Bonjour, adventurous parents! If you’re planning a family trip to the enchanting city of Paris, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeves that will make your journey smoother than a freshly baked croissant. From exploring the Louvre hassle-free to tackling the challenges of luggage and strollers, I’ve got you covered with my top three Paris travel hacks.
1. Louvre Made Easy: Le Louvre—an absolute must-visit for any art-loving family. But let’s face it, navigating a massive museum with little ones in tow can be a challenge. Not anymore! As soon as we entered the museum, our daughter had a horrible toothache! We knew we either leave or find a way to enjoy it. My husband stood on the long line to get tickets, while I took our daughter to a nearby pharmacy to get painkiller. Between the long lines outside and inside, and the toothache without a stroller (this was before renting the stroller) and the massive museum that was impossible to navigate with joy, we had to find solutions, some where for next visit:
a) Buy Tickets Online: Skip the long queues by purchasing your tickets online in advance. This way, you can breeze through the entrance and spend more time marveling at the stunning masterpieces rather than waiting in line. Time saved is more art admired! We went in June and the line was long enough to feel exhausted before we even start. When you buy your tickets online, it’s time-bound so arrive there around your time on ticket. However, from observation, there was never a line for pre-purchased tickets. Highly recommended. But if you don’t, get a bottle of water with you for waiting.
b) Borrow a Stroller: Did you know that the Louvre offers complimentary strollers for young children at their guest services? This brilliant service allows tired little legs to take a break while you explore the museum’s wonders. Say au revoir to cranky kids and hello to a stress-free art expedition! There are strollers for babies, toddlers, and wheel chairs for older folks. I cannot tell you how this changed the whole experience! While she did not sit on it much after the pain killer, she knew she could use it and it was there when we needed it the most! Also, it works as a carrier for extra stuff we brought with us.
c) Kids’ Passport with Stickers: Transform your child into a mini art detective! The Louvre offers a fun-filled activity called the “Louvre Passport.” It’s a booklet filled with challenges and stickers that guide young visitors through the museum. It’s an interactive and engaging way to keep kids entertained while discovering the art treasures. Watch their faces light up as they match the stickers and become honorary museum experts! Our daughter’s favourite floors were the Ancient Egyptian and the Islamic Art. Of course, it was a joy seeing the Mona Lisa but the Mummy was the highlight!
BONUS: cafes and restaurants inside the Louvre makes it easier to feed hungry kids without the hustle of bringing snacks.
2. Stroller Rental Magic: We had our 5 year old daughter and Jet Kids Bed Box that we did use as a stroller at the airport. We thought we wouldn’t need a real stroller because she turned 5. We were wrong! But we were already without a stroller! I had the Jetsetter stroller by Graco and I cannot say enough words about how awesome it was. Thinking we no longer needed it, I sold it before our trip. We found ourselves in a city with no stroller and a sleepy child! Ah, the magic of stroller rentals! Renting a stroller can be a game-changer for parents exploring the city. No more lugging around your own bulky stroller or dealing with tired little legs. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers rental services where you can conveniently pick up a stroller for the day or week, allowing your family to explore the city in style and comfort. Trust us, your tired arms will thank you! We also were lucky with a huge discount! Where to find it? face Sheraton Hotel at the airport, Terminal 2C et 2E. You can even reach them even if you’re not traveling. We used this stroller to go around Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. This place also stores luggage but you don’t need to pay for storage if you book a hotel room outside the airport, even if you check out.
3. Hotel Luggage Storage: Now, let’s talk about the big luggage dilemma. We know how tricky it can be to navigate the city with cumbersome suitcases while chasing after energetic kiddos. Here’s a nifty trick: if you’re planning to explore other European destinations during your week-long stay, consider leaving your big luggage at the hotel. Most hotels in Paris provide luggage storage facilities for free, allowing you to travel light and hassle-free. Just pack a smaller bag with essentials, and bid farewell to the burden of hauling heavy suitcases across train stations and airports. We even used this service after we checked out! I recommend you check with your hotel first. Probably different hotels have different rules.
Paris is a city of magic, art, and unforgettable experiences. By implementing these three savvy travel hacks, you’ll unlock a world of convenience and joy for your family. Rent a stroller to explore the charming streets, leave your big luggage at the hotel to travel light, and make your Louvre visit a breeze with online tickets, borrowed strollers, and a kids’ passport filled with stickers. Bon voyage!