to snag a reservation, lunch in the Eiffel Tower is a great way to enjoy amazing views of the city and delicious food too!

Afternoon Activity: Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, one of the best places to visit on a Paris itinerary with preteens or teens. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Once you’re done at the Eiffel Tower, you can walk to the Arc de Triomphe at the western end of Champs Elysees Avenue. It has amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, which are definitely worth the walk to the top – 245 steps, to be exact! (There is an elevator for people who tell them they need it.) Afterward, stroll along Champs Elysees, which is lined with trendy shops and charming cafés. You can search for souvenirs or grab delicious treats from patisseries nestled along the way.

A riverboat tour on the Seine River in Paris at night. This is one of the best things to do on a Paris itinerary with preteens or teens. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

To end your day, take a Seine River cruise with dinner to marvel at iconic landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower under soft moonlight. Bateaux Parisiens offers a two-and-a-half-hour version with dinner, drinks, and musical entertainment or a shorter hour and fifteen minutes version with just dinner and drinks for parents. You can also book your excursion through GetYourGuide or Viator.

Day 2: Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries, Musée d’Orsay, or Shopping at Vandome

Statues atop the Louvre Museum looking down onto a courtyard in Paris.

Every family visiting Paris should make time for a stop at The Louvre Museum, home to thousands of remarkable artworks including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa! You should allow a minimum of three hours for the visit, but it can also take a whole day if you’re an art lover and more if you truly appreciate art. It’s included in the Paris Museum Pass too, but you need to book a lot in advance.

There are multiple ways to explore the museum. Take a private tour with a variety of companies like Viator or GetYourGuide or take advantage of the audio guide provided by the museum. Keep in mind that the audio guide can be confusing, as it doesn’t cover all areas of the Louvre, which change regularly. One particular way to pique your child’s interest is by booking a Louvre Scavenger Hunt on Airbnb experiences, which will get them more involved in their surroundings and also teach them about art!

After the museum visit, head to the concourse, where there are bakeries offering hot chocolate, macaroons, and other treats. You can also grab a late lunch at Le Souffle. This charming restaurant is renowned for its delectable soufflés that effortlessly fuse French tradition with contemporary flavors. Try at least one sweet and one savory option – kids will love the chocolate or cheese souffle!

Afternoon Activity: Jardin des Tuileries

Two kids at the winter fun fair at Jardin Des Tuileries in Paris. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Next on your Paris itinerary for preteens and teens, visit Jardin des Tuileries. Nestled between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, this historic garden serves as a calm oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Families can stroll around the gardens to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and appreciate the statues. During the winter, the garden also hosts the Fête Foraine des Tuileries, a carnival/funfair/Christmas market with rides for all ages, food, and lots of places to go shopping! You could easily spend a few hours here and also enjoy a dinner at one of the many food stalls. Or, head to nearby options like Angelina for hot chocolate and food. Just be prepared for potentially long lines!

Additional Activity: Musée d’Orsay Or Shopping In The Vandome Area

The exterior entrance of The Musee d'Orsay. — Photo Courtesy: The Musee d’Orsay

Another museum worth adding to your Paris itinerary for preteens and teens is Musée d’Orsay, which is included in the Paris museum pass. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine River in what used to be a grand railway station built in the 1900s, it now stands as one of Paris’s most prestigious museums showcasing an extensive collection of French art from renowned artists like Monet, Degas, and Renoir, among others. It also has a specific kids’ audio guide. Preteens and teens have an opportunity to appreciate impressionist masterpieces up close while gaining insights into France’s rich artistic heritage!

If your kids are tired of museums, you could also go shopping in the Vandome area. Brimming with trendy boutiques, high-end stores, and unique shops, it’s sure to ignite the fashionista within every teenager!

Day 3: Palace of Versailles

One of the artworks inside the Palace of Versailles near Paris, one of the best places to visit on a Paris itinerary with preteens or teens.

The interior of the Palace of Versailles near Paris.

Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Day 3 of your Paris itinerary for preteens and teens brings you to the Palace of Versailles, a testament to the opulence and grandeur of French royalty. Located around an hour away from Paris, you can take the RER C Train, which takes around an hour. It’s up to you if you want to treat this as a day trip or check out of your hotel in Paris to spend more time at Versailles. It’s possible to see the highlights in a day and return to Paris that night if you get an early start. Just be sure to make a reservation before your visit, since entry is timed!

There are various ways to explore the palace. If affordable, we highly recommend a private tour, so you’ll get the benefit of personalized attention and get to see the parts of the palace that you prefer to spend more time on. Appreciate the dazzling chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and ornate tapestries of the State Apartments, then explore The Hall of Mirrors, where sunlight cascades through the immense windows. The Trianon Palaces offer another glimpse into royal life – visit Marie-Antoinette’s charming hideaway known as her Petit Trianon, and imagine yourself walking through her private gardens filled with roses and exotic flowers.

If you don’t want to do a private tour, the audio tour is quite helpful too. I recommend saving at least 3 to 4 hours to see the palace, and more if you wish to leisurely explore the gardens. Another benefit is that kids get in for free – only adults need to pay!

Afternoon Activity: Tea At Hotel Airelles

A family enjoying tea time at Hotel Airlelles near Versailles. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

After you’re done exploring the palace, families can enjoy an afternoon tea session at Hotel Airelles, which is located on the grounds. With a beautiful salon with historical furniture, you can enjoy an ever-changing tea menu and a selection of delicious pastries, from Vienne-style miniature brioches to sorbets or ice cream. Alongside tea, there’s also coffee and hot chocolate, a perfect way to pay homage to the French art of living while enjoying a refreshing snack after a long day of exploring. Keep in mind you need to make advance reservations.

Day 4: Sainte Chapelle Tour, Walk by Notre Dame, Macaron-Making Class

A stained-glass window in Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, one of the best places to visit on a Paris itinerary with tweens or teens.

On day 4 of your Paris itinerary for preteens and teens, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Paris by taking a tour of Sainte Chapelle on the Île de la Cité. An architectural masterpiece, it’s renowned for its stunning stained glass windows depicting biblical stories. Admission to the chapel is free, and families can even join one of the daily tours at 11 AM or 3 PM. You can’t make an advanced reservation, and have to register at the reception desk when you arrive, so I suggest getting there a little before the tour starts to ensure you get a spot.

Afterward, take a short stroll towards Notre Dame Cathedral to appreciate the facade from the outside before crossing over the Seine River via Pont de l’Archevêché bridge, known for its love locks left behind by couples from all around the world. On Quai de Montebello, families can get more views of the cathedral while browsing the various stalls selling souvenirs, the bookstores, or the cute cafes.

Afternoon Activity: Macaron-Making/Croissant Class Or Perfume Workshop

Several travelers listen to a chef give instructions at a macarons making class in Paris. — Photo Courtesy: Jason Carlton

Another must-do activity in Paris with kids is taking a croissant or macaron-making class! This activity allows young travelers to combine their love for sweets with a hands-on experience, immersing themselves in the art of French pastry. Lasting around 2 or 3 hours, teens can get creative by customizing their own colorful macaron shells with vibrant food coloring before piping them onto trays lined with precise circles drawn by magic markers. You can find mini-classes online through companies like GetYourGuide, Viator, or Airbnb. Places such as La Cuisine Paris also offer cooking classes in a scenic location by the River Seine, you can easily stroll here after visiting Notre Dame. Families can consider taking a croissant-making class too. Consider doing this at the beginning of your trip so that you have enough pastries for the duration of your stay.

Preteens and teens can also take a perfume workshop with the Fragonard Musée du Parfum. This free guided tour will take you through the daily tasks of a perfumer – from recognizing scents to learning how to combine them – and you can even make your own perfume to take home!

Day 5: Disneyland Paris

A view of the castle in Disneyland Paris, one of the best places to visit on a Paris itinerary with preteens and teens.

Families who are Disney fans can’t miss the chance to visit Disneyland Paris! While you could hypothetically do this as a day trip, we recommend checking out of your hotel and looking for accommodations nearby to make the most out of your day at Disneyland.

Preteens can check out Sleeping Beauty Castle and explore its beautiful interior. Adrenaline junkie teens will love thrilling rides like Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, Indiana Jones™️ and the Temple of Peril, and Big Thunder Mountain. For fans of the movie, The Ratatouille: The Adventure ride takes you on an exciting adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant, where you can scuttle through the kitchen as if you were Remy! You can also catch one of the spectacular shows like Mickey and the Magician.

A dad and his daughter pose near the 'Small World' sign at Disneyland Paris. — Photo Courtesy: Amy Chen

When you’re hungry, you can explore the various shops and restaurants inside the Disney Village, which has everything from steak to ice cream!

Day 6: Explore A Few Cozy Paris Neighborhoods

The exterior of Centre Pompidou in Paris — Photo Courtesy: Centre Pompidou Paris

Spend the last day of your Paris itinerary exploring some of the city’s cozy neighborhoods that you may have missed earlier in the week. Le Marais is a great place to start, a historic part of the city shared by the 4th and 3rd arrondissements. Le Marais is home to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest market in Paris. It’s a great place to explore the market stalls, try some food, or go shopping. But be warned it can get crowded on weekends or during lunch on the weekdays, which is why I suggest visiting in the morning.

If your teens are art lovers, you can also explore contemporary art at Centre Pompidou. Or, see Pablo Picasso’s best paintings at the Picasso Museum, which is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Of course, don’t forget about the Centre Culturel Suedois, with its gorgeous green courtyard and temporary exhibits. Families interested in learning more about Paris’s interesting history shouldn’t hesitate to explore the free permanent collection at the Musée Carnavalet.

Another neighborhood worth visiting is Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Once a small market village, it has picturesque streets lined with charming boutiques that lure families to Place Sevres Babylon, home to Le Bon Marche and other luxury department stores. You’ll also find some of the best local supermarkets and food halls in Saint-Germain, like La Grande Epicerie de Paris. Of course, if parents are a fan of Hemingway, don’t miss a chance to visit some of the most famous cafes in Paris: Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, Le Precope, Brasserie Lipp, and Café Bonaparte. Walk over to the Pont Alexandre III or grab Indian food from New Jawad.

Alternate Activity: Montmartre & Sacre Coeur

A view of the famous Paris sinking house on the other side of bright green grass. This is one of the best places to visit on a Paris itinerary with preteens and teens. — Photo Courtesy: Christina Elia

Families can also spend the afternoon exploring Montmartre. This vibrant neighborhood, known for its artistic heritage, will captivate young minds with its bohemian charm and fun photo opportunities. (Don’t miss the sinking house!) Teach kids about how many renowned artists took inspiration from this very area, such as Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. You can also stop for dinner at Le Moulin de la Galette, a restaurant in an old mill once depicted by Renoir himself. Then, stroll along the cobblestone streets up towards the iconic Sacre Coeur Basilica, which is perched atop Montmartre’s highest point. The breathtaking view from the basilica’s terrace offers an unrivaled perspective of Paris!

Have a sweet tooth? Here are 9 Amazing Places for Pastries and Desserts in Paris For Families!

Alternate Activity For Younger Kids: Jardin des Plantes and Luxembourg Gardens

Lucious and colorful gardens surrounding a green area with large buildings in the distance at the Luxembourg Gardens. — Photo Courtesy: Kosala Bandara

For an alternate activity for younger kids, consider visiting Jardin des Plantes. This botanical garden features a variety of beautiful plants, and there’s even a zoo on-site to keep them entertained with all kinds of animals like giraffes or red pandas. From there, you can grab sandwiches from one of Paris’ numerous boulangeries and walk over to the Luxembourg Gardens to eat your food with a wonderful view. Along the way, you can pass the Pantheon too. Kids will love exploring the gardens, which have a playground, and even getting a chance to sail some wooden sailboats on the central basin. Later that evening, grab dinner at Chez Fernand –the beef bourguignon and escargot were delicious!

Visiting Paris with young kids? Here are Fantastic Things To Do In Paris With Young Kids!

Alternate Activity For Teens: The Catacombs

A young girl staring at bones inside the Paris Catacombs. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

One of the most unique places to visit in Paris with teens is The Paris Catacombs. Located in the 14th Arrondissement, this historical site is accessible via a 100-step descent underground.

Adventurous teens will love navigating through labyrinthine passageways filled with skulls, bones, and other relics of Paris’s past. However, it’s not as creepy as it looks! The Catacombs directly offers various tours lasting around an hour to get to know the site better, including plenty of kid-friendly options with a narrator. Or, check companies such as Viator or other local providers in Paris. You could also get an audio tour to navigate the Catacombs. (Otherwise, you’ll just be wandering around without much context, since most plaques are in French.)

Families must purchase tickets to the Catacombs prior to visiting. Options are timed and limited. You can manage to score “day of” tickets for the adults, and kids are free. These tickets go fast, so you’ll probably get an afternoon slot.

Where To Stay In Paris With Preteens and Teens

The entrance to the Hôtel d’Aubusson. A large flower basket hangs in each balcony shown. — Photo Courtesy: Hôtel d’Aubusson

Wondering where to stay in Paris with preteens and teens? Families who want to stay near the Cathédrale Notre-Dam should check out Hôtel d’Aubusson. If you’d prefer to stay near attractions like the Champs-Élysees, Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower, book a room at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. There’s also The Shangri-La Paris is a ritzy hotel just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. To find more options for your next stay in Paris with kids, check out these best Paris hotels For families or where to stay in Paris with kids (by neighborhood)!

Happy Travels!

A mother and her two children posing in Paris during Christmas, surrounded by beautiful decorations on a Paris itinerary for preteens and teens. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

We hope you liked this 4 to 6-day Paris Itinerary For Preteens and Teens! Whether your kids are foodies, art lovers, or want to experience the highlights of Paris, this itinerary is a great starting point to create your own perfect vacation. Enjoy your next family trip to Paris!

*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.