Three days in Paris that children actually remember

Your Parisian journey opens inside an 18th-century private mansion near Place Vendôme, where the doors of L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts open for your family. Guided by master artisans, your 7-year-old and 11-year-old step into the shoes of grand jewelers and horologists, picking up authentic gouache brushes and precision instruments. Together, the children design and assemble their own handcrafted clock face or precious keepsake—a tangible piece of French craftsmanship created by their own hands to take home and treasure forever. From the focused atelier, transition to the sun-dappled lawns of the Jardin du Luxembourg for an afternoon dedicated entirely to unstructured outdoor play. Beside the historic Grand Bassin, the children take command of vintage wooden sailboats with traditional pushing sticks, joining a nostalgic Parisian tradition that has enchanted young minds since 1927. As the mini-vessels catch the autumn breeze across the water, parents can relax beneath iconic chestnut trees with no schedule to chase or clock to watch. Children run free across 25 hectares of manicured green space, moving effortlessly between the grand fountain and hidden garden paths—an effortless, enchanting introduction to Paris.

Descend into the legendary subterranean kitchens of the Hôtel Ritz Paris on Place Vendôme, where your children don miniature Ritz chef hats and embroidered aprons. Taught by a master Ritz pastry chef with English translation, the young bakers learn to master gourmet pastry, piping artisanal fillings into delicate creations. The kitchen fills with the scent of warm butter and vanilla as the children assemble a beautiful gift box of their own handmade treats to take away and share. From Place Vendôme, retreat to the lush, open expanse of the Bois de Boulogne. At the shore of Lac Inférieur, step aboard classic wooden rowboats and glide across calm waters toward a car-free island hidden in the forest, leaving all city noise behind. Arrive at Chalet des Îles on the island for a relaxed, child-friendly lunch before enjoying an unscheduled afternoon of nature exploration. Children are free to wander shaded forest paths, spot wild birdlife along the shoreline, and play across the car-free grounds without a fixed timeline.

Begin your final day deep in the Marais inside two 17th-century private mansions housing the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Accompanied by a private storyteller guide, your children step through room after room of hidden marvels. Designed to spark young imaginations, this whimsical sanctuary invites children to pull open secret taxidermy cabinet drawers, gaze up at ceilings crafted from real owl feathers, and uncover ancient myths of unicorns and woodland lore. As evening settles over Paris, gather at Gare de Lyon to enter Le Train Bleu—a monumental Belle Époque dining salon that feels like a gilded palace. Under 41 breathtaking ceiling frescoes depicting historic rail journeys, your family settles into plush leather banquettes for a joyful celebratory feast. The dinner provides an unforgettable culinary spectacle tailored for young palates. Skilled waiters perform table-side carving of roasted leg of lamb, while a dedicated children's menu serves traditional French favorites. Conclude your trip with warm chocolate soufflés under brilliant crystal chandeliers, reflecting on a trip full of magic.