Behind the scenes at the Elysée Collection with Alyson Morgan

Paris is endlessly inspiring for families; it’s a city layered with beauty, culture, and playful surprise. There’s a richness in its museums, parks, cinemas, and shops, but what really stands out are the seasonal experiences that appear almost like magic. One of our highlights was the whimsical fair that appeared in the Jardin des Tuileries, just a short distance from where we were staying. The children were enchanted: Paris invites discovery at every turn, no matter your age.

The most helpful thing we’ve learned over the years is to build in more space than you’d think: more rest, more unstructured time, more gentle pauses between activities. If you can, stay an extra day or two in each place to really settle. Children (and parents!) are so much happier when they’re rested and well-fed. Parks are essential, our children loved the one near the Eiffel Tower, and even something as simple as riding the Metro became a small adventure in itself.

Everyone seemed to gravitate to the living room in the evenings; it became our sanctuary after full days out in the bustle of the city. We’d sit together in the evenings with the windows open, listening to the hum of the city as night settled in. There’s something so comforting about returning to a beautiful space that holds you as you unwind and share stories from the day.

The Jardin des Tuileries is an absolute must for families, and the Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city from a height that’s thrilling for little ones and grown-ups alike. The garden features The Kiss by Rodin. There’s also a joy in wandering without too rigid a plan—letting the rhythm of the city guide you.

Next, we’re dreaming of Provence, drawn by the lavender fields, antique markets, and the warm, slow pulse of the countryside. We’re also hoping to visit Ireland, a place rich with family roots and ancestral stories we’re eager to explore more deeply.