Paris Hotels: Family Fun In This Stylish City

Paris may be the city for lovers, wandering hand in hand along the Seine backing streets and sharing a croissant or two, but it's also an extremely fun filled city perfect for the family. Come the warmer months, the streets of Paris come alive with child-friendly activities, shows and concerts - guaranteed to enchant even the smallest of holidaymaker! Choose from the range of Paris hotels and let your family fall in love with this magical city with our musts!

You must...take a ride: Paris boasts numbers of charming carousels, particularly popular with the younger children. Why not give it a whirl whenever you stumble across one - like a carousel treasure hunt! Lavishly decorated, the carousels are old-style painted wooden horses and carriages and can be found in the Jardin Des Tuileries, the Parc du Champ de Mars, the bottom of the hill of Sacre Coeur in Montmartre and the Luxembourg Gardens.


You must...climb to the top: It may be a cliché, but you can't visit Paris without at least a glimpse of the legend that is the Eiffel Tower. It may already be a familiar site for you, as from many Paris hotels you can see this amazing structure, but a visit there is a different experience altogether. You can walk up the first and second levels by stairs for a nominal fee (and leg workout!) or there's a lift to the second floor, followed by another which whizzes you to the top. The queues can be nasty though, so be prepared!

You must...be crafty: Art loving kids will adore The Louvre, home to some of the world's most amazing art like the Mona Lisa. Ask about the self-guided or guided yours for families, or visit the Louvre's website before you travel and print out a thematic trail on a range of subjects from horses to Christmas. Kids aged four and over can also try their hand at a bit of art with the programme of workshops - budding Picasso's, watch out.

You must...do a spot of gardening: The wide open spaces of Bois de Boulogne, just east of the city, will delight everyone. A great spot in the daytime for a picnic, and its Jardin d'Acclimatation, an amusement park reached by a motorised train from Porte Maillot. The park has plenty of rides, play equipment, a magic river, puppet theatre, mini-zoo, gardening workshops and more. A word of warning though, the Bois de Boulogne becomes a tad seedy come nightfall so be sure to make your visit an early one.

You must...be amused: Of course, Disneyland Paris isn't too far away either! All Paris hotels should be able to help you find out how to get there; or even try Parc Astérix for a less crowded but equally as exciting adventure.