Paris, Strollers, and Escargot: How the City of Light Humbled Me
In 2016, after barely surviving a Disney World trip that felt more like boot camp than a vacation, I decided to take a gamble on something completely different: Paris. My cousin was studying abroad, and I thought, "Why not?" Sure, I was nervous about flying internationally with two small kids and enough baby gear to stock a small daycare, but Paris seemed like the kind of place that could magically make me forget about formula stains and sleepless nights. Spoiler alert: it totally delivered—but not without a few stumbles (literally).
From the moment we landed, Paris worked its charm. My daughter had barbe à papa (that’s cotton candy, but fancier) in her sticky little hands within hours of arriving. She practically lived on carousels for the week, and watching her twirl with glee felt like a parenting win. I climbed Notre Dame with a baby strapped to my back (because why not suffer for the view?) and somehow convinced my kids to try escargot. Shockingly, they loved it. Who knew slimy snails could be such a hit?
One of my favorite moments, though, was at a local playground. My kids, armed with zero French skills, ran off to play with local children as if language barriers didn’t exist. It hit me: kids don’t need words to connect. They just need a swing set and a little imagination. Watching them laugh, climb, and chase new friends was pure magic—a reminder that play is the ultimate universal language.
Seeing Paris through their eyes was like discovering the city for the first time myself. They didn’t care about the breathtaking architecture or centuries of history. No, they were all about the important stuff: spinning on carousels, savoring hot chocolate in tiny cafes, and sailing little boats in the park ponds. It wasn’t about checking off a bucket list; it was about soaking up joy in the simplest ways. I’ll admit, I’m a little jealous they’ll grow up thinking Paris is just a place where magic casually happens.
Of course, not everything was smooth. My stroller, lovingly referred to as "The Tank," quickly became the bane of my existence. Too big for the sidewalks, impossible to drag onto public transport, and rejected by multiple Ubers, it was like trying to navigate Paris with an elephant in tow. Lesson learned: less is more.
Despite the chaos, this trip taught me that kids are far more adaptable than we give them credit for. They adjusted to tiny hotel rooms, unfamiliar food, and a totally different rhythm of life without a single meltdown (unlike their mom). It turns out, resilience is contagious—and I found myself embracing challenges I’d once thought impossible.
Lessons Learned:
Kids Are Surprisingly Chill: They’ll adapt to new environments faster than you can say "Bonjour."
Ditch the Giant Stroller: Seriously, leave "The Tank" at home and go for something lightweight.
Let Them Try Weird Food: You might end up with kids who think escargot is a delicacy.
Playgrounds Are Goldmines: Watching kids connect over a game of tag will melt your heart every time.
Forget Perfection: The best memories come from the messy, unplanned moments.
Practical Tips for Traveling to Paris with Kids:
Pack Like a Minimalist: Lightweight strollers and baby carriers are your best friends.
Plan Downtime: Don’t try to see everything. Take breaks for snacks, naps, and wandering aimlessly.
Hit the Kid-Friendly Spots: Carousels, parks, and cafes are where the real magic happens.
Master Public Transport: It’s cheaper, faster, and stroller-friendly… if you pick the right stroller.
Say Yes to Adventure: Encourage your kids to try local food and experiences—it’s worth it.
Capture the Chaos: Take photos, write down funny moments, and laugh about it later.
That Paris trip wasn’t just a vacation; it was a masterclass in letting go, trusting my kids (and myself), and finding joy in the unpredictable. The City of Light didn’t just humble me—it reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place.
