Paris for the Whole Family

Jaw-dropping monuments. Cutting-edge fashion. Freshly baked croissants. There’s a reason Paris is a bucket-list destination for visitors from around the world.

There’s never a bad time to visit the French capital, and Marriott’s Village d’Ile-de-France, located just outside the City of Light, is the ideal home base for your European adventures.

Here are some fun ideas for things to do near the resort, as well as day-trips to Paris and the surrounding region.

Family Fun, Shopping

No need to venture far to find great activities for the whole family. Aqualagon*, a water park only three miles away, offers indoor and outdoor pools and slides for all ages, aqua fitness activities, and a climbing wall.

Another immersive family experience is Parrot World*, which showcases the wildlife of South America. Explore the habitats of the Amazon and Patagonia, and view not just parrots, but also jaguars, giant otters, and Humboldt penguins.

If marathon shopping is more your sport, browse among Chloé, Longchamp, Villeroy & Boch, and more than 120 other discounted luxury brands at La Vallée Village* — just three miles from the resort.

Retail Therapy and Sightseeing? Jaunt to Paris

Paris is close enough to the resort for a day-trip or evening out via the regional train or by car.

To sample the City of Light’s famous retail scene, check out its most storied department stores. La Samaritaine* now operates under the auspices of luxury brand LVMH. The landmark store offers a vast selection of French and globally recognized designers within its art nouveau façade. While there, snack on sweet and savory goodies.

Dating to 1912, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann on Boulevard Haussmann boasts more than 2,000 brands from around the globe. And they are all delightfully displayed in one of the largest department stores in Europe. The eighth-floor terrace affords panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame, and other impressive buildings, and is the site of a seasonal pop-up restaurant.

And of course, the heart of the city is near the Seine River. Stroll along its banks or enjoy a short river cruise that takes you by the city’s historic landmarks.

Lessons in French Culture, History

If you’re looking to explore French culture and history, don’t skip on the area’s vast array of museums.

The Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection displays the extensive contemporary art collection of French mogul François Pinault. Spend an afternoon discovering paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations, drawn from a collection of some 10,000 works. Beneath the dome of this former trading center transformed by architect Tadao Ando, dine at the top floor restaurant and café surrounded by rooftop views of Paris.

Another noteworthy museum is Hôtel de la Marine at Place de la Concorde, a stately palace dating back to the 18th century. It originally housed the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne. Though it was once a place for royal furnishings, it later became the headquarters of France’s navy ministry for more than two hundred years.

To understand the story of Paris from prehistoric times through today, Musée Carnavalet features a range of paintings, maps, furniture, objects, and even a re-creation of an art nouveau jewelry shop. Located in the heart of the Marais, the museum is free to view its permanent collection.

Royal Day-Trips

Take a deeper dive into French history by visiting the Palace of Versailles. This opulent and former home of France’s kings and queens is famous for its Hall of Mirrors, maze of gardens, and Marie Antoinette’s summer home, the Petit Trianon.

Another noteworthy royal address is the Palace of Fontainebleau, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to the kings of France since the 12th century, the palace is known for its ornate decorations and furniture.

Visit with friends, a romantic partner, or your whole family. The diversity of entertainment in Paris really shines — much like the City of Light herself.

Where to Stay:

After you experience the best in France, experience the best place to call home. Marriott’s Village d’Ile-de-France sits perfectly between the excitement of Paris and the calming French countryside. Stay at the resort and see the landscapes that inspired artists such as Monet and van Gogh. Head to Le Bistro Bar for an energizing breakfast, filling lunch or dinner, or simply grab a drink and relax. Sightsee at nearby Disneyland^® Paris or make a trip to bustling Paris and historic Versailles.

Kasia Dietz is a Paris-based travel writer who contributes to Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and France Today. When not exploring her adopted city or embarking on an adventure, she's designing namesake handbags or leading fashion tours.