Paris with a baby: Walk everywhere!

After visiting Paris several times, I’ve settled into a pace and style of travel that allows me to truly savor the delights of this enchanting city. Fortunately, it also happens to be a great way to experience Paris with a baby—maybe even the best way, but I might be biased here.

My entire “Paris with a baby” philosophy can be summed up in these words: Don’t plan too much. Walk everywhere. Let yourself be surprised.

Paris walking baby along the Seine River

By far, the best day we had in Paris as a family was an entire Sunday with only two things on our agenda: brunch with friends and a picture at Trocadero. A stroller is not something any parent wants to be folding, unfolding and schlepping around the Escher-esque labyrinth of stairs that is the Paris metro. So, to fill in the rest of our day, we simply walked everywhere.

Paris taking baby for a walk

We allowed ourselves a generous two hours to wander from our hotel in the 2nd arrondissement to brunch in the 17th, then another two hours to stroll home along the banks of the Seine from Trocadero. And it was simply perfect: relaxed and refreshing, with flashes of the Paris that exists beyond the tourist snapshots and postcard views.

Want to see just how much we enjoyed Paris on foot in just one day? Take a look.

Before beginning a proper Parisian ramble, it is of the utmost importance to fortify oneself with life-sustaining gems from the nearest patisserie.

Paris patisserie tarts

Prepare to soak up color and detail…

Paris blue door handle

Paris colorful cafe chairs Le Brebant

even art and music. This was from a street that lined entirely with shops selling and repairing musical instruments. I love that about Paris streets—you turn a corner and it’s a street almost obsessively dedicated to one thing alone, whether it’s restaurant supplies or mannequins.

Paris violin shop

Open your eyes to how people work and live…

Paris sunny day balcony

and how they laugh and play.

Paris Les Berges Winter Olympics 2014 curling

We stumbled upon Les Berges, a public space that runs along the Left Bank of the Seine. At the time, they had this awesome public curling rink in honor of the Winter Olympics…

Paris Pont des Invalides playground climbing wall

and, on a more permanent basis, awesome playgrounds for kids… even with a rock climbing wall! I swear, ten years ago all I could see in Paris were cute boys and price tags under €10. Now all I can see are babies and playgrounds.

Paris Eiffel Tower detail

There are so many details to notice, your eyes will never get enough. I’ve been to the Eiffel Tower many times before, but why do these names leap out at me as if for the first time?

Paris Pont Alexandre III

Just keep walking—past the inspiring and the mundane, the historic and the everyday. And eventually, because it’s Paris, you will reach something truly magnificent.

Paris Eiffel Tower and Seine at sunset

Tired legs? Sore feet? You’ve just had the best day ever. In Paris. What on earth are you complaining about?

Lovely comments:

  1. I’m a fan of yours! I love, love, love, super love your photos! I wonder if you can still speak and understand Tagalog! :) Your life and family seems so perfect! I just love it! Mwah!

  2. Beautiful photos as always and I love the second pic <3

    Lol @ babaeng bading

  3. Hello! Lovely, lovely Paris pics and wonderful tips! What a great perspective on traveling with the family. Enjoyed this post as usual!

  4. Cue the accordions, Midnight in Paris and Before Sunset! Grabe.
    Also I wonder if it’s still possible to rent those starving-artist garretts in the city? Mahalia Fuentes na siguro yan ngayon.