With shop windows piled high with patisserie, picnics afloat on The Seine and the twinkling Eiffel tower to climb; France’s capital never fails to charm those big and small. Paris is the quintessential destination for a Romantic Rendezvous, once in a lifetime gastronomic experiences, bounds of history and culture at every turn and the chicest shopping destination in the world! At The Pelican Club we understand how daunting it can seem to travel with a young family to a city. Navigating cobblestone streets with jet-lagged, sticky kids running in every direction could be quite a challenge — but we understand and are here to help and most importantly plan ahead.

With families we always want to make sure an itinerary is flexible and striking the right balance between fun and education to suit everyone but most importantly – the little ones!

Staying at the right hotel where everyone feels comfortable is key, at the Rosewood Hotel de Crillon, little ‘Rosebuds’ (as they are affectionately known) rooms are turned into miniature wonderlands complete with animal-shaped balloons, teepees and toys galore. Older kids are treated to video games and an interactive Paris guide with a Polaroid camera. At the Ritz, kids can enjoy swimming lessons at their fabulous pool or get creative making crepes at the Ecole Ritz Escoffier cooking school at the hotel. The colourful Kimpton St, Honore, with views of the Eiffel tower from their top floor lounge, thoughtfully guarantees connecting rooms for guests of The Pelican Club.

Top Family Travel Tips

1. Plan ahead. Even if you prefer to explore on your own make a loose plan. Time flies and although Paris may seem small there is so much to see and do!

2. Balance the learning experience with fun! We love to recommend museums, Art and History experiences in the morning when children (and adults) brains are more focussed.

3. Hire a chauffeur for the whole stay. Yes, this is an extravagance but taxis can be a nightmare and this makes your stay all the more enjoyable and flexible. Plus you can dump jackets, shopping bags and snacks in the car for the day.

4. Visit in the off season. With the city gearing up for the Summer Olympics 2024 we recommend visiting for quieter months in Spring or Fall.

With a city so rich in history there are some really fun and adventurous ways to explore when you see it from a child’s perspective. One of our favourites to do on your first day right after breakfast is the Classic Paris scavenger hunt. With our charming Parisian guide to take you all over the city to collect clues and secrets at key sites like Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, The Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. At the end you can piece together all the clues and knowledge to find the missing pieces and buried treasure. Pre-planted by our team of course! But the wow factor and genuine excitement from the kids is priceless!

Some of our other favourite activities for kids are:

1. Private riva boat cruise with gourmet picnic at sunset.

2. Macaroon making workshop at a real Patisserie, doing classics and also designing your own flavour combinations.

3. Treasure hunts in Paris or more specifically at The Louvre or other Museums .

4. Perfume making class curated to your specific skin combination and personality.

5. Mother/daughter private fashion salon experience with a top stylist at Paris oldest department store.

6. Ballerina for a day, with shoes and tutu from the original iconic Repetto store followed by a private lesson at the Opera, behind the scenes access to the show that night and meeting the cast.

7. Guided tour of the private old fun and carousel collection. Each game and ride are in working order and can be ridden.

8. Visit the most luxurious flea market searching for high fashion vintage finds or antiques and treasures with a curator or interior designer.

9. Private detective game in Marais where Lupin, the Gentleman burglar left notes of his most famous robberies.

End the day with a classic Steak-frites with bearnaise at Bistro Camille in Marais followed by a ride back to the hotel in a vintage car marvelling at Paris by night. Once back at the hotel slip into your matching Brai pyjamas at the Crillon or enjoy a late night nibble on your bellboy biscuits before bedtime at The Ritz.