Spending a Relaxing Day in the Latin Quarter of Paris: A Family-Friendly Adventure
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. I only recommend products and services I trust and believe will benefit you. I do not sell your personal information, and all opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post..
If you’re visiting Paris with kids, the Latin Quarter is one of the most charming and relaxed areas to explore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning or a fun-filled family outing, this historic district offers a little bit of everything.
From lush gardens and beautiful carousels to quaint cafés and bookstores, there’s so much to discover. Here’s a guide to spending a delightful day in the Latin Quarter with your family—especially if you’re staying close to Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most iconic spots in Paris.
Start the Day at Jardin du Luxembourg
Our day in the Latin Quarter started with a visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a stunning park that’s perfect for families. With its manicured lawns, fountains, and beautifully designed pathways, it’s an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. The garden is not only a spot to relax, but also a playground for families, offering plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages.
One of the best things to do in the park is take part in the sailboat race at the grand pond. You can rent a small wooden sailboat, which is a favorite activity for both kids and adults. It costs just €3 for 15 minutes—a small price for hours of fun as you watch the boats drift across the water. My daughter and son absolutely loved guiding her little sailboat around the fountain, and it was such a peaceful, relaxing experience. It’s a perfect moment to just slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of Paris.
A Ride on the Beautiful Carousel
After the boats, we made our way over to the Luxembourg Gardens Carousel, a beautiful vintage ride that’s just a short walk from the pond. The carousel is a charming part of the park, and the kids were thrilled to take a spin. The ride is €2 per ticket, and it’s open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (weather permitting). With its ornate, colorful horses and classic design, it’s a great way to let the kids have some fun while soaking in the scenic surroundings.
People-Watching and Café Stopping
After the carousel, we spent some time people-watching on one of the park’s benches. This is one of my favorite Parisian pastimes: just sitting back and watching the world go by. The Latin Quarter is full of life, with students from the nearby Sorbonne University and locals going about their day. It’s a great place to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Paris.
When we were ready to take a break, we popped into one of the quaint cafés lining the streets around the park. These small Parisian cafés are perfect for a coffee or pastry while you take in the atmosphere.
One of our favorites was Le Rostand, a lovely spot right by the gardens with outdoor seating. If you’re craving a classic French pastry, try a pain au chocolat or a tartine with butter and jam—simple, delicious, and the perfect accompaniment to a hot coffee.
For book lovers, you can also explore the little bookstores in the area. There’s something magical about Parisian bookshops—whether you’re browsing for a French novel or a beautifully illustrated cookbook, you’ll find something to take home as a souvenir of your trip.
Exploring the Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of the great things about the Latin Quarter is how close it is to some of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Just a short walk away is the Notre-Dame Cathedral. While the cathedral is still undergoing restoration after the fire, it remains an awe-inspiring place to visit. Whether you’re admiring the architecture from the outside or touring the surrounding areas, it’s a must-see when you’re in the Latin Quarter.
If you’re interested in going inside, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance to skip the lines. You can find Notre-Dame Cathedral outdoor tour. It’s a great way to ensure you get in without waiting, especially during peak tourist seasons.
How We Afforded Our Trip with Points and Miles
As a family, we traveled to Paris using points and miles, which is something I teach others to do through my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles. By using credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and smart travel strategies, we were able to make this dream trip a reality on a budget. If you’re curious about how to earn points and miles to travel more affordably, check out my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles to learn exactly how you can start earning rewards for your next vacation.
More Paris Adventures
If you’re interested in hearing more about our time in Paris, be sure to check out my full blog post on our trip to Paris. I cover everything from the best spots to eat to must-see attractions for families. And if you want a quick day trip out of Paris, I’ve also written about our day trip to Versailles, where we explored the beautiful palace and gardens—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Conclusion:
Spending a day in the Latin Quarter of Paris is a perfect way to experience the charm and beauty of this historic area at a leisurely pace. From the peaceful Jardin du Luxembourg to the cafés and bookstores, there’s so much to enjoy.
Whether you’re traveling with family or just looking for a relaxing day in Paris, this neighborhood offers something for everyone.
Don’t forget to plan ahead for your visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and grab your tickets in advance for a smooth experience. And if you want to learn how to travel like this on a budget, grab my Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles—it’s packed with tips to help you make your dream trips a reality, no matter your budget!
Additional Resources:
Notre-Dame Cathedral Tour
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
I found out about points and miles accidentally.
I was researching index funds and happened upon the points and miles community through creators who also post about budgets, financial independence, and investing.
Points and miles allowed those people to travel and work toward financial independence simultaneously.
Thank goodness I got started when I did. The past almost two years of travel have been something we will never forget.
Earning points and miles through credit cards is only a good choice if you have the financial discipline to use them, like cash/debit cards.
Since we started traveling with points and miles, we have had more money going into our investment and savings accounts than ever.
Now I'm excited to teach you!
Welcome
I am excited you are here
New to points and miles? START HERE!
