When you consider a city break, what springs to mind? Fine dining, sipping on the most exquisite wines, a touch of relaxed and informed sightseeing? Well, yes, me too, but if you're travelling as a family then is city exploring quite right? In fact, it is!
New research conducted by Airbnb reveals that for families, city breaks are booming and whilst Paris is likely more known to the kids for a certain animated chef rat named Remy than the Louvre and its fine arts, there is a place for fabulous travel here.
In fact, would you believe the research states that a whopping 60% of families are considering Paris and for lots of reason too, including the iconic landmarks, the lesser-known family attractions - hello chic botanical gardens - and easy travel. However you look at it, France isn't too far away - if you're in the UK that is.
Don't get me wrong, I was still to be convinced on whether we could really ditch the bucket and spade for the elegant French capital with kids, with my firm belief that it's strictly a romantic destination for couples, but Airbnb may have just proved me wrong with this stellar itinerary.
Ready? After all, 60% of you lovely parents are set to pack and leave faster than you can say au revoir, citing a growing desire for meaningful connections on holiday, with 21% claiming increased screen time as a barrier to real interaction.
Step forward - your weekend planner, jam-packed with unexpected beauties.
Day 1
07:00 Travel to Paris via Eurostar (see below for tips on this)
10:15 On arrival at Gare du Nord, grab a quick taxi to your Airbnb
12:00 Lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, an organic cafe
13:30 Explore the newly renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral (dad's can really come into their own here with a spot of Hunchback role play if they fancy)
15:00 Take a walk in the Tuileries Gardens
18:30 Head to dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecote, a family friendly bistro (grab your fine wine here)
20:00 Explore the city by boat with a scenic river cruise on the Seine
Day 2
08:00 Breakfast at Hardware Societe, [a family-friendly cafe]
10:00 Head to La Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie, an interactive science museum
13:00 Grab lunch at Le Comptoir General, a laidback and atmospheric lunch spot
15:00 Visit the Jardin d'Acclimatation, an amusement park with rides for all ages
16:30 Explore the modern art museum, Fondation Louis Vuitton
18:30 Head to dinner at Chez L'Ami Jean, a friendly and relaxed bistro
20:30 Soak in the city lights with the Eiffel Tower light show
Day 3
08:30 Breakfast at Angelina, an iconic tearoom known for its hot chocolates and pastries
10:00 Visit the Musee d'Orsay
12:00 Lunch at Le Cafe de Flore, a classic Parisian cafe in Saint-Germain-des-Pres
14:00 Tour the Palais Garnier Opera House
15:30 Explore Le Jardin des Plantes - a triple delight of gardens, zoo and museum
18:30 Head to dinner at La Creperie Josselin - a cosy family-friendly spot
19:42 Return home on the Eurostar
Honestly, a busy old time of it but at least you can't say you didn't see plenty and with a perfect balance of both kid-friendly fun and some adult indulgences, everyone can head home feeling satisifed they've had a jolly good time.
The ease of Eurostar for families:
Direct routes between city centers (no transfers, no airport hassle).
Spacious trains with more room to move around and relax.
Quicker boarding and simpler security compared to airports.
No hidden fees for luggage or seat selection.
Eco-friendly travel with lower carbon emissions than flying.
Family discounts
Kids travel for free under 4.
Flexible ticket options for easy changes.
Kid-friendly amenities like activity packs and priority boarding.
While you're at it, if you fancy the ultimate weekend in the city of love then Airbnb and Eurostar have teamed up to offer FREE train tickets and up to £1k on a Parisian Airbnb stay. Just click here for more info on how to get involved.
Amusez-vous!
Love Paris