Paris is easy to navigate. Transfers from the airports to the city are convenient via the RER regional trains, Cars Air France shuttles, taxis or private limousines (if using a limousine, arrange for the driver to meet you at the gate). Within the city, hotels and restaurants routinely call taxis for guests; it is illegal to hail one on the street, so you must find and wait at a taxi stand. Ask a local, look near a Metro station or consult a city map—the locations of taxi ranks are usually marked with a T. Have the name and address of your destination ready for the driver. While Paris offers excellent public transportation and tours, with limited time or young children in tow, hiring a driver can be a practical convenience.
Make reservations early: even well-connected concierges cannot always secure spots at sold-out hotels, restaurants or events. For sightseeing, consider the Paris Museum Pass, which grants admission to more than 60 museums and monuments and often lets you avoid long lines; minors accompanied by an adult are frequently admitted free. Pass options typically cover two, four or six days, so choose the duration that fits your itinerary.
It helps to know typical closures and hours. Many major museums and cultural sights close on specific weekdays—for example, some museums close on Mondays, others on Tuesdays—while many restaurants observe weekly closures or reduced hours. Some attractions close for a two-hour lunch, and others remain open late. Always check opening days and hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
When traveling with children, plan age-appropriate activities, take their interests into account and give each family member at least one shared activity choice. In Paris, courtesy matters: greetings such as “Bonjour, Monsieur” or “Bonsoir, Madame” and simple politeness like saying “Merci” are part of everyday interaction. It’s often better to leave an outing before children become bored than to push it until they are exhausted or upset.
Bon voyage!