Are you planning a trip to Paris with kids and aren’t sure where to stay? Keep scrolling to check out my top 10 picks for the best places to stay in Paris for families!
This list of the best places to stay in Paris for families was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My kids begged us to go back to Paris for Spring Break. Not Disney World, not Hawaii – Paris.
That’ll be our third trip with them (my fifth overall), and honestly, I’m not even surprised anymore.
They want to sail those toy boats at Luxembourg Gardens again and compare macarons at different shops.
But here’s what I wish someone had told me before our first trip: where you stay in Paris matters way more than which hotel you pick. The neighborhood is everything when you’re traveling with kids.
I’m going to tell you exactly what worked for us, what didn’t, and which hotels are actually worth considering for families in 2026.
The Neighborhood Thing Nobody Explains Well
On our first trip, we stayed near the Arc de Triomphe because I wanted to be close to “everything.”
And you know what? It worked perfectly.
We could put the kids in strollers (they were babies and toddlers then), walk to the Arc, stroll the Champs Elysees, and they’d nap while we kept moving. Easy.
Our second trip? Completely different strategy. We stayed in a quieter area near Jardin du Luxembourg because my kids specifically asked for the toy boats.
They were 3 and 6 then, and that slower pace was exactly right. Less stressful mornings, more time just hanging out in parks.
For April 2026, we’re staying next to the Louvre because my older son (who’ll be in 6th grade) wants serious museum time. See? It changes every trip.
Here’s the money question everyone asks: is it worth paying more to stay central?
Sometimes yes. When we stayed near the Arc de Triomphe, we probably saved $100+ on transport because we walked everywhere.
But that quieter Luxembourg Gardens spot? We spent more on metros, but way less on stress because the vibe was calmer.
Paris is huge. Like, way bigger than it looks on a map. And every neighborhood has a totally different feel.
Grab my free Paris planning course if you want help figuring out the logistics, or check out my full Paris with Kids guide with a complete 5-day itinerary.
The 4 Neighborhoods That Actually Work for Families
Marais
This is probably what you picture when you think “charming Paris.” Place des Vosges (oldest square in Paris), amazing falafel in the Jewish Quarter, Musée Picasso, tons of boutiques.
The real story: It’s trendy. Maybe a little too trendy sometimes. And those narrow cobblestone streets that look so cute in photos? They’re terrible for double strollers.
We learned that the hard way when our youngest was 2 and we spent half our time lifting the stroller over curbs.
But if your kids can walk, this neighborhood is fantastic. Tons of cafes, walking distance to Notre Dame and Centre Pompidou, and the metro connections are everywhere.
Stay here if: Your kids are school-age and can walk, you want authentic Paris vibes, you’re okay with some crowds.
Skip it if: You have a baby in a huge stroller or you want quiet evenings.
Latin Quarter
Student neighborhood because of the Sorbonne. That means affordable cafes, bookstores (Shakespeare & Company is touristy but worth it), and it’s quieter at night than Marais.
Real talk: Some streets look kind of grungy. And there are a LOT of mediocre tourist-trap restaurants near the main drags. But if you know where to go, it’s great.
Plus Luxembourg Gardens is here – those toy boats my kids obsess over? Worth planning your entire trip around. I’m not joking. They spent an hour there both times we’ve gone.
The metro connections are solid (Saint-Michel, Cluny-La Sorbonne), and you can walk to Notre Dame, the Pantheon, and across to Île de la Cité.
Stay here if: You want quieter evenings, your kids like books, you don’t mind trading some polish for authenticity.
Skip it if: You want to be super close to the Eiffel Tower or pristine-looking streets matter to you.
Rue Cler
First-time visitors with kids should probably stay here. You’re close to the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars. It’s exactly the postcard Paris you imagine – cobblestones, sidewalk cafes, the whole thing.
The catch? You’re paying for it. Hotels here cost more than other neighborhoods. And yes, it feels touristy because it is touristy. But sometimes touristy exists for a reason – it’s convenient.
We stop for macarons every other day when we’re in Paris. Carette is our favorite, but Laduree on the Champs-Élysées has a cute shop the kids love visiting. It’s become our thing.
Stay here if: This is your first time in Paris with kids, you want easy Eiffel Tower access, you’re willing to pay more for location.
Skip it if: You’re on a tight budget or “feeling like a local” is important to you (you won’t here).
Montparnasse
We stayed here last trip and it surprised me. It’s not as pretty as Marais or as obviously charming as Rue Cler, but it has everything you actually need.
The Catacombs are here (my older son loved them, younger son thought they were creepy), and you’re close to Jardin du Luxembourg.
The Montparnasse Tower observation deck on the 56th floor is genuinely cool – better views than the Eiffel Tower because you can see the Eiffel Tower in your photos.
Our kids loved it. Plus the crêperies in this neighborhood are way better than in the touristy areas.
Last trip we gave our kids sketchbooks and pencils, and they spent time sketching at the Musée d’Orsay and then at dinner each night. That’s become our Paris tradition now.
Stay here if: You want fewer tourists, good food, easy metro access without paying central Paris prices.
Skip it if: You want to walk to major sites, or your kids will complain about a “boring” neighborhood.
Hotels and Apartments That Actually Work (Honest Reviews)
I verified all these are still open for 2026. Some are hotels, some are rentals. Different families need different things.
Before I get into it: Paris hotel rooms are tiny compared to US hotels. A “family room” often just means they added a pull-out couch.
Also, prices have gone up a lot in Paris the last few years. Don’t expect bargains in central neighborhoods.
Roi de Sicile (Marais)
Aparthotel in Marais. You get a full apartment with hotel services – kitchen, living area, pull-out sofa, separate bedroom. Some have balconies.
We haven’t stayed here, but I’ve researched it extensively. The kitchen access is the big draw because you can cook breakfast or pack snacks, which saves serious money in Paris.
There’s a concierge who can arrange babysitting or bike rentals. They have a speakeasy bar downstairs (for after kids are asleep).
Here’s what nobody tells you: It’s split between two buildings. You might not get your first choice of location.
And some reviews mention street noise, so if your kids are light sleepers, specifically request a courtyard-facing room when you book.
Grand Hotel du Loiret (Marais)
Solid mid-range choice for a family of three. Family rooms have a double and single bed, bathtub (matters with young kids), windows that actually open.
The breakfast is included, which is nice. Location is perfect – you can walk everywhere in Marais. Staff is friendly from what I’ve read.
The downsides are real though: rooms are small. Like, actually small. If you have a lot of luggage, it’s going to feel cramped.
The elevator is tiny too, so you might be hauling bags up stairs. But if you can pack light and don’t need tons of space, this is a good deal for the location.
VRBO Ground Floor Apartment (Marais)
This is a rental in a building from the 1600s – used to be an artist’s workshop. Exposed brick, whitewashed wood, little garden courtyard. Sleeps four.
I like the idea of this place. Full kitchen, washing machine, quiet street. The historical character seems cool. Large bathtub for kids.
But I’m going to be honest about VRBO rentals: you’re on your own. If the hot water is temperamental (which happens in old buildings) or something breaks at 10pm, there’s no front desk. And ground floor means less natural light. You’re trading convenience for character here.
Only book this if you’re okay with some old-building quirks and problem-solving yourself.
Hôtel du Levant (Latin Quarter)
Family-run hotel near Shakespeare & Company. They have triple and quadruple rooms – the quadruple is basically just adding a fold-out, nothing fancy. Continental breakfast included, common area with board games.
Location is fantastic for Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter vibe. Breakfast is decent according to reviews. Staff seems helpful.
The street can be noisy on weekends. That’s a consistent complaint. And the rooms are compact (seeing a pattern with Paris hotels?).
If you’re staying more than a few days, the breakfast apparently gets repetitive – yogurt, croissants, repeat.
Good value for the location if you can deal with those trade-offs.
Hôtel Central Saint Germain (Latin Quarter)
Mid-range, near Luxembourg Gardens. The breakfast here is actually good – you can get it delivered to your room or eat in the dining room. That’s a nice touch when you have kids who need time to wake up.
They have triple and quadruple family rooms. The tour desk can book walking tours, which is convenient.
Rooms facing the street get traffic noise though. And the “quadruple” is really two rooms connected, not some giant family suite. Manage your expectations there.
If good breakfast matters to your family, this is worth considering.
Hôtel Le Derby Alma Paris (Rue Cler)
One block from Champ de Mars, on Avenue Rapp. The location for Eiffel Tower access is ridiculous – you can walk there in minutes.
Complimentary breakfast buffet. Childcare services available if you need them. The rooms are designed with families in mind, which basically means they fit a family without feeling like a closet.
You’re paying a premium though. This location doesn’t come cheap. And being this close to the Eiffel Tower means you’re surrounded by tourists constantly.
Only book this if Eiffel Tower proximity is your top priority and budget isn’t your main concern.
Hôtel de la Bourdonnais (Rue Cler)
If you want to actually SEE the Eiffel Tower from your hotel room, this is one of the few places where that’s possible. Upper floors only though. Chic interiors, upscale feel, but they’re nice to families.
Tower views. Daily buffet breakfast or room service. Hotel shuttle. It feels luxurious without being stuffy about having kids there.
It’s expensive. Like, significantly more than other hotels on this list. You’re paying for those views and the upscale vibe. Make sure that’s worth it to you before booking.
2BR Apartment Near Eiffel Tower (Rue Cler)
VRBO rental two blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Two bedrooms (King canopy bed, twins or double), full kitchen, washer/dryer, 4th floor with elevator.
Real Eiffel Tower views. The canopy bed is actually pretty. Air conditioning (not all Paris rentals have this – important for summer). Full kitchen so you can save money on meals.
But it’s a rental. If something breaks, you’re dealing with it yourself. And two blocks from the Eiffel Tower means constant tourist crowds right outside your door. Also expensive.
Only worth it if apartment space and epic views are your priority.
Hôtel Léopold (Montparnasse)
Art-deco-meets-modern-floral design (sounds weird, actually works). Family suite or connecting rooms available. Close to metro and Luxembourg Gardens.
The coffee here is legitimately good according to multiple reviews. Babysitting services available. Nice lounge for downtime. Breakfast included.
Montparnasse isn’t as “charming” as Marais though. If you want postcard Paris, this isn’t it. But it’s way less crowded and you’re getting better value for money.
Good choice if you want a quieter neighborhood with solid transport.
Luxembourg Gardens Apartment (Montparnasse)
VRBO rental sleeping six. Two bedrooms with Queens and private bathrooms. Living room with sofa bed, full kitchen, dining table.
Lots of space for bigger families. Near Luxembourg Gardens (those toy boats!). Full kitchen. Good Wi-Fi.
Same VRBO concerns – you’re on your own if stuff breaks. And the sofa bed isn’t great for adults, fine for kids. Fitting six people here might feel tight depending on everyone’s ages.
Best for larger families or if grandparents are coming and need separate space.
Questions People Always Ask Me
Is Paris actually safe with kids?
Yes. Use common sense. The neighborhoods I’m recommending are all fine. After dark, avoid poorly lit streets in outer arrondissements (18th, 19th).
We’ve never felt unsafe in Paris with our kids. Just watch your bags on the metro like you would in any city.
Should I even bother bringing kids?
If your kids hate trying new foods and museums, maybe wait. But mine love Paris.
They get excited about the Eiffel Tower, comparing macarons at different shops, even the museums when we make games out of it. Paris is way more kid-friendly than people think.
How long should we stay?
One day to recover from jet lag – don’t sightsee on day one with cranky kids, trust me. Then 3-4 days minimum to see main stuff without rushing. We prefer 5-7 days because it lets us go slower and maybe take a day trip.
When’s cheapest?
Late November through mid-March is low season. Skip the last two weeks of December though – holiday crowds are real. You’ll find better flight and hotel rates in winter. Just pack layers.
Do people speak English?
In tourist areas, mostly yes. But learn basic French phrases (bonjour, merci, pardon). Parisians appreciate the effort. My kids know how to say bonjour and s’il vous plaît and that alone gets them smiles everywhere.
What I’d Actually Tell My Best Friend
Pick your neighborhood first. Then find a hotel in that area that fits your budget. Don’t overthink the hotel amenities – you’ll barely be there.
First time? Stay in Marais, Rue Cler, or Latin Quarter. Yes, you’ll pay more. But you won’t waste hours on metros with exhausted kids who just want to go back to the hotel.
Been to Paris before? Try Montparnasse or other neighborhoods where you feel more like you’re living there instead of visiting.
The biggest mistake I see people make is trying to do too much. Pick 1-2 things per day. Build in time for random macaron stops (we hit different shops to compare).
Let your kids get bored sometimes. That’s when the magic happens – when they’re sailing toy boats for an hour or sketching in notebooks at dinner instead of rushing from monument to monument.
We keep going back because Paris gets better every time. The kids are older, we know the neighborhoods, and we’ve stopped trying to “see everything.” Now we just experience it.
More Paris Help:
Free Paris planning course | Complete Paris with Kids guide | Hidden Paris gems | Is Versailles worth it | Paris with teens | Paris photo tips | 5-day itinerary | Instagrammable spots | Best family tours | Day trips | Paris at night
Book a photo shoot: We always use Flytographer when we travel. Easy, affordable, and guarantees I’m actually in photos. Get $20 off with that link.
