School Holiday Family Getaway | Must-See Paris Attractions
December is the school holidays, and with Western countries immersed in the Christmas cheer, beautiful lights and decorations everywhere reveal a uniquely romantic city. Even though Paris in December is winter, it's not too dry, with temperatures between 0°C and 10°C (32°F–50°F). With proper warm clothing, even kids can enjoy themselves!
Go City has rounded up some great places for families with children. Let's take a look!
Champ de Mars (Free)
Bringing kids abroad to famous landmarks lets them learn about a city's history while having fun! The name of this square comes from the Campus Martius in Rome; in French, 'Mars' refers to the god of war in Roman mythology.
Before the second half of the 18th century, this was an abandoned open space. Its status rose after the École Militaire was built in 1765, primarily used as a military training ground.
During the French Revolution, on 17 July 1791, a massacre occurred here. Citizens gathered to present a petition demanding the abolition of Louis XVI's monarchy and the establishment of a republic. However, the mayor of Paris issued a military decree allowing troops to use weapons against the crowd, resulting in fifty deaths and hundreds injured.
France later used this venue to host several world's fairs and the 1900 Olympic Games.
Tuileries Garden (Free)
If you want to enjoy nature with your kids, the Tuileries Garden is a wonderful choice. Located between the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, it occupies a prime location in the heart of Paris. Its name originates from the tile factories that once stood here.
Initially an Italian-style garden, it was later transformed by designer André Le Nôtre into a classic French garden. Designed in the 17th century by the renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre, it's perfect for a stroll and beloved by Parisians and visitors today. It's a quintessential example of a French formal garden, listed as a historic monument. Covering about 25 hectares, it features sculptures by famous artists like Rodin, Giacometti, and Maillol. Benches by the ponds offer a place to rest before continuing your visit.
Louvre Museum
When it comes to France's most famous attractions, the Louvre tops the list. It is the world's largest and most visited museum, and a historic landmark in Paris. Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, it's a central landmark located in the 1st arrondissement on the Right Bank of the Seine.
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built in the late 12th to 13th centuries under Philip II. In the museum's basement, you can see remnants of the medieval Louvre fortress. As the city expanded, the fortress lost its defensive purpose, and in 1546 Francis I converted it into the main residence of the French kings. Through numerous expansions, it became the present-day palace. In 1682, Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum to showcase the nation's masterpieces.
For a panoramic view of Paris, take the whole family to Montparnasse. The Montparnasse Tower is a 210-metre (689 ft) office skyscraper in the Montparnasse area of Paris. Built between 1969 and 1973, it was France's tallest skyscraper until 2011, when it was surpassed by the 231-metre (758 ft) Tour First.
Named after Mount Parnassus in Greece, the Montparnasse Tower is a must-visit after the Eiffel Tower. From its 56th-floor observation deck, you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the capital. On a clear day, you might even see up to 40 kilometres away! Spot major landmarks including Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
You've likely heard 'Versailles' as a trendy term online, but how well do you know the Palace of Versailles? Built as the royal residence of King Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles is located about 12 miles (19 km) west of Paris. Owned by the French Republic, it has been managed since 1995 by the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles under the French Ministry of Culture. Each year, 15 million people visit the palace, park, or gardens, making it one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.
The Palace of Versailles is magnificent and opulent, its interiors and décor richly artistic. Over 500 rooms and halls are lavishly gilded and adorned. The interior decoration features carvings, huge oil paintings, and tapestries, complemented by superbly crafted furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The palace also houses rare art treasures from around the globe, including ancient Chinese porcelain that crossed oceans to reach here. The palace and park were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Browse Go City passes, check out attractions, plan your itinerary, and buy a pass. After purchase, download the Go City app, show your digital pass at each attraction entrance, scan the QR code, and enjoy easy access without queuing for tickets. Get ready for an amazing Paris adventure!
