Paris Itinerary for Families: Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin & La Villette
- frompariswithfun
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
If Paris were a movie, Montmartre would be the opening scene — cobblestones, artists, staircases, postcard views. And if you keep walking east, the story slowly changes tone: fewer souvenirs, more locals, picnic blankets by the water, and kids riding scooters along the canal. This north-east Paris itinerary is perfect for families who want to combine iconic Paris with a more everyday, lived-in version of the city.
It’s also a great way to show children that Paris isn’t just monuments — it’s neighborhoods where people actually live, meet friends, and enjoy long afternoons outside when the weather is nice.
Morning in Montmartre: Iconic, Touristy… and Worth It
Let’s be honest: Montmartre is touristy. Very touristy. And that’s absolutely fine. Kids usually love it because it doesn’t feel like a museum. There are stairs to climb, views to admire, street performers to watch, artists drawing portraits, and little streets that feel like a village rather than a capital city.
Start around Sacré-Cœur. The view over Paris is one of the best in the city, and it’s free. From there, wander through Place du Tertre, where painters set up their easels every day. Even if you don’t buy a portrait, children are usually fascinated by the atmosphere.
Montmartre also works well for families because everything is close together. You’re never far from a café, a bench, or a bakery — essential when traveling with kids. Just be aware that Montmartre is crazy crowded ! We know this neighborhood is a must-see so if you can, try to do it in the morning.
One of the best ways to explore Montmartre with children (especially those aged 8 and up) is through a treasure hunt.
Instead of simply walking from point A to point B, families follow clues that lead them through hidden streets, staircases, old windmills, and lesser-known corners of the neighborhood. Along the way, kids look for details they would normally walk past without noticing.
This is exactly what the Montmartre treasure hunt by From Paris With Fun is designed to do: turn sightseeing into a game. Parents get cultural anecdotes, kids get challenges to solve, and everyone stays engaged — even teenagers who usually declare they’re “not into visiting.”
French families often tell us they’ve been to Montmartre before, but never really seen it like this. It’s playful, flexible, and much less exhausting than trying to “cover” the neighborhood in one go.
From Montmartre to Canal Saint-Martin: A Change of Mood paris itinerary
After Montmartre, head toward Canal Saint-Martin. The atmosphere shifts quickly — and that’s part of the charm.
You can reach the canal area easily by metro or bus. From République, you can either walk along the canal or, in good weather, hop on a boat that cruises slowly north toward La Villette. Kids love the locks, bridges, and tunnels — it feels like an adventure without being tiring.
This is one of the most “local” parts of the itinerary. Parisians come here to picnic, meet friends for an apéro, or simply sit by the water doing absolutely nothing (which, in Paris, is considered a perfectly valid activity).
Canal Saint-Martin: Where Parisians Actually Hang Out
Along the canal, you’ll see families with strollers, groups of friends sharing snacks, teenagers with speakers, and people stretched out on the banks when the sun is out. It’s lively, relaxed, and very real.
There are lots of cafés and restaurants, and the good news is: you don’t need a plan. This is one of those areas where you can simply look at menus, see what feels right, and sit down. With kids, that flexibility is gold.
If the weather is nice, this part of the walk often becomes a long break rather than a quick stop — and that’s exactly how locals enjoy it.
La Villette: Choose Your Own Adventure
Continue north until you reach Parc de la Villette, one of the largest green spaces in Paris.
What you do here depends on your family:
For younger children, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a hit. It’s interactive, playful, and designed with kids in mind.
For music lovers or older kids, the Philharmonie de Paris offers concerts and themed visits focused on music.
In summer, La Villette is also known for open-air cinema and major concerts at Le Zénith. Programming changes every year, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your stay.
Even if you don’t go inside anywhere, the outdoor spaces alone are worth the trip. There’s room to run, sit, snack, and decompress after a busy morning.
An Important Local Note About Evenings
La Villette and Canal Saint-Martin are great during the day, especially with families. In the evening, however, we strongly recommend taking the metro back rather than walking along the canal.
While the canal itself is beautiful, areas around Stalingrad have had ongoing social issues in recent years. It’s not dangerous in the dramatic sense, but it’s not family-friendly or comfortable, especially after dark.
This is a very local piece of advice — and one we always share with visiting families. Enjoy the area fully during the day, then hop on public transport to head back in the evening.
This north-east Paris circuit offers contrast: the postcard Paris of Montmartre, followed by the everyday Paris of the canal, and finally the wide-open spaces of La Villette. It’s active without being overwhelming, cultural without being academic, and flexible enough to adapt to tired kids, sunny weather, or spontaneous picnic breaks. And most importantly: it shows children that Paris isn’t just something you visit — it’s a city people live in.
If you’re traveling with kids and want a day that feels memorable, balanced, and genuinely Parisian, this route is hard to beat.
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