Your No Eye-Rolling Guide to the Best Things to do in Paris with Teens
Heading to Paris with teens? This list of 12 teen and tween-approved things to do will keep the whole family saying “oui” to the city.
The City of Light is truly a magical place for a family vacation.
It’s chock full of history.
There’s beauty around every corner.
And it’s a place that manages to be both authentically French and sweepingly multicultural at the same time.
As one of the most visited cities in the world, there are so many great things to do in Paris. From visiting the Louvre Museum to seeing the Eiffel Tower from every angle, the city has much to offer.
Teens and tweens can be a notoriously hard-to-please bunch though. But, never fear, fellow travel mom. I went to the source - my own teens and tween - to find out the best things to do on a Paris trip.
Segway tour of Paris.
See Paris on a Segway
Sometimes it’s less about what you’re seeing than how you’re getting around to see it. And exploring the city on a Segway Tour was our family’s favorite thing to do in Paris.
In much of Europe, rules regarding the age of Segway riders are a bit more relaxed than they are in the U.S. Our 11-year-old and another family’s 12-year-old were the youngest on our tour and they did great.
We used seewaytour.com for our tour, which began with a lesson on how to use the segways. Once we were all comfortable, we began seeing the sites.
We started at the company’s location and then we rode to the Hotel National des Invalides and the nearby Dome des Invalides. We crossed the Alexandre III Bridge to see the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. From there, we rode along the Seine’s bank to the Louvre and saw the iconic squares, including the Place de la Concorde with its two fountains. Our trip ended at the Eiffel Tower before returning to the office.
It was a fantastic way to see the city.
Paris food tour.
Go on a Parisian Food Tour
The way to most teens’ hearts is through their stomachs. But, French food in a stuffy restaurant? Boring. French food with a fun private tour guide? So much better.
We chose a 3-hour private foodie tour in Les Marais Quarter, which is filled with cute cafes and the oldest food market in Paris. It included tasting things like charcuterie, escargot, french tapas, crepes, and even French wine for the adults.
We were also able to visit some highlights of Paris which we may not have otherwise.
We began in Marche Couvert des Enfants Rouges and then visited gardens in Jardins des Archives Nationales. Next, we explored the cobblestone streets near Le Village Saint-Paul, the ‘Village Saint-Paul’. We ended in Place des Vosges, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Paris.
Our guide was knowledgeable about the food as well as the history of the area. We fell in “amour” with the part of the city we toured so much that if we return, we’ll make it our home base.
Disneyland Paris.
Spend a day or Two at Disneyland Paris
As Disney parks fans, you would have thought visiting Europe’s version would have been a no-brainer for us.
Au contraire, amie.
With so much to see and do in France, we were unsure if it should make the cut.
After much debate we added it to our Paris itinerary. It turns out, it was a big hit with our family. It was the perfect opener to our trip.
With two parks located beside one another, Disneyland Paris is manageable in a day or two, if you’re trying to maximize your time. It’s fun to see how the park is both different and like it’s American counterparts. And it’s a nice contrast to the other things to do in Paris.
Wondering where to stay in Disneyland Paris? Check out:
Disneyland Paris Marvel Hotel: Review And Know-Before-You-Go Tips
Petite Palais, located between Champs-Elysées and Les Invalides.
Visit museums Teen-style
It’s no secret that Paris is filled with world famous museums. In fact, the Louvre, the home of the Mona Lisa, is the most visited museum in the world. Other top contenders include the Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh filled Musée d’Orsay and the contemporary art museum of Centre Pompidou.
The list of spectacular art museums is extensive.
But, seeing them “teen style” means you don’t need to check the box of visiting them just to say you went.
In other words, if you and your teen love art, then art museum filled days are the perfect thing to do in Paris. (To be fair, the Louvre has more to offer than art too. The French Crown jewels, fascinating historical artifacts, and gorgeous ornate rooms are just a few things that top the list.)
But, if you or your teen are a little less of an art connoisseur, skip the guilt. Remember the best way to ruin a trip is to visit the things you’re “suppose” to see.
Instead, opt to check out a list like THIS one by Condé Nast Traveler on the 15 Best Museums in Paris. And if one or two (or six) appeal to you, go for it. If not, seeing the outside of the buildings while exploring the city may be the perfect alternative.
Our Seine River dinner cruise.
Take a Seine River Cruise
In many ways, the Seine River is the heart of the French capital. The two banks of the Seine are called La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) and a La Rive Droite (the Right Bank). They’re each listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and they both help define the city.
The banks are filled with many of the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some charming boutiques and book stores.
While walking the banks of the Seine makes the list of things to do in Paris, so too does cruising up and down it.
Seine River cruises range from sightseeing only tours to lunch or dinner cruises.
We opted for the dinner cruise with which was a good way to have a traditional French meal while seeing the sites. However, it was one of the most expensive things we did in the city and I’m not sure it was completely worth the price.
Check out Get Your Guide’s Seine River cruises to find one that meets your budget.
There’s a gem around every corner on the streets of Paris.
Shop in French Boutiques and Department Stores
Strolling along quaint greets in search of a bargain is oh-so-Emily-in-Paris and a fun thing to do with your teen or tween. Because whether it’s cosmetics or cute new clothes from a French store, Paris has got it.
Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement and St. Germain in the 6th arrondissement are both great places for shopping.
Marais’ streets, like Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Rue du Temple and Rue Charlotare, are filled with shops selling the gamete. From major brands and high end shops to vintage clothing, you’ll find it here. Likewise, you’ll find BHV Marais, a Paris retail mainstay since 1856.
In St. Germain, you’ll find an an eclectic selection of antique shops, interior design shops and boutiques. This area also has it’s version of a retail mainstay in Le Bon Marché, which originally opened in 1838. While St. Germain can be more expensive, it’s also flanked by decadent chocolate shops and Parisian cafes.
Two other options for large one-stop shops to check the box are Galeries Lafayette and Printemps in the 9th arrondissement. Both are iconic department stores in the city with fantastic views to boot. THIS list of Paris department store hints from Paris Escapes offers great ways to shop smart at them.
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Place des Vosges in Paris.
Relax in a Park or Gardens
Just because your kids aren’t of the toddler variety anymore, taking breaks shouldn’t be excluded from your Paris itinerary.
Luckily, in Paris there are plenty of places to do that while still taking in the city souroundings.
Luxembourg Gardens, Places des Vosges, or Bois de Vincennes are just a few spots that are perfect for picnicking or relaxing. The first offers a palace view. The second showcases the oldest square in Paris. And the last has four lakes and a temple.
Don’t just take our word for it though. Time Out has THIS list of the best parks in Paris. Chances are there’s one that’s near your other must-do’s in the city.
Explore European Cathedrals
It should be no surprise that cathedrals make the list of the best things to do in Paris. After all, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is arguably the most famous cathedral in the world. And it’s located in the heart of Paris.
But, it’s not just Notre Dame that deserves a visit while you’re in France. Churches and cathedrals like Sainte-Chapelle and Saint-Sulpice also make wonderful stops on a Paris tour.
Sainte-Chapelle, for example, was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX for the purpose of receiving Christ's crown of thorns. It showcases 15 stunning stained glass windows.
And Saint-Sulpice, which was featured in the movie The Da Vinci Code, is exquisite as well with huge murals and beautiful architecture. It’s also one of the largest churches in Paris. Guided tours are even offered on weekends.
Visiting churches like these and others are always one of my teens and tween’s favorite things to do in cities. It provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The quiet setting is always a welcome change. And you can get a sense for most cathedrals in a relatively short period of time, making visits to them easier to fit in.
The Arc de Triomphe.
Visit the Arc de Triomphe
I believe travel is learning and we couldn’t leave such a historical place off of the list.
The Arc de Triomphe, located at Place Charles de Gaulle, is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It’s name means “arch of victory”.
The massive structure was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806. Since then, it has honored those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Your kids may also recognize it from movies like Mission Impossible: Fallout and Cars 2.
The monument is covered in intricate carvings and inscriptions. So, seeing it up close is a great way to appreciate it.
Visitors can also climb to the top for spectacular views of the city or view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And on the first Sunday of every month, the monument can be appreciated cars free. Traffic is diverted during this time, allowing spectators to enjoy the Arc de Triomphe a whole lot more easily.
Want to explore a city with teens that’s located on this side of the pond? Don’t miss:
10 Of The Best Things To Do In New York City With Teens And Tweens
Paris’s 4th arrondissement.
Stroll the French streets
There are so many great places to explore in Paris that it can be easy to rush to and from each one. But, appreciating Paris requires a little time to just soak it all in. Be sure to factor in some time to explore a bit just taking in the essence of the city.
Stroll the left bank of the Seine to watch the boats as they travel along the famous river.
Or meander through the oldest covered market in Paris, the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
Or leave the crowds near Notre Dame behind to explore Ile Saint-Louise, the neighborhood connected by a small bridge behind the cathedral.
You’re sure to find hidden treasures that define the city just as much as it’s famous landmarks.
The Flame of Liberty.
See Princess Diane’s Memorial
Few people have had the influence that Princess Diana had on the world. Although it’s been over 26 years since her death at just 36, she’s still an icon beloved by many.
Her death in a car crash in Paris prompted the many who loved her to designate an unofficial tribute to her nearby.
The "Flamme de la Liberté", which was erected in 1987, was given to the French during the American bicentenary as a symbol of the friendship between French and American people. Following the Princess of Whales death near to the Alma bridge, it was transformed into a commemorative monument.
The Flame continues to be a place where the People’s Princess can be remembered.
Even though she passed away before they were born, many teens are well aware of her legacy. My teens enjoyed being able to see a site dedicated to her.
Chateau de Chambord is about 2 hours from Paris.
Venture outside Paris
Last but certainly not least on the list of the best of things to do in Paris with teens is something that’s… well… not even in Paris.
That’s because as magnificent as Paris is, sometimes it takes getting outside such a large city to fully appreciate the culture.
France’s train system allows easy access to lots of great day trips from Paris.
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips. It’s only about an hour by train from the city.
Similarly, our choice, the Loire Valley is reachable in a little over an hour or two, depending on where in the Loire you’re going. The chateaux and gorgeous countryside are definitely worth the trip for the day or overnight.
Another can’t be beat option, Mont-Saint-Michel, is about 3 hours from Paris. The stunning architectural gem has a history that’s over 1,000 years old. Guests have the opportunity to see the tides surrounding the castle rise during a visit.
It seems there’s a fantastic place to visit in every direction from Paris. The hard part is just figuring out which one to see.
