Inspiring Trip

Paris and London, two amazing trips in one

Travel with your family to the largest capitals of Europe, with never-ending attractions.

By Ronny Hein

London and Paris are the epitome of Europe. For those who don’t even remember the word, let’s go with the translation: epitome means the best of everything. Completely different cities from each other, they are also the largest on the continent, and despite the distance between them (including the English Channel), they are approximately a two-hour trip away using the Eurostar, the train that travels between the central stations of both cities—and it’s the best way to combine them.

As a good traveler, you must have already visited them with the enthusiasm that both capitals deserve. Unfortunately, many people believe that they are not places to go with children, which is a kind of outdated legend. Like any grand cities, they have different facets, numerous attractions for children, and new discoveries that arise every day.

Some of them will be mentioned in this article. Others you will find on the internet or by suggestion from friends who have already experienced taking the whole family to this unbeatable urban duo. The fact is that on a vacation journey of, let’s say, ten days (five in Paris, five in London), there will be something to do all the time, without rest.

Some general considerations: both metropolises are grandiose due to their rich histories of great achievements. The realm of King Charles III, for example, used to be the capital of so many former colonies that it was once said that the sun never set on the British Empire. France, under Napoleon, also once occupied vast portions of Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and Polynesia, which is still a French overseas territory.

In practice, for the contemporary traveler, this means that both capitals bear influence from all continents and have the presence of a countless number of immigrants enriching their gastronomy, habits, and diversity. They are home to colossal museums – the British Museum is a must-visit with its millennia-old collection, the Louvre, which needs no introduction, or the Musée d’Orsay on the banks of the Seine, a kind of global hub for Impressionism and other styles that originated in Paris. It is smaller than the Louvre, but much easier to visit if you are accompanied by your children.

Put aside the similarities: time has turned London into a city more influenced by the wealth of its monarchy, the rock of great bands, the pubs, and counterculture. It has also made Paris a more romantic and intellectual city, more suitable for those who enjoy aimless strolling – flânerie is the term for it. The cafes, which can be found on every corner (replacing London’s pubs), serve as a showcase for those who want to see and be seen.

Another difference: in London, vehicles, including the mythical double-decker buses (which your children will love to take a ride on), drive on opposite sides. It is essential to pay attention to this detail and avoid accidents.

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Big cities with such intensity are like a kind of grocery list: everyone has their own. The most famous attractions in Paris – the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre on one side (excluding Notre Dame, still under renovation after the fire that almost destroyed it) – yes, these are the ones everyone wants to see. On the opposite side of the channel, it’s impossible to forget the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the famous bridges (Tower Bridge and London Bridge) over the River Thames, the parks where everyone goes, like Hyde Park, and the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel from which you can see the entire beauty of the city.

These are the obvious programs, and there are others for the family as well, such as taking a trip along the River Seine aboard a bateau mouche or watching one of the magnificent musicals playing in the theaters of the West End, the only one to rival New York’s Broadway in terms of quality and quantity worldwide.

If the little ones are craving for fun, there’s no problem. In the vicinity of Paris, easily accessible, you’ll find Disneyland Paris and the equally enjoyable Parc Asterix, with the famous characters (Astérix and Obélix) from Uderzo and Goscinny amidst many Disney-like attractions. In London, the Harry Potter studios will allow your children to immerse themselves in the wizardry and spells of the globally renowned bespectacled boy. Just a short train ride from the capital, you’ll find the enormous Windsor Castle, open for visits, with its surrounding area housing the English Legoland, another perfect program for families with children of any age.

London also holds memories of the recent Olympic Games it hosted, while Paris, which will host the mega competition in 2024, offers much to see for those interested in the theme.

In the world of different museums, the waxworks at Madame Tussauds in London will leave the whole family amazed by their realism, while Paris offers the same charm at the Paradox Museum, a universe of optical illusions beyond imagination.

However, keep in mind that this is just a fair list. Both cities also have delightful markets for those who want to appreciate the variety of products from each country, confectioneries and ice cream parlors to delight children and their parents. When it comes to gastronomy, there’s no arguing that Paris has more tradition and famous restaurants. As for London, which in the past was weak in this aspect, it does not disappoint. There is cuisine from almost every ethnicity, award-winning chefs, and numerous restaurants. If this is an important element in your trip, don’t forget to choose and reserve in advance, as well as get tickets for the attractions online. July is peak season in both capitals, and there will be thousands of tourists with the same intentions as yours. Just an important reminder: avoid eating at places very close to tourist attractions. They are generally more expensive and offer lower quality.

The rest is commonplace: long days with the sun allowing for extra hours of excitement. More heat in Paris than in London – although that can vary. More rain in London than in Paris, but no floods or other inconveniences. In general, you’ll be wearing shorts and Bermuda shorts all the time. Only a few churches don’t welcome tourists in skimpy attire.

London was founded in the year 47 AD; Paris, even older, dates back to 52 BC when it was called Lutetia. Together, these two capitals have 4,000 years of history to tell – and if you think traveling is a great way to learn and share culture with your children, this combination will be a spectacle of live practical lessons.

Beforehand, make your own shopping list with your travel companions, which will be the backbone of the itinerary to follow. But be sure that along the paths of both cities, you’ll discover much more to see and add to your plans. They may not fit entirely within the time you have available, but they will create the desire to come back whenever possible.