We're planning a trip to Paris in two years. Doing our research now. Any recommendations for a family one-day tour? I'll have two 11 year olds on the trip. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Lynn, for this question about a trip two years out. I have no information or guidance for you, but it is so nice to go back to substantive questions about future travel, rather than cancellations and refunds and people expecting to visit Europe a month or two from now. Hope you plan and then enjoy a wonderful family trip!
Hi there,
We are planning a family trip to Paris during June, 2021 and happy to share these sites which will provide lots of ideas. We're traveling with our kiddos who range in age from 8-15.
https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/kids/best-things-to-do-with-kids-in-paris
Here's a good place to start: RS planning for paris
Are you just going to be in Paris for one day or are you looking for a one-day tour to go along with other days there?
I'd probably not spend a full day on a tour no matter what, though. I'd do perhaps a walking tour and then maybe one museum if that is of interest to your group.
I looked at the Rick Steves Family Europe Tour to see what they do for their one full day in Paris and they do a walking tour around the Ile de la Cite, then have a free afternoon. Click on Itinerary to get what they do each day. BTW, these tours move quickly and are able to do so because the guides AND bus drivers are experienced and able to not waste time trying to find things. You'll take longer and will need more time than they allow.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/europe/family-europe-london-florence
Here is a link to his DIY tour of the Ile de la Cite. I wish he would update this because with the closures around Notre Dame you can't start in this location any more. You can start on the street behind Notre Dame between numbers 6 and 7 and continue from there.
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/paris
Do the 11-year olds have any particular interests? We might be able to suggest some things for a half a day that would be specific to them.
While not one-day tours, consider Paris Walks. They have lots of tours based on various interests. It looks like they do private walks.
https://paris-walks.com/index_m.html
You may consider reaching out to Paris Greeters. It's a volunteer organization that will tailor a walk/tour for your interests. The walks are free but they request a donation to their organization.
You can get a basic orientation by a Seine River boat tour. We used the Vedettes du Pont Neuf, which leaves from Île de la Cité. Works for families of all ages and sizes. Leaves about every 20 minutes and takes an hour. There used to be online discount coupon, might still be. Pairs well with the Rick Steves Historic Walk.