16 day itinerary for Paris

Itinerary

Paris is such a magical city, and with 16 days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore its charm without breaking the bank. Here’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and fun activities. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Paris

• Morning: Arrive in Paris and settle into your accommodation. Consider staying in budget-friendly areas like Montmartre or the Latin Quarter.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood. Grab a baguette and some cheese from a local market for a picnic lunch.
• Evening: Head to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Enjoy the sunset views over the city and let the kids run around in the nearby square.

## Day 2: Montmartre Exploration

• Morning: Explore Montmartre. Visit the Place du Tertre, where artists display their work. Kids can enjoy watching street performers.
• Afternoon: Visit the Espace Dalí (small entry fee) or just wander the charming streets. Grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Have a family dinner at a bistro. Try some traditional French dishes like crepes or ratatouille.

## Day 3: The Louvre and Tuileries Garden

• Morning: Visit the Louvre Museum (free for under 18s). Focus on highlights like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic in the Tuileries Garden. There are playgrounds for the kids to enjoy!
• Evening: Walk along the Seine River and enjoy the views of the city lights.

## Day 4: Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité

• Morning: Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral (check for any restoration updates). Explore Île de la Cité.
• Afternoon: Visit Sainte-Chapelle (the stained glass is breathtaking!). Grab lunch at a nearby café.
• Evening: Stroll along the Seine and enjoy some street performances.

## Day 5: Day Trip to Versailles

• Morning: Take the RER train to Versailles (kids under 18 are free). Explore the gardens and the palace.
• Afternoon: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. Rent bikes or a golf cart for fun!
• Evening: Return to Paris and have a casual dinner at a local pizzeria.

## Day 6: Latin Quarter and Panthéon

• Morning: Explore the Latin Quarter. Visit the Panthéon (kids under 18 are free).
• Afternoon: Check out the Luxembourg Gardens. There’s a playground and puppet shows for the kids!
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a creperie.

## Day 7: Museums and Parks

• Morning: Visit the Musée d'Orsay (free for under 18s). The building itself is stunning!
• Afternoon: Head to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for a picnic and some outdoor fun.
• Evening: Have dinner at a local bistro and enjoy some people-watching.

## Day 8: Science and Nature

• Morning: Visit the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (great for kids!).
• Afternoon: Explore the Parc de la Villette, where you can find playgrounds and fun installations.
• Evening: Grab a casual dinner in the area.

## Day 9: Shopping and Exploring

• Morning: Visit the Marais district for some window shopping and exploring.
• Afternoon: Stop by the Place des Vosges and have a picnic.
• Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly dinner in the Marais.

## Day 10: Day Trip to Disneyland Paris

• All ## Day: Spend the day at Disneyland Paris! Look for discounted tickets online. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the kids will love it!
• Evening: Return to Paris and have a light dinner.

## Day 11: Explore the Canal Saint-Martin

• Morning: Stroll along Canal Saint-Martin. It’s a lovely area for a walk.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at a canal-side café and let the kids play in the nearby parks.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in the area.

## Day 12: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Centre Pompidou (free for under 18s). The architecture is fascinating!
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Les Halles area and grab lunch.
• Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Giverny

• All ## Day: Take a train to Giverny to see Monet’s gardens. It’s a beautiful day trip and very family-friendly.
• Evening: Return to Paris and have a relaxed dinner.

## Day 14: Explore the 7th Arrondissement

• Morning: Visit the Eiffel Tower (consider going up if the kids are up for it!).
• Afternoon: Explore the Champ de Mars park for a picnic and some playtime.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a nearby café with views of the tower.

## Day 15: Shopping and Relaxation

• Morning: Visit the Galeries Lafayette for some shopping and enjoy the rooftop view.
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Opéra Garnier (check for free tours).
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.

## Day 16: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or a stroll through your favorite neighborhood.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Saving Money:

• Public Transport: Use the metro and buses; they’re affordable and efficient.
• Picnics: Take advantage of local markets for fresh produce and enjoy picnics in parks.
• Free Attractions: Many museums are free for kids and have free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
• Walking Tours: Explore neighborhoods on foot to soak in the atmosphere without spending much.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Paris! Enjoy your trip! 🌟