August, 2023

Paris had been on our travel list once again—not because we hadn’t been before, but because we had. Years ago, we visited in the winter with young kids, and while the charm of Paris was still there, it was harder to fully enjoy the city through cold winds, tired legs, and limited daylight. This time, we returned in August, as part of a longer trip that began in Istanbul, determined to give Paris the fair shot it deserved. Spoiler: it delivered.

Where We Stayed

We checked in to Novotel Paris Les Halles, a centrally located hotel in the 1st arrondissement, just steps from the Louvre and within walking distance to so many Parisian icons and it was great for the four of us to spread out, recharge, and roll out each day into the city.

🎥 *Tip: Watch this short video before you go: *How to Use Public Transport in Paris

Arrival from Istanbul & Settle in

We flew in from Istanbul and landed at CDG in Paris just before noon. The city was buzzing, the sun was out, and the air was thick with summer energy. After settling into the hotel, we kept things light, walking around the neighborhood, soaking in the sights, grabbing pastries, and mapping out the days ahead.

Day 2 – A Walk to Remember & the Seine at Sunset

We dedicated this day to the kind of experience you can’t schedule on a tour: wandering. We left the hotel and walked all the way to the Arc de Triomphe, passing through Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, and along the famed Champs-Élysées. Somewhere along the Seine, we stumbled upon a pop-up play area set up by a local urban group—kids playing, families relaxing. Our kids joined in, and we paused, letting time slow down.

In the evening, we boarded a sunset Seine River cruise. With views of the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and bridges glowing in golden light, it was one of those perfect Paris moments that felt lifted from a movie.

Sunset Seine River cruise

The boat glided gently under Paris’s historic bridges, offering views of softly lit buildings and landmarks that shimmered in the twilight. The Eiffel Tower sparkled as we passed by, and watching the city from the water gave us a fresh, almost cinematic perspective of Paris by night.

Day 3 – Versailles & A Royal Day Trip

We dedicated this day to the Palace of Versailles, a short train ride from the city. We used a mix of public train and Uber for the journey. While the palace itself is grand and filled with history, what we appreciated most was simply being outdoors, walking the gardens and letting the kids run free.

🛍️ Tip: The gift shops at Versailles have great souvenirs—and yes, you can haggle a little.

Day 4 – Louvre Visit & Paris Farewell

Our final day in Paris kicked off with a timed-entry visit to the Louvre at 1:00 PM. Having the timed ticket was a lifesaver—skipping the lines meant more energy for art. The audio guide via phone was easy to use, and seeing the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory, and so many other masterpieces left the kids (and us) wide-eyed.

After the museum, we grabbed street-side crêpes nearby (as recommended by a friend—absolutely worth it), then made our way to a final stroll through Place Vendôme and a hot chocolate at Angelina Café. It was decadent. It was Paris.

Suggestions from Friends That Made a Difference

We were lucky to receive great recommendations from friends that elevated our Paris experience:

• Try the famous Berthillon ice cream near Notre Dame
• Grab lunch at L’As du Fallafel in Le Marais
• Head to Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur for portraits and people-watching
• Do a sunset Seine cruise (100% agree!)
• Walk from Louvre to Arc de Triomphe, passing the Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, and Champs-Élysées
• Don’t miss Angelina Café near Place Vendôme for the best hot chocolate
• Dine at LouLou Restaurant (Italian near the Louvre)
• Explore Galeries Lafayette and visit the rooftop for city views
• Visit Ladurée for French toast and macarons (and bring some home!)
• Head to Le Village Restaurant on Rue Royale for dinner & people-watching
• Take the train to Versailles and don’t skip the souvenir shopping

We took many of these suggestions and they didn’t disappoint—they made the city feel more personal and helped us find a rhythm that wasn’t just about checking off landmarks.

Reflections & Tips

• Revisiting Paris as a family, years after our winter trip, gave us a whole new appreciation. This time, the city was alive, walkable, and inviting.
• Understand how arrondissements work—it’ll help you choose where to stay and plan your day. Watch this video before your trip.
• If you’re walking a lot (which we highly recommend), comfortable shoes are a must.
• Use public transport, but learn it first. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help—they’re friendlier than you’ve heard.
• GetYourGuide is a great place to find guides and tickets.

Final Thoughts

Paris in the summer gave us the version of the city we had always imagined. From quiet breakfasts across our hotel to grand palaces and late-night cruises on the Seine, we left with tired legs, full hearts, and the desire to return again—maybe not for a redo this time, but simply because Paris is always a good idea.

Until next time, au revoir.