Our family itinerary through the City of Light, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to historic neighborhoods, Parisian shopping, and the experiences that made our September trip memorable.

Paris is a city I never seem to tire of visiting. There is something about its architecture, history, beautiful neighborhoods, and everyday atmosphere that makes each trip feel different from the last. I've always loved the combination of grand landmarks and quieter moments, whether that's walking along the Seine, discovering a beautiful storefront, or sitting in a café watching the city go by. Even after multiple visits, Paris continues to give me reasons to return.

In September 2026, we traveled to France as a family before continuing to London. This was my third visit to Paris, Scott's second, and our children's first, which made the experience particularly meaningful. I was excited to revisit some of my favorite places, but I was equally looking forward to introducing our children to a city I'd talked about for years. We had four days to explore Paris, along with an additional day dedicated to a road trip through Normandy, and I wanted our itinerary to reflect a balance of history, culture, shopping, and the experiences that make traveling together worthwhile.

Rather than trying to see every attraction in the city, we focused on places that genuinely interested us. Some were iconic Paris landmarks that I believe everyone should experience at least once, while others reflected our family's personal interests. Looking back, the combination gave us a wonderful introduction to Paris for the children and a chance for Scott and me to experience familiar places in a completely new way.

Arriving in Paris

We arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport around 10 a.m. after our overnight flight, excited to begin the first part of our European adventure. Although I had visited Paris before, international travel with two children adds another layer to the experience, and I was glad we'd planned a relatively flexible arrival day. That flexibility turned out to be particularly important because getting through the airport took considerably longer than we'd anticipated.

What to Know About Passport Control at Charles de Gaulle Airport

One of the first things I would tell anyone planning a trip to Paris is to allow plenty of time when arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, commonly referred to as CDG. We spent more than 90 minutes waiting in the passport control line before we could officially enter France. Interestingly, the actual immigration process was incredibly straightforward once we reached the officer. The difficulty wasn't the procedure itself, but the amount of time we spent standing in line waiting for our turn.

Charles de Gaulle has a reputation for lengthy immigration queues, particularly when multiple international flights arrive around the same time, and our experience certainly reflected that. While wait times vary depending on the day, terminal, and number of arriving passengers, I would strongly recommend building a generous buffer into your arrival plans. Between getting off the aircraft, clearing passport control, collecting luggage, and arranging transportation into Paris, it's easy to underestimate how long the process can take.

For that reason, I wouldn't schedule an expensive timed attraction or a restaurant reservation immediately after landing. An arrival day is much more enjoyable when you have the flexibility to settle into your hotel and begin exploring without feeling that you're already behind schedule. After spending more than an hour and a half in line, we were certainly ready to get into the city and start our vacation.

Where We Stayed: Moxy Paris La Villette

For the Paris portion of our trip, we stayed at the Moxy Paris La Villette, where we booked a family room that accommodated all four of us. Finding the right hotel configuration is something I pay particular attention to when planning family travel, especially now that our children are older. A room that technically sleeps four people isn't necessarily comfortable for four people, particularly when everyone is sharing the same space for several nights.

Our room had a king bed in the main sleeping area and two twin beds in a second room connected to it. The bathroom was also located in that second space, which did not have a separate exterior door. Essentially, we had one private family accommodation with two distinct sleeping areas, allowing the children to have their own beds without being separated from us by a hotel hallway or an independently accessed room.

I appreciated having that arrangement because it offered a little more separation than a traditional hotel room with two beds side by side. When you're spending full days sightseeing, having a comfortable place to return to in the evening becomes an important part of the overall experience. For families researching hotels in Paris, I would recommend paying close attention to the actual floor plan and bed configuration rather than relying solely on the number of guests a room can accommodate.

Day 1: Notre-Dame, Shakespeare and Company, and the Eiffel Tower at Night

One of the things I've learned from traveling internationally is that staying awake on your arrival day is one of the best ways to adjust to a new time zone. After an overnight flight, the temptation to crawl into bed can be overwhelming, but I prefer to get outside, explore, and begin adjusting to the local schedule as quickly as possible. With that in mind, we weren't planning to spend our first afternoon in Paris sleeping. We had a city to explore, and I was excited to introduce our children to some of the places I'd loved on previous visits.

Lunch Near Notre-Dame and Exploring the Cathedral

Our first stop in Paris was lunch at a café near Notre-Dame Cathedral. After an overnight flight and a lengthy morning getting through Charles de Gaulle Airport, sitting down for a meal was a welcome opportunity to relax and begin enjoying the city. One of my favorite things about traveling in Europe is the café culture, where even a simple lunch becomes part of the experience. Surrounded by historic architecture and the everyday activity of Paris, it felt like the perfect way to begin our family vacation.

After lunch, we made our way to Notre-Dame Cathedral to admire its exterior. The cathedral had reopened in December 2024 following the devastating fire in 2019, and I was particularly interested in seeing the results of the extensive restoration. We didn't go inside on our first day, but spent time appreciating the remarkable Gothic architecture, intricate stonework, and details that have made Notre-Dame one of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris. Even from the outside, it's an extraordinary piece of French history, and I loved being able to introduce our children to a place that has been part of the city's story for more than 850 years.

Shakespeare and Company: A Paris Bookstore Worth Visiting

After lunch, we walked over to Shakespeare and Company, the famous English-language bookstore located just across the Seine from Notre-Dame. As an avid reader, visiting bookstores is something I love incorporating into our travels, particularly when they have a history or character that makes them unique to their destination. Shakespeare and Company has been a literary landmark in Paris for decades, welcoming generations of readers and writers through its doors.

The bookstore is known for its eclectic shelves, narrow passageways, and atmosphere that feels distinctly different from a modern chain bookstore. Its literary heritage adds another dimension to the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone who appreciates books, history, or independent shops. I particularly love that Notre-Dame and Shakespeare and Company are so close together, making it easy to combine both stops without spending additional time traveling across the city.

Our One-Hour Jet Lag Reset

By the time we'd finished exploring, the overnight flight was beginning to catch up with us. Although staying awake is generally my preferred strategy for adjusting to a new time zone, we decided to head back to the hotel for a short nap before our evening plans. The key was keeping it to just one hour rather than allowing ourselves to sleep through the afternoon and risk making the adjustment to Paris time even more difficult.

That brief rest gave us enough energy to enjoy the rest of our day without completely abandoning our plan to stay on the local schedule. When traveling internationally with children, I think it's important to balance the goal of adjusting quickly with the reality that everyone may need a little time to recharge. For us, a short, intentional nap was the right compromise.

Dinner With Friends and Our First Glimpse of the Eiffel Tower

That evening, we headed out to meet one of Scott's coworkers for dinner at their home. They lived right near the Eiffel Tower, and as we made our way through the neighborhood around sunset, we caught our first glimpses of Paris's most iconic landmark. Although I'd seen the Eiffel Tower on previous visits, sharing that moment with our children for the first time made it particularly special. I loved that our introduction to the tower on this trip happened naturally while visiting someone who lives in Paris, rather than as part of a scheduled sightseeing excursion.

After enjoying dinner together, we took a little time before heading back to the hotel to see the Eiffel Tower after dark. Seeing the tower illuminated against the night sky is one of those quintessential Paris experiences that never seems to lose its magic, no matter how many times you visit. It was a wonderful way to end our first day in France, especially after such a long journey. We'd managed to enjoy lunch near Notre-Dame, admire the cathedral's exterior, visit Shakespeare and Company, and spend an evening with friends before returning to the hotel for a much-needed night's sleep.

Day 2: Angelina, the Louvre, and a Very Special Chanel Souvenir

We started our second day in Paris by meeting up with my best friend and her boyfriend, who were staying at a hotel near ours. One of the things that made this European trip especially memorable was being able to share parts of it with people we love, and I was excited to spend the day exploring Paris together. Once everyone was ready, the six of us headed into the heart of the city for a day that would include one of Paris's most famous tearooms, an afternoon at the Louvre, and a little luxury shopping.

Brunch at Angelina and a Walk Through the Tuileries

Our first stop was Angelina, the iconic Parisian tearoom near the Louvre that has been welcoming guests since 1903. Known for its famous hot chocolate, pastries, and elegant Belle Époque interiors, Angelina is one of those places that feels distinctly Parisian. We stopped for brunch before our afternoon museum reservation, giving us an opportunity to enjoy a meal together before what we knew would be a busy day of sightseeing.

After brunch, we walked through the Tuileries Garden, enjoying the beautiful grounds between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. One particularly memorable sight was the Olympic cauldron balloon, which had become a recognizable part of the Paris skyline following the 2024 Summer Olympics. We happened to catch a glimpse of it just one day before it was scheduled to leave, which made the timing of our visit feel especially fortunate. It was one of those unexpected travel moments that we couldn't have planned any better.

From there, we made our way toward the Louvre for our noon entry reservation. I loved how naturally the morning flowed from brunch to a walk through the gardens and then to the museum. When planning a Paris itinerary, grouping experiences in the same neighborhood makes an enormous difference, particularly when you're traveling with children and want to avoid spending unnecessary time going back and forth across the city.

Visiting the Louvre: What We Chose to See

The Louvre is massive, and even having visited Paris before, I don't think anything fully prepares you for the size of the museum or the number of people inside. It was also incredibly busy during our visit, with large crowds and long lines throughout the building. One thing worth keeping in mind when planning a museum day in Paris is that many French museums close on Mondays, although the Louvre itself is actually closed on Tuesdays. Museum closure schedules vary, so it's worth checking opening days before making reservations rather than assuming every attraction will be available.

Knowing that we couldn't possibly see everything, we went in with a short list of must-see works and galleries. Among our priorities were the Galerie d'Apollon, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo. Each offered a completely different experience, from the elaborate gilded interiors of the Galerie d'Apollon to two of the world's most recognizable works of art. While seeing famous masterpieces in person is extraordinary, navigating the crowds around them is very much part of the modern Louvre experience.

After approximately two hours of exploring, we were ready for a break. The museum was hot, and between the crowds, the walking, and the sheer amount of visual information to take in, everyone was beginning to feel the effects of a busy afternoon. We stopped at one of the museum's cafés for drinks and snacks and found a place on the balcony to sit and recharge. Taking that break was one of the smartest decisions we made, because it gave everyone a chance to rest before continuing to another part of the museum.

The Napoleon III Apartments: An Unexpected Highlight of the Louvre

After taking a break at the café, we continued to the Napoleon III Apartments, one of the areas I'd particularly wanted to explore during our visit. Located in the Richelieu Wing, these lavishly decorated rooms offer a fascinating look at the luxury and extravagance of 19th-century France. From the gilded ceilings and elaborate chandeliers to the richly decorated furnishings, the apartments are extraordinary and feel almost like stepping into another palace within the museum.

One important distinction worth mentioning is that these aren't the apartments of Napoleon Bonaparte, also known as Napoleon I. They are named for his nephew, Napoleon III, who ruled France as emperor from 1852 to 1870. The rooms were part of the lavish state apartments of Napoleon III's minister of state, rather than the emperor's personal residence. It's an easy historical detail to misunderstand, particularly when so many Parisian landmarks are associated with the Napoleonic era.

For anyone interested in architecture, interior design, or French history, I would absolutely recommend including the Napoleon III Apartments in a Louvre itinerary. The level of detail throughout the rooms is remarkable, and they offer a completely different experience from viewing paintings and sculptures in the museum's traditional galleries. After spending much of our visit navigating crowded exhibition spaces, seeing these interiors was a wonderful way to finish our time at the Louvre.

By the time we finished at the Louvre, we'd spent several hours exploring one of the world's most famous museums, and I was glad we'd chosen to focus on a manageable selection of highlights. Trying to see everything would have been exhausting, especially with children, and I think we enjoyed the experience more because we allowed ourselves to stop when we'd had enough.

A Chanel Souvenir Ten Years in the Making

After leaving the Louvre, we separated from my best friend and her boyfriend for a little while so that Scott, the children, and I could make a stop I'd been looking forward to for years: Chanel at 19 Rue Cambon.

I've developed a tradition of purchasing a luxury designer item when traveling internationally. Rather than bringing home the typical souvenirs, I love choosing something special that I'll use for years and that will always remind me of a particular trip. The tradition began during our honeymoon in 2012, when I purchased a Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag in Florence, Italy. More than a decade later, that bag still reminds me of our time in Italy and the memories we made as newlyweds.

This time, I knew exactly what I wanted. I'd been dreaming about a small black Chanel wallet for at least ten years, and I couldn't think of a more meaningful place to finally purchase one than Paris. Visiting Chanel on Rue Cambon felt particularly special because of the fashion house's history and its connection to the city. I wasn't interested in browsing endlessly or buying something simply because we were on vacation. I had one very specific item in mind, and I'd waited a long time for the opportunity to find the right one.

The sales associate helped me find the perfect small black wallet, and what made the experience even more memorable was learning that this particular piece was exclusive to that location. After dreaming about owning one for so many years, finding exactly what I wanted in Paris made the purchase feel even more special. It wasn't an impulse buy or something I'd forget about after returning home. It was a souvenir I'd thought about for a decade, purchased in a city I love, during a trip I was sharing with my family.

Dinner at the Hotel and 15,000 Steps Later

After our shopping excursion, we eventually reunited with my best friend and her boyfriend for dinner at the restaurant inside our hotel, Moxy Paris La Villette. After spending the day navigating the Louvre, walking through the Tuileries, and exploring central Paris, staying at the hotel for dinner was exactly what we needed. There was no reason to add another trip across the city when everyone was already exhausted and ready to relax.

By the end of the day, we'd walked approximately 15,000 steps, and we were absolutely dead on our feet. Between the museum crowds, the heat, and all the walking, it had been a physically demanding day, but also one of my favorites from our time in Paris. We'd enjoyed brunch with friends, explored the Louvre, seen the Olympic balloon just before its departure, and I'd finally purchased the Chanel wallet I'd wanted for more than ten years.

If you're planning a similar day in Paris, my biggest recommendation is to be realistic about how much time and energy the Louvre requires. Book your tickets in advance, choose a few must-see works, and don't underestimate the value of taking a break when you need one. Combining the museum with Angelina and the Tuileries makes for a wonderful day, but after several hours of sightseeing, you may appreciate a quieter evening as much as we did.

Day 3: A Road Trip Through Normandy

When I planned our Paris itinerary, I intentionally scheduled our Normandy road trip for the third day. After two consecutive days of exploring Paris on foot, I knew we'd appreciate a break from the constant walking, particularly with two children. Rather than planning another full day of museums, monuments, and navigating the Métro, I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and experience another part of France. It was a decision I'm glad I made, especially after we'd walked approximately 15,000 steps the previous day.

We rented a car and headed northwest toward Rouen, a historic city known for its medieval architecture and connections to Joan of Arc and Richard the Lionheart. From there, we continued to Honfleur, a beautiful harbor town with colorful buildings and a completely different atmosphere from Paris. Although we still spent time walking and exploring both destinations, the drive between locations gave us a welcome opportunity to rest our feet while experiencing the French countryside.

One of the lessons I've learned from traveling as a family is that a successful itinerary isn't necessarily about fitting in as many attractions as possible. It's about finding a balance that allows everyone to enjoy the experience without becoming completely exhausted. Scheduling Normandy between our Paris sightseeing days gave us that balance while adding one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.

I've shared the details of our Normandy adventure in a separate article, including our stops in Rouen and Honfleur, the historical sites we visited, and what I'd recommend for anyone considering a similar excursion from Paris.

👉 Read more: A Day Trip to Normandy from Paris: Rouen & Honfleur

Dinner Near the Eiffel Tower and the Nightly Sparkle

After spending the day exploring Rouen and Honfleur, we returned to Paris and met up with my best friend and her boyfriend for dinner. We found a cute Italian restaurant near the Eiffel Tower, which worked perfectly with our plans to see the tower's famous sparkling light display afterward. Although we'd caught our first glimpses of the Eiffel Tower on our arrival night, we hadn't yet seen it sparkle, and I wanted to make sure we experienced it before leaving France.

After dinner, the six of us headed over to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated against the Paris night sky. When the sparkling lights finally began, it was every bit as beautiful as I'd imagined. Even on my third visit to Paris, there were still new experiences to enjoy, and seeing the tower sparkle for the first time with our children and close friends made the evening particularly memorable. It was a wonderful way to end a day that had taken us from the medieval streets of Rouen and the harbor of Honfleur back to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Day 4: From Carrie Bradshaw's Paris to the Sparkling Eiffel Tower

Our final day in Paris was easily one of our busiest, but it was also filled with some of the experiences I'd been looking forward to most. With only one full day remaining before heading to London, we wanted to revisit Notre-Dame, explore Montmartre, find a few special souvenirs, and finally see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. We covered quite a bit of the city, but the day brought together so many of the things I love about Paris, from its beautiful architecture and historic landmarks to the little connections that make traveling feel personal.

Starting the Morning at Bo & Mie

We began our morning at Bo & Mie, a French pâtisserie known for its pastries and baked goods. One of my favorite things about traveling in France is starting the day with something from a local bakery, and I love that a simple breakfast can become part of the experience. Rather than rushing straight to our first attraction, we took time to enjoy a little piece of Parisian café culture before beginning what would turn out to be a very full day of sightseeing.

Pont des Arts: Carrie and Big's Bridge

Our next stop was one that had been on my personal Paris wish list for years: Pont des Arts, better known to Sex and the City fans as Carrie and Big's bridge. I've been an avid fan of the series since college, and it has been part of my life in ways that go well beyond simply watching a favorite television show. I even celebrated my bachelorette party in New York City with the Sex and the City tour bus and included a Carrie Bradshaw quote in my wedding vows. So while this pedestrian bridge over the Seine might be just another beautiful Paris landmark to some visitors, it has a very special meaning to me.

Despite having visited Paris twice before, I'd never made it to the bridge. This time, I was determined to change that, and the moment we arrived, I fell in love with it. Standing in a place I'd watched on television for so many years, surrounded by the architecture and beauty of Paris, felt like one of those little full-circle travel moments. I love incorporating places connected to my favorite books, movies, and television shows into our itineraries because they give me a personal connection to a destination. Pont des Arts was everything I'd hoped it would be, and it's now one of my favorite places in Paris.

Returning to Notre-Dame to Explore the Interior

After visiting Pont des Arts, we returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral. We'd admired the exterior on our first day in Paris, but this time we wanted to go inside and experience the restored cathedral. Following the devastating fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame underwent an extensive restoration before reopening in December 2024. Seeing the results in person was remarkable, particularly knowing how much work had gone into preserving and restoring one of France's most important historic landmarks.

The interior is absolutely beautiful, and I was amazed by how much had been accomplished since the fire. The restored stonework, architectural details, and overall brightness of the cathedral create an extraordinary atmosphere. There are still areas where reconstruction and restoration work remain visible, which serves as a reminder that preserving a building with more than 850 years of history is an ongoing process. I'm grateful we made time to return and experience the interior rather than limiting our visit to the exterior we'd seen earlier in the trip.

Finding Paris Souvenirs at Galeries Lafayette

From Notre-Dame, we headed to Galeries Lafayette, one of Paris's most recognizable department stores. While the flagship location is famous for its beautiful architecture and impressive shopping selection, our purpose for visiting was much more specific. We wanted the children to have an opportunity to choose souvenirs that would remind them of their first trip to Paris.

Our daughter selected a Histoire d'Ours teddy bear, while our son picked out Pokémon Funko Pops. I love letting the children choose something that reflects their individual interests rather than insisting on the traditional souvenirs you find at every tourist shop. These are the kinds of purchases that become connected to a particular trip and stage of life, and I hope they'll look back on them years from now and remember the experience of exploring Paris together.

Discovering Montmartre for the First Time

After visiting Galeries Lafayette, we headed to Montmartre to meet up with my best friend and her boyfriend. Despite this being my third visit to Paris, I'd never explored Montmartre before, and it was one of the neighborhoods I was particularly excited to experience. Known for its artistic history, winding cobblestone streets, and beautiful views of the city, Montmartre offers a completely different atmosphere from the grand boulevards and historic landmarks of central Paris.

We started with a traditional French crêpe lunch before taking the funicular up toward Sacré-Cœur. After several days of walking around Paris, I was more than happy to skip the long staircase and save a little energy for exploring the neighborhood. Once we reached the top, we spent time wandering through the streets, admiring the architecture, and discovering some of the places that make Montmartre so recognizable. Naturally, I also stopped for my favorite Ladurée macarons, and we found La Maison Rose, the charming pink house that has become one of the neighborhood's most photographed landmarks.

We also went inside Sacré-Cœur Basilica, whose striking white exterior sits high above Paris. The basilica's Romano-Byzantine architecture is remarkably different from the Gothic design of Notre-Dame, which we'd visited earlier that morning. Experiencing both churches on the same day gave us an opportunity to appreciate two very different examples of Parisian architecture and history.

Montmartre ended up being one of my favorite discoveries of this trip. After visiting Paris twice before, I loved finding an entirely new part of the city to explore, and it reminded me that even familiar destinations can offer completely new experiences. Between the neighborhood's atmosphere, beautiful streets, and historic landmarks, I can understand why Montmartre is such a beloved part of Paris. It's absolutely somewhere I'd make time to visit again.

The Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées

After leaving Montmartre, we headed back into central Paris to visit the Arc de Triomphe. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, the monument honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Its enormous scale and elaborate sculptural details make it one of the city's most impressive landmarks, and I think it's worth taking time to appreciate the history behind it rather than treating it as simply another photograph opportunity.

From the Arc de Triomphe, we continued along the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. The broad boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, and walking along it is one of those classic Paris experiences. By this point in the day, we'd already covered a significant amount of ground, but we still had one more shopping mission to accomplish before dinner.

Searching for a France Football Jersey

Whenever we travel internationally, Scott likes to purchase a football jersey from the country we're visiting. It's become his own travel tradition, much like my tradition of purchasing a special designer item while abroad. I love that we each have something we enjoy collecting because those purchases become reminders of the places we've experienced together.

Despite spending several days in Paris, we still hadn't found a France jersey for him, so we made our way to the French Football Federation store. It was one of the last things we wanted to accomplish before leaving France, and I was determined to make sure he had the opportunity to look for one. Travel souvenirs don't have to be traditional to be meaningful, and I love that his collection reflects the countries we've visited over the years.

Our Final Dinner in Paris at Bouillon Chartier

After finishing our shopping at the French Football Federation store, we headed to Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards for our final dinner in Paris. Founded in 1896, this historic restaurant is known for serving traditional French cuisine in a beautiful Belle Époque dining room. With its high ceilings, ornate details, and bustling atmosphere, Bouillon Chartier offers the kind of classic Parisian dining experience that feels connected to the city's history.

It was a fitting place to end our time in Paris after such a busy day. We'd started the morning with pastries at Bo & Mie, finally visited Carrie and Big's bridge, explored the restored interior of Notre-Dame, shopped for souvenirs, discovered Montmartre for the first time, and walked along the Champs-Élysées. Sitting down to dinner gave us a chance to bring our final day of sightseeing to a close before returning to the hotel to prepare for the next part of our European adventure.

This was my third visit to Paris, but in many ways, it felt like I was discovering the city all over again. There were places I'd loved for years, landmarks I was finally experiencing for the first time, and moments made even more meaningful by sharing them with my family. Paris will always be one of my favorite cities to visit, and after four days of exploring, I was already looking forward to the next time we'd return.

Final Thoughts: Was Four Days in Paris Enough?

Four days in Paris gave us the opportunity to experience so much of what makes this city special, from its iconic landmarks and historic neighborhoods to its cafés, museums, and beautiful streets. We also managed to fit in a day trip to Normandy, which allowed us to experience a completely different side of France. It was an ambitious itinerary, especially with two children, but I'm glad we made the most of our time.

One thing I've learned after visiting Paris three times is that you don't need to see everything in a single trip. Some of my favorite memories from this visit weren't necessarily the biggest attractions. They were finally standing on the bridge I'd loved since watching Sex and the City in college, finding the Chanel wallet I'd dreamed about for a decade, discovering Montmartre for the first time, and watching our children experience a city that has meant so much to me over the years.

If you're planning your first trip to Paris, my biggest recommendation is to prioritize the experiences that matter most to you. Book major attractions in advance, wear comfortable shoes, allow time to enjoy the neighborhoods between landmarks, and don't feel obligated to follow someone else's idea of the perfect itinerary. Paris is a city worth experiencing at your own pace, even when your itinerary is as full as ours.

For me, Paris has become a city I love returning to rather than somewhere I feel I need to see everything at once. Every visit brings something different, and this one was particularly special because I finally got to share it with my children. After four wonderful days in Paris and an unforgettable excursion to Normandy, we packed our bags and prepared for the next chapter of our European adventure: London.

And while I don't know exactly when we'll return to Paris, I know there will always be another reason to go back.

Planning your own trip to France? You can also read my guide to A Day Trip to Normandy from Paris: Rouen & Honfleur for a closer look at how we explored Normandy during our stay.

Save this itinerary for your next Paris vacation, and follow along at @erinlgore for more intentional travel, family adventures, and inspiration for making the most of every destination.