Family Guides

Practical Information

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Notre-Dame and Around

Practical Information

Métro Cité or St-Michel, line 4; Châtelet, lines 1, 4, 11 & 14; Pont Marie, line 7; Hôtel de Ville, line 1 or Pont Neuf, line 7.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C or Châtelet les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 21, 38, 47, 58, 67, 70, 75, 76, 81, 85, 86, 87 & 96.

River boat Quai de Montebello & Quai de l’Hotel de Ville

Visitor information: Kiosk, Pl du Parvis-Notre-Dame, 75004; end May–mid Oct: 10am–7pm daily & 11 Pl de l’Hotel de Ville, 75004; Jul–Aug 10am–6pm daily

Supermarket Franprix, 135 Rue St-Antoine, 75004; 35 Rue Berger, 75001; 31 Rue Mazarine, 75006; 2 Rue Marengo, 75001

Markets Marché aux Fleurs (flower market) and Marché aux Oiseaux (bird market) (see Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux & Quai de la Mégisserie)

Festivals Fête du Pain (May); www.fetedupain.com. La Course des Garçons de Café (late Jun & early Jul); www.waitersrace.com. Christmas Crèche, Notre-Dame (Dec–Jan) & Eglise St-Germain-l’Auxerrois (Dec). Ice-skating rink, Pl de l’Hôtel de Ville (Dec)

Pharmacy Pharmacie des Halles, 10 Blvd de Sébastopol, 75001; 01 42 72 03 23; open till midnight Mon–Sat, till 10pm Sun

Nearest playgrounds Square Jean XXIII, Pl du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004; dawn–dusk (see Shopping). Square Albert Schweitzer, corner of Rue de l’Hotel de Ville and Rue des Nonnains d’Hyères, 75004; dawn–dusk (see Ile St-Louis). Square de la Tour St-Jacques, Rue de Rivoli, 75004; dawn–dusk (see Paris-Plages on the Right Bank)

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Notre-Dame

Practical Information

Address 6 Pl du Parvis-Notre-Dame, Pl Jean-Paul II, 75004; 01 42 34 56 10; www.notredamedeparis.fr. Towers: 01 53 40 60 80 & 01 53 10 07 00; http://notre-dame-de-paris.monuments-nationaux.fr

Métro Cité or St-Michel, line 4, or Châtelet, lines 1, 4 & 14.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85 & 96.

River boat Quai de Montebello

Open Cathedral: 8am–6:45pm; till 7:15pm Sat & Sun. Treasury: 9.30am–6pm; from 1:30pm Sun. Towers: Apr–Sep: 10am–6:30pm daily; Jul–Aug: 10am–6:30pm Mon–Fri; 10am–11pm Sat & Sun; Oct–Mar: 10am–5:30pm daily. For access to the towers, climb the 387 steps from Rue du Cloître.

Price Cathedral: free. Towers: €18–28; under 18s & under 26s with EU passport free. Treasury: €8–18

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. To avoid long queues for the towers, visit in the evening when there are fewer people, or early in the day before the crowds arrive.

Guided tours In English at 2pm Wed & Thu & at 2:30pm on Sat. English audio guide €5

Age range 3 plus; under 12s to be accompanied by adults

Activities Magic shows in Metamorphosis; 01 43 54 08 08

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets By the cathedral exit

Good family value? Entry to Notre-Dame is free. Hence even if you spend a short time in it you will not feel short changed. Kids love to climb up the towers and everyone loves the view.

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Statue of Charlemagne

Practical Information

Address Pl du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004

Métro Cité or St-Michel, line 4.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85 & 96.

River boat Quai de Montebello

Toilets By the cathedral exit

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Petit Pont

Practical Information

Address Quai Voltaire, 75005 to Quai de la Tournelle, 75006

Métro St-Michel, line 4.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 21, 38, 47, 58, 85 & 96.

River boat Quai de Montebello

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux & Quai de la Mégisserie

Practical Information

Address Pl Louis-Lépine, 75004

Métro Cité, line 4.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 21, 38, 47, 58, 85 & 96.

River boat Quai de Montebello

Open Marché aux Fleurs (flower market): 8am–7:30pm daily. Marché aux Oiseaux (bird market): 8am–7pm Sun

Age range All ages

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Ile St-Louis

Practical Information

Address 75004

Métro Pont Marie, line 7.

RER St-Michel, line C.

Bus 67, 86 & 87.

River boat Quai de Montebello

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Paris-Plages on the Right Bank

Practical Information

Address Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004; www.paris.fr/parisplages

Métro Pont Neuf, line 4, Louvre–Rivoli or Hôtel de Ville, line 1.

Bus 70, 74, 72 & 96

River boat Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville

Toilets In summer along the beach and on Pl de l’Hôtel de Ville

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Hôtel de Ville

Practical Information

Address Pl de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004; 01 42 76 00 40

Métro Hôtel de Ville, line 1.

Bus 70, 74, 72, & 96.

River boat Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville

Open Only for temporary exhibitions and Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), celebrated annually in Sep

Age range All ages

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets On Pl de l’Hôtel de Ville

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Conciergerie

Practical Information

Address 2 Blvd du Palais 75001; 01 53 40 60 80; www.conciergerie.monuments-nationaux.fr/en

Métro Cité or St-Michel, line 4.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81 & 85.

River boat Quai de Montebello

Open 9:30am–6pm daily; closed 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €18–28; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26s free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted; combined ticket with Sainte-Chapelle €12.50 per person

Guided tours Tours in English can be arranged three weeks in advance; 0144541930

Age range 8 plus

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Limited

Café No

Shop In the Salle des Gens d’Armes, sells books and games

Toilets In the Tour d’Argent

Good family value? History buffs will enjoy exploring this notorious prison. Read up about the Revolution beforehand as there is very little explanation aimed at children inside.

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Sainte-Chapelle

Practical Information

Address 6 Blvd du Palais, 75001; 01 53 40 60 80; www.sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr/en

Métro Cité, line 4.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 27, 38, 85 & 96

Open 9:30am–6pm daily; Nov–Feb: till 5pm; 15 May–15 Sep: until 9pm Wed to see the chapel lit by the setting sun; closed 1 Jan, 1 May, Sep–Jun: 1–2:15pm & 25 Dec

Price €18–28; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue Combined ticket with Conciergerie €12.50 per person; Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours Can be arranged three weeks in advance; 01 44 54 19 33

Age range 8 plus

Allow 30–45 minutes

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets By the entrance, in the courtyard

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

Pont Neuf

Practical Information

Address 75001

Métro Pont Neuf, line 7 or Cité, line 4.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C.

Bus 58 & 70

< Practical Information: Ile de la Cité & Ile St-Louis

St-Germain l’Auxerrois

Practical Information

Address 2, Pl de Louvre; 01 42 60 13 96

Métro Louvre Rivoli, line 1 or Pont Neuf, line 7.

RER Châtelet-Les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 72, 74, 75, 76 81 & 85

Open 8am–7pm Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm Sat & Sun

Price Free

Age range 8 plus

Allow 15 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Centre Pompidou and Around

Practical Information

Métro Châtelet, lines 1, 4, 7 11 & 14; Les Halles, line 4; Etienne Marcel, line 4 or Hôtel de Ville, lines 1 & 11.

RER Châtelet Les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 21, 29, 38, 47, 58, 67, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 81, 85 & 96

Visitor information Kiosk, 11 Pl de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004; Jul–Aug 10am–6pm daily

Supermarkets Franprix: 25 Rue Montorgueil, 75001; 85 Rue Réaumur, 75002; 35 Rue Berger, 75001. Monop’, 131 Rue St-Denis, 75001.

Market Marché St-Eustache les Halles, Rue Montmartre, 75001; 12:30–8:30pm Thu, 7am–3pm Sun

Pharmacy Pharmacie des Halles, 10 Blvd de Sébastopol, 75001; 01 42 72 03 23; open till midnight Mon–Sat, till 10pm Sun

Nearest playground Square de la Tour St-Jacques, Rue de Rivoli, 75004; dawn–dusk (see Les Halles)

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Centre Pompidou

Practical Information

Address Pl Georges Pompidou, 75004; 01 44 78 12 33; www.centrepompidou.fr

Métro Rambuteau, line 11 or Hôtel de Ville, line 1 & 11.

RER Châtelet–Les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 21, 29, 38, 47, 58, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 81, 85 & 96

Open 11am–9pm Wed–Mon. Check www.centrepompidou.fr for night openings

Price Exhibitions, museums and panoramic viewing point: €30–40 or €36–46 depending on the season; under 18s, and under 26s with EU passports, free. Panoramic viewing point only: €6–16; under 26s free. Écran des Enfants, inside Galerie des Enfants: €11–21

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Free entry every first Sun of the month. Tickets for adults can be bought online or at the automatic machines. Under 18s and over 11s have to show their IDs at the desk for free tickets.

Guided tours Audio guides in English. Tours in French every Sat at 3:30pm and every Sun at 4pm. The bookshop sells My Little Pompidou, a children’s guide.

Age range 2 plus

Activities Toys and games, even for two-year-olds, at La Galerie des Enfants. Workshops on Wed & Sat; family activities on Sun & school hols. Films at Écran des Enfants, occasionally in English.

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Café Mezzanine on level 1; Kiosque BPI on level 2 and the Georges restaurant on level 6: 01 44 78 47 99

Shops The Flammarion bookshop at the entrance sells guides in English, as well as art and activity books in French. The Printemps Design Boutique is in the entrance hall. There are other bookshops on levels 4 & 6.

Toilets In the main hall and on each floor

Good family value? The Centre Pompidou is a flexible space. If kids are not interested in art, they can ride up the escalator for the view and enjoy street theatre in front of the museum.

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Place Igor Stravinsky

Practical Information

Map 11 B4

Address 75004

Métro Rambuteau, line 11; Hôtel de Ville, lines 1 & 11 or Châtelet, lines 1, 11 & 14.

RER Châtelet–Les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 21, 29, 38, 47, 58, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 81, 85 & 96

Toilets In Dame Tartine for diners

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Les Halles

Practical Information

Map 11 A3

Address: 75001; www.forumdeshalles.com

Métro Les Halles, line 4, or Châtelet, lines 1, 7 & 11.

RER Châtelet-les-Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 38, 47, 75 & 76

Activities Children’s workshops (in French) at Forum des Images (01 44 76 63 00; www.forumdesimages.fr). There is always plenty of street theatre to look out for. There are also games and films for under-12s.

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets On level minus 3 and at the Porte Berger and Porte Rambuteau. Baby-changing facilities on level minus 3 near Porte Rambuteau

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Tour de Jean Sans Peur

Practical Information

Address 20 Rue Etienne Marcel, 75002; 01 40 26 20 28; www.tourjeansanspeur.com

Métro Etienne Marcel, line 4, or Les Halles, line 4.

RER Châtelet-les-Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 29

Open Summer: 1:30–6pm Wed–Sun; winter: Wed, Sat & Sun

Price €10–16; under 7s free

Guided tours In French for children

Age range 7 plus

Activities Activity leaflet in English for children under 13

Allow 30 minutes

Toilets In the entrance hall on the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Musée des Arts et Métiers and Around

Practical Information

Métro Arts et Métiers, lines 3 & 11; Réaumur Sébastopol, lines 3 & 4; Rambuteau, line 11 or Hôtel de Ville, lines 1 & 11.

RER Châtelet Les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 20, 29, 38, 39, 47 & 75

Visitor information Kiosk, 11 Pl de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004; Jul–Aug: 10am–6pm daily

Supermarkets Monop’, 65 Rue Turbigo, 75003; 01 44 54 37 63; 8am–midnight Mon–Sat. Franprix, 16 Rue Grenier St-Lazare, 75003; 8:30am–9pm Mon–Sat. Monoprix, 93 Blvd de Sébastopol, 75002; 01 42 33 36 15; 9am–10pm Mon–Sat

Market Marché des Enfants Rouges (covered market), 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003; 8:30am–1pm & 4pm–7:30pm Tue–Thu, 8:30am–1pm & 4–8pm Fri–Sat, 8:30am–2pm Sun

Pharmacy Pharmacie des Halles, 10 Blvd de Sébastopol, 75001; 01 42 72 03 23; 8am–10pm Mon–Sat, 9am–10pm Sun

Nearest playgrounds Square du Temple, 64 Rue de Bretagne, 75003; dawn–dusk (see Real meal). Square Charles-Victor Langlois, Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004, dawn–dusk (see Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme)

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Musée des Arts et Métiers

Practical Information

Address 60 Rue Réaumur, 75003; 01 53 01 82 00; www.arts-et-metiers.net

Métro Arts-et-Métiers, lines 3 & 11.

Bus 20, 38, 39 & 47

Open 10am–6pm Tue–Sun, till 9:30pm Thu, closed 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €13–23; under 18s and under 26s with EU passport free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Busiest at weekends but queues are unlikely as the museum is not on the tourist circuit.

Guided tours Audio guide in English for children: €5. The French parcours rapide (fast course) covers the most important 30 objects on show.

Age range 6 plus

Activities The Theâtre des Automates has displays on the first and fourth Wed and third Sun of the month. Workshops in French on Sat during school hols and upon reservation for 4–14 year olds; 01 53 01 82 88. Family ticket: €22–32; 01 53 01 82 65

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Café des Techniques (www.cafedestechniques.com), in the museum. Combined Sun brunch and museum ticket: €22.50; under 10s: €11

Toilets In the museum

Good family value? Great fun for children of all ages. Plan your visit to coincide with the demonstration of Foucault’s pendulum and the Theâtre des Automates’ show.

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

51 Rue de Montmorency

Practical Information

Address L’Auberge Nicolas Flamel, 51 Rue de Montmorency, 75003; 01 42 71 77 78; www.auberge-nicolas-flamel.fr

Metro Etienne Marcel, line 4.

Bus 29, 38 & 47

Open Noon–2:30pm & 7–10pm Mon–Sat (reservations necessary)

Toilets For diners only

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Musée de la Poupée

Practical Information

Address Impasse Berhaud, 75003; 01 42 72 73 11; www.museedelapoupeeparis.com

Métro Rambuteau, line 11.

Bus 29, 38 & 47

Open 10am–6pm, closed Mon & public hols

Price €22–32; under 12s free on Sun morning

Guided tours €32–42

Age range 3 plus

Activities Workshops on Wed at 11am; story-telling on Wed at 2pm

Allow 30–45 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme

Practical Information

Address Hôtel de St-Aignan, 71 Rue de Temple, 75003; 01 53 01 86 60; www.mahj.org

Métro Rambuteau, line 11 & Hôtel de Ville, lines 1 & 11.

Bus 29, 38, 47 & 75

Price €13–23; under 18s and under 26s with EU passport free. Paris Museum Pass accepted

Open 11am–6pm Sun–Fri, till 9pm Wed; closed Sat

Guided tours Free audio guide in English

Age range 8 plus

Activities Workshops related to Jewish hols; 01 53 01 86 62

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets By the central staircase

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Place des Vosges and Around

Practical Information

Métro St-Paul, line 1; Bastille, lines 1, 5 & 8; Chemin Vert, line 8 or Pont Marie, line 7.

RER Châtelet-les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 20, 29, 65, 67, 69, 75, 76 & 96.

Canal boat Canauxrama stop, Port de l’Arsenal

Visitor information Kiosk, 4 Pl de la Bastille; Jul–Aug: 11am–7pm

Supermarkets Monoprix, 71 Rue St-Antoine, 75004. Franprix, 8 Rue Chemin Vert, 75011 & 103 Blvd Beaumarchais, 75003

Markets Marché Baudoyer, Pl Baudoyer, 75004; 12:30–8:30pm Wed & 7am–3pm Sat. Marché Bastille, Blvd Richard Lenoir, 75011; 7am–2:30pm Thu, 7am–3pm Sun

Pharmacy Pharmacie St-Paul, 71 Rue St-Antoine, 75004; 8:30am–9pm Mon–Sat, 8am–9pm Sun

Nearest playgrounds Pl des Vosges, 75003 & 75004, dawn–dusk. Square Leopold Achille, 13–13 Bis Rue Payenne, 75003 (see Musée Carnavalet Musée Carnavalet). Jardin de l’Hôtel Salé, 101 Rue Coutures St-Gervais, 75003, dawn–dusk (see Musée Picasso). Behind Hôtel de Sens, Rue des Nonnains, 75004 (see Place de la Bastille). Square Henri Galli, 9 Blvd Henri IV, 75004 (see Place de la Bastille)

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Place des Vosges

Practical Information

Address 75003 & 75004. Maison de Victor Hugo: 6 Pl des Vosges, 75004; 01 42 72 10 16; www.paris.fr

Métro Bastille, line 1, 5 & 8; St-Paul, line 1 or Chemin Vert, line 8.

Bus 20, 29, 65, 69 & 96

Open Maison de Victor Hugo: 10am–6pm, closed Mon & public hols

Price Maison de Victor Hugo: free

Guided tours Maison de Victor Hugo: Audio guides (English)

Age range Maison de Victor Hugo: 8 plus

Activities Children’s workshops in French at the Maison de Victor Hugo

Allow Maison de Victor Hugo: 45–90 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Pl du Marché Ste-Catherine and Place des Vosges

Toilets In Maison de Victor Hugo

Good family value? The pleasure in strolling around the square and playing in the park is that it does not cost a thing. To top it all, entry to Victor Hugo’s house is free.

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Musée Carnavalet

Practical Information

Address 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003; 01 44 59 58 58; carnavalet.paris.fr/fr/musee- carnavalet

Métro St-Paul, line 1 or Chemin Vert, line 8.

Bus 29, 69, 76 & 96

Open 10am–6pm, closed Mon and public hols

Price Free for permanent collection, but charges for special exhibitions

Guided tours In English for families; reserve a few weeks in advance. English audio guide €5

Age range 5 plus

Activities Workshops and storytelling events in French: €3.80–6.50; 01 44 59 58 31/32; Wed, Sat, Sun & school hols. Activity leaflet for children: €1

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via 20 Rue de Sévigné

Toilets On the first floor

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Musée Picasso

Practical Information

Address Hôtel Salé, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003; 01 42 71 25 21; www.musee-picasso.fr

Métro St-Paul, line 1 or Chemin Vert, line 8.

Bus 29, 96, 69 & 75

Open Call or visit website

Price Call or visit website

Age range 3 plus

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Rue des Rosiers

Practical Information

Address 75004

Métro St-Paul, line 1.

Bus 67, 69, 76 & 96

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Mémorial de la Shoah

Practical Information

Map 11 C5

Address 17 Rue Geoffroy-l’Asnier, 75004; 01 42 77 44 72; www.memorialdelashoah.org

Métro St-Paul, line 1 or Pont Marie, line 7.

Bus 67, 69, 76 & 96

Open 10am–6pm, till 10pm Thu, closed Sat, 1 Jan, 1 May, 14 Jul, 15 Aug, 25 Dec & Jewish hols

Price Free

Guided tours In English on second Sun of the month. There is also a children’s guided tour leaflet in French.

Age range 8 plus

Activities Children’s workshops in French; 01 53 01 17 87; €12. The museum has an excellent children’s website www.grenierdesarah.org. The films Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987), La Rafle (2010) and The Great Dictator (1940) and Judith Kerr’s children’s novel When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit help to introduce the Holocaust to children.

Allow 45 minutes–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop La Librairie du Mémorial de la Shoah, in the museum

Toilets On each floor

< Practical Information: Beaubourg & the Marais

Place de la Bastille

Practical Information

Map 11 E6

Address 75004

Métro Bastille, lines 1, 5 & 8.

Bus 20, 29, 65, 69, 76, 86, 87 & 91

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

The Louvre and Around

Practical Information

Métro Concorde, lines 1, 8 & 12; Pyramides, lines 7 & 14; Tuileries, line 1; Louvre–Rivoli, line 1; Bourse, line 3; Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, lines 1 & 7.

RER Musée d’Orsay, line C or Châtelet les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 39, 42, 48, 52, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 81, 84, 85, 94 & 95.

River boat Quai du Louvre

Visitor information 25 Rue des Pyramides, 75001; summer: 9am–7pm daily; winter: 10am–7pm, 11am–7pm Sun & public hols.

Supermarkets Monoprix, 21 Ave de l’Opéra, 75001. Franprix, 9 Rue du Mail, 75001 & 20 Pl Marché St-Honoré, 75001

Market Marché St-Honoré, Pl du Marché St-Honoré, 75001; 12:30–8:30pm Wed, 7am–3pm Sat & Sun

Festivals Fêtes des Tuileries Funfair (Jul–Aug). Paris Plages (Jul–Aug) (see Ile St-Louis)

Pharmacy Pharmacie des Petits-Champs, 21 Rue des Petits-Champs, 75001; 01 42 96 97 20; 8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9:30am–8pm Sat

Nearest playground Jardin des Tuileries, Rue de Rivoli, 75001; dawn–dusk daily

Toilets Point WC, Carousel du Louvre; baby change €2

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

The Louvre

Practical Information

Address 75001; 01 40 20 53 17; www.louvre.fr.

Métro Palais-Royal–Musée du-Louvre, lines 1 & 7.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 & 95.

River boat Louvre–Quai du Louvre

Open 9am–5:45pm, till 9:45pm Wed & Fri, closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €24–34; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26s free. Free first Sun of the month, 14 Jul & for under 26s from 6pm Fri

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Buy tickets in advance on the website, through TicketWeb or on FNAC. Tickets are valid for the entire day. Queues are shorter at the entrance by the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. Entry from 99 Rue de Rivoli is only for tickets bought in advance. If you have a pushchair walk to the front of the queue and staff will let you through

Guided tours For adults in English; for children in French during school hols Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri; 01 40 20 51 77; download themed tours; audio guide Louvre-Nintendo 3DSXL €5; under 18s €3. There is an Egyptian trail for kids in seven languages.. The bookshop sells a variety of useful guides for children and families. Free maps are very useful

Age range 5 plus

Activities Workshops, films and talks for children & families in French; 01 40 20 51 77. Take a walk after dark in the Cour Carré, which is magical.

Allow At least 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes but limited

Shop The subterranean Carrousel du Louvre is a great place to browse the shops.

Toilets In the lobby and on all floors. Do not miss the Point WC in the Carrousel du Louvre

Good family value? Plan the trip in advance using the website. On a first trip see the medieval moats, then visit the Egyptian collection and peep at the mysterious Mona Lisa.

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Jardin des Tuileries

Practical Information

Address Rue de Rivoli, 75001; 01 40 20 90 43; www.paris.fr

Métro Tuileries, line 1; Concorde, lines 1, 8 & 12 or Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, lines 1 & 7.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 42, 68, 72, 73, 81, 84 & 94

Open 7:30am–7:30pm daily; Apr & May: till 9pm; summer: till 11pm

Price Merry-go-round €2.50

Age range All ages

Activities Free playground and funfair in summer

Allow 1–2 hours

Toilets By the Place de la Concorde entrance

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Musée de l’Orangerie

Practical Information

Address Jardin des Tuileries, 75001; www.musee-orangerie.fr

Métro Concorde, lines 1, 8 & 12.

Bus 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84 & 94

Open 9am–6pm, closed Tue, 1 May, 14 Jul am & 25 Dec

Price €15–25; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue €26–36, joint ticket with Musée d’Orsay. Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours Audio guide in English €5. The bookshop sells a kids’ guide, My Little Orangerie

Age range 5 plus

Allow 30 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In the basement of the museum

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Rue de Rivoli

Practical Information

Address 75001 & 75004

Métro Tuileries, line 1; Louvre–Rivoli, line 1 or Hôtel de Ville, line 1.

RER Châtelet–Les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 67, 69, 72, 74, 75 & 76

Toilets The luxurious Point WC in the Carrousel du Louvre

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Practical Information

Address 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001; 01 44 55 57 50; www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr

Métro Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, lines 1 & 7 or Pyramides, lines 7 & 14.

Bus 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 & 95

Open 11:30am–6pm Tue–Sun, till 9pm Thu (for temporary exhibitions)

Price €19–29; under 18s and EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue The museum does not attract huge crowds

Guided tours Free audio guide; family tours in French; call for details

Age range 6 plus

Activities Children’s workshops Wed afternoons & school hols 10am & 2pm; 01 44 55 59 25

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Joan of Arc Statue

Practical Information

Address Pl des Pyramides, 75001

Métro Tuileries, line 1 or Pyramides, lines 7 & 14.

Bus 48, 69 & 72

Age range All ages

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Place Vendôme

Practical Information

Address 75001

Métro Tuileries, line 1.

Bus 67, 74, 81 & 85

Age range All ages

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Comédie Française

Practical Information

Address 2 Rue de Richelieu, 75001; 08 25 10 16 80; www.comedie-francaise.fr

Métro Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, lines 1 & 7.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 & 95

Open Check website for performance timings

Price €16–26 for tickets

Age range 11 plus

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets For theatergoers only

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Palais Royal

Practical Information

Address Pl de Palais Royal, 75001

Métro Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, lines 1 & 7; Pyramides, lines 7 & 14 or Bourse, line 3.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 29, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 & 95

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Musée en Herbe

Practical Information

Address 21 Rue Hérold, 75001; 01 40 67 97 66; www.musee-en-herbe.com

Métro Les Halles, line 4 or Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, lines 1 & 7.

RER Châtelet les Halles, lines A, B & D.

Bus 29, 48, 67, 74 & 85

Open 10am–7pm daily, until 9pm Thu

Price €32–52; depends on the activity chosen

Guided tours 01 40 67 97 66; book in advance

Age range All ages

Activities Workshops in French; 01 40 67 97 66; reservation recommended

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Yes

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Musée Grévin and Around

Practical Information

Métro Richelieu-Drouot, lines 8 & 9; Grands Boulevards, lines 8 & 9; Bourse, line 3 or Opéra, lines 3, 7 & 8.

RER Haussmann St-Lazare, line E; Auber, line A.

Bus 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 29, 32, 39, 42, 48, 53, 66, 67, 68, 74, 81, 85 & 95

Visitor information 25 Rue des Pyramides, 75001; summer: 9am–7pm daily; winter: 10am–7pm Mon–Sat, 11am–7pm Sun & pub hols

Supermarkets Franprix, 5 Rue Geoffroy Marie, 75009; Monoprix, 56 Rue des Caumartin, 75009.

Markets Marché du Bourse, Pl de la Bourse, 75002; 12:30pm–8:30pm Tue & Fri

Festivals Christmas windows, a fantasyland window display as part of Christmas decorations and window fittings, Printemps & Galeries Lafayette (Dec)

Pharmacy Pharmacie Centre Opéra, 6 Blvd des Capucines, 75009; 01 42 65 88 29; open till 12:30am

Nearest playground Square de Montholon, Rue Lafayette, 75009; dawn–dusk (see Picnic)

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Musée Grévin

Practical Information

Address 10 Blvd Montmartre 75009; 01 47 70 85 05; www.grevin.com

Métro Grands Boulevards or Richelieu-Drouot, lines 8 & 9 or Bourse, line 3.

Bus 20, 39, 48, 67, 74 & 85

Open 10am–6:30pm Mon–Fri, till 7pm Sat & Sun, public & school hols; from 9am autumn & Christmas school hols, closed for the five days after Christmas

Price €74–84; under 6s free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Buy tickets in advance on the website or from FNAC and Virgin stores. If you don’t get the chance to do either of these, then go at lunchtime.

Guided tours Tours in French at 2:30pm on Sat & Sun, closed school hols: €20 per child; book in advance; 01 47 70 83 97

Age range 6 plus.

Activities Kids love to spot the famous people on display. Carry a camera and get snapped hobnobbing with the stars.

Allow 1 hour 30 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Café Grévin close by

Toilets At several locations

Good family value? Although it is a fun break from art galleries and highbrow museums, the Musée Grévin is not a cheap place to visit.

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Les Passages

Practical Information

Address 75002

Métro Grands Boulevards or Richelieu-Druout, lines 8 & 9 or Bourse line 3.

Bus 20, 39, 48, 67, 74 & 85

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Les Grands Boulevards

Practical Information

Address 75002 & 75009

Métro Opéra, lines 3, 7 & 8; Richelieu-Drouot or Grands Boulevards, lines 8 & 9.

RER Auber, line A.

Bus 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 53, 66, 68, 81 & 95

Toilets Inside Printemps & Galeries Lafayette

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Opéra Garnier

Practical Information

Address 1 Pl de l’Opéra, 75009; 08 92 89 90 90; www.operadeparis.fr

Métro Opéra, lines 3, 7, 8.

RER Auber, line A.

Bus 21, 22, 27, 29, 42, 53, 66, 68, 81 & 95

Open 10am–5pm daily; Jul–Sep: till 6pm; matinée days: till 1pm; closed 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €30–40; under 10s free. Entry ticket offers a reduction to the Musée d’Orsay, valid for a week after the visit

Skipping the queue Visit during lunchtime

Guided tours In English at 11:30am & 2:30pm on Wed, Sat & Sun and everyday during school hols; €38–46 for a family; 1 hour 30 minutes

Age range 5 plus

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Boutique de l’Opéra National in the main gallery

Activities Family workshops in French; 01 40 01 19 88. Watch the classic World War II comedy La Grande Vadrouille (1966), set partly in the opera house, and the silent movie Phantom of the Opera (1925). The opera has a season aimed at young people.

Allow 45 minutes-1 hour

Toilets On all levels

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Sacré-Coeur and Around

Practical Information

Métro Abbesses, line 12; Anvers, line 2; Pigalle, lines 2 &12; Pl de Clichy, lines 2 & 13; Brochant, line 13; La Fourche, line 13 or Rome, line 2.

RER Haussmann St-Lazare, lines A & E.

Bus 30, 31, 53, 54, 66, 67, 68, 80, 81, 85, 95 & Montmartrobus 64.

Train Funiculaire de Montmartre, Tourist train: Montmartrain.

Visitor information Kiosks in Pl du Tertre, 75018; 10am–6pm & near Métro Anvers, 72 Blvd de Rochechouart, 75018; 10am–6pm daily, closed 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Supermarkets Carrefour, 17 Rue Clignancourt, 75018 & 63 Blvd de Rochechouart, 75009. Monoprix, 52 Rue Fontaine, 75009. Simply Market, 7-9 Blvd des Batignolles, 75008. Monop' Pigalle, 1–3 Pl Pigalle, 75009. 8 à Huit, 48 Rue d’Orsel, 75018 & 24 Rue Lepic, 75018. Franprix, 24 Rue La Condamine, 75017.

Markets Marché Batignolles (covered market), 96 Rue Lemercier, 75017; 8:30am–1pm & 3:30pm–8pm Tue–Fri, 8:30am–8pm Sat, 8:30am–2pm Sun. Marché Pl d’Anvers, 75009; 3–8pm Fri

Festivals Lavagem do Sacré-Coeur, a religious procession by the city’s Brazilian community (early Jul). Fête des Vendanges, grape harvest in Montmartre Vineyard; (Oct). Christmas crèche, Sacré-Coeur basilica (Dec)

Pharmacy Pharmacie Européenne, 6 Pl du Clichy, 75009; 01 48 74 65 18

Nearest playgrounds Parc de la Turlure, Rue de la Bonne, 75018. Square Louise Michel, 75018 between Pl St-Pierre and the Sacré-Coeur Square Suzanne Buisson, Rue Girardon, 75018. Square Berlioz, Pl Adolphe Max, 75009. Square des Batignolles, 75017. Parc Clichy-Batignolles Martin Luther-King.

Toilets Public WC; Pl Suzanne Valadon, 75018

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Sacré-Coeur

Practical Information

Address 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018; 01 53 41 89 00; www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Métro Abbesses, line 12; Anvers, line 2 or Pigalle, lines 2 & 12. Catch the funicular, using the same tickets, or the tourist train (www.promotrain.fr), from Pl Pigalle.

Bus 30, 31, 80 & 85

Open 6am–10:30pm daily. Dome: 9am–7pm; winter: till 6pm. Crypt: opening times vary

Price Basilica: free. Crypt: €10. Dome: €16–26

Skipping the queue Sacré-Coeur is a very busy place, but it is less crowded in the evening, when the basilica is at its most magnificent and romantic.

Guided tours No

Age range All ages

Allow 30 minutes–1 hour

Wheelchair access Limited

Café No

Toilets By the exit

Good family value? Montmartre’s charms are for free, and the view from the basilica’s steps is almost as good as from the top of the dome. Inside the basilica, silence is the rule.

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Place du Tertre and Montmartre

Practical Information

Address 75018

Métro Abbesses, line 12.

Bus Montmartrobus 64 runs from Pl Pigalle to the top of Montmartre.

Open Montmartre vineyard: closed to visitors

Skipping the queue Pl du Tertre is very popular with visitors, so go in the evening or the early morning when it is less crowded.

Age range All ages

Allow 1 hour

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Espace Dalí Montmartre

Practical Information

Address 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018; 01 42 64 40 10; www.daliparis.com

Métro Anvers, line 2 or Abbesses, line 12.

Bus 54, 80 and Montmartrobus 64

Open 10am–6pm daily

Price €34–44; under 8s free

Guided tours For kids in French; 01 42 64 40 21

Age range 5 plus

Activities Activity sheets for kids in English

Allow 45 minutes

Toilets At the exit

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Rue Lepic

Practical Information

Address Rue Lepic, 75018

Métro Abbesses, line 12.

Bus 54, 80 & Montmartrobus 64

Age range All ages

Allow 30 minutes–1 hour

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Cimetière de Montmartre

Practical Information

Address 20 Ave Rachel, 75018

Métro Pl du Clichy, lines 2 & 13.

Bus 30, 54, 68, 74, 80, 81 & 95

Open 8am–5:30pm; from 8:30am weekends; Mar–Nov: to 6pm

Price Free

Age range All ages

Allow 45 minutes–1 hour

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Europe

Practical Information

Address 75009

Métro Pl du Clichy, lines 2 & 13.

Bus 54, 67, 68, 80, 81 & 95

Toilets Inside the Printemps department store (84 Blvd Haussmann, 75009)

< Practical Information: Tuileries, Opéra & Montmartre

Les Batignolles

Practical Information

Map reference 3 C3

Address 75017

Métro Brochant, line 13; La Fourche, line 13 or Rome, line 2.

Bus 30, 31, 53 & 66

Toilets: No

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Arc de Triomphe and Around

Practical Information

Métro Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, lines 1, 2 & 6; Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau, lines 1 & 13; Franklin D Roosevelt, lines 1 & 9; St-Philippe-du-Roule, line 9; Madeleine, lines 8, 12 & 14; Concorde, lines 1, 8 & 12; Miromesnil, lines 9 & 13; Monceau, line 2 or Courcelles, line 2.

RER Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, line A; Invalides, line C.

Bus 22, 24, 28, 30, 31, 38, 42, 43, 49, 52, 54, 63, 72, 73, 80, 83, 84, 92, 93 & 94.

River boat Port des Champs-Elysées

Visitor information Kiosk at the corner of Ave des Champs-Elysées/Ave de Marigny, 75008; May–Oct: 10am–7pm daily

Supermarkets Monoprix, 122 Rue de la Boétie, 75008. Franprix, 1 Rue Penthièvre, 75008. Monop’, 9 Blvd Madeleine, 75001

Markets Marché des Ternes (covered food market), 8 Rue Lebon, 75017; 7:30am–1pm & 4–7:30pm Tue–Sat, 7:30am–1pm Sun. Marché Treilhard (covered food market), 1 Rue Corvetto, 75008; 8:30am–1pm, 4–7:30pm Tue–Sat; 8:30am–1pm Sun. Marché Aguesseau, the smallest food market in Paris, Pl de la Madeleine, 75008; 7am–2:30pm Tue, Fri. Marché aux Timbres (stamp market), Ave Gabriel, 75008; 9am–7pm Thu, Sat, Sun, public hols; winter: till 4:30pm. Christmas Market, Champs-Elysées; mid-Nov–Dec

Festivals Paris Marathon (Apr). La Defilé, a huge military parade (14 Jul). Tour de France (Jul); www.letour.fr. Armistice Day (11 Nov).

Pharmacy Dhéry, 84 Ave des Champs-Elysées; 01 45 62 02 41

Nearest playgrounds Jardin des Champs-Elysées, Ave des Champs-Elysées, 75008; dawn–dusk daily (see Palais de la Découverte). Parc Monceau, Blvd de Courcelles, 75008; 7am–10pm (see Palais de la Découverte). Jardin des Tuileries, Rue de Rivoli, 75001; 7:30am–7pm

Toilets Point WC, 26 Ave des Champs-Elysées, 75008; baby changing facilities €2

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Arc de Triomphe

Practical Information

Address Pl Charles de Gaulle, 75008; 01 55 37 73 77; www.arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr

Métro Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, lines 1, 2 & 6.

RER Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, line A; access via the underpass.

Bus 22, 30, 31, 52, 73 & 92

Open Apr–Sep: 10am–11pm & Oct–Mar: 10am–10:30pm; closed 1 Jan, 1 Apr, 8 May, 14 Jul am, 11 Nov am & 25 Dec

Price €19–29; under 18s and EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue it is best to visit in the evening to watch the sunset. Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours Tours in English can be arranged by calling 01 44 54 19 30

Age range All ages

Activities Ceremony to relight the eternal flame at 6:30pm daily. Annual military parade 14 Jul

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, but limited. No access to the roof/views

Shop The shop in the visitors’ centre at the top of the stairs by the entrance sells souvenirs including a great colouring-in book, Je colorie Paris.

Toilets In museum area

Good family value? There is a lot to do and look at, considering it is “just” an arch. Bring binoculars, to make the most of the friezes and the view.

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Grand Palais and Petit Palais

Practical Information

Address Petit Palais: Ave Winston Churchill, 75008; 01 53 43 40 00; www.petitpalais.paris.fr. Grand Palais: www.grandpalais.fr

Métro Champs-Elysées-Clemenceau, lines 1 & 13.

RER Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, line A.

Bus 28, 42, 52, 72, 73, 80, 83 & 93

Open Petit Palais 10am–6pm, till 8pm Thu, closed Mon & public hols. Grand Palais: timings vary according to the exhibition.

Price Petit Palais: permanent collection free; Grand Palais: charges for temporary exhibits

Guided tours Yes, in addition to children’s audio guide

Age range 5 plus

Activities Children’s activity leaflets and storytelling events in French

Allow 45 minutes–1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets By the café in the Petit Palais and on the ground floor of the Grand Palais

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Pont Alexandre III

Practical Information

Address 75008

Métro Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau, lines 1 & 13.

RER Invalides, line C.

Bus 28, 42, 72, 73, 83 & 93

Price Free

Age range All ages

Allow 15 minutes

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Palais de la Découverte

Practical Information

Address Ave Franklin D Roosevelt, 75008; 01 56 43 20 21; www.palais-decouverte.fr

Métro Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau lines 1 & 13 or Franklin D Roosevelt lines 1 & 9.

RER Invalides, line C.

Bus 28, 42, 52, 63, 72, 73, 80, 83 & 93

Open 9:30am–6pm Tue–Sat, 10am–7pm Sun, closed public hols

Price €28–38; under 6s free. Planetarium (per person): €3. Reduced price for under 25s

Age range 6 plus

Activities Workshops in French for 8–12 year olds during school hols for €1.50

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets By the café

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Palais de l’Elysée

Practical Information

Address 55 Rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré, 75008; www.elysee.fr

Métro St-Philippe-du-Roule, line 9 or Madeleine, lines 8, 12 & 14.

Bus 24, 28, 38, 42, 49, 52, 80 & 84

Open Closed to the public

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Place de la Concorde

Practical Information

Address 75008

Métro Concorde, lines 1 & 8

Bus 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84, & 94

Activities The giant Ferris wheel from Nov–Jan. Summer funfair in the Jardin des Tuileries

Toilets At the entrance to the Jardin des Tuileries

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Place de la Madeleine

Practical Information

Address 75008; 01 44 51 69 00 (La Madeleine); www.eglise-lamadeleine.com

Métro Madeleine, lines 8, 12 & 14.

Bus 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84 & 94

Open La Madeleine: 9:30am–7pm

Price Free

Age range All ages

Activities Sunday morning service in the church

Allow 20 minutes

Toilets Next to the church

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Musée Jacquemart-André

Practical Information

Address 158 Blvd Haussmann, 75008; 01 45 62 11 59; www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com

Métro Miromesnil, lines 9 & 13 or St-Philippe-du-Roule, line 9.

Bus 22, 28, 43, 52, 54, 80, 83, 84 & 93

Open 10am–6pm daily

Price €40-50; under 7s free; one child between 7–17 years free for every three visitors

Guided tours Audio guide in English

Age range 6 plus

Activities Family Fun Programme every afternoon in Jul and Aug. Children’s activity booklet in English available

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Parc Monceau

Practical Information

Address Blvd de Courcelles, 75008

Métro Monceau, line 2.

Bus 30, 84 & 94

Open 7am–10pm; winter: till 8pm

Price Free

Age range All ages

Activities Playground, merry-go-round and mini-skatepark. Free Wi-Fi

Allow 30 minutes upwards

Toilets In the rotunda, by the main entrance on Blvd de Courcelles

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

St-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral

Practical Information

Address 12 Rue Daru, 75008; 01 42 27 37 34

Métro Courcelles, line 2.

Bus 30

Open Variable, depending on services

Price Free

Age range 8 plus

Allow 15–30 minutes

Wheelchair access No

Toilets On request

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Palais de Chaillot and Around

Practical Information

Métro Trocadéro, lines 6 & 9; léna, line 9 or Alma-Marceau, line 9.

RER Champs de Mars–Tour Eiffel, line C or Pont de l’Alma, line C.

Bus 22, 30, 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 82 & 92.

River boat Quai de la Bourdonnais

Visitor information Kiosk on the corner of Ave des Champs-Elysées and Ave Marigny, 75008; May–Oct: 10am–7pm; closed 14 & 25 Jul

Supermarkets Casino, 16 Rue des Belles Feuilles, 75016. Monoprix, 24 Rue Belles Feuilles, 75016. Franprix, 56 Rue de Longchamp, 75016.

Markets Marché Passy (covered market), Pl de Passy; 8am–1pm & 4–7pm Tue–Fri, 8:30–1pm & 3:30–7pm Sat, 8am–1pm Sun. Marché St-Didier, between Rue Mesnil and St-Didier: 7:30am–2pm Tue, Thu–Sat (covered market). Marché Président Wilson, Ave du Président Wilson, 75016; 7am–2:30pm Wed & Sat

Festival Trocadéro Christmas Village, Pl du Trocadéro (Dec)

Pharmacy Pharmacie Basire, 143 Rue de la Pompe & 118 bis Ave Victor Hugo; 01 47 27 88 49; www.pharmacie-basire.com; open 9am–9pm Mon; 8am–9pm Tue–Sat, closed Sun and bank hols

Nearest playground Jardins du Trocadéro, 75016; dawn–dusk

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Palais de Chaillot

Practical Information

Address 17 Pl du Trocadéro, 75016; www.mnhn.fr. Musée de l’Homme: closed till 2015. Musée de la Marine: 01 53 65 69 69; www.musee-marine.fr. Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine: 1 Pl du Trocadéro, 75016; 01 58 51 52 00; www.citechaillot.fr. Aquarium de Paris – Cinéaqua: 01 40 69 23 23; www.cineaqua.com

Métro Trocadéro, lines 6 & 9.

RER Champs de Mars–Tour Eiffel, line C.

Bus 22, 30, 32, 63, 72 & 82.

River boat Quai de la Bourdonnais

Open Musée de la Marine: 11am–6pm, till 7pm Sat & Sun; closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec. Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine: 11am–7pm, till 9pm Thu; closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec. Aquarium de Paris – Cinéaqua: 10am–7pm, closed 14 Jul

Price Musée de la Marine: €14–24; under 18s, and under 26s with EU passport free. Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine: €16–26; under 18s, and under 26s with EU passport free. Aquarium de Paris – Cinéaqua: adults €40–50; 13–17 years €16–26; under 13s €13–23; under 3s free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted.

Guided tours The museums have audio guides in English.

Age range All ages

Activities Workshops and activity leaflets in French

Allow Half a day

Café In the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine & Cinéaqua

Shops In the museums

Toilets Inside the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine; inside the two museums; near the cinema area and the activities area in Aquarium de Paris – Cinéaqua

Good family value? Though Cinéaqua is expensive, it has something for everyone. At the Musée de la Marine the explanations are only in French, so take an audio guide.

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Musée Guimet

Practical Information

Address 6 Pl d’Iéna, 75016; 01 56 52 53 00; www.guimet.fr

Métro Iéna, line 9.

Bus 22, 30, 32, 63 & 82

Open 10am–6pm, closed Tue, and 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €15–26; under 18s, and under 26s with EU passport, free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted.

Guided tours Audio guide in English; storytelling tour in French

Age range 5 plus

Activities Activity leaflets and workshops in French; 01 56 52 53 45. Japanese tea ceremony: €12; 01 56 52 53 45

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In the basement

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Palais de Tokyo & Musée d’Art Moderne

Practical Information

Address Musée d’Art Moderne: 11 Ave du Président Wilson 75016; 01 53 67 40 00; www.mam.paris.fr. Palais de Tokyo: 13 Ave du Président Wilson, 75016; 01 81 97 35 88; www.palaisdetokyo.com

Métro Iéna, line 9 or Alma-Marceau, line 9.

RER Pont de l’Alma, line C.

Bus 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 82 & 92

Open Musée d’Art Moderne: 10am–6pm (until 10pm for temporary exhibitions), closed Mon and public hols. Palais de Tokyo: noon–midnight, closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price Musée d’Art Moderne: free for the permanent collection. Palais de Tokyo: €10-20, joint ticket and restaurant deal. Under 18s free

Guided tours Audio guide in English.

Age range 5 plus

Activities Workshops available; see website for more details.. Storytelling and tours in the Palais de Tokyo are sometimes available in English; 01 47 23 35 16; Workshops for kids in French at the Musée d’Art Moderne; 01 53 67 40 80

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In both the museums

< Practical Information: Champs-Elysées & Trocadéro

Musée Galliéra

Practical Information

Address 10 Ave Pierre 1er de Serbie 75116; 01 56 52 86 00; www.galliera.paris.fr

Métro Iéna, line 9 or Alma-Marceau, line 9.

Bus 32, 42, 63, 72, 80, 82 & 92

Open 10am–1pm, 2–5:30pm Tue, 10am–1pm Wed-Fri

Guided tours Audio guide in English

Age range 5 plus

Activities Workshops, guided tours and activity leaflets in French

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Eiffel Tower and Around

Practical Information

Métro Bir Hakeim, line 6; Trocadéro, lines 6 & 9; Ecole Militaire, line 8 or Iéna & Alma Marceau, lines 9.

RER Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel, line C or Pont de l’Alma, line C.

Bus 28, 42, 63, 69, 72, 80, 82, 87 & 92.

River boat Quai de la Bourdonnais

Visitor information Kiosk at the corner of Ave des Champs-Elysées/Ave de Marigny, 75008; mid-May–mid-Oct: 9am–7pm; closed 14 Jul

Supermarkets Monoprix, 2 Rue du Commerce, 75015. Franprix, 107 Ave de la Bourdonnais, 75007 & 27 Rue Cler, 75007

Market Marché Saxe Breteuil, Ave de Saxe, 75007; 7am–2:30pm Thu, Sat

Festivals Famillathlon: family sports day in the Champ-de-Mars; www.famillathlon.org (Sep). Ice-skating at the Eiffel Tower (some years mid-Dec–end-Jan)

Pharmacy Pharmacie de la Tour Eiffel, 24 Rue de Monttessuy, 75007; 8am–8pm Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm Sat

Nearest playground There is a large playground with a sandpit at the southern end of the Champ-de-Mars, 75007; dawn–dusk daily

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Eiffel Tower

Practical Information

Address Champ-de-Mars, 75007; 08 92 70 12 39; www.tour-eiffel.fr

Métro Bir Hakeim, line 6 or Trocadéro, lines 6 & 9.

RER Champ-de-Mars–Tour Eiffel, line C.

Bus 42, 69, 82 & 87.

River boat Port de la Bourdonnais

Open 9:30am–11pm; mid-Jun–Aug: 9am–midnight; Easter weekend: to midnight

Price Summit: approx. €50. Second level (lift): approx. €30; 4–11 years old: €4; under 4s free

Skipping the queue The queues are shorter at night – or buy tickets online in advance

Guided tours Download guide with iPhone apps

Age range All ages, but small children may find the tower above the second level frightening

Activities Download kids’ quiz book from www.eiffel-tower.com

Allow 1 hours – or 3 hours in high season

Wheelchair access Yes, but first and second levels only

Café On first & second levels

Toilets On every floor

Good family value? It may be pricey but kids will love it. It is best to visit the tower at the end of a trip to Paris so that children can spot from above the sights they have visited.

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Champ-de-Mars

Practical Information

Address 75007

Métro Ecole Militaire, line 8 or Bir Hakeim, line 6.

RER Champ-de-Mars–Tour Eiffel, line C.

Bus 28, 42, 63, 80 & 82

Age range All ages

Activities Marionettes du Champ-de-Mars; 01 48 56 01 44; €3.50. Shows 3pm & 5pm Wed, Sat & Sun. Watch the fireworks let off at Trocadéro on 14 July

Toilets At the Marionnettes du Champ-de-Mars and on 22 Ave Charles Floquet

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

musée du quai Branly

Practical Information

Address 37 quai Branly, 75007; 01 56 61 70 00; www.quaibranly.fr

Métro Iéna or Alma Marceau, line 9.

RER Pont de l’Alma, line C.

Bus 42, 63, 80, 92 & 72.

River boat Port de la Bourdonnais

Open 11am–7pm, till 9pm Thu, Fri & Sat, closed Mon & various days in Feb & Apr

Price €17–27; under 18s free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted.

Guided tours English audio guide for adults and children €20–25, duration 45 minutes

Age range 6 plus

Activities Download the English activity booklet from the website, as key objects are difficult to locate in the museum. The bookshop sells a children’s guide, My little quai Branly. Workshops & tours in English; 01 56 61 71 72; €32–42; check availability

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets By the museum entrance and on levels 2 & 3

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Les Egouts

Practical Information

Address Pont de l’Alma, opposite 93 Quai d’Orsay, 75007; 01 53 68 27 81

Métro Alma Marceau, line 9.

RER Pont de l’Alma, line C.

Bus 63 & 80

Open 11am–5pm; winter: till 4pm; closed Thu, Fri, public hols, two weeks in Jan & during heavy rainfall

Price €16–26; under 6s free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours Yes

Age range 5 plus

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access No

Toilets Near the shop

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Les Invalides and Around

Practical Information

Métro Invalides, lines 8 & 13; Varenne, line 13; La Tour Maubourg, line 8; St-François Xavier, line 13; Ecole Militaire, line 8 or Assemblée Nationale, line 12.

RER Invalides, line C or Musée d’Orsay, line C.

Bus 28, 63, 69, 80, 82, 83, 84, 87, 92, 93 & 94

Visitor information Kiosk at the corner of the Ave des Champs-Elysées/Ave de Marigny, 75008; Mid-May–Mid-Oct: 10am–7pm

Supermarkets Carrefour, 84 Rue St-Dominique, 75007. Franprix, 27 Rue Cler, 75007; 11 Rue Casimir Perrier, 75007 & 107 Ave La Bourdonnais, 75007

Pharmacy Pharmacie des Invalides, 25 Blvd de La Tour Maubourg, 75007

Nearest playgrounds Champ-de-Mars, 75007; dawn–dusk daily. Playground to the south of Les Invalides; dawn–dusk daily. Square d’Ajaccio, Blvd des Invalides, 75007; dawn–dusk daily

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Les Invalides

Practical Information

Address 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007; www.musee-armee.fr

Métro La Tour Maubourg, line 8; Invalides, lines 8 & 13; Varenne, line 13 or St-François Xavier, line 13.

RER Invalides, line C.

Bus 28, 63, 69, 80, 82, 83, 87, 92 & 93

Open Apr–Sep: 10am–6pm, till 9pm Tue; Oct–Mar: till 5pm; closed first Mon of the month & 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €19–29; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free. €15–25 on Tue eve and after 5pm on other days; free on 14 Jul

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Ticket gives access to the Musée de l’Armée, Napoleon’s Tomb, Musées des Plans-Reliefs and Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération.

Guided tours Multimedia guides €6 for adults and €4 for children; tours in English for children

Age range 7 plus

Activities A variety of kids’ workshops and activities; 01 44 42 51 73

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, for the Musée de l’Armée

Café Near the south entrance

Shop The museum shop by the south entrance has books in English

Toilets Near the ticket office and in the shop

Good family value? Although it is very good value for what is on offer, guns and soldiers are not necessarily going to entertain the whole family.

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Ecole Militaire

Practical Information

Address 1 Pl Joffre, 75007

Métro Ecôle Militaire, line 8.

Bus 28, 80, 82, 87 & 92

Open Closed to the public

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Musée Rodin

Practical Information

Address 79 Rue de Varenne 75007; 01 44 18 61 10; www.musee-rodin.fr

Métro Varenne, line 13.

RER Invalides, line C.

Bus 69, 82, 87 & 92

Open 10am–5:45pm, closed Mon, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec. Extensive renovation until 2014; however, some parts of the museum will remain open

Price Family ticket €11.30; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free. Garden: €1–10

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Keep the entry ticket and get a reduced price at the Musée Maillol (61 Rue de Grenelle, 75007).

Guided tours Audio guide available in English. Family audio tour in English for children aged 6–12.

Age range 5 plus

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets In the garden café

< Practical Information: Eiffel Tower & Les Invalides

Assemblée Nationale Palais-Bourbon

Practical Information

Address 33 Quai d’Orsay; 01 40 63 60 00; www.assemblee-nationale.fr

Métro Assemblée Nationale, line 12 or Invalides, line 8.

RER Musée d’Orsay, line C.

Bus 83, 84, 86 & 94

Open Watch a debate when the parliament is in session. Question time is on Tue & Wed. Bring a passport or ID card. Check website for details

Price Free

Guided tours 3pm Sat but apply 2–3 months in advance by writing to a French MP; see website for details

Age range 10 plus

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets No

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Musée d’Orsay and Around

Practical Information

Métro St Germain-des-Prés, line 4 or Solférino, line 12.

RER Musée d’Orsay, line C.

Bus 24, 39, 63, 68, 69, 70, 73, 83, 84, 86, 94, 95 & 96.

River boat Quai de Solférino & Quai Malaquais

Visitor information 25 Rue des Pyramides, 75001; 10am–7pm, Mon–Sat, 11am–7pm, Sun & public hols

Supermarkets Monoprix, 50 Rue de Rennes, 75006 & 35 Rue du Bac, 75007

Markets Marché St-Germain (covered market), 4/6 Rue Lobineau, 75006; 8am–8pm Tue–Sat, 8am–1:30pm Sun. Marché Raspail (outdoor market), Blvd Raspail, 75007; 7am–2:30pm Tue & Fri; 9am–3pm Sun (organic produce only)

Festival Christmas Village, Pl St-Germain-des-Prés (Dec)

Pharmacy Pharmacie St-Germain-des-Prés, 45 Rue Bonaparte, 75006; 01 43 26 52 92; 9am–midnight daily

Nearest playgrounds Jardin des Tuileries, Rue de Rivoli, 75001; 7:30am–7pm (or sunset). Playground with a sandpit on Square Félix Desruelles, 168 Blvd St-Germain, 75006; dawn–dusk daily (see Cafés of St-Germain-des-Prés)

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Musée d’Orsay

Practical Information

Address 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007; 01 40 49 49 78; www.musee-orsay.fr/en

Métro Solférino, line 12.

RER Musée d’Orsay, line C.

Bus 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84 & 94

Open 9:30am–6pm, till 9:45pm Thu, closed Mon & public hols

Price €18–28; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted. Joint ticket with Musée L’Orangerie; family ticket is €32. Avoid Tue when the museum is one of the few in the city that is open. Buy tickets online in advance

Guided tours For adults in English; for families and children in French. Audio guide available. The bookshop offers children’s guides, My Little Orsay and A Trip to the Orsay Museum.

Age range 5 plus

Activities Workshops & activities for children in French; 01 40 49 47 50. Lovely colouring books available in the museum shop for budding artists

Allow At least 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café On the ground floor; the restaurant on the middle floor has good views of the clock

Shop The museum bookshop in the entrance hall has a special kids’ section

Toilets On the ground floor

Good family value? The art featured is very accessible to children. Introduce kids to the lives and pictures of the artists displayed here in advance. The ticket gives a reduced rate at the Palais Garnier and the Opéra House for a week after the visit.

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

St-Germain-des-Prés

Practical Information

Address 3 Pl St-Germain-des-Prés, 75006; 01 55 42 81 33; www.eglise-sgp.org

Métro St-Germain-des-Prés, line 4.

Bus 39, 95 70, 63, & 86

Open 8am–7:45pm Mon–Sat, 9am–8pm Sun

Price Free

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Public WC, 186 Blvd St-Germain, 75006

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Cafés of St-Germain-des-Prés

Practical Information

Address Brasserie Lipp, 151 Blvd St-Germain 75006. Café de Flore, 172 Blvd St-Germain 75006. Les Deux Magots, 6 Pl St-Germain des-Prés, 75006

Métro St-Germain-des-Prés, line 4.

Bus 63 & 95

Price All the cafés are expensive, especially the terraces at Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots

Age range All ages

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets In the cafés

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Musée Eugène Delacroix

Practical Information

Address 6 Rue Furstemberg, 75006; www.musee-delacroix.fr

Métro St-Germain-des-Prés, line 4.

Bus 39, 63, 70, 86, 95, & 96

Open 9:30am–5pm, closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec

Price €10–20; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue On weekday mornings the museum is often deserted, and never busy.

Age range 8 plus

Allow 45 minutes–1 hour

Wheelchair access No

Toilets On ground floor

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Musée de Cluny and Around

Practical Information

Métro Cluny-La-Sorbonne, line 10; St-Michel, line 4; Odéon, lines 4 & 10; Maubert Mutualité, line 10; Jussieu, lines 7 & 10; Cardinal Lemoine, line 10; Monge, line 7; Censier Daubenton, line 7 or Gare d’Austerlitz, lines 5 & 10.

RER St-Michel, lines B & C or Gare d’Austerlitz, line C.

Bus 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 57, 61, 63, 67, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 91.

River boat Stop on Quai St-Bernard for Jardin des Plantes and Quai de Montebello for Latin Quarter

Visitor information Kiosk: Pl du Parvis-Notre-Dame, 75004; end May–mid-Oct: 10am–7pm daily

Supermarkets Monop’, 35 Blvd St-Michel, 75005. Carrefour, 34 Rue Monge, 75005. Franprix, 82 Rue Mouffetard, 75005

Markets Marché Maubert, Pl Maubert, 75005; 7am–2:30pm Tue & Thu (to 3pm Sat). Marché Monge, Pl Monge, 75005; 7am–2:30pm Wed & Fri, 7am–3pm Sun

Pharmacy Pharmacie Bader, 12 Blvd St-Michel, 75005; 01 43 26 92 66; 9am–9pm Mon–Sat, 11am–9pm Sun

Nearest playground Jardin du Musée de Cluny, Blvd St-Germain, 75005; Arènes de Lutèce, Rue de Navarre, 75005; Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005; Jardin du Luxembourg, Blvd St-Michel, 75006

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Musée de Cluny

Practical Information

Address 6 Pl Paul-Painlevé, 75005; 01 53 73 78 00; www.musee-moyenage.fr

Métro Cluny-La-Sorbonne, line 10; St-Michel, line 4 or Odéon, lines 4 & 10.

RER St-Michel, line B.

Bus 21, 27, 38, 63, 85, 86 & 87

Open 9:15am–5:45pm, closed Tue, 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec; garden: 8am–9pm; winter: till 5:45pm

Price €17-27; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours In French for families on weekends and school hols; audio guide for adults in English; children’s audio and mini activity guides both in French.

Age range 8 plus

Activities Workshops in French for families on Wed & school hols; 01 53 73 78 16; medieval music concerts

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access No

Café No

Shop A good selection of books for children in French and English is available from the shop near the ticket desk.

Toilets Near the ticket desk

Good family value? Art and history buffs will appreciate a trip to the museum. Kids will enjoy exploring the Roman baths, which are well worth the visit.

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Quartier Latin

Practical Information

Address 75005

Métro Cluny-La-Sorbonne, line 10; St-Michel, line 4 or Maubert Mutualité, line 10.

RER St-Michel, line C.

Bus 24, 47, 63, 86 & 87

Skipping the queue Visit on a Sun morning or early evening

Age range All ages

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Public WC, 123 Rue St-Jacques, 75005

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Arènes de Lutèce

Practical Information

Address Rue de Navarre, 75005

Métro Jussieu, lines 7 & 10; Cardinal Lemoine, line 10 or Monge, line 7.

Bus 47, 67 & 89

Open 9am–5:30pm; summer: till 9:30pm

Price Free

Age range All ages

Allow 15 minutes–1 hour

Toilets On the eastern side of the park

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Rue Mouffetard

Practical Information

Address 75005

Métro Monge, line 7 or Censier Daubenton, line 7.

Bus 27, 47 & 84

Open Market: 10am–1pm Tue–Sat, 8am–1pm Sun

Age range All ages

Activities Lots of street entertainers

Toilets No

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Jardin des Plantes

Practical Information

Address 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005; entrances also on Rue Buffon, Rue Geoffry-St-Hilaire & Pl Valhubert; www.mnhn.fr

Métro Gare d’Austerlitz, lines 10 & 5; Jussieu, lines 7 & 10 or Monge, line 7.

RER Gare d’Austerlitz, line C.

Bus 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 & 91

Open 8am–5:30pm daily; summer: till 7:30pm. Jardin Alpin: Apr–Oct: 8am–4:40pm Mon–Fri, 1:30–6pm Sat, Sun & public hols; closed Nov–Mar. Les Grandes Serres: 10am–6pm Wed–Mon

Price Main park: free. Jardin Alpin: free entry Mon–Fri; €8–18 Sat, Sun & public hols. Les Grandes Serres: €20–30; under 4s free

Skipping the queue A two-day pass (€90–100) to all attractions in the Jardin des Plantes also gives discounts in shops and restaurants

Age range All ages

Allow 45 minutes–2 hours

Toilets By the entrance to the zoo

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle

Practical Information

Address 36 Rue Geoffroy St-Hilaire, 75005; 01 40 79 54 79/56 01; www.mnhn.fr

Métro Gare d’Austerlitz, lines 5 & 10; Censier Daubenton, line 7 or Jussieu, line 7.

RER Gare d’Austerlitz, line C.

Bus 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 & 91

Open 10am–6pm, closed Tue, 1 May & 25 Dec; Galerie de Minéralogie: closed for renovation until 2014

Price Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, Galeries de Paléontologie & Galerie de Minéralogie: €24–34 per gallery; under 4s free; Galerie des Enfants: €32; under 4s free

Skipping the queue A two-day pass (€90–100) to all attractions in the Jardin des Plantes also gives discounts in the shops and restaurants. Avoid Wed afternoons when under 11s are off school.

Guided tours In French, on Saturdays by reservation; 08 26 10 42 00

Age range All ages

Activities Workshops during school hols

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In the basement of the Galeries de Paléontologie & the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution

< Practical Information: St-Germain & the Latin Quarter

Ménagerie

Practical Information

Address 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005; 01 40 79 37 94; www.mnhn.fr

Métro Gare d’Austerlitz, lines 10 & 5; Jussieu, lines 7 & 10 or Monge, line 7.

RER Gare d’Austerlitz, line C.

Bus 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 & 91

Open 9am–5pm daily; summer: till 6pm

Price €36–46; under 4s free

Skipping the queue A two-day pass (€90–100) to all attractions in the Jardin des Plantes also gives discounts in shops and restaurants

Guided tours Every Wed €4 per person

Age range All ages

Allow 2 hours

Toilets By the entrance

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Panthéon, Jardin du Luxembourg and Around

Practical Information

Métro Montparnasse Bienvenüe, lines 4, 6, 12 & 13; Vavin, line 4; Maubert Mutualité or Cardinal Lemoine, line 10; Odéon, lines 4 & 10; Notre-Dame des Champs, line 12; Edgar Quinet, line 6; Falguière, line 12 or Pasteur, lines 6 & 12.

RER Luxembourg, line B; Port Royal, line B.

Bus 21, 27, 28, 38, 58, 82, 83, 84, 85, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 & 96. The airport bus for Orly leaves from Denfert-Rochereau

Visitor information Kiosk on the Pl du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004; mid-May–mid-Oct: 10am–7pm

Supermarkets Monop’, 35 Blvd St-Michel. Monoprix, 31 Rue du Départ, 75014. Franprix, 71 Rue de Rennes, 75006.

Markets Marché Port Royal, Blvd Port Royal, 75006; 7am–2:30pm Tue & Thu, 7am–3pm Sat

Festivals Christmas markets: Pl St-Sulpice, 75006 & Parvis de la Gare Montparnasse, 75015. Ice skating rink: Parvis de la Gare Montparnasse (Dec)

Pharmacy Pharmacie des Arts, 106 Blvd du Montparnasse, 75014; 01 43 35 44 88; open daily till midnight

Nearest playgrounds Jardin du Luxembourg, Blvd St-Michel, 75001; daily 7:30am–dusk; winter: 8am–dusk; entrance free. Square Paul Langevin, Rue des Ecoles & Rue Monge, 75005; daily 7am–dusk; winter: 8am–dusk; free WiFi. Square Gaston Baty, Rue Poinsot, 75014, behind the Monoprix supermarket; daily 7am–dusk; winter: 8am–dusk (see Musée Zadkine). Jardin Atlantique, Gare Montparnasse, 75015; 8:30am–9:30pm daily. Pl Adolphe Chérioux, 75015, near the Vaugirard Métro; daily 7am–dusk; winter: 8am–dusk (see Musée Pasteur)

Toilets Inside Le Bon Marché; Public WC, 36 Blvd Edgar Quinet, 75014 and inside Gare Montparnasse

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Panthéon

Practical Information

Address Pl du Panthéon, 75005; 01 44 32 18 00; http://pantheon.monuments-nationaux.fr

Métro Maubert Mutualité or Cardinal Lemoine, line 10.

RER Luxembourg, line B

Bus 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85 & 89

Open Daily, Apr–Sep: 10am–6:30pm; Oct–Mar: 10am–6pm; closed 1 May, 25 Dec & 1 Jan. Colonnade: closed for renovation until 2015

Price €16–26; under 18s, and under 26s with EU passports free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours In English upon reservation: 01 44 54 19 30. Access to the dome at regular intervals during the day, by guided tour only

Age range 10 plus

Activities Kids’ leaflet in French

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access No

Café No

Toilets By the entrance

Good family value? Take the kids along for a lesson on the heroes buried in the crypt. The sheer enormity of the building will leave them awestruck.

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Jardin du Luxembourg

Practical Information

Address Jardin du Luxembourg: Blvd St-Michel, 75006; 01 42 34 23 89. Palais du Luxembourg: 15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006; 01 42 34 20 60. Musée du Luxembourg: 19 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006; www.museeduluxembourg.fr. Théâtre des Marionnettes de Paris: 01 43 26 46 47

Métro Odéon, lines 4 & 10; Vavin, line 4 or Notre-Dame des-Champs, line 12.

RER Luxembourg, line B.

Bus 21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 84, 85 & 89

Open Jardin du Luxembourg: 7am–dusk, winter: 8am–dusk. Musée du Luxembourg: 10am–7:30pm, till 10pm Mon & Fri, closed 1 May & 25 Dec. Théâtre des Marionettes de Paris: Wed, Sat, Sun & school hols. Playground Poussin Vert du Luxembourg, to the south of the garden: 10am–dusk daily

Price Jardin du Luxembourg: free. Musée du Luxembourg: €37–47, under 16s free. Théâtre des Marionettes de Paris: €18–28. Poussin Vert du Luxembourg: €9–19

Skipping the queue Wed afternoons are as busy as the weekends

Age range All ages

Activities Playground; tennis courts (reserve on www.tennis.paris.fr); pony & donkey rides

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, for museum and gardens

Café Buvette des Marionnettes, in the garden; 01 43 26 33 04

Toilets Inside the park

Good family value? The park itself may be free but the activities can add up. But there is nothing to beat it on a sunny day.

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Musée Zadkine

Practical Information

Address 100 bis Rue d’Assas, 75006; 01 55 42 77 20; www.paris.fr

Métro Notre-Dame des Champs; Vavin, line 4.

RER Port Royal, line B.

Bus 38, 82, 83 & 91

Open 10am–6pm, closed Mon and public hols

Price Free, but there is a charge for temporary exhibitions

Guided tours On some Wed & Sat; 01 55 42 77 20

Age range All ages

Allow 30–45 minutes

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets In the museum

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Tour Montparnasse

Practical Information

Address Access from Rue de l’Arrivée 75015; 01 45 38 53 16; www.tourmontparnasse56.com

Métro Montparnasse Bienvenüe, lines 4, 6, 12 & 13 or Edgar Quinet, line 6.

Bus 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 & 96

Open Apr–Sep: 9:30am–11:30pm; Oct–Mar: 9:30am–10:30pm Sun–Thu, till 11pm Fri & Sat

Price €23–33; under 7s free

Guided tours Group tours available

Age range All ages

Activities Children’s treasure hunts during school hols

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In the visitors’ centre

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Musée Antoine Bourdelle

Practical Information

Address 18, Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015; 01 49 54 73 73; www.bourdelle.paris.fr

Métro Montparnasse Bienvenüe, lines 4, 6, 12 & 13 or Falguière, line 12.

Bus 28, 48, 58, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 & 96

Open 10am–6pm, closed Mon & public hols

Price Free, except for temporary exhibitions

Age range 5 plus

Activities Workshops for children in French; 01 49 54 73 91/92

Allow 45 minutes–1 hour

Wheelchair access Limited. Call prior to visit and the museum will install ramps

Toilets In the museum

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Musée de la Poste

Practical Information

Address 34 Blvd de Vaugirard, 75015; 01 42 79 24 24; www.ladressemuseedelaposte.fr

Métro Montparnasse Bienvenüe, lines 4, 6, 12 & 13, exit Pl Bienvenüe; or Pasteur, lines 6 & 12.

Bus 28, 58, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 & 96

Open 10am–6pm (until 8pm Thu), closed Sun & public hols

Price €17–27; under 13s & under 26s with EU passport free

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted

Guided tours Audio guide in English and French: €6.50 per person including entry ticket

Age range 5 plus

Activities Activity leaflet and children’s and family workshops in French.

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access No

Toilets Near the reception desk

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Musée Jean Moulin

Practical Information

Address 23 Allée de la 2e Division Blindée, Jardin Atlantique, 75015. Take the lift on Blvd de Vaugirard or the stairs in the building opposite the elevator; 01 40 64 39 44; www.paris.fr

Métro Montparnasse Bienvenüe, lines 4, 6, 12 & 13, exit Pl Bienvenüe; Gaite, line 13; and Pasteur, lines 6 & 12.

Bus 28, 58, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 & 96

Open 10am–6pm, closed Mon & public hols

Price Free, charges for some exhibitions

Guided tours In English by appt

Age range 10 plus

Allow 30 minutes–1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Off the left-side gallery

< Practical Information: Luxembourg & Montparnasse

Musée Pasteur

Practical Information

Address 25 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015; 01 45 68 82 83; www.pasteur.fr

Métro Pasteur, lines 6 & 12.

Bus 95

Open 2–5:30pm Mon–Fri, closed Aug. Visiting hours: 2pm, 3pm and 4pm

Price €20–30

Guided tours Compulsory, book in advance for tours in English

Age range 10 plus

Allow 45 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Yes

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Parc de la Villette and Around

Practical Information

Métro Porte de la Villette, line 7 or Porte de Pantin, line 5; Père Lachaise, lines 2 & 3; Philippe Auguste, line 2; Gambetta, line 3; Alexandre Dumas, line 2; Porte Doree, line 8; Château de Vincennes, line 1; Bercy, lines 6 & 14; Porte de Clignancourt, line 4 or Garibaldi, line 13; Basilique de St-Denis, line 13; St-Denis Porte de Paris, line 13.

RER Vincennes, line A; La Plaine Stade de France, line B; Stade de France St-Denis, line D.

Bus 26, 46, 56, 60, 69, 75, 85, 86, 87, 95, 137, 139, 150, 152, 153, 166, 173, 249, 253, 255, 302, PC1, PC2 & PC3.

Taxi 01 45 30 30 30; Taxi G7: 01 47 39 47 39; Taxi Bleu: 08 91 70 10 10.

Canal boat Canauxrama, 13 Quai de la Loire, 75019; 01 42 39 15 00; www.canauxrama.com. Paris Canal, 19–21 Quai de la Loire, 75019; 01 42 40 96 97; www.pariscanal.com

Getting around Lines 7, 7 bis & 5 link the area with central Paris. The PC2 runs to Vincennes from Porte de la Villette.

Visitor information Kiosks: Gare du Nord, 18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010; 8am–6pm daily, closed 1 May, 25 Dec & 1 Jan. Gare de l’Est, Pl du 11 Novembre 1918, 75010; 8am–7pm Mon–Sat, closed 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec.. Office de Tourisme de Vincennes, 28 Ave de Paris, 94300; 01 48 08 13 00; www.vincennes-tourisme.fr; 9:30am–12:30pm, 1:30–6pm Tue–Sat, till 5:30pm Oct–Mar, closed public hols

Supermarkets Franprix, 126 Rue de Picpus, 75012, 13 Rue des Vignerons, 94300. Monoprix, 119 Ave de la Flandre, 75019 & 7 Rue Louise Thuliez, 75019

Markets Marché St-Martin 31/33, Rue de Château d’Eau, 75010; 9am–8pm Tue–Sat, 9am–2pm Sun. Marché Père Lachaise, Blvd de Menilmontant, 75011; 7am–2:30pm Tue & Fri

Festivals Foire du Trône funfair, Bois de Vincennes (Apr–Jun). Children’s concerts, Les Pestacles, Bois de Vincennes (Jun–Sep). Open-air film festival, Cinema en Plein Air, Parc de la Villette (Jul–Aug)

Pharmacies Grand Pharmacie Daumesnil, 6 Pl Félix Eboué, 75012; 01 43 43 19 03; 8:30am–9pm daily. Pharmacie Européenne, 6 Pl Clichy, 75009; 01 48 74 65 18; open 24 hours

Nearest playgrounds Parc de la Villette. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Le Parc Floral de Paris, Bois de Vincennes. Crue Crimée, Pl de Bitche, 75019; dawn–dusk

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Parc de la Villette

Practical Information

Address Parc de la Villette: 211 Ave Jean Javrès, 75019; 01 40 03 75 75; www.lavillette.com. Cité des Sciences: 01 40 05 80 00; www.cite-sciences.fr. La Géode: 08 92 68 45 40; www.lageode.fr. Cité de la Musique: 01 44 84 44 84; www.cite-musique.fr

Métro Porte de la Villette, line 7 for Cité des Sciences; Porte de Pantin, line 5 for Cité de la Musique.

Bus PC2, PC3, 75, 139, 150, 152 & 249

Open Parc de la Villette: daily; restricted access: 1am–6am. Cité des Sciences: 10am–6pm, till 7pm Sun, closed Mon. La Géode: 10:30am–8:30pm, closed some public hols. Cité de la Musique: 12noon–6pm Tue–Sat, 10am–6pm Sun, closed Mon. L’Argonaut: 10am–5:30pm Tue–Sat

Price Parc de la Villette: Free; Cité des Sciences: Explora: €28–38. Cité des Enfants; €12–22. La Géode: €21–31; Joint ticket: €63–73; €3 supplement for the Planetarium & €4.80 for La Cinaxe. Family ticket: €64–74. Cité de la Musique: €16–26, call or check website for concert rates.

Skipping the queue Paris Museum Pass accepted at the museums. Buy tickets online.

Guided tours French guided tours in the park and museums. Shows in the Planetarium are in English & French; the 2pm show is usually in English

Age range Parc de la Villette: all ages; Cité des Sciences: 2 plus; L’Argonaute: 6 plus; La Géode: 7 plus; other attractions: 5 plus

Activities Art & science workshops

Allow 1 day

Wheelchair access Yes

Café In the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Cité de la Musique

Shops La Boutique de la Cité des Sciences, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

Toilets Baby changing facility in Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

Good family value? The park is pricey but kids love the science museum. On a summer night during the Cinema en Plein Air festival, families can watch films stay in the park late in the evening.

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Practical Information

Address Rue des Repos 75020; 01 71 28 50 82; www.pere-lachaise.com

Métro Père Lachaise, lines 2 & 3; Philippe Auguste, line 2; Gambetta, line 3 or Alexandre Dumas, line 2.

Bus 60, 69 & 102

Open 8am–5:30pm daily (from 8:30am Sat, 9am Sun & public hols); summer: till 6pm

Price Free

Age range All ages

Allow 1–1 hours

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Bois de Vincennes

Practical Information

Address Bois de Vincennes: Château de Vincennes: Ave de Paris, 94300; 01 48 08 31 20; www.chateau-vincennes.fr

Métro Porte Dorée, line 8; Château de Vincennes, line 1.

RER Vincennes, line A.

Bus 46, 56, 86, 87, 112, 115, 325, PC1 & PC2

Open Bois de Vincennes: dawn–dusk. Château: 10am–6pm; winter: till 5pm; closed public hols. La Ferme de Paris: weekends & public hols; 1:30–6:30pm; winter: till 5pm; closed Mon during school hols. Le Parc Floral: 9:30am–8pm; winter: till 5pm

Price Château de Vincennes: €18–28; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free. La Ferme de Paris: free. Le Parc Floral: free but additional charge for concerts and some children’s activities

Age range All ages

Activities Go rowing on the Lac Daumesnil or Lac des Minimes; €11.80 per hour (€10 deposit). Concerts for children in Le Parc Floral in summer and a wide range of activities at the city farm. Puppet shows near Lac de St-Mandé.

Wheelchair access Château: limited access

Toilets In the castle, Le Chalet des Iles and at Sanisette, on Ave de Nogent by the Château de Vincennes station

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Parc de Bercy

Practical Information

Address Rue Paul-Belmondo 75012; 01 53 46 19 19; www.paris.fr

Métro Bercy, lines 6 & 14

Open 8am–5:30pm; summer: till 9:30pm

Price Free

Age range All ages

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

Practical Information

Address Rue des Rosiers, 75018; 08 92 70 57 65; www.marchesauxpuces.fr

Métro Porte-de-Clignancourt, line 4.

Bus 56, 60, 85, 95, 137, 166, 255 & PC3

Open 9am–6pm Sat, 10am–6pm Sun & 11am–5pm Mon

Price Free

Skipping the queue Go early in the morning or on Mon. Keep a close eye on pre-teens who could easily get lost, and watch out for pickpockets. Most trading is done in cash.

Age range 5 plus

Toilets Yes

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Basilique St-Denis

Practical Information

Address 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 93200; 01 48 09 83 54; http://saint-denis.monuments-nationaux.fr

Métro Basilique de St-Denis, line 13.

Bus 153 & 253

Open Apr–Sep: 10am–6:15pm Mon–Sat; noon–6:15 pm Sun; winter: till 5:15pm; closed 1 Jan, 1 May & 25 Dec. Closed to tourists during certain ceremonies and services; check website for timings

Price Church: free; Crypt: €15–25; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free

Skipping the queue Visit on a sunny day when the stained-glass windows are at their best

Guided tours Audio guide in English; €4.50. Guided tours in English by reservation only.

Age range 8 plus

Activities Children’s activity leaflet, storytelling and workshops in French; 01 48 09 83 54

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets By the entrance to the crypt

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Stade de France

Practical Information

Address ZAC du Cornillon Nord, 93210; 08 92 70 09 00; www.stadefrance.com

Métro St-Denis Porte de Paris, line 13.

RER La Plaine-Stade de France, line B or Stade de France St-Denis, line D.

Bus 139, 302, 153, 255 & 173

Open Guided tours only. Summer & school hols: 10am–5pm; winter: 11am–1pm & 3–5pm weekends & public hols. In English: 10:30am & 2:30pm high season & school hols only; closed Mon in winter

Price €30–40; under 18s €10; under 5s free; family ticket: €40; for tickets to sporting events and concerts check the website

Age range 5 plus

Activities Sledging and skating

Allow 1 hour 15 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Yes

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Jardin d’Acclimatation and Around

Practical Information

Métro Les Sablons or Porte Maillot, line 1; Javel Andre Citroën, line 10; Lourmel, line 8 or Balard, line 8; Denfert-Rochereau, lines 4 & 6; Alesia, line 4; Porte de Vanves, line 13; Ranelagh, line 9; Porte d’Auteuil, line 10.

RER Malmaison, lines A & C; Grande Arche La Défense, line A; Blvd Victor, line C; Denfert-Rochereau, line B; Cité-Universitaire, line B.

Bus 95 links southern Paris with the north. 73 runs from the Champs-Elysées to La Défense, passing near the Jardin d’Acclimatation at Les Sablons. 62 links Parc Montsouris with Parc André Citroën.

Tram Pont du Garigliano, T3

Visitor information Paris-Expo, 1 Pl de la Porte de Versailles, 75015; 11am–7pm during trade shows (both professional and open to the public), held all year long

Supermarkets Monoprix Sablons, 72 Ave Charles de Gaulle, 92200 Neuilly. Monop’, 113 Ave Charles de Gaulle, 92200 Neuilly. Franprix, 19 Rue Campagne Première, 75014; 6 Blvd Jourdan 75014; 17 Rue de Javel, 75015 & 109 Ave Paul Doumer, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison. Carrefour, 43 Blvd Brune, 75014. Lidl, 102 Ave Gén Leclerc, 75014. Carrefour City, 154 Rue St-Charles, 75015. Bio C’ Bon, 119 Rue Alésia, 75014.

Markets Marché Brune, Blvd Brune, 75014; 7am–2:30pm Thu & Sun. Marché aux Puces de Vanves, Ave Georges-Lafenestre & Ave Marc-Sangnier, 75014; 7am–5pm Sat & Sun. Marché du Livre Ancien et d’Occasion, Parc Georges Brassens, 75015; 9am–6pm Sat & Sun

Festivals French Tennis Open, Stade Roland Garros, 2 Ave Gordon Bennett, 75016; www.rolandgarros.com (May–Jun). Solidays, Hippodrome de Longchamp, Bois de Boulogne, 75016; www.solidays.org: three-day music festival for the benefit of AIDS charities (Jun). Open-air theatre, Jardin de Shakespeare, Bois de Boulogne, 75016 (May–Oct). Christmas market, La Défense (Nov–Dec).

Pharmacies Dhéry Pharmacy, 84 Champs-Elysées, 75008; 01 42 25 49 95. Pharmacie des Arts, 106 Blvd du Montparnasse, 75014; 9am–midnight Mon–Sat

Nearest playgrounds Jardin d’Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne, 75016; summer: 10am–7pm; winter: till 6pm (see Jardin d’Acclimatation). Jardin du Ranelagh, access Chaussée de la Muette/Ave du Ranelagh/Ave Ingres/Ave Prudhon/Ave Raphael, 75016; 10am–7pm; winter: till 6pm (see Practical Information). Parc André Citroën, Rue Balard, 75015, 10am–7pm; winter: till 6pm. Parc Montsouris, entrances at Blvd Jourdan and Ave Reille, 75014. Parc Georges Brassens, from 9am daily; closing time varies seasonally (see Marché aux Puces de Vanves)

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Jardin d’Acclimatation

Practical Information

Address Carrefour des Sablons, Bois de Boulogne, 75016; 01 40 67 90 85; www.jardindacclimatation.fr

Métro Les Sablons or Porte Maillot, line 1.

Bus 43 from Opéra, 73 from the Champs-Elysées, 82 from Trocadéro

Getting around Buses PC1, 174 & 244 serve the Bois and the garden. For a bite to eat, take the PC1 bus two stops from Porte Maillot to Porte de Passy, or walk across the Bois de Boulogne to the 16th arrondissement where you will find plenty of restaurants. Le Petit Train runs through the garden from Porte Maillot to its entrance. Round-trip fare: €22.40 with entry ticket

Open 10am–7pm daily; winter: till 6pm; closed 25 Dec

Price €9–19

Skipping the queue Avoid weekends & Wed afternoons, when primary schools are closed

Age range All ages

Activities Workshops in French: 10am–noon & 2–4pm Wed & Sat, Mon–Sat during school hols; 01 40 67 99 05; book in advance. Puppet shows: 3pm–4pm Wed, Sat & Sun; daily in school hols

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop By the front gate

Toilets Inside the park

Good family value? The park’s rides are pricey and can soon add up. Keep costs down by spending time in the children’s farm and the two playgrounds, which are included in the admission price.

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Château de Malmaison

Practical Information

Address Ave du Château de Malmaison, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison, Yvelines; 01 41 29 05 55; www.chateau-malmaison.fr

Distance 12 km (7 miles) northwest of Paris along RN13

RERA, La Défense, then bus 27 to stop Le Château

Open 10am–12:30pm & 1:30–5:15pm; weekends till 5:45pm; summer: till 5:45pm Mon–Fri, till 6:15pm Sat & Sun; closed Tue & public hols

Price €12–22; under 18s and EU citizens under 26 free

Guided tours Children’s audio guide and family tours in English; book in advance.

Age range 8 plus

Activities Children’s activity leaflets and workshops in French

Allow 2 hours

Toilets Near the entrance

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Parc André Citroën

Practical Information

Address Quai Andre Citroën, 75015; 01 56 56 11 56; www.jardins.paris.fr. Ballon Air de Paris: 01 44 26 20 00; www.ballondeparis.com

Métro Javel André Citroën, line 10; Lourmel or Balard, line 8.

RER Blvd Victor Pont du Garigliano, line C.

Bus 42, 62, 88 & PC1.

Tram T3.

Open 9am–7:30pm; summer: till 8:30pm; Jul & Aug: till 9:30pm. Ballon Air de Paris: 9:30am–till 30 mins before the park closes

Price Park: free. Ballon Air de Paris: €38–48; €46–56 on weekends, under 3s free

Age range All ages

Activities Playground in the Jardin Blanc: bring table tennis racquets and a bucket and spade as there are sandpits

Allow 45 minutes

Toilets By the greenhouses

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Statue of Liberty

Practical Information

Address Pont de Grenelle, Ile aux Cygnes, 75015

Métro Javel André Citroën, line 10.

RER Javel, line C.

Bus 70, 72 & 88

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Catacombes

Practical Information

Address 1 Ave du Colonel Henri Roi-Tanguy, 75014; 01 43 22 47 63; www.catacombes-de-paris.fr

Métro Denfert-Rochereau, lines 4 & 6.

RER Denfert-Rochereau, line B.

Bus 38 & 68

Open 10am–5pm (last admission 4pm), closed Mon and pub hols and during bad weather

Price €24–34; under 13s free

Skipping the queue Only 200 people are allowed in at a time. Expect to queue 1–2 hours at the weekend and during school hols, especially in bad weather

Age range 10 plus

Allow 45 minutes

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Parc Montsouris

Practical Information

Address Blvd Jourdan and Ave Reille, 75014

Métro Alésia, line 4.

RER Cité-Universitaire, line B.

Bus 21, 67 & 88.

Tram T3

Open 8am–sunset daily, from 9am Sat & Sun

Price Free

Activities Concerts at the bandstand in summer. For info on puppet shows visit equipement.paris.fr/theatre-de-guignol-duparc-montsouris-3414

Toilets By the entrance on the corner of Ave Reille and Rue de la Gazan

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

Practical Information

Address Ave Georges Lafenestre & Ave Marc-Sangnier, 75014. Marché du Livre Ancien et d’Occasion: Rue Brancion, 75015

Métro Porte de Vanves, line 13.

Bus 58, 95, 19.

Tram T3

Open Marché aux Puces de Vanves: 7am–5pm Sat & Sun. Marché du Livre Ancien et d’Occasion: 9am–6pm Sat & Sun

Price Free

Skipping the queue Arrive early for the best selection

Age range 8 plus

Allow 2 hours

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Day Trips from Paris

Practical Information

RER The RER services many places in the Ile-de-France and trains run right across central Paris, making it a good option to use for a day out.

Train The suburban train network also connects the main towns and tourist sites with Paris’s principal stations.

Car Ile-de-France is easy to get around by car. The speediest way to reach sights in the west is to take the tunnel to Versailles from Nanterre, €6. Avoid Fri evening and Sun late afternoon when the roads are very busy

Visitor information 25 Rue des Pyramides, 75001; www.nouveau-paris-ile-de-france.fr; 10am–7pm daily, May–Oct: 9am–7pm daily

Supermarkets Monoprix, 58 Rue Grande, 77300, Fontainebleau. Monoprix, 11 Pl Mar Leclerc, 77160, Provins. Monoprix, 5 Rue Clemenceau, 78000, Versailles. Auchan, Val d’Europe shopping centre, Chessy–Marne la Vallée

Markets La Halle du Marché, 77300, Fontainebleau; Tue, Fri & Sun am. Pl de la Libération; Wed & Sat am. Pl Félix Faure, Rambouillet; Sat am. Pl de la Louvière, Rambouillet; Sun am. Marché Notre-Dame, Carrés Notre-Dame, Versailles; 7:30am–2pm Tue, Fri & Sun; Halles Notre-Dame; 7am–7:30pm Tue–Sat, 7am–2pm Sun. Marché St-Louis, Pl de la Cathédrale St-Louis, Versailles; 7:30am–1:30pm Sat

Festivals Château de Versailles: Les Grandes Eaux Musicales (Apr–Oct: Sat & Sun & some public hols). Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes (mid-Jun–Sep: Sat). Provins: Les Médievals de Provins; www.provins-medieval.com. Son et Lumière (Jun, 1st Sat in Jul & Aug). Harvest festival (last Sun in Aug). Christmas market and living crib (Dec). Disneyland® Paris: St David’s Welsh Festival (Mar). St Patrick’s Day (17 Mar). Disney Halloween Festival (Oct). Mickey’s Magical Fireworks & Bonfire (Nov). Disney Enchanted Christmas (Nov–Jan). There are also special events in the summer season

Pharmacies For details of a late-night chemist anywhere in France visit www.pharmaciesdegarde.com or consult the list posted in the window of the nearest pharmacy. Pharmacies can be identified by the green neon cross flashing outside.

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Château de Versailles

Practical Information

Address Pl d’Armes, Versailles, 78000 (21 km (13 miles) southwest of Paris); 01 30 83 78 00; www.chateauversailles.fr

RER Versailles Rive Gauche, line C; trains depart every 15 minutes.

Train SNCF Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers or St-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite, both a 20-minute walk from the palace.

Car A13, exit 2.

Taxi By the train stations; 01 39 50 50 00 or 01 39 51 04 04

Getting around A mini-train runs from the Château to the Trianon palaces & Hameau de Marie Antoinette (20 minutes on foot); family ticket €25–35; electric cars €30 per hour; the best option is to hire a bike, €6.50 per hour

Visitor information 2 bis Ave de Paris, 78000; 01 39 24 88 88; www.versailles-tourisme.com; Apr–Sep: 9am–7pm Tue–Sun, 10am–6pm Mon; Oct–Mar: 9am–6pm Tue–Sat, 11am–5pm Sun–Mon

Open Gardens: 7am–6:30pm daily; summer: till 8:30pm; closed Mon & public hols. Palace: 9am–5:30pm Tue–Sun; winter: till 6:30pm; summer: closed Mon & public hols. Potager du Roi: Mar–Oct: 10am–6pm Tue–Sun

Price €30–40; under 18s free; EU citizens under 26 free. Trianon palaces: €20–30; gardens: free. Passport to all sights: €36–46. Grandes Eaux Musicales & Jardins Musicaux; special sessions when all the fountains are turned on, with music and, at night, fireworks: €50–60

Skipping the queue Buy tickets online or at www.fnac.com. Paris Museum Pass accepted; entrance C with a passport ticket is for joint RER tickets sold at stations. The palace is busiest on Tue & Sun. For concerts and firework shows book in advance.

Guided tours Audioguide for kids over 8 years old. The palace shop sells a useful children’s guide My Little Versailles. Tours in English €46–56, under 10s free. Download podcasts from www.chateauversailles.fr

Age range 5 plus for château

Activities Children’s workshops in French. Son et Lumière, History Galleries; 01 30 83 78 00; Oct–Jun: school hols & some weekends. Farm workshop at the Petit Trianon

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Grand Café d’Orléans, just outside the palace, and several restaurants along the canal

Shop Children’s books in English available at the Librairie des Princes, a delightful children’s bookshop

Toilets Cour Royale, Hameau de Marie Antoinette, La Petit Venisse & the Buvette du Dauphin for baby changing facilities

Good family value? Excellent value especially if visitors get around on foot. Although it can be tiring, the sheer diversity of things to see makes boredom impossible.

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Rambouillet

Practical Information

Address Rambouillet, Yvelines, 78120 (55 km (34 miles) southwest of Paris); www.rambouillet-tourisme.fr. Bergerie Nationale: Parc du Château, 78120; www.bergerienationale.educagri.fr. Musée Rambolitrain: 4 Pl Jeanne d’Arc, 78120; www.rambolitrain.com

Train Gare Montparnasse to Rambouillet.

Car A13, then A12, then N10

Getting around Baladobus runs from the station to the main sights on Sun & public hols from Apr–Oct. Day pass: €11–21 for a family

Visitor information Pl de la Libération, 78120; 01 34 83 21 21; 9:30am–noon & 2:30–5:30pm; Jul–Aug: till 6pm; tourist office hires out pocket computers programmed with information in English, €5

Open Château de Rambouillet: 10am–noon & 2–5pm; summer: till 6pm; closed Tue, public hols and when the President is in residence. Bergerie Nationale: Wed, Sat, Sun & public hols 2–5pm, daily in school hols; winter: Sat & Sun; closed three weeks Dec–Jan. Musée Rambolitrain: 10am–noon & 2–5:30pm Wed–Sun; closed two weeks in Jan

Price Château de Rambouillet: €14–24, under 18s free; Bergerie Nationale: €20–30, under 3s free; Musée Rambolitrain: €12–22

Activities Children’s workshops during the school hols at the château & the Musée Rambolitrain

Allow At least half a day

Toilets In the château and museum

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Le Parc Zoologique de Thoiry

Practical Information

Address Rue du Pavillion de Montreuil, Thoiry, 78770 (40 km (25 miles) west of Paris); 01 34 87 40 67; www.thoiry.net

Car The only way to visit with a family is by car. Take the A13, followed by the N12, exit at Thoiry. The nearest train station is over 6 km (4 miles) away

Open 10am–5pm; summer: till 6pm; winter: till 4:30pm

Price €130–140; under 3s free

Guided tours Tours are in English for the château by a guide in period costume. Trips to Thoiry from central Paris. The visit includes transport through the park, visit to the zoo, gardens and château; www.pariscityvision.com

Age range All ages

Allow A full day

Toilets At several locations in the park and in the château

< Practical Information: Day Trips

France Miniature

Practical Information

Address Blvd André Malraux, Elancourt, 78990 (40 km (25 miles) southwest of Paris); 01 30 16 16 30; www.franceminiature.com

Train Gare Montparnasse to Elancourt La Verrière, then bus 411.

Car A13, then A12 and N12 direction Dreux

Open 10am–6pm; summer: till 7pm; autumn & spring opening times vary; closed winter

Price: €70–80; under 4s free; tickets are cheaper if bought online seven days in advance

Age range All ages

Allow Half a day

Toilets By the entrance, the picnic area and Ronde des Zotos

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Parc Astérix

Practical Information

Address Plailly, Oise, 60128; 08 26 46 66 26; www.parcasterix.fr

RER Aéroport Charles de Gaulle, line B3. Shuttle bus leaves every 30 minutes, 9:30am–6:30pm. Joint train and entry tickets available.

Bus Direct shuttle-bus to Parc Astérix from Paris; departs from Carrousel du Louvre: 8:45am, return 6:30pm; €70–80 return.

Car A1 in the direction of Lille, exit Parc Astérix; parking €8.

Distance 35 km (22 miles) north of Paris

Supermarket Leclerc; off A1 at Fosses; exit 7, about a 20-minute drive from Parc Astérix

First-aid centre Near the windmill on the main street up from the entrance

Open Apr–Aug: 10am–6pm Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6pm Sat, Sun; Sep–Oct: 10am–6pm Sat, Sun; late-night opening for Gaulish nights in Jul & Aug. Check website for timings

Price €157–167; under 3s free. Check website for special offers

Skipping the queue Avoid Sun. Buy tickets online.

Age range 7 plus

Activities Water-based rides

Allow A full day

Toilets On the left by the entrance, on the left of the village and by the circus big top

Good family value? Kids have to love the stories of Astérix to get the best out of the trip. Cut costs by bringing a picnic.

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Auvers-sur-Oise

Practical Information

Address Oise, 95430; www.auvers-sur-oise.com. Château d’Auvers: www.chateau-auvers.fr. Auberge Ravoux: www.maisondevangogh.fr

Train From Paris, Gare St-Lazare, change at Pontoise. Direct train from Gare du Nord at 9:56am, Apr–1 Oct, Sat, Sun & pub hols.

Car A86/A15, then A115 in the direction of Clergy-Pointoise. Exit Auvers-sur-Oise in the direction of the Château d’Auvers.

Distance 35 km (22 miles) north of Paris

Getting around In summer, take the ferry from Auvers to Isle d’Adam. Rent bikes in front of the tourist office

Visitor information Rue de la Sansonne, 95430; 01 30 36 10 06; www.lavalleedeloise.com; 9:30am–12:30pm & 2–5pm; summer: till 6pm; closed Mon

Open Chateau d’Auvers: 10:30am–6pm; winter: till 4:30pm; closed Dec, Jan & Mon. Auberge Ravoux: 10am–6pm Wed–Sun; closed Nov–Mar

Price Chateau d’Auvers: €46–56; under 6s free. Auberge Ravoux: €20–30; under 11s free

Skipping the queue Pass Auvers offers reduced-price entry to the museum. Visit during the weekend and school hols to avoid sharing space with school trips

Guided tours Château d’Auvers has an audio guide

Age range 5 plus

Activities Château d’Auvers has workshops on Wed & school hols

Allow A full day

Wheelchair access No

Toilets In the Château d’Auvers and Auberge Ravoux

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Abbaye de Royaumont

Practical Information

Address Asnières-sur-Oise, Oise, 95270; 01 30 35 59 70; www.royaumont.com

Car A1 north, exit 5, then D922 east.

Distance 35 km (22 miles) north of Paris

Open 10am–6pm; winter: till 5.30pm

Price €28–38; under 7s free; family ticket €20

Age range 6 plus

Activities Concerts, workshops & family activity leaflet in French

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In the abbey

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Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace

Practical Information

Address Aéroport de Paris, Le Bourget, 93352; 01 49 92 70 00; www.museeairespace.fr

Métro La Courneuve, line 7, then bus 152.

RER Le Bourget, line B.

Bus 152 from Porte de la Villette or 350 from Gare l’Est and Gare du Nord.

Car A1, exit 5.

Distance 35 km (22 miles) north of Paris

Open 10am–6pm; winter: till 5pm; closed Mon, 1 Jan & 25 Dec

Price Allow €65–75; permanent exhibitions are free but there are additional charges to visit some of the planes and to use the simulator

Guided tours Audio guide in English; €12 for four people

Age range 5 plus

Activities Daily in English in the Planète Pilot; 10:30am, noon, 1:30pm & 3pm

Allow 1–2 hours

Toilets At the entrance

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Disneyland® Paris

Practical Information

Address Marne la Vallée, 77705 (32 km (20 miles) east of Paris); www.disneylandparis.com

Train RER A to Marne la Vallée, just outside the park, takes 45 minutes from Paris; trains run every 15 minutes; joint RER & entry ticket available. Direct Eurostar from London St Pancras; www.eurostar.com.

Bus Airport buses from Charles-de-Gaulle & Orly airports every 30 minutes; www.vea.fr.

Car A4, exit 14; parking €15

Visitor information City Hall, Main Street, USA®. Studio Services, Walt Disney Studios®, Pl des Frères Lumière. Lost & found: Kids who get lost in the park are taken to Coin Bébé by the Plaza Gardens Restaurant, Main Street, USA®. Lost property is taken to City Hall, Main Street, USA®.

First-aid centre In the park by the Plaza Gardens Restaurant, Main Street, USA®

Open 10am–9:30pm Mon–Fri, 10am–10pm Sat & Sun; check the website before visiting as there are different hours for the main park and Walt Disney Studios®. Times may also vary according to season. Disney® Village is open all day until very late at night.

Price One-day one-park pass for main park only: €236–246; under 3s free; day pass, for both parks: €270–280; under 3s free. Tickets are cheaper if bought online; 2–3, 4 and 5-day passes available. Look out for promotions, especially in Jan–Mar when ticket price covers admission to all parks. See the website for promotions on hotel packages; there are often good deals for families but they change seasonally. Disney® Village: free

Skipping the queue There can be long queues both to get into the parks and for individual rides – up to an hour in high season. To avoid entrance queues, arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens, or book in advance online, by phone, through a travel agent, on Channel ferries, at Eurostar terminals, at Disney Stores or at RATP Métro stations. Avoid Sundays and, if possible, peak holiday seasons. Once inside, the Fastpass® system allows visitors to pre-book for some rides without queueing: insert the park ticket into the Fastpass machine at a ride entrance to get a Fastpass ticket with a time slot, and return at the allotted time. However, each person can only hold one Fastpass ticket at a time and many rides are fully booked by noon. The VIP Fastpass® offered by some Disney hotels gives instant access to some rides, and the Disneyland®Fastpass® gives timed entry to a choice of attractions for guests. Disney hotel guests can enter the park at 8am in high season.

Baby Switch allows parents to take turns holding the baby while the other one rides, without going to the back of the queue.

Queue fatigue busters An information board in the Central Plaza lists queueing times. Some attractions in Adventureland® rarely get busy: Les Cabanes des Robinson, Adventure Isle, Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Fantasyland®. In bad weather rides may be closed, so take cover in the Liberty and Discovery arcades.

Guided tours Enquire at City Hall; €40–80; under 3s free

Age range All ages

Activities Disney Parade, 5pm daily; check website or central notice board by the Plaza Gardens Restaurant, Main Street, USA®. Get an entertainment programme from City Hall.

Allow A full day, or 2 days for both parks. If staying in a Disneyland® hotel, arrive the night before to meet the Disney characters at breakfast.

Café There are food kiosks and cafés across the park and a baby change with microwaves by the Plaza Gardens Restaurant, Main Street, USA®.

Toilets Across the park. Baby facilities by the Plaza Gardens Restaurant in the Central Plaza, Main Street, USA®

Good family value? Disneyland® Paris is very expensive, and it is not everybody’s cup of tea – some visitors feel it has not stood the test of time well and is getting a little shabby – but most kids love it. It is well worth seeking out special promotions and planning your visit carefully to make the most of it.

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Provins

Practical Information

Address Seine et Marne, 77160 (75 km (47 miles) southeast of Paris); www.provins.net

Train From Paris, SNCF Gare de l’Est.

Car A5 direction Troyes, exit 16 then D408 and D619

Visitor information Office de Tourisme de Provins, Chemin de Villecran, 77482; 01 64 60 26 26; 10am–5:30pm daily; Apr–Sep: till 6:30pm

Price €27–37 for all sights;€30 for a family pass to see four monuments; budget €12–22 to visit one sight

Guided tours Weekends & public hols; GPS video guide available from the tourist office is good for families

Age range All ages

Activities Horse and warfare shows: 01 60 67 39 95; www.equestrio.fr. Birds of prey: 01 60 58 80 32; www.vollibre.fr. Easter egg hunt. In summer the tourist train drawn by a tractor cuts down walking; €19

Allow At least 3 hours

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets In the tourist office

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Vaux-le-Vicomte

Practical Information

Address Seine et Marne, 77950 (55 km (34 miles) southeast of Paris); 01 64 14 41 90; www.vaux-le-vicomte.com

Train From Paris, SNCF & RER D Gare de Lyon to Melun, then a 20-minute ride in a taxi, or château bus from the station on weekends in summer; return ticket €7.

Car A6, A4 then join A5 in the direction of Troyes, exit St-Germain Laxis

Open Mar–Nov: 10am–6pm daily. Check website for details

Price Family ticket €52; under 6s free

Skipping the queue Avoid busy summer weekends

Guided tours Audio guide & children’s guide in English €2; fancy dress tours; costume hire €4 weekends, public & school hols

Age range All ages

Activities Easter weekend egg hunt. Candlelight tours & fireworks some Sats in summer. Chocolate Fair, Nov. Christmas events for children, Dec. Fountain show in the gardens, Mar–Nov

Allow At least half a day

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets By the restaurant

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Château de Blandy-les-Tours

Practical Information

Address Seine et Marne, 77115 (70 km (44 miles) southeast of Paris); 01 60 59 17 80

Car The only way to visit Blandy-les-Tours with a family is by car. A5 direction Troyes, exit 16, then follow D47

Open 10am–12:30pm & 1:30–6pm (until 5pm in winter), closed Tue & public hols

Price €12–24; under 25s free

Skipping the queue Visit on weekdays, when there are few visitors

Guided tours Children’s guides in French for kids aged 6–8 and 9–12

Age range 3 plus

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Limited

Toilets In the main courtyard

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Fontainebleau

Practical Information

Address Seine-et-Marne, 77300; 01 60 71 50 60; www.musee-chateau-fontainebleau.fr

RER Gare de Lyon, SNCF Grandes Lignes. Bus A runs from the bus station to the château.

Train Gare de Lyon; combined train & entrance ticket available.

Car A6 direction Lyon, exit Fontainebleau.

Distance 69 km (43 miles) south of Paris

Getting around Bike hire from the tourist office costs €5 per hour, but a car is necessary to explore the whole area. Baby carriers are available

Visitor information 4 Rue Royale, 77300; 01 60 74 99 99; www.fontainebleautourisme.com

Open Château: 9:30am–5pm, till 6pm in summer, closed Tue; gardens: 9am–5pm, till 7pm in summer

Price Château: €22–32; under 18s free for main apartments; Gardens: free. Check website for extra charges for tours and some areas of the château

Guided tours Audio guide €1; children’s audio guide in French

Age range All ages

Activities Activity leaflets and workshops for children in French. Canoeing trips and sporting activities: Ikopa Adventure, 19 Rue Paul Séramy, Fontainebleau, 77300; 06 21 09 37 50; www.ikopa.com. Top Loisirs, Moret sur Loing; 01 60 74 08 50; www.toploisirs.fr. Walks and bike routes: Champagne sur Seine; 01 60 39 07 04

Wheelchair access Yes for the château

Allow 1 hours

Café In the Cour de la Fontaine in summer

Shop At the exit of the château, stocking a good selection of colouring books for kids

Toilets At the entrance & the exit from the château

Good family value? Fontainebleau is not pricey and offers both indoor and outdoor sightseeing, which makes it ideal for a family day out. Entry prices are halved an hour before it closes.