Where To Stay In Paris With Family – 6 Best Options
Wondering where to stay in Paris with family?
France’s capital is one of the most remarkable cities in Europe, offering a vast array of historical landmarks that captivate both the young and the young at heart.
While it’s often dubbed the “City of Love,” ideal for a romantic weekend getaway, Paris is also a fantastic destination for families.
Beyond the well-known attractions, wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Paris’ older districts is perfect for creating lasting family memories.
When hunger strikes, a visit to one of the local boulangeries (bakeries) will allow you to indulge in freshly baked chocolate croissants or artisan toasted bread with melted cheese—a simple but delightful treat.
With its mouthwatering food, beautiful scenery, iconic architecture, and rich history, Paris offers the perfect blend for an unforgettable family trip.
In this article, we’ll explore the best areas to stay in Paris for families, along with the pros and cons of each location.
At the end of the article, you’ll find a map outlining all the recommended areas, including the city’s main attractions.
Let’s dive in!
The best areas in Paris with family are the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Belleville, Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Le Marais.
Districts within the city center are numbers and – generally speaking – the lower the district number, the more expensive the hotels are.
In return, those lowered numbered districts offer great access the main attractions of Paris. The downside is that hotels are often relatively small compared to the areas further from the tourist epicenter.
So, you should definitely consider staying in one of the higher-numbered districts if you want the most value for money.
With the extensive metro system of Paris, it’s super easy to explore the city while staying in an area that offers spacious and somewhat reasonably priced family rooms.
Have a look at the short description of each of our recommended areas in the next paragraph.
Latin Quarter: One of the – if not the – best area to stay in Paris with family in terms of accessibility, affordability, and family-friendliness. You can find far more spacious hotels here suitable for a family while still located near major city highlights. As you have great access to public transport, exploring the city and reaching the airport is a piece of cake. Though not the cheapest area in Paris, you still can find something reasonably priced, especially compared to areas like the Louvre.
Montmartre: This iconic neighborhood is exactly how you imagine Paris should be. It’s no surprise that some of the most famous artists used to live here. Small cafes, boutique shops, cobblestone streets, and plenty of French bakeries to discover in this part of Paris. The Sacré Cœur is also located here. As you’re located further away from the heart of Paris, it’s much easier to find something spacious that’s also affordable. But as you’re located further away from the major sights, you always have to travel a bit (by metro) in order to explore the city. If you travel by train, Gare du Nord, one of the main train stations, is just right around the corner.
Belleville: Belleville offers great value for money for families in Paris. It’s particularly known for its food scene. This area caters more to the locals than to tourists, though. Also, there aren’t many attractions nearby. For that, you do have to travel a bit. But finding good accommodation is much easier here compared to the central areas that offer mostly ridiculously expensive family rooms.
Eiffel Tower: Many tourists often think that they have to stay as close as possible to the Eiffel Tower when visiting the city. As for the views, yes, nothing can beat this area. However, keep in mind that is an expensive area and during the evening, it does get quite dull. This does come in handy when traveling with kids and want to enjoy a peaceful evening. But for fun things to do in the evening, you must head over to the area around The Louvre. If your budget allows it, the Eiffel Tower does have quite some advantages.
Louvre: For most tourists, the Louvre is the perfect area. It’s located centrally, it’s fun during the day and during the night. The architecture is insanely beautiful. And it has the best connections to the metro lines. There are two things worth noting: 1. hotels here are expensive and 2. the area gets very busy which isn’t always family-friendly. If your budget allows it, it’s very hard to beat the louvre if you can handle the crowds.
Le Marais: Families who want to combine sightseeing with a vibrant nightlife full of nice restaurants and cafes should stay close to Le Marais. It’s part of the tourist epicenter of Paris and it’s an incredibly convenient area in any ways. Because of that, expect to pay a premium price for a hotel here.
The best areas to stay in Paris with family are:
1. Latin Quarter
While there are areas in Paris that are more convenient for tourists in general, the Latin Quarter still offers a convenient base with some of the city’s major attractions within walking distance.
One important consideration for families visiting Paris is having enough space.
The most touristy districts, like those around the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are known for their small hotel rooms.
While this can also be the case in parts of the Latin Quarter, staying slightly on the outskirts of the district provides access to more spacious accommodations.
The Latin Quarter is the oldest part of Paris, renowned for its charming bookstores, romantic cobblestone streets, and unique boutique shops and hotels. It’s an atmospheric area with plenty of character.
For families, the district has some standout attractions. You’ll have direct access to the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden perfect for children, and Le Jardin du Luxembourg, located west of the tourist center, which is another fantastic spot for families.
A major highlight of the Latin Quarter is the Panthéon, a historical landmark steeped in history. Additionally, the area is well-connected by public transport. Gare d’Austerlitz, a major train station nearby, offers several metro, railway, and bus lines, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
With its combination of mobility, location, and the potential for more spacious accommodations, the Latin Quarter is undoubtedly one of the best areas for families to stay in Paris.
Pros
- A central location with several attractions within walking distance.
- The neighborhood has astonishing architecutre.
- A very good price-quality ratio when it comes to family rooms.
- Good access to public transportation.
Cons
- Definitely not a budget area, for that, you need to stay further away from the city center. But it’s also not as expensive as areas like Louvre, Le Marais, and the Eiffel Tower.
How to get around in Paris? While many of Paris’ iconic attractions are concentrated in the lower-numbered arrondissements, seeing all the important landmarks still requires a bit of travel.
Fortunately, Paris boasts an extensive and efficient metro system, making it incredibly easy to navigate the city.
When visiting Paris as a family, an important question to consider is: Am I comfortable using the metro with young kids? If the answer is yes, you’ll enjoy much greater flexibility during your trip.
Many of the main tourist areas are pedestrian-friendly, and walking through Paris’ stunning streets, surrounded by breathtaking architecture, is a must. However, staying near a metro station offers a significant advantage—it allows you to effortlessly reach landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Cœur.
Additionally, staying near public transportation opens up opportunities to explore less touristy, often more budget-friendly neighborhoods, giving you the best of both worlds.
2. Montmartre
Montmartre is my personal favorite area in Paris and it’s often considered the most romantic district in Paris.
Perched on a hill, this charming neighborhood is home to the Sacré-Cœur, a stunning basilica with breathtaking views over the city.
However, its hilltop location means you’ll be farther from the main tourist center.
In addition to the Sacré-Cœur, one of Montmartre’s highlights is Rue des Martyrs, a lively street lined with unique shops, including art galleries, bakeries, and boutique stores.
This street captures the artistic spirit of the area, as Montmartre has long been a haven for creatives—famous painters like Picasso once called this district home.
Surprisingly, hotels in Montmartre are far more affordable compared to those in the lower-numbered arrondissements.
The neighborhood offers a glimpse into daily Parisian life and embodies the romantic Paris you’ve seen in classic films, with its narrow, winding streets and artistic charm.
When staying in Montmartre, it’s essential to choose a location close to a metro station. Walking to major attractions like the Louvre can be quite a trek, but Paris’ efficient metro system makes it easy to get around.
While Montmartre itself is perfectly safe, it’s worth noting that the nearby Gare du Nord, Paris’ main train station, is best avoided in the evenings as the area can feel sketchy.
In conclusion, Montmartre is a picturesque and affordable neighborhood, perfect for those who want to experience Paris’ artistic and romantic essence.
Pros
- A unique experience to witnes daily Parisian life.
- Beautiful neighborhood which is excitied to explore.
- A good variety of quality hotels with family rooms that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Cons
- You’re located further away from major attractions and you’re depending on the metro.
- It’s located on hill, so expect to climb some stairs every now and then.
- The area around Gare de Nord does get very sketchy in the evening, so it’s best to book a hotel a bit away from that main train station.
3. Belleville
Belleville is situated in the 20th arrondissement, located on the northeastern side of Paris. It is roughly the same distance from the city’s touristic center as Montmartre, making it an attractive alternative for those looking to explore Paris on a budget.
This neighborhood is particularly known for its affordable accommodations and vibrant multicultural atmosphere. Belleville is home to a diverse population, predominantly working-class, which contributes to its lively streets and friendly locals.
One of Belleville’s standout features is its abundance of food options, from traditional French fare to cuisines from around the world. The neighborhood’s authentic, no-frills charm is a highlight for visitors looking to experience a different side of Paris.
Belleville is also close to the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of notable figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, and Frédéric Chopin. This iconic cemetery offers a peaceful and historic spot to explore.
Staying in Belleville also means you’ll have access to spacious hotel options at more affordable prices compared to central Paris. Two metro lines connect the area directly to major attractions, ensuring convenient travel around the city.
However, it’s worth noting that Belleville lacks the picturesque parks found in areas like the Latin Quarter, and it doesn’t have the romantic allure of Montmartre.
Pros
- The best option if you travel on a somewhat stricter budget but want to stay close to the center.
- The food scene is so diverse that you can always find something tasty for your kids.
- Good variety of affordable hotels in this part of Paris.
Cons
- This part of Paris doesn’t have much to offer for families aside from spacious appartments for a good price.
- You have good connectivity to the metro lines, but they don’t bring you straight to the tourist epicenter. You need to switch lanes.
4. Eiffel Tower
It’s very easy just to recommend the most central area in Paris and claim it’s the best option for those travelling with kids.
That’s not how it works in reality, because family rooms in the city center of Paris are simply expensive.
Sometimes you can get lucky by booking in advance or finding a good promotion.
But there is also a group of travellers that simply can afford to stay in the heart of Paris with astonishing views on the Eiffel Tower.
And if you belong to that category, then this area is probably what you’re looking for.
The advantage of being right at the heart of the city, with many of Paris’s main attractions just steps away, is what this area sets apart from others.
Additionally, numerous hotels in the 7th arrondissement provide stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, making your stay even more memorable.
Interestingly, despite being a bustling hub during the day, this neighborhood becomes quite calm in the evening—a contrast to some of the other premium areas in Paris.
For families seeking a quiet and relaxed atmosphere after a day of sightseeing, this makes the 7th arrondissement an ideal choice.
The neighborhood also offers excellent access to metro lines, allowing for easy exploration of the city.
However, when it comes to mobility, the next recommended area surpasses the 7th arrondissement in convenience.
Pros
- Quiet and family-friendly, offering a peaceful retreat.
- Centrally located, with easy access to Amsterdam Central Station and the Old City Center.
- Close to the NEMO Science Museum.
Cons
- Limited dining and entertainment options in the immediate area.
- You always have to walk a bit on order to reach major attractions, shops, restaurants or other activities.
5. Louvre
Staying in the 1st arrondissement, also known as Louvre, places you right at the epicenter of Paris.
None of the other areas can compete against that.
This area provides exceptional access to the city’s most popular landmarks and attractions, and it’s a hub for major metro lines, making it incredibly convenient for exploring Paris.
However, there are two key drawbacks to keep in mind:
- The area is small, and so are most of the hotel rooms.
- Hotels here come with a hefty price tag, especially if you’re booking a family room.
If your budget allows, the Louvre area is undoubtedly worth considering for its unbeatable location.
It’s also a very busy part of Paris and it’s always crowded. If you seek a quieter experience during the evening, but you’re willing to pay the premium price, then the previous recommended area is more suitable.
For those seeking pure luxury and want to take it up a notch, the Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement) offers an even more upscale experience.
While you’ll be slightly farther from the main attractions, the grandeur and sophistication of this area make it an exceptional choice.
Everything is possible in Paris.
Pros
- The most central possible area in Paris.
- You can easily explore Paris on foot for several days without the need of a taxi, bus, or metro.
- Ultimate convenience.
- Best access to the metro lines.
Cons
- One of the most crowded parts of Paris.
- Noisy in the evening.
- Definitely not budget-friendly.
6. Le Marais
Our final recommended area in Paris for families is Le Marais.
This lively neighborhood is perfect for younger families who enjoy a bustling atmosphere and want to experience Parisian nightlife in a more refined way. While Le Marais is known for its vibrant nightlife, it’s far from rowdy—there’s no need to worry about noisy streets filled with partygoers.
Instead, the area exudes sophistication, with its charming outdoor terraces, excellent restaurants, and unique boutique shops.
Le Marais is also incredibly central. As a low-numbered arrondissement, it offers easy access to Paris’ main attractions, and being close to the Louvre means you can take full advantage of its transportation hub.
This neighborhood is a wonderful mix of excitement and convenience, making it one of Paris’ most desirable areas.
However, similar to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre districts, staying in Le Marais comes with a higher price tag, especially compared to some of the more budget-friendly options we’ve recommended.
Pros
- Perfect for families who also would like to enjoy a bit of nightlife.
- Upscale food scene.
- Convenient location.
- Good access to attractions and metro lines.
Cons
- Like all low-numbered districts, this is not a budget-friendly area.
- If you’re not into nightlife, like visiting restaurants and a bar, it doesn’t make sense to stay here.