Planning your first Paris family vacation? Find out the biggest Paris mistakes newbies make (and how to avoid them)!
This list of Paris mistakes 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.
Taking the family to Paris sounds like a dream come true, right?
After visiting Paris several times with my own kids, I’ve learned that while it’s a city bursting with culture and beauty, there are some easy traps for traveling families to fall into.
Let me walk you through the mistakes we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
By sharing these tips, I hope to help you avoid these common pitfalls and make your Paris adventure as magical as the city itself.
10 Paris Mistakes That Are EASY to Make
Mistake 1: Choosing Uber Over Traditional Taxis
When you’re in Paris with kids, convenience is key, and it’s tempting to order an Uber to whisk your family to the next sight.
However, we learned that using Uber instead of taxis can actually be more expensive and less efficient due to lack of access to bus lanes. It’s a hard concept for Americans since we’re SO used to grabbing an Uber or Lyft.
My Solution
Go for Taxis: Taxis in Paris can use bus lanes, which often means faster travel times during busy periods. Plus, they have a set rate for airport routes, which can be cheaper than ride-sharing services.
Hail at Taxi Ranks or Use an App: You can find taxi ranks throughout the city, or use an app like G7, which is widely used by locals and offers English-speaking services.
Mistake 2: Getting Confused by the Metro System
The Paris Metro is a fast way to get around, but without understanding the system, you might end up buying more expensive single tickets, or the wrong type of pass.
My Solution
Learn About Ticket Options: Invest in a “carnet” of tickets, which is a pack of 10 at a reduced rate, perfect for families who are staying a few days. Also, consider the Paris Visite pass if you’re planning heavy travel across consecutive days.
Use Apps for Navigation: Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper show you the best routes and which tickets you’ll need for your journey, taking much of the guesswork out of using the Metro.
Mistake 3: Not Pre-booking Eiffel Tower Tickets
One of our biggest oversights was arriving at the Eiffel Tower without pre-booked tickets, especially during the summer.
The wait times can be incredibly long, which isn’t fun for anyone, least of all impatient little travelers.
My Solution
Buy Tickets in Advance: Always purchase your tickets online as far ahead as possible. This not only secures your spot but also often allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket counters.
Choose Off-Peak Times: If possible, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Not only will the crowds be smaller, but you’ll also get to experience the Tower in different lighting, which is truly special.
Mistake 4: Overloading the Itinerary
In our excitement to see it all, I packed our days with back-to-back activities. This led to a rushed trip where none of us could truly appreciate the beauty of Paris.
My Solution
Prioritize Must-Sees: Decide on two or three must-see attractions per day and stick to them. This allows for a more relaxed pace and time to actually enjoy each experience. Here are our favorite things to do in Paris with kids.
Include Downtime: Plan for some leisurely lunches or a stroll along the Seine to break up the day and give everyone a chance to rest.
Mistake 5: Missing Out on Kid-Friendly Attractions
It’s easy to think of Paris as a city for lovers or artists, but there are tons of attractions that are perfect for kids that we initially overlooked.
My Solution
Explore Beyond the Classics: Don’t miss places like the Jardin d’Acclimatation, which is an amusement park with a zoo, or the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Europe’s largest science museum.
Check for Family Workshops: Many museums offer workshops for families, which can be a fun and interactive way to learn something new together.
Mistake 6: Dining Out for Every Meal
Eating out for every meal quickly became expensive and less than relaxing, as not every restaurant is kid-friendly in terms of menu or atmosphere.
My Solution
Shop at Local Markets: Paris is filled with fabulous food markets. Pick up some cheeses, breads, fruits, and pastries and head to a park for a picnic.
Look for Family-Friendly Restaurants: Some restaurants are more welcoming to families and can be a great option when you do want to dine out. Research and read reviews to find the best spots.
Mistake 7: Adapting to Local Dining Times
Parisians typically eat dinner later than we’re used to, and when we try to adjust our schedule, we often face crowded restaurants or cranky kids.
My Solution
Don’t Adjust Your Schedule: If your family usually eats around 6pm, go for it. Restaurants are much less crowded than 8pm.
Book Reservations: Especially for dinner, make reservations to avoid waiting for a table, which can be a test of patience for young kids.
Mistake 8: Underestimating the Value of a Good Guidebook
Initially, I relied solely on blog posts, but I found that having a physical guidebook for Paris was invaluable, especially when digital devices ran out of power or had no signal.
My Solution
Invest in a Guidebook: A good guidebook can provide a wealth of information at your fingertips about attractions, restaurants, and even tips on public transportation and cultural etiquette.
I actually wrote a Paris with Kids travel guide that includes a 5-day itinerary. It’s got all my insider tips and tricks that work for my own kids.
I’ve got a digital version that can be downloaded to your phone or tablet and doesn’t require signal. But I also have a physical one on Amazon.
Mistake 9: Not Preparing for the Weather
Like many, we were caught off guard by Paris’s sometimes unpredictable weather, which ranged from sudden showers to unexpectedly sunny days that required sunscreen.
My Solution
Pack Layers and Rain Gear: Always carry an umbrella, extra layers, and sunscreen. This way, you’re prepared for whatever the day might throw at you.
We were in Paris once in April, and it was so cold that we had to buy emergency jackets!
Mistake 10: Skipping the Chance to Learn Basic French Phrases
Not knowing basic French made simple interactions more challenging and sometimes less pleasant.
My Solution
Learn Key Phrases: Teach your family basic French phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “Où est la toilette?” (Where is the bathroom?). It’s not only polite but also often leads to friendlier interactions.
But there are also some tricks you can use if you don’t speak French.
Paris Mistakes Wrap-Up
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your family’s trip to Paris is as enchanting as the City of Lights itself.
Remember, the key to a successful family vacation lies in planning, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the local lifestyle. Bon voyage!
Looking for more Paris travel resources? Check out How to Explore Paris with Kids in Just 3 Days, How to Experience Paris Without the Long Lines (Yes, Even the Eiffel Tower!), and How to Navigate Paris with Kids Without Speaking French!
